Barcelona: Art, Culture and Family Fun

My special tips before you plan:

Book Tickets in Advance!

To avoid long lines at must-see spots like the Sagrada Família and Parc Güell, purchase your tickets ahead of time. If you want, I can arrange it for you.

Discounts and free entries:

Some museums, like the Picasso Museum, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. You can also get discounts with the Barcelona Card at various attractions. I highly recommend purchasing tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus. It’s a great way to explore the city, and it’s best to avoid taking taxis whenever possible.

A journey through history:

Barcelona has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans as Barcino, traces of this ancient era can still be found in the Gothic Quarter, where Roman ruins are preserved among medieval narrow streets.

Gaudí's masterpieces:

The city is famous for its distinctive architecture, primarily the works of Antoni Gaudí, one of the most innovative architects in the world. The Sagrada Família, still under construction since 1882, is perhaps Gaudí’s most renowned work. Other notable landmarks include Casa Batlló and Parc Güell, showcasing his visionary style.

Soccer and traditions: the kids will love this!

A fun fact about Barcelona is its deep passion for soccer, represented by FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous clubs. The Camp Nou Stadium, home of Barça, is a must-visit for soccer fans, offering tours of the museum and the stadium itself. The store is huge inside Camp Nou, must visit! But if you want to go to the museum, you must buy the tickets in advance.

Barcelona is also known for its popular festivals. Such as La Mercè, the city's largest street festival in September, featuring events like castellers (human towers), parades of giants and spectacular fireworks. Don't forget to always look for events in the month of your trip!

CosmoCaixa is one of the places I absolutely loved visiting with my kids. It’s like a year of school wrapped into one day! Parents, you need to interact with your children here — it’s such a rich museum experience. I highly recommend checking their website in advance to see if they have any special exhibits or events and to purchase special tickets if available. For example, when we visited, we went to the Toca Me exhibit. Here, the kids got to learn about and touch over 20 different types of animals!

CosmoCaixa in Barcelona is one of the most impressive science museums in Europe. Offering interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. Located in the upper part of the city, this museum is designed to engage curious minds, making science accessible and fun for both children and adults.

One of the highlights of CosmoCaixa is the Flooded Forest. A recreation of a section of the Amazon rainforest, complete with real animals and plants, giving visitors a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the jungle. The Planetarium offers fascinating shows about the universe, making it a favorite among space enthusiasts.

The museum covers a wide range of scientific fields. From geology and biology to space and technology, with exhibits that are interactive and designed to educate in a playful way. It's a perfect destination for families, where kids can learn through exploration and discovery.

Overall, I love CosmoCaixa. It is a fantastic place for a family day out, offering both educational value and entertainment in a stimulating environment. Don't forget to take the kids to the store inside the museum. There are so many options of smart toys!

Barcelona Bosc Urbà: the ultimate outdoor adventure park for families

If you're seeking an outdoor adventure in Barcelona for families, Barcelona Bosc Urbà is a must-visit. This adventure park is designed to entertain kids and adults alike with exciting activities such as treetop courses, zip lines and climbing challenges. It’s an excellent way for children to burn off energy while engaging in physical activities. Plan for a full day of fun, as the park also offers picnic areas and restaurants, making it the ideal spot for a family outing in Barcelona.

Parc de la Ciutadella: the perfect day out for families

For a more laid-back day, Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the best spots for families in Barcelona. With its vast green spaces, playgrounds and picnic spots, it’s a haven for kids who love to explore and play outdoors. The park is also home to the Barcelona Zoo and the Catalan Parliament, offering a blend of educational and fun activities. Families can easily spend an entire day here, enjoying everything from outdoor adventures to cultural learning.

Laberint d'Horta: a magical family experience

For something truly unique, head to the Laberint d'Horta, one of the most charming family attractions in Barcelona. This historical garden features a magical maze of cypress trees that will captivate both children and adults as you navigate through it. Being Barcelona's oldest park, Laberint d'Horta offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s busier spots. With its stunning terraces, fountains and statues, it’s the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a slower-paced day of exploration and fun.

The Barcelona Aquarium is an amazing spot for families and one of the biggest in Europe. Located at Port Vell, right by the water, it’s home to over 11,000 sea creatures from all over the world. One of the coolest features is the Oceanarium. Here you walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays and other fascinating marine life — it really feels like you’re underwater! The aquarium also has interactive exhibits, which are perfect for kids who love learning about marine life. If you're looking for a bit more adventure, they even offer a special experience where you can dive with sharks!

Tibidabo Amusement Park

If you want some fun on your family trip to Barcelona, try to spend a day at Tibidabo Mountain. This amusement park is a true Barcelona gem, but you must buy the tickets in advance, and it offers some of the best views of the city. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, which gives it a really nostalgic charm. There are plenty of classic rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel, but also some exciting modern attractions like roller coasters. The airplane ride that flies over the mountains is a must! Tibidabo is a fantastic spot for families, with something for everyone, from thrilling rides to calmer options for the little ones. The view is just stunning, making it worth visiting even just for the views, believe!!

