Barcelona City Card: What’s Included, Prices & Is It Worth It?

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most attraction-dense cities. Museums, viewpoints, neighbourhoods, and public transport all add up quickly. If you plan to visit several museums and use metro or buses daily, the Barcelona City Card can be a smart way to save both time and money — but only for the right type of trip.

This guide explains what the Barcelona City Card includes, what it doesn’t, current prices, who it’s best for, and when you’re better off buying individual tickets instead.

What Is the Barcelona City Card?

The Barcelona City Card is an official sightseeing pass that combines:

• Free entry to 20+ museums

• Unlimited public transport within the city

• Discounts at attractions, tours, and restaurants

• Optional airport transport (depending on version)

It’s available for 72, 96, or 120 hours, starting from first use.

What’s Included with the Barcelona City Card

Free Museums & Cultural Attractions

The strongest value of the Barcelona City Card is museum access. Highlights include:

• Picasso Museum

• MNAC

• Fundació Joan Miró

• MUHBA

• CCCB

Most museum tickets cost €12–€15 each, so visiting just 3–4 museums already covers much of the card’s price.

Unlimited Public Transport in Barcelona

The card includes unlimited travel on:

• Metro

• City buses

• Trams

• Local trains (Zone 1)

Operated by TMB, this is especially valuable if you stay outside the Gothic Quarter or travel frequently between neighbourhoods.

Discounts on Attractions & Experiences

The Barcelona City Card also offers 10–50% discounts on selected attractions, including:

• Casa Batlló

• Casa Milà

• Bike rentals and guided tours

• Selected flamenco shows

What’s NOT Included (Very Important)

The Barcelona City Card does not include free entry to Barcelona’s most in-demand landmarks:

• ❌ Sagrada Família

• ❌ Park Güell (discount only)

• ❌ Camp Nou Experience

• ❌ Hop-on hop-off buses (discount only)

For these, you’ll need pre-booked timed-entry tickets, often days in advance.

Barcelona City Card Prices (Overview)

Prices vary slightly by season, but expect approximately:

• 72 hours – €55

• 96 hours – €65

• 120 hours – €75

💡 Best value: the 96-hour card for most first-time visitors.

Where to Buy the Barcelona City Card

You can buy the Barcelona City Card in two ways:

Online (Recommended)

• Instant digital confirmation

• Pick up at official tourist offices

• No queues on arrival

On Site

• Available at tourist information desks

• Limited opening hours

• Possible waiting times

👉 Prices are usually the same, but buying online saves time and guarantees availability.

Is the Barcelona City Card Worth It?

✅ Worth It If You:

• Plan to visit 3+ museums

• Use public transport multiple times per day

• Stay in Barcelona for 3–5 days

• Enjoy cultural attractions beyond Gaudí highlights

❌ Not Worth It If You:

• Only want Sagrada Família & Park Güell

• Prefer walking everywhere

• Stay less than 48–72 hours

• Focus mainly on beaches, food, and nightlife

Sample Savings Breakdown (96 Hours)

96-hour card ≈ €65 → clear savings + convenience

How to Use the Barcelona City Card

• Available as a physical card

• Activate on first transport use or museum entry

• Time runs continuously (not calendar days)

👉 Activate early on Day 1 to maximize value.

Barcelona City Card vs Individual Tickets

Barcelona City Card

• Best for museum-focused trips

• Includes transport

• One purchase, simple logistics

Individual Tickets

• Better for Gaudí-only itineraries

• Required for Sagrada Família & Park Güell

• More planning, less flexibility

Many travelers combine both: City Card + separate timed-entry tickets.

FAQs – Barcelona City Card

Is the Barcelona City Card skip-the-line?
At museums, yes. Major landmarks still require reserved time slots.

Does it include Sagrada Família?
No. Tickets must be booked separately in advance.

Can I share one card?
No. Each card is valid for one person only.

Is it good for families?
Yes, especially if visiting multiple museums and using transport daily.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Barcelona City Card?

If your trip includes several museums, frequent public transport, and 3–5 days in the city, the Barcelona City Card is well worth it.

If your focus is purely on Gaudí landmarks, you’ll get better value by booking individual timed-entry tickets instead.

For most first-time visitors, the best approach is a Barcelona City Card combined with pre-booked tickets for Sagrada Família and Park Güell, efficient, flexible, and cost-effective.