Is buying the "Barcelona Card" worth it?

Question

http://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/imgfiles/ecv/card/dcardang.pdf

We're off to Barcelona for 4 days. This card will cost us 30Euros each then gives us discounts on various attractions and public transport. We plan to do plenty of site seeing. Do you think we'll get our money's worth?

Has anyone been to Barcelona and regretted geting the card or wished that they had?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I just returned from a week in Barcelona and we chose not to purchase the Barcelona Card.  Barcelona is a very walkable city and part of its charm is the beautiful architecture on each street.  I don't feel that I would have had the same experience had we chose to take more mass transportation.  I think the Card is only worth it if you plan to do everything that is included in the card.  If you are a walker though, it is not worth it because you can do several sections of the city by walking.  

One suggestion I have is going to Montserrat for a day/half day.  You can take the train on your own and then do as you wish once you get there.  It's about an hour train ride from Barcelona and you pick up the train from the station right outside the National Palace (placa de espana).  

I absolutely loved Barcelona.  Have fun!

Answer 2

I believe those cards CAN be worthwhile, but you have to know what attractions are going to get you how much discount.  I believe they get you free bus fare, but if you were planning to use the Metro, it gets you nothing.  I don't think it works on the tour busses, which actually have some value, there, as Barcelona is pretty spread out.  But if, say, it gets you into enough museums for FREE, to add up to 30€, then, yeah, go for it.  

I feel like you REALLY have to travel HARD to make those sorts of purchases worthwhile.  I tried to get some specifics as to what discounts you get, and couldn't find out, so, if it gets you 10% off entrance, you have to use, like, thirty entrances to make it worth your while.  If it gets you half off, you only need to use it for about six.  If you can find more details as to exactly WHAT discount you will get, you can make a more informed decision.

Answer 3

Europe is pretty expensive. I spent a couple of days there and had to pay for the bus and subway. If there are some other discounts could be worth. Depends on the frequency you use it. If you transport around the city for four days and get some real discounts, it will probably be the same 30 euro, but you don´t have to look for stands, where tickets are sold, you already have it.

It coul be a nice souvenir when you gat back to your country.