Rick Steves Pocket Barcelona

by Rick Steves

Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves! This colorful, compact guidebook is perfect for spending a week or less in Lightweight yet packed with valuable insight into Barcelona's history and culture, Rick Steves Pocket Barcelona truly is a tour guide in your pocket.
Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Spain 2019 !

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Spain

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredibly helpful Rick Steves Pocket Guide. I love these since they’re small, light, and convenient to travel with. I also enjoy the color photos. His books are great, his vides on You Tube also, but his online forums are the best.

[Dakota H · Rating 5 out of 5]

So informational! Made me very excited to head off to Barcelona!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's difficult to rate a travel book before actually visiting the place, so my rating may be adjusted in the future based on my experiences using the book in Barcelona. For now, I'm still in the dreaming / planning stage, and reading this book made me want to visit Barcelona more than ever.

The book itself is concise, but still contains great info on the city's major sights, including walking tours, public transit info, and museum guides. The book's small size and light weight would make it easy to pack and carry on a trip. Because it is a concise city guide, though, the book's focus seems to be on tourists planning a 2-3 visit to Barcelona. For those planning a lengthier stay in the city, you may prefer a beefier, more in-depth guidebook.

2017 Reading Challenge Category: A book with pictures.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big help when exploring Barcelona. Great suggestions and photography. Good maps.

[Yeein Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

helpful travel buddy

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical information with tidbits of history and humor.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and all the tips and tricks for traveling in Barcelona.
Unfortunately, my May 2020 visit will need to be rescheduled.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited to be heading to Barcelona in the spring. This Rick Steves Pocket Guide will be great for all the detail and descriptions needed for a smooth trip.

[Mallory Mac]

Will update with a review after my trip.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book, yet just enough information to allow good travel in Barcelona, with frank insider tips. Look forward to the trip :)

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you rate a travel book? Easy to use, informative. I read it cover to cover. Small enough to fit in a personal item. 🤷‍♀️

[Tori Stegle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great pocket travel guide. I bought it to prepare for the trip I'm taking to Spain in March. I can't wait because ill be able to visit all the cool spots he described in this book! Plus, it has a map :)