How to buy tickets for the FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona is a historic European football club. Spotify Camp Nou has hosted the greats of the sport, from Johan Cruyff to Messi, including the stars of the current team. A weekend in the Catalan capital is the perfect excuse to watch a live match. In this article, I'll explain how to buy tickets for FC Barcelona.

Easy! All home matches in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League/Europa League. Barça is one of the best teams in the Spanish league, playing a total of 38 matches, half of them at Spotify Camp Nou. Added to this number are the matches in other competitions. Here are the main ones:

• La Liga Santander: This is the main competition in Spain, in which the different teams in the 1st Division throughout the country compete every weekend. It usually starts in mid-August and ends in June. Alternatively, FC Barcelona plays the other Spanish teams at home and has won no less than 26 league titles. Therefore, I recommend that you buy your Barcelona FC ticket soon so that you can enjoy the exploits that the Catalan team has accustomed us to.
• The Copa del Rey: The Catalans usually reach the final stages of the Copa del Rey, and it is no coincidence that they are the most successful team in this competition. Teams of all levels compete in it, and the knockout matches begin in September. Barça has won the cup 31 times to date.
• Champions League: Everyone knows that Barça is one of the best teams in Europe, and it is no surprise that it has won the European Cup, now called the Champions League, no less than five times. However, to watch these matches, you may have to travel outside Catalonia or even Spain, as they are held in different European capitals each year.

The easiest way is to buy tickets online. I also recommend that you do so in advance and always on official websites, such as Hellotickets, where you will see a range of prices depending on the team's opponent and the seats you choose.

Bear in mind that Barça plays the other teams in La Liga one week at Spotify Camp Nou and the next at the opponent's stadium, which means you should check carefully before buying your ticket to see if the match will coincide with your trip. This is another reason why you shouldn't wait until you're in the city to decide whether to go to a match. That said, I recommend finding out how you can tour the entire stadium without going to a match with the Spotify Camp Nou Experience.

However, you can also buy tickets at the Spotify Camp Nou box office, as well as at the FC Barcelona shops located throughout the city centre.

It depends on the opponent and the seats chosen. Season ticket holders benefit from more advantageous rates that do not apply to less frequent fans or tourists. For the latter, prices are around €70, although they can reach €150.

In Spain, a ticket costs an average of €70, and Spotify Camp Nou is more expensive compared to most arenas in the country. Bear in mind that the cheapest FC Barcelona tickets cost around £35 when the team is playing a lesser-known team, but they still sell out quickly. It will not be difficult to reach and exceed the amount mentioned above.

Discover how to find your ticket without breaking the bank. A few tricks are all you need to find the best deal.

Buy tickets in advance

The schedules for the competitions in which Barça participates are your best allies. If you are interested in a specific match, be sure to book your tickets well in advance. In any case, it is always advisable to plan ahead. You will avoid the surcharges that tickets incur in the days leading up to the match. Don't wait too long, Spotify Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, but there are many fans both in Spain and around the world.

Choose a less important opponent

Without wishing to belittle any team, not all teams have the same history and track record. A match against Real Madrid does not carry the same weight as a match against a newly promoted team in La Liga. If the opponent is less well known, it will be easier to find cheaper tickets. Bear in mind that a ticket for El Clásico can cost a minimum of €100 through official channels. If you've never been to the Blaugrana's home ground and don't want to spend too much, it's better to go when the visitors are less famous.

Look for the cheapest areas

The cheapest tickets are in the third tier, located in the highest part of the stadium. The visibility is not the best, but if you are a true fan, you will be able to make out the players even from up high. Other affordable areas are Gol 1º, Gol 2º Central and Gol 3º Inferior, which are located behind the goals. It will be more difficult to see the intricate passing game, but you'll enjoy the goals like never before.

