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How to Plan the perfect trip to Spain’s El Clásico 2013

The most intense rivalry in Spanish football continues next month with Real Madrid travelling to do battle with Barcelona at the Nou Camp on 26 October and hoping to draw first blood in the race for the La Liga title.

With temperatures averaging in the high 20s in October, the first El Clásico of the season falls at an ideal time for those looking to get away for a city break in the Catalan capital.

Flights to Barcelona

Spain’s cultural and sporting hub is accessible from the major UK airports, with a number of cheap flights to Barcelona currently on offer over El Clásico weekend.

El Prat is the city’s main international airport and operates a train service into Barcelona-Sants central station, where you can catch a metro to other parts of the city.

Alternatively you can the train to Passeig de Gràcia, which is located at the top of Plaça de Catalunya.

A taxi from the airport into the city centre will set you back around €20.

Where to stay

Barcelona has no shortage of hotels to choose from but the best place to base yourself in terms of choice and proximity to the heart of the city is in the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) near to La Rambla – the city’s cultural artery.

This pedestrianised boulevard is abuzz with market stalls and street food kiosks as well as a good mix of bars, cafes and restaurants that make La Rambla a great introduction for anyone visiting the city for the first time.

Transport to the Nou Camp

From the centre of Barcelona you are best taking the metro (L3) to Palau Reial where you are able to walk to the stadium. Alternatively if you are coming from the north west of the city, take the L5 line to Collblanc.

Getting El Clásico tickets

Even with its 99,354 capacity, getting tickets to the Nou Camp for El Clásico is no mean feat – but perfectly possible with a bit of research. There are plenty of independent ticket agencies in the UK or Europe and ticket resale sites such as Viagogo may provide you with cheaper alternatives.

Other things not to miss

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to La Sagrada Família.

Construction on Gaudí’s colossal church began in 1882 and 130 years later the building still hasn’t been completed, with officials estimating that the building will be fully completed by 2026.

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