Adventures & Culture in Barcelona for Families

Check into your hotel, freshen up and head to the rooftop to enjoy a glass of Cava while taking in a bird's-eye view of the city. After an overnight flight, keeping the kids active and outside can help them adjust to the time change and maintain their interest. The city view is a great way to showcase all the places your family is about to explore!

Dive into the local food scene with lunch at Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona’s largest market. Here you’ll find something for everyone, from tapas to grilled seafood, jamón, cheese, olives and plenty of fruits and veggies. The Pinotxo Bar is an excellent spot to grab a seat at the bar for a local beer and tapas while the kids explore the impressive candy counters. For a few euros, they can fill up a bag with their own curated mix.

The Barcelona Cathedral is just around the corner, where you’ll often find locals dancing the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance symbolizing unity and pride. Tickets can be purchased in advance for quick entrance and access to the rooftop.

Nearby, you’ll find a fantastic churro shop, Xurreria Dels Banys Nous, perfect if your kids have already finished their candy from the market!

One of my favorite activities for the first day in a new city is a walking food tour. It helps you get your bearings, learn a bit of history, discover off-the-beaten-path places and gain insider knowledge from a local perspective. The guides ensure both kids and adults have a great time, and the wine and food tastings at each stop are excellent! Most tours start at 6 pm, which is early by Barcelona standards, allowing your family to enjoy a great dinner and still get to bed at a reasonable hour on your first night.

Tips:

Cava is Spain's renowned sparkling wine, primarily produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia, just north of Barcelona.

A very limited number of Cathedral tickets are available to gain entrance when it is closed for tours.

Don’t opt for the kids’ course during the food tour. Let them be adventurous and try new things along with the adults!

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s largest park. Enjoy the fresh air as you explore the sculptures, visit the Cascada and let the kids discover the playground or the Barcelona Zoo.

Instead of a traditional lunch, book the family-friendly Amuse Bouche Experience at The Paella Club for a 3-hour hands-on paella-making class. The cava flows, the music is energetic and participants make their own paella with fresh, local ingredients. After cooking, everyone sits down for a family-style lunch to vote on the best paella and enjoy regional wine.

Spend the next couple of hours exploring the Raval neighborhood. Take a selfie with Botero’s Cat, shop on La Rambla or visit the whimsical fairy bar, Bosc de Les Fades, for a coffee or aperitif while the kids marvel at the magical decor!

For dinner, head to Bodega La Tinaja. They don’t take reservations, but if you arrive before the tiny gated door opens at 7 pm, you might enjoy this old-world, rustic tavern, which is a traditional Iberian wine cellar. The food is simple, local and loved by both kids and adults — perfect because you'll still be full from the paella!

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at your hotel, a swim or a stroll around your neighborhood before embarking on another exciting day in the city.

Start today's activities with an authentic Catalan workshop where you can create your own custom-made espadrilles. Choose from a variety of traditional materials in different colors, sizes and styles, then learn to make and lace your own wearable memory from Barcelona. Cava flows, snacks are provided and dancing around in your new shoes often ensues! Ages eight and up are welcome.

For lunch, visit the family-owned Alegoria, a hidden gem tucked away from the busy La Rambla. Here you'll find simple, healthy dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

After lunch, head to the seaside to explore Barceloneta. Enjoy people-watching, discover charming shops on narrow streets and visit beaches lined with fishing boats.

You can take the cable car from Barceloneta Beach to the Miramar Gardens viewpoint for stunning views of the port. While a bit time-consuming, it’s an amazing way to see the area. Alternatively, enjoy the views from the water on a sunset cruise. Depending on sea conditions, captains often anchor so kids (and adults) can jump into the Mediterranean for a quick swim.

Tip:

Bring seasickness bands and Dramamine if anyone in your family might get woozy, as the seas can sometimes be choppy.

For dinner, head out to Barceloneta on the pier for fresh seafood and an impressive wine list. If you enjoy oysters, don’t miss adding them to your order. Fish and lobster tanks are scattered throughout the restaurant, and a partially exposed kitchen provides a dining experience filled with entertainment for the kids. Meanwhile, adults can relish exceptional service, great food and fine wine.

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, then take a cab or the metro to Sagrada Familia with tickets in hand for the first entrance of the day. You can book a tour or use the app to uncover the secrets and details of this unfinished masterpiece.

Next, head to Park Güell to stretch your legs, let the kids run and explore and enjoy the beautiful landscape and pavilions created by Gaudí.

Book a table in advance at the Terrace of Sercotel Rosellon for lunch with a view. The kid-friendly menu and fun bar will delight both parents and children as you overlook the Sagrada Familia, which you explored earlier. Tables are limited to 90 minutes — just the right amount of time to rest after a busy morning on your feet.

Tip:

Reservations are released 30 days in advance and fill up quickly!

After lunch, walk or take a cab to Casa Vicens, Gaudí's first house. The colorful and stunning architecture makes it a must-see attraction that can be enjoyed with a tour guide or on your own with the audio guide.

Head back to your hotel for a swim or a nap, and let the kids get excited for a late-night tour of Gaudí’s Casa Milà, known as the La Pedrera Night Experience. Tours run from 9:20 pm to 11 pm, and tickets must be purchased in advance. This delightful audio-visual presentation is a magical ending to your family adventure in Barcelona.

Add an additional day to visit Montserrat. Hire a private driver to make your day as easy as possible. Schedule a stop at one of the region’s best Cava producers, Juve & Camps before heading back into the city.