If you’re planning a trip to the capital city of Catalonia, you’ve probably heard about these cards that promise exclusive savings and benefits for tourists. In short, a tourist card gives you access to a wide variety of tourist attractions and services with a single flat payment. There are different types of tourist cards for Barcelona, but all of them have one thing in common, and that is the possibility of saving time and money.
In fact, by purchasing one of these cards, you can get discounts on public transportation, tickets to museums and places of interest, and priority entrance to some of the most popular experiences in the city. Moreover, by not having to worry about buying individual tickets for each place you go to, you can more easily plan your schedule and enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
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What attractions are included in the tourist cards for Barcelona?
Tourist cards for Barcelona offer entrance to a wide variety of tourist attractions, from museums and historical monuments to gastronomic experiences and guided tours. To enumerate, here is a list of some of the most popular attractions included in each tourist card:
Attractions | Barcelona Card | Barcelona City Pass | Hola Barcelona |
Sagrada Familia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Casa Batlló | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Park Güell | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Museu Picasso | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Palau de la Música Catalana | Yes | No | Yes |
Casa Milà – La Pedrera | No | Yes | Yes |
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya | No | Yes | Yes |
Camp Nou Stadium Tour | No | Yes | Yes |
Discounts on restaurants and additional tours | Yes | Yes | No |
In addition to these touristic hotspots, the tourist cards also offer discounts in some restaurants, shops, and other tours. With the Barcelona Card and the Barcelona City Pass, you can also enjoy free and unlimited public transport during the validity period of your card.
Barcelona Card
The Barcelona Card is a tourist card that offers free and unlimited access to the city’s public transport, including the metro, buses, trams, and commuter trains. In addition, it provides discounts at the main tourist attractions in Barcelona, such as the Museu Picasso, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, as well as in shops, restaurants, and shows. To clarify, the card is available from 24 hours to 5 days. Also, it offers a free tourist guide and a city map.
Barcelona City Pass
The Barcelona City Pass includes admission to some of Barcelona’s top attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Barcelona Zoo, as well as free use of the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus and a SIM card with cellular data. It also offers additional discounts at select restaurants and stores. The card is available from 48 hours to 7 days.
Hola Barcelona
The Hola Barcelona tourist card is a transport and tourism card that gives you entry to unlimited use of public transport in Barcelona and enjoy discounts at the main tourist attractions. It can be purchased for 2 to 5 consecutive days with prices ranging between $20 USD and $40. In addition, the card includes discounts on museums, shows, sightseeing, restaurants, and selected shops, as well as on transport services to and from Barcelona airport. It can be purchased at authorized points of sale in the city or online through the official website.
eSIM Barcelona Card
Despite not being a tourist card as such, the virtual card for travelers with data, also known as eSIM for Barcelona, is a must-have card for any tourist who is keen to explore what this Spanish city has to offer. Indeed, with this digital card, you’ll be able to connect to the internet during your entire stay in Barcelona, which will considerably improve your experience in this city, and in general, on your vacations. From being able to check the most attractive places in Barcelona to connect with your loved ones, the eSIM for Barcelona will give you the connection you need throughout your stay.
How does the activation and use of the tourist cards for Barcelona work?
Once you have purchased your tourist card for Barcelona, the next step is to activate it and start enjoying its perks. In general, the activation process is straightforward and varies depending on the type of tourist card you have purchased. Most Barcelona tourist cards are automatically activated upon first use, whether at a tourist attraction or on public transport.
However, some tourist cards, such as the Barcelona Card, must be manually activated at one of the authorized points of sale or the Barcelona-El Prat airport. Once your tourist card is activated, you can start using it at any tourist attraction or service included. Simply present your card at the entrance and you’ll be given priority access or a ticket at no extra charge, depending on what is specified on the card.
Some attractions may require a prior reservation, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of use of your tourist card so you don’t miss out on any experience. Important to realize that tourist cards have a limited validity period, which is usually one to five days.
Which tourist card is the best for children?

