Car Hire in Barcelona
Barcelona Car Rental
Exploring Barcelona with Avis
Barcelona has everything you want from a city. Renowned for its architecture, great food, art, culture and active nightlife - the city is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. In addition to all the great sights and activities, be sure to appreciate the city's sense of style - and its Mediterranean attitude towards the good life.
Set on the enchanting coast of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has been welcoming visitors for centuries. If you’re looking for a European city that combines plenty of excitement with loads of personality then Barcelona is a great choice.
Scroll down to discover our top Barcelona car rental locations, and pinpoint the best spot to collect and return your hire car. Alternatively, click the links below to let us know where and when you'd like to begin your journey.
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Popular Avis car hire locations in Barcelona
From hot city hatches to comfy people carriers, unlock your Avis car and explore Barcelona
From the city centre to routes along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll find the perfect car for your stay in and around Barcelona. We have a wide range of vehicles, from compact city cars to spacious people carriers. This gives you the freedom to choose the right car so you can travel in style and comfort when you start your journey.
Journey to the capital of Catalonia
The capital of Catalonia and second largest city in Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Many consider Barcelona to be one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan hubs in the world.
Barcelona is located on the northern corner of the Iberian Peninsula which provides the area with a wonderful climate. There’s never a bad time to visit, but the city is really at its best during late spring and summer. During August the usual temperature reaches between 25 to 31 °C or 77 to 88 °F.
Plaza Catalonia is the city’s main square, and it presents a lively scene throughout the day. The Catalan region - or country without a state as the locals prefer to say - has its own history and flag. This is best illustrated in the square itself, where statues of important historical figures through the centuries are present. Government and apartment buildings are also adorned with the Catalan emblem, with flags proudly flying at full mast.
The Ramblas is Barcelona’s popular strolling boulevard and an entertaining introduction to the city. The bird market is a popular attraction, especially with children, and street entertainers perform along the way. The bottom of the Ramblas is marked by the monument of Columbus, marking the spot where the Spanish Royal family welcomed the explorer back after his first trip to America.
Nearby, La Boqueria is the place to buy fish and local produce. For the best and freshest selection, do as the locals do and head to the market early. There are plenty of cafes and little eateries to satisfy any hunger pangs. Sample some local delicacies and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market’s atmosphere.
Signs of modern day Barcelona can be found on the city’s waterfront. Once an industrial wasteland, the area was transformed for the 1992 Olympics. You’ll also find Frank Gehry’s eye-catching fish sculpture - a wonderful example of how the city continues to embrace modern art.
Barcelona’s old centre has charming squares filled with cultural treasures and street musicians. Remnants of the city’s historical past can be seen in the two towers which formed part of the Roman wall that protected the city in ancient times. You’ll also find the Picasso museum here, showcasing a selection of the artist's early work.
The architecture really sets Barcelona apart from other European cities. The Eixample is a district that showcases Barcelona’s ‘Modernisme’ style architecture – the Catalan version of Art Nouveau. You’ll find Gaudi’s Casa Mila, the quintessential building of Barcelona. Gaudi fans should also visit the Church of the Holy Family - considered the architect’s most famous building - and his Park Güell.
Barcelona boasts a variety of tapas bars. These range from small hole in the wall establishments, to extravagant modern settings. Each venue has its own speciality - from grilled sardines to open-faced sandwiches. During the evening, the bars and streets are filled with people who gather together for good food and fine company.
The city is well-known for its beautiful mix of art and architecture, great food, and energetic nightlife. Its location along the Mediterranean coastline means there’s always an opportunity to explore some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. There’s plenty to keep you occupied during a visit to this beautiful part of Spain.
Beyond Barcelona
A short excursion beyond the borders of Barcelona will lead to rewarding day trips and more cultural gems.
Montserrat
Montserrat is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Catalonia. Situated at the top is the monastery. This important spiritual site is run by Benedictine monks and locals consider it to be the cultural heart of the region. Both pilgrims and visitors are welcome to visit the monastery and La Moreneta, a small wooded statue of the Black Virgin Mary.
Salvador Dali Museum
Drive out of the city and head north-east towards the E15 Motorway. This route will take you all the way to Figueres. The most visited landmark is the museum dedicated to Spain’s infamous surrealist artist. Dalí personally designed it to showcase his life’s work, and he was buried nearby. The museum serves as a mausoleum to one of the most artistic spirits of the 20th century.
Cadaqués
The nearby fishing village of Cadaqués has long been a haven for intellectuals and artists. Today, Cadaqués is a laidback beach-town, popular with those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona for a while, and enjoy a more peaceful side to Catalonia.
Roses
The quaint town of Roses is only a 30-minute drive from Barcelona. Dine on some of the best seafood (freshly caught that day) from any number of restaurants before finding a quiet spot on the secluded beach to rest and soak up the calming ambience.
Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada, or ‘Golden Coast’ has some excellent beaches with sand that shimmers in the distance, all along the coastline. The area enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, and it's a popular holiday spot with Spanish families.
Stiges
This town was the centre of Swinging Sixties counter culture, where visitors could indulge in a rich and alternative lifestyle. Today, it’s famous for its film festival, exclusive hotels and liberal attitude towards modern-day society.
Tarragona
A journey along a road hugging coastline route leads to the port city of Tarragona. Known as Tarraco in Roman times, it was one of the major cities in the Iberian Peninsula. Now, the area is a famous UNESCO world Heritage site. Drive to the coast and soak up the sun as you gaze out towards the nearby island of Palma.