Explore Barcelona - Best Sights With Your Family

explore barcelona

A Guide to Barcelona For a Wonderful Experience:

We’ll walk you through our top recommendations so that you will be ready for a trip of a lifetime!

Read up on Barcelona. You will have a better experience if you have a guide book that will provide maps, itineraries and suggestions to local spots for dining purposes and otherwise. Also, to be prepared for if and when your phone dies or have a bad internet connection there’s no need to worry.

When it comes to exploring Barcelona, wear the proper shoes! You’ll be doing a LOT of walking since there is just so much to see at every turn. We would recommend the tennis shoes shown here. They also look good in dresses and jeans!

Carrying a small Spanish dictionary and phrasebook would also be a good idea since Spanish is the official language in Barcelona.

A travel adaptor is a must in Europe to plug into the outlets so you’ll need to purchase yours ahead of time to take with you. This one also includes USB ports to plug into the converter.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Barcelona With Your Kids Along!

Explore Barcelona, Catalonia’s vibrant capital full of life, art, breathtaking architecture, and cultural attractions.

See Our Top Hotel Recommendations in Barcelona

It’s one of our favorite cities in the world. After all it has it all: the most beautiful beaches, great restaurants, shops, parks, museums, etc. But it’s whimsical architecture by Antoni Gaudi is what makes it such a unique and inspiring experience. The people happen to also be the friendliest people we’ve encountered.

This beautiful city has so much to offer for those traveling with or without kids. Below is our guide of the best 10 things to do in Barcelona. Our list includes sights that even children would take pleasure in seeing as you all explore Barcelona.

1. La Sagrada Familia

This spectacular basilica is the most famous sight in Barcelona. Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours here. World renowned Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi was known for his imaginative buildings. He once said “There are no straight lines or sharp corners. Sagrada Familia is the most famous of his works and has been under construction since 1882. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2005.

Visitors who come to explore Barcelona are first struck by the basilica’s lavish exterior. The closer you get to it the more beauty you see. Equally as impressive is its interior with its opulent decorative details. It could be described as the inside of a cave with hanging daggers coming from the ceiling or maybe even an immensely carved stone in the most artistic way possible. The stained-glass windows allow ethereal light to flow in through the different colored windows: blue, green, red, and orange.

You can find tickets by clicking here.

We recommend the Fast Track Guided Tour to avoid the lines and an insightful experience.

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2. Casa Batllo

Another one of Antoni Gaui’s most famous designs is Casa Batillo. If you’re interested in Gaudi and his work, we would suggest going inside. It’s worth the visit. It’s a true work of art, each area with its own unique design leading up to the roof terrace. Plan to spend an hour here. For those traveling on a budget the outside is a tourist attraction on its own.

Hours: 9am to 9pm everyday all year long.
Regular Entrance fee: 25 euros online (29 euros at the location’s box office). Free for 7 years and under.

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

You can also purchase the guided tours (that are offered in several of the most common languages including English).

And Be the first and arrive half an hour before it’s open to the public: 39 euros (to get the best pictures without the crowds).

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We Recommend The theatrical visit found here. It’s the most fun, the whole family would enjoy (it’s in English).

As the website describes it:

“In this visit, Gaudí himself (or Mrs. Ramoneta, the family’s maid), will guide you around the house, let you know its secrets, and tell you anecdotes about its construction and the daily life of the bourgeoisie at the beginning of the 20th century. In a fun and enjoyable way, in a group or as a family, dive into the fascinating creative universe of Antoni Gaudí, a genius of Catalan modernism.”

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/theatrical-visit-casa-batllo/

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

3. Casa Amatller

Right next door to Casa Batllo is the Casa Amatller. An example of Catalan Modernism, the house is still preserved in its original condition. It was designed for the chocolatier Antoni Amatller.

We didn’t have time for the tour but I hear the guides are great and provided a lot of interesting information about the growth of the bourgeoisie and their passion for conspicuous consumption until the era of Modernisme.

You can opt for a tour or just take in the views from the outside and visit the cafe and enjoy some of their hot chocolate, melted chocolate, or take chocolate to go!