Indeed, Barcelona is a city that offers a wide variety of activities for children and families, from theme parks to interactive museums. Therefore, choosing the right tourist card for your family can make a big difference in your tourist experience and your budget.
So, one of the best options for families with children is the Barcelona Card Family. This tourist card offers discounts on more than 80 attractions in the city, as well as free admission for children under 12 years of age in many of them. In addition, the Barcelona Card Family includes free public transport and access to free WiFi throughout the city.
Another tourist card popular with families is the Barcelona Pass. Although it doesn’t offer specific discounts for children, it includes free or tickets at a lower price for some of the main attractions of the city, such as Park Güell, the Barcelona Aquarium, and the Camp Nou Experience. In addition, the Barcelona Pass includes a free travel guide and a city map to help you plan your visits.
Do the tourist cards for Barcelona include public transport?

Yes, many of the tourist cards for Barcelona include the use of public transport, which is a great advantage for travelers who want to explore the city easily and on a budget. In general, most tourist cards offer free and unlimited access to the Barcelona metro, buses, and urban trains. In addition, some tourist cards also include free entry to the airport and the tourist bus lines.
For instance, the Barcelona Card includes free and unlimited public transport throughout the city, as well as free access to the RENFE trains from Barcelona airport during your stay. Another card that provides the same service is the Barcelona Pass. In detail, it also includes free and unlimited public transport throughout the city, as well as free entrance to the Barcelona tourist bus and the Montserrat tourist train. However, remember that these tourist cards are only valid for a fixed number of days (2, 3, or 4 days).
On the other hand, other cards don’t have public transport included, such as the Barcelona City Pass, which includes several popular tourist attractions but doesn’t include free and unlimited public transport. The Barcelona iVenture Card also offers has several tourist attractions in the price tag but doesn’t include free public transportation.
Virtual eSIM card for tourists in Barcelona: Which is the best?

In addition to tourist cards that offer discounts and entry to popular attractions, tourists visiting Barcelona can also benefit from the eSIM card technology. In particular, the Holafly eSIM for Barcelona is an excellent option for those who want to stay connected during their trip and have internet in Barcelona without having to worry about looking for a place to buy a physical SIM card.
The eSIM Barcelona that we offer at Holafly is a virtual eSIM card that can be activated from anywhere in the world before arriving in Barcelona. Once activated, the eSIM card automatically connects to a high-speed local network, ensuring tourists have access to the internet at all times. In addition, at Holafly we offer unbeatable coverage throughout Spain, including Barcelona, thanks to the cellular networks of Movistar, one of the best cellular providers in the country.
How to choose the best tourist card for your trip to Barcelona?
Card | Attractions | Added benefits | Price | Validity |
Barcelona City Pass | 4 main attractions, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera. | Priority access to Barcelona’s main tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. | From $78 to $120. | 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. |
Hola Barcelona | More than 20 attractions, including the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera, among others. | Priority entrance to Barcelona’s main tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. | From $15 to $35. | 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. |
Barcelona Card | More than 25 attractions, including the Museu Picasso, Park Güell, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló, among others. | Unlimited access to public transport in the city (metro, bus, train, tram, and railway) in selected areas. | From $20 to $72. | 3, 4, or 5 days. |
Surely, to choose the best tourist card for your trip to Barcelona, you must consider several important factors. In the first place, you should bear in mind the duration of your stay and the types of attractions you want to visit. Therefore, if you plan to stay for several days and visit many tourist hotspots, a multi-day tourist card may be your best option. But, if you only plan to stay for a few days and visit only a few attractions, it may be cheaper to buy individual tickets.
Finally, if you want to stay connected while enjoying the city, a virtual eSIM may be a great option for you. In this case, Holafly’s Barcelona eSIM offers unlimited cellular data and coverage throughout Spain, allowing you to stay connected without worrying about additional charges or coverage issues. You can purchase it easily and quickly through its website and activate it when you arrive in Spain.
Our recommendation for Barcelona tourist cards
By and large, tourist cards are a great way to save time and money when visiting Barcelona, as they include multiple attractions and discounts at restaurants, shops, and tours. In addition, the eSIM is a convenient and affordable way to stay connected while enjoying the city marvels. If you choose the best tourist card that suits your needs and the Holafly eSIM for your trip to Barcelona, you’ll certainly have an unforgettable travel experience. Without further ado, we invite you to click here to get your Holafly eSIM today and enjoy the city without connectivity worries!