Our Guide to Planning the Best Family Holiday in Barcelona

Your kids will love the colorful Catalan capital just as much as you do!

A family holiday in Barcelona will be one of the most rewarding travel experiences for little ones. The city is rich in unique culture, home to a fantastic Mediterranean climate and offers lots to see and do. However, a successful trip, especially with kids, requires some prior planning. Here’s our guide to planning the best family holiday in Barcelona. Your kids will remember this trip for the rest of their lives!

When to go

Spring is the best time to plan a family holiday in Barcelona. Temperatures are warm but not uncomfortably so. Your family could easily spend the whole day outside (and even at the beach!) without breaking a sweat. You also won’t have to fight off quite as many crowds as in summer. While summer is a popular time to visit, it also brings more hordes of tourists and heat. The crowds and high temperatures may make for some unhappy little travelers!

Planning your itinerary

Some travelers don’t like to plan anything in advance, simply preferring to wander around the city when they arrive and see where they end up. We admire this go-with-the-flow attitude, but highly recommend planning your itinerary for your family holiday in Barcelona ahead of time! This means not only deciding which attractions you want to visit, but purchasing tickets as well. As a result, you won’t spend nearly as much time waiting in long lines to buy tickets the day of. Your family will thank you!

When purchasing tickets, look for youth discounts. Most, if not all, of Barcelona’s main attractions (including our family friendly food tours!) offer free or reduced admission for children and teenagers.

Where to stay

Another important part of planning any family holiday in Barcelona: deciding where to stay! That doesn’t necessarily just mean which hotel to book. Rather, you want to make sure that whatever hotel you choose is in a family friendly neighborhood. Barcelona in general is very safe and perfect for families, but a few neighborhoods in particular stand out.

• Barceloneta: This beachside barrio, once the old fishermen’s quarter, is the best of both worlds. It retains its authentic, old-world feel, but is close enough to the center (and the beach!) that making your way around with kids is a breeze.
• Gracia: Charming Gracia was once a completely separate village until it was swallowed up by the ever-expanding Barcelona. Kids will love the beautiful, picturesque buildings and streets, and the friendly locals will easily make you and your family feel at home. 

• Gothic Quarter: Your kids will feel like true princes and princesses in this stunning medieval neighborhood. Steeped in rich history and modern culture, it’s the perfect place to spend a family holiday in Barcelona.

What to do

Barcelona is perfect for travelers of all ages! Adults can appreciate the fascinating history, culture and architecture, but there’s plenty to do for kids as well. Here are some of our favorite activities for a family holiday in Barcelona.

Chocolate Museum

Got a sweet tooth? A visit to the Museu de la Xocolata is a must during your family holiday in Barcelona. The interactive children’s activities will teach your kids all about one of their favorite treats, and they’ll even get to see some of their favorite characters in chocolate form!

Address: Carrer del Comerç, 36

Parc de la Ciutadella

Kids all around the world love playing in parks. Parc de la Ciutadella is a beautiful, peaceful green space in the heart of bustling Barcelona. Built on the grounds of an old military fortress, it’s now home to a zoo, several museums, and even a small river where your family can rent rowboats.

Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21

Sagrada Familia

Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece will wow your kids (and you!). The Sagrada Familia is unlike any church they’ve ever seen. With its towering, colorful interior and sandcastle-like towers on the outside, it’s a must see during any family holiday in Barcelona.

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401

Tibidabo

Perched on a mountain towering over Barcelona, the Tibidabo amusement park offers fun for all ages. This colorful park is home to an iconic Ferris wheel, stunning views of the city (especially at sunset) and even a jaw-dropping church! You could easily spend an entire day of your family holiday in Barcelona here.

Address: Plaça Tibidabo, 3-4