4. Casa Mila

Just a few blocks away from Casa Batllo and Casa Amatller is Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera. The UNESCO-listed Casa Mila is another icon of Barcelona organizing a range of exhibits and public activities.

You can enjoy the view from the outside or purchase a ticket on their website here.

Cost: 22 euros is the entrance. When purchased online.
(It’s free for kids under 7 for basic entrance as well as most of the guided tours)
It’s 25 euros at the location’s box office.

Tip for Casa Batllo, you can purchase a skip the line audio tour.

You can also be the first and arrive half an hour before it’s open to the public: (to get the best pictures without the crowds).

5. La Rambla: The Heart of Barcelona's Social Life

La Rambla is one of the most popular places people hangout and socialize as they explore Barcelona. This beautifully wide avenue covered with palm trees is lined with restaurants, shops, outdoor cafes, and street entertainers, making it the most famous street in Barcelona.

Many locals enjoy doing their local food shopping during the day at La Boqueria. Inside there is an array of fresh meats, fish, and produce. You can also try some street food or take a cooking class.

Walk on top of Miró Mural. Even though many people will likely just walk by it without realizing it’s significance, it’s an example of Joan Miró’s circular tile work who helped build parts of Las Ramblas. It’s apparent how so many artists like Gaudi and Miró have influenced this city.

Speaking of Gaudi, you can also decide to visit Palau Güell, the mansion designed by Gaudi that began his career in designing the most famous attractions of Barcelona.

Tip: Rent a bike from one of the many bike rental places all over the city. There’s Mattia 46, located right next to Las Ramblas.

6. Guell Park

Finish off your Gaudi experience with a trip to Guell Park on Carmel Hill. It’s the most visited park in the world and for good reason! You’ve seen these colorful mosaics in travel pictures and postcards. Definitely a MUST SEE! It’s the most colorful place in Barcelona (probably the most colorful place -not specifically meant for children- that I’ve been to!) and there isn’t an entrance fee either, it’s free. People of ALL ages will enjoy the park. You can completely lose yourself in this magical land–like if the board game Candy Land came to life.

Entry is limited to 400 people every half hour, which sounds like a lot, but tickets can sell out early in the day.

Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm (hours may differ give or take an hour depending on the season. (Click here for updated hours)

Entrance is Free for most of the park. The Monumental Area is separate and tickets may be purchased onsite or online for 10 Euros for Adults, 7 Euros for kids 7-12, and free for kids under 7years-of-age. Entry is also limited to 400 people every half hour. It would be wise to book in advance so you’re not waiting.

The Monumental area is where the twin-flight dragon stairway is and the tile-shard mosaic dragon (the most famous image of the park).

7. Mt. Tibidabo and The Sagrat Cor

Sitting on Mount Tibidabo, the Tibidabo Cathedral del Sagrat Cor looks down on Barcelona from the highest peak in the city. As you explore Barcelona, there are incredible sights that are differ from any other part of the world. That is Mt. Tibidabo, the view from up there is breathtaking. It can be described as a mix of modernista and neothic and can be seen from all over the city.

Admission is free and for just 2 Euros you can take the elevators to the first viewing platform. The Jesus Christ statue sits at the very top and resembles the Christ statue of Rio de Janeiro. The whole church lights up after sunset for an overall spectacular atmosphere.

There’s also one of the oldest amusement parks in the world on Mount Tibidabo offering rides and attractions for people of all ages. Many of the attractions still have a nostalgic feel, take “El Avió” (The Plane), the iconic airplane that circles above you giving the impression of flying over the city. Girabado, is a famous ferris wheel with a view of the whole city of Barcelona.

8. Montjuic Hill

A Montjuic Hill would be a great way to spend the afternoon. You can start by taking the teleferic (cable car) up to the castle!

Admission fee to the castle is 5 euros
Admission with a guided tour is 9 euros
You can purchase online skip the line tickets

Hours:

From November 1st to February 28th:

Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Including public holidays.