Day trips:

There is a lot to do, and spots near Barcelona. Here we go:

• Day trip to Cadaqués: From Barcelona to Cadaqués: The drive takes around 2 hours! Cadaqués is a charming seaside village located on the Costa Brava, known for its whitewashed houses and breathtaking coastal views. Like a small Mykonos, perhaps. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot that has long attracted artists, including Salvador Dalí, who spent much of his life here. The town is perfect for wandering through its narrow streets, relaxing at the waterfront and enjoying a leisurely meal at one of the local restaurants.

• Day trip to Figueres: From Barcelona to Figueres: The drive takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes! Just a short drive from Cadaqués is the Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, where the surrealist artist lived and worked. The museum offers a glimpse into Dalí’s eccentric world, showcasing many of his personal items and artwork. It’s a fascinating stop for families, especially if you're interested in introducing kids to art in a fun and interactive way. There’s also the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, which is a bit further away but equally worth the visit for a more immersive Dalí experience.

• Day trip to S'AgaróL Barcelona to S'Agaró takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. For a truly luxurious family stay, I recommend the Hostal de La Gavina, a Leading Hotels of the World property located in nearby S'Agaró. It’s an incredible hotel known for its elegance, excellent service and family-friendly atmosphere. With direct access to beautiful beaches and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a few relaxing days with your family.

If I were you, I’d definitely reserve at least one day for this day trip. Or even better, stay for two days at Hostal de La Gavina to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of the Costa Brava!

The most fun day trip from Barcelona for families:

PortAventura World is one of the most popular theme park complexes in Europe. It is located about one hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona by car and roughly one hour by train.

The complex consists of several parks and themed areas, making it a fantastic day trip or an extended family vacation destination. Here’s a breakdown of the parks within the complex:

• PortAventura Park: Like Universal Studios, it is a very huge structure! This is the main theme park, divided into six themed areas, such as Mediterrània, Far West and Polynesia, each offering attractions for all ages. The park is known for its thrilling roller coasters like Shambhala and Dragon Khan, as well as family-friendly rides and shows that will entertain everyone.

• Ferrari Land: Ferrari Land is a must-visit for racing fans and adrenaline seekers. It features Red Force, Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, and several other attractions centered around the Ferrari brand. It's a unique experience combining motorsports and amusement park fun.

• Caribe Aquatic Park: This Caribbean-themed water park is perfect for cooling off in the warmer months. It offers slides, wave pools and areas specifically designed for kids, making it a great spot to relax after a day of thrills in the other parks.

Travel Time for this Trip near Tarragona!

• By car: Approximately one hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona.

• By train: Around one hour from Barcelona's Sants Station directly to PortAventura Station.

If you have time to extend, I would extend your stay for three days in the Park. If you're considering spending more than a day, it’s definitely worth staying for three days to fully enjoy all the parks and attractions at a relaxed pace. The complex has several on-site hotels, including Hotel PortAventura and Hotel Gold River. Each offering convenient access to the parks and themed accommodations that add to the overall experience.

My tip: By staying at one of the PortAventura hotels, you’ll also have the benefit of early park access. This helps avoid the crowds and maximize your time in the parks. Plus, staying for multiple days allows you to fully enjoy the attractions and shows, without rushing. I can arrange everything for you, tickets and the reservation in one of the Resorts!

Breakfast spots in Barcelona

• Brunch & Cake: A trendy spot loved by locals and visitors alike, Brunch & Cake offers a delicious and creative breakfast menu. From colorful smoothie bowls to hearty avocado toasts, it’s a great way to start your day in Barcelona.

• Granja M. Viader: A historic café serving traditional Catalan breakfast options. Try their hot chocolate with churros or their famous "suizo," a thick hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Desserts and ice cream in Barcelona

• Gelaaati Di Marco: Located near the Gothic Quarter, this artisanal Italian gelato shop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. They have a wide variety of flavors made with high-quality ingredients.

• Chök - The Chocolate Kitchen: A haven for chocolate lovers, Chök offers everything from gourmet doughnuts and cookies to decadent chocolate treats. It’s a great spot for an indulgent afternoon snack or dessert.

Lunch and dinner options in Barcelona

• Mercado de La Boqueria: Dive into Barcelona’s culinary culture with a visit to La Boqueria. The bustling market offers an array of fresh local produce, cheeses, seafood and traditional Catalan dishes, perfect for a casual lunch or quick snack while exploring the city.

• Tickets: Created by world-renowned chef Albert Adrià, Tickets is a vibrant tapas restaurant where you can experience innovative dishes. It’s ideal for a fun and creative dining experience with the family.

• Restaurante Martínez: Located on Montjuïc Hill with beautiful sea views, Restaurante Martínez is perfect for enjoying authentic Spanish dishes like paella or fresh seafood while taking in stunning panoramas. A great spot for lunch or dinner with a view.

• Restaurante El Nacional: For a more upscale and diverse dining experience, El Nacional offers multiple cuisines under one roof in a sophisticated setting. It’s ideal for a special family meal, whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meats or traditional Spanish dishes.

• Restaurants At the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona: You’ll find Moments, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Carme Ruscalleda. As well as Blanc, a restaurant offering Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Both options are perfect for an upscale family dining experience.