To avoid disappointment, only trust reputable websites. It is not uncommon to see people offering tickets outside the stadium, but needless to say, this is illegal. The tickets may be genuine, but you will be contributing to a phenomenon that harms fans. There are also several resale websites. However, two problems may arise:

• The ticket does not arrive on time: these portals rely on tickets or season tickets from fans. If an individual does not send the ticket far enough in advance, it could arrive too late.
• Prices are often very high: buying and selling platforms are notorious for the cost of their tickets. Many users give up a match in exchange for a modest amount of money, and companies add their commission to the total.

For those unfamiliar with the Blaugrana stadium, choosing a seat can be a real headache. In general, visibility is good in most of Spotify Camp Nou, except for the upper section. This area is quite far from the pitch and, due to its height, you may feel a bit cold in winter. In summary, the best seats in the stadium are:

• Premium (category 1) – The most expensive area of Spotify Camp Nou. The price is justified by the view of the pitch: from here, you won't miss a single play. These are the central stands.
• Side (category 1) – The areas next to the central stands. The view is almost the same as Premium, but the ticket is slightly cheaper.
• Goal 1 and 2 (category 2) – The two areas behind the goals. From here, you can hear the sound of the ball hitting the net perfectly. The Goal 1 and 2 sections are very popular with families with children.

Barça plays at least 38 La Liga matches. However, the Blaugrana are always present in European competitions. With a few exceptions, Barça almost always makes it past the round of 16 in the Champions League. In addition to these matches, there are also Copa del Rey matches and, eventually, the Spanish Super Cup final.

Can I watch an F.C. Barcelona match at Christmas?

Unfortunately not. Unlike the Premier League, La Liga does not have a Boxing Day, i.e. the traditional English championship match day held on 26 December. During the 2015/2016 season, the Spanish federation tried to establish something similar, although the matches were played just before New Year's Eve (30 December) and before Epiphany (3 January). Unfortunately, the formula did not reap the expected success and was not repeated.

At this time of year, neither the European cups nor the Copa del Rey are played. If you want to see an F.C. match on your trip to Barcelona in December, the only option is to arrive in the Catalan capital before the Christmas break. Usually, the last day of La Liga is played on the last weekend before the 25th.

Can I see an F.C. Barcelona match in the summer?

It depends on which month of the summer you travel to Gaudí's city. La Liga usually starts at the end of August, but if you plan to visit in June or July, you won't see any official matches. In addition to the championship, you can opt for a ticket to the Joan Gamper Trophy. This tournament was created in 1966 as a tribute to Hans Gamper, the club's founder. Every year, the Blaugranas invite a national or international club to Spotify Camp Nou.

The Catalan capital enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Between June and September, thousands of tourists visit to enjoy both the city beaches and the coastlines of the nearby Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. If you are planning to visit Barcelona in August, you can take the opportunity to watch a Blaugrana match.

If you want to see the "hottest" matches, I recommend checking the competition calendar. The league schedule is usually drawn up in July. This means that you will know well in advance which weekend, for example, the clásico against Real Madrid or the derby with RCD Espanyol will be played.

At European level, the Blaugranas have sporting rivalries with AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United. The continental competition schedule is announced less in advance, but with a little organisation, it will be easy to plan your trip to coincide with one of these matches.

What if there are no matches during my trip to Barcelona?

Don't worry, if you travel to Barcelona and there are no matches , you can always visit Spotify Camp Nou and the Barça Museum. This option allows you to discover the history of the club by visiting the museum, the changing rooms and even the press room. At the end of your visit, you can stay in the stands or on the pitch for as long as you like!

Yes, children pay for tickets to watch matches at Spotify Camp Nou just like adults. Furthermore, the price is the same as there is no special rate or promotion for children.

Only members under the age of 14 and the children or grandchildren of adult members can enter Spotify Camp Nou free of charge. However, some matches are excluded from this promotion. The clásico against Real Madrid, matches against Atlético Madrid, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals are not included in this offer.

Match day is finally here, and we need to know the most important tips for getting to the stadium and not missing a thing. Keep reading and I'll tell you all about it:

When to go to the stadium?

In Spain, there's no need to arrive at the stadium too early. Security checks are usually quick, and you can get to the stands quickly. In any case, I recommend arriving a little early to enjoy the atmosphere and maybe grab a snack before going in.