From 1st March to 31th October:

Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm. Including public holidays.
It’s closed on 1st January and 25th December

Then walk down (about 20 minutes) down the hill to the Olympic Stadium where the buildings were renovated for the 1992 Olympic Games.

Plaza Espana is one of the biggest more prominent squares in all of Europe. Not only is it a major transport hub but it’s very touristy with beautiful architecture and sights to see. One of the biggest attractions being, Barcelona’s Montjuic fountain and light show. It’s a great outdoor spectacle to see with a beautiful display of water, lights. It’s free and a highlight that attracts 2.5 million visitors per year.

Magic Montjuic Fountain Show Winter Times: (October to end March):

Fountains are operational on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 9pm.
Light and music shows at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm & 8:30pm.

Magic Montjuic Fountain Show Summer times: (April to end September):

Thursday to Sunday from 8pm to 11:00pm.

Address: Plaça de Carles Buïgas 1, Barcelona

9. The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is considered to be the old city of Barcelona. You’ll want to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and visit the two known gorgeous churches: Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar.

It’s a lively area to go shopping, go for tapas, or explore beautiful examples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture in picturesque plazas. It’s free to explore all hours day or night.

10. The Beach

Barcelona’s Beaches are ranked as the top beach cities in the world! We visited during the summer and loved the swimming in the clear water and the young trendy atmosphere of the beach city. The restaurants along the waterfront are hip and trendy with amazing views of the waterfront. You can enjoy a nice lunch before taking a dip in the water and sunbathing on the golden sand while the kids play with their sand toys.

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Our Recommendations To The Best Hotels In Barcelona:

Luxury Hotels:

The W Barcelona
The W Barcelona is a spectacular sight offering a breathtaking design with and views over Barcelona. It features luxurious rooms, a spa, infinity pool, and rooftop bar.

It’s a striking structure looks like a sail with its impressive rooms offering views of the city or Mediterranean. There are two pools surrounded by decking with lounging and the hotel has direct access to the beach.

The Mandarin
The Mandarin is located in Barcelona’s fashionable Passeig de Gracia. It has beautifully spacious rooms and a minimalist design. WIth a world-famous head chef, Carme Ruscalleda you’ll surely enjoy dining in one of its innovatively cuisine restaurants.

Access to the Mandarin’s spa is complementary and includes the indoor pool, Hammam, a hot tub, and gym that is available to use for 24-hours.

Hotel 1898
This hotel is in a central location, La Rambla . It has a heated rooftop pool with a sun terrace offering a panoramic view of the city. It’s a restored 19th century building with unique architectural and historical heritage.

The Gothic Quarter and its cathedra is within a 10-minute walking distance.

Mid-range Hotels:

Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel
If you’re interested in other rooftop pools and views from top-floor rooms then the Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel is a great mid-range hotel. It’s a vintage-style hotel with modern touches. It’s right in the heart of the city.

Hotel Europark
Located between the Gothic Quarter and the famous La Sagrada Familia, this ideal location in Eixample is surrounded by shops and restaurants. This is another rooftop hotel as well.

Room Mate Pau
Located just 150 feet from the emblematic Plaza Catalunya it offers a terrace and stylish decor fitting its chic brand image.

Budget Hotels:

Hotel Curious
Hotel Curious is a chic budget hotel, located just 150 feet from Las Ramblas and the Boqueria Market, has stylish rooms and modern bathrooms.

Hotel Constanza Barcelona
Hotel Constanza Barcelona is located only 7-minutes away from the Gothic Quarter as well as Plaza Catalunya. It also has a rooftop terrace with a view of Barcelona.

Ibis Barcelona Centro
Located 1.6 miles from La Sagrada Familia Ibis Barcelona Centro is another budge hotel with guest rooms equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. A daily buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel as wel

Top Sightseeing Tours:

Taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a great way to see all the top sights in Barcelona while riding an open-air double decker bus that provides informative commentary and takes you between 44 stops. Passes are available for one day or multiple days.

You can also see Barcelona’s top sights in a smaller group tour with a professional guide. They have half and full-day tours available with a Skip the Line: Best of Barcelona Tour including Sagrada Familia.

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