Cheap flights from Oporto to Barcelona

When you land at Barcelona-El Prat Airport after your short flight from Oporto, you'll find yourself just 14 kilometres south of the city centre. The airport is well connected to Barcelona, with several transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. The RENFE train service is your fastest and most affordable option, taking just 20 minutes to reach Plaça de Catalunya or Estació de Sants, with tickets costing around €15.

If you prefer not to rush, the Aerobús shuttle operates every 5–10 minutes and takes 25–40 minutes to reach central Barcelona, costing €6 per journey. For those wanting flexibility, taxis and Uber are readily available from the airport; expect to pay between €25–30 for the 20–30 minute journey into the city centre depending on traffic. Car rental is also available if you plan to explore the wider Catalan region.

Most travellers from Oporto find the train the most convenient option, allowing you to settle into Barcelona quickly and begin your city exploration.

Arriving from Oporto, you'll discover Barcelona is a city where historic architecture meets Mediterranean coastal charm. The city is renowned for its Modernisme buildings, including Antoni Gaudí's iconic works, which draw visitors from across Europe. Beyond the famous architectural landmarks, Barcelona offers vibrant neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and cultural institutions that reflect Catalan heritage and contemporary creativity.

The Gothic Quarter is an excellent starting point for first-time visitors, with its medieval streets, the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, and intimate cafés tucked beneath ancient arches. From here, you can easily reach the waterfront along La Rambla or explore the artistic museums and gardens of Montjuïc, which offers panoramic views over the city and Mediterranean.

Must-see attractions and districts include:

• Sagrada Família – Gaudí's unfinished basilica and Unesco World Heritage site

• Park Güell – whimsical hillside park with mosaic terraces and city views

• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) – medieval core with narrow streets and historic landmarks

• La Rambla – iconic tree-lined boulevard running from the city centre to the waterfront

• Casa Batlló – striking modernist residence with organic, flowing design

• Montjuïc – cultural hub with museums, gardens, and panoramic terraces

Barcelona's food scene reflects centuries of Mediterranean and Catalan tradition, and you'll find local specialities throughout the city's restaurants and markets. Having travelled from Oporto, you'll recognise some Iberian influences, but Barcelona's coastal location means exceptional seafood and distinctive regional dishes. Pan amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil) and escalivada (grilled vegetables with olive oil) are simple yet iconic preparations that showcase local produce.

For something distinctly Catalan, try esqueixada – a refreshing salad of shredded salt cod with white beans, red pepper, and olives – or botifarra amb mongetes, a traditional sausage with beans. Don't miss calcots (a speciality onion, typically in season spring and early summer) when available, grilled and dipped in romesco sauce. Seafood is abundant: calamars a la romana (fried squid) and fresh grilled fish are staples throughout the city.

Local specialities worth trying:

• Pa amb tomàquet – toasted bread with tomato, olive oil, and salt

• Escalivada – grilled aubergine, pepper, and onion with olive oil

• Esqueixada – salt cod and white bean salad

• Botifarra amb mongetes – Catalan sausage with beans

• Crema Catalana – creamy custard dessert with caramelised sugar topping

• Horchata de xufes – sweet tiger nut milk drink, a summer favourite