Keep in mind that the Blaugrana's home is huge, and on match days it's advisable to arrive by public transport. Europe's largest stadium is located in Les Corts, a district in the west of the city. There are four metro stops near Spotify Camp Nou: Les Corts, Maria Cristina, Palau Reial (all on line 3), Collblanc and Badal (line 5).

This map will surely come in handy to help you find your way around when you arrive in the area.

Can I bring backpacks or cameras?

For security reasons, professional cameras and video cameras are not permitted inside Spotify Camp Nou. Backpacks are generally allowed, but they will be checked by security guards. Please note that the list of prohibited items is longer and includes glass objects, torches, tablets and computers, balloons, laser pointers and pyrotechnic devices.

Where to eat before or after the match?

Satisfying your hunger inside the stadium can be quite expensive. In addition, the choice of food is more limited and there are frequent queues. To avoid all this, you can visit the bars and restaurants in the vicinity of Spotify Camp Nou. The list below includes the most recommended ones:

• Can Fusté – A restaurant specialising in market cuisine and seasonal produce. It is located a few metres from the "Les Corts" metro stop, line 3 (Gran Via de Carles III).
• Futballarium Barcelona – To get into the spirit of the game. It is a typical sports bar with scarves from all the teams hanging from the ceiling. The nearest underground station is Badal, line 5 (Carrer de Benavent 7).
• Da Paolo – The ideal choice if you fancy a pizza. It doesn't have an endless menu, but they serve up some real delicacies from the oven. You can also choose from pasta, meat and fish dishes. It is just a few metres from Futballarium Barcelona (Avinguda de Madrid 63).
• Frankfurt Pedralbes – It's a bit far from Spotify Camp Nou, about a 15-minute walk, but this classic Barcelona bar is well worth a visit. Its sandwiches and burgers are very popular with students from the nearby university. To get here, simply get off at the "Palau Reial" or "Zona Universitària" stops, both on line 3 (Carrer de Jordi Girona 2/4).
• Corte & Brasa – An Argentine restaurant offering delicious grilled meats. The establishment is located at Carrer del Comandant Benítez 20. Advance booking is recommended.

The Blaugrana team will not disappoint you. If you decided some time ago to buy your tickets to see the Barça stars, which I recommend, you should look through your smartphone files for the downloaded tickets to present them at the stadium entrance.

I don't have an internet connection in Barcelona. How do I access my tickets?

If you don't have a connection, you can use the one at your hotel or rental flat. If they don't have one, you can use the Wi-Fi networks in bars and cafés. There is a Starbucks at Avinguda Diagonal 635, about a ten-minute walk from Spotify Camp Nou. This could be a good option for downloading your tickets.

Is there parking near Spotify Camp Nou?

On match days, it is preferable to arrive by public transport, although there are many ways to get around the city. Fans make it difficult to get around, and the authorities often close several streets near Spotify Camp Nou. If you don't want to give up your car, there are car parks near the stadium. The list below shows the closest ones:

• Parking Campus Diagonal Nord UPC, the car park of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. The hourly rate is around €2.50 (Carrer Jordi Girona 29).
• BSM Tanatori Les Corts, the funeral home car park. It is located about 500 metres from Spotify Camp Nou and the hourly rate is around €2 (Avinguda Joan XXIII 25).
• Parking Viajeros, the cheapest option in the whole city. They offer a daily rate of around €7; the only drawback is the distance from the stadium. To get to the entrance of Spotify Camp Nou, you will have to walk 1 km (Carrer Carreras i Candi 65).
• Spotify Camp Nou – Parc Científic car park. You will find it behind the university area. They offer a daily rate of around €17 (Avinguda Doctor Marañón 8).

Can you bring drinks to Spotify Camp Nou?

Yes, but on one condition: the container must be no larger than 500 ml and without a cap. For safety reasons, cans and glass objects are not allowed in the stadium. Once inside, you will find vending machines, a bar (La Carpa) and the Pans & Company fast food restaurant.