Planning a vacation in Barcelona? We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on how to get ready and what to watch out for! We’ll show you tips for landmarks, hidden spots without crowds, fun with kids, and relaxation in nature. You’ll find out how public transport works, how much things cost, and where it’s better not to go. And of course, we won’t forget tips for restaurants where locals love to eat. Ready?
You don’t have to be a passionate architecture fan to be completely enchanted by Barcelona’s architecture. The unique mix of Gothic and modernist buildings right by the ocean captivates everyone.
A wealth of colors and original shapes creates an atmosphere that can’t be compared to other European cities. Even a aimless walk through the city will leave you with strong emotions. Still, we have tips for landmarks you should definitely add to your itinerary.
We all know this breathtaking basilica by architect Antoni Gaudí. But did you know it has been under construction for 143 years and is still not finished? Even though you’ll meet plenty of tourists there, Sagrada Familia is an icon you simply must have a photo with.
It’s worth going inside, but you need to buy tickets in advance. They sell out quickly. Once you enter, try not to look up until you stand in the middle. Only then look up and let yourself be amazed.
This colorful house covered in decorations, ceramics, and little towers is stunning to look at. Inside, there’s a museum that isn’t as breathtaking as other Gaudí interiors, but the façade alone is worth taking a walk to Casa Vicens.
Two more iconic Gaudí buildings stand right next to each other: La Pedrera with its stone design and circular courtyard, and Casa Batlló with a roof that resembles a dragon.
Inside, there are often many tourists, but right next door you’ll find houses by other architects where the crowds are much smaller! For example, Casa Amatller is beautiful inside and often almost empty.
The concert hall Palau de la Música Catalana has a charming interior with a glass dome full of colorful mosaics. You can visit on your own, or attend one of the regular performances.
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is considered the largest modernist complex in the world. This magnificent building with its vast grounds is just a short walk from Sagrada Familia. It used to be a functioning hospital; today you’ll find a museum inside.
The foundations of the Gothic Quarter date back to the century before Christ. If you want photos that look like postcards, you must not miss this place!
Walk through the narrow streets and under Carrer del Bisbe, the most photographed bridge in the city, all the way to the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. For a few euros, you can go inside and climb to the rooftop with a beautiful view.
In the Gothic Quarter, also visit Plaça Reial, a square with palm trees, galleries, and (rather more expensive) restaurants.
Almost no one knows about this secret place! The Temple of Augustus is hidden in the courtyard of a building at Carrer del Paradís 10. It is one of the most significant remains of old Barcelona, with impressive Corinthian columns.
Many locals say they’re not too fond of La Rambla. Endless crowds, street performers, and tourist traps are at every corner. But if you want to tick off a visit to this iconic street, definitely take a walk here.
CHOOSE ACCOMMODATION IN BARCELONA
TIP: Did you know you can pay for your vacation with employee benefits from Edenred, Pluxee, or Up and save money? Simply choose any accommodation on Booking.com and copy the link into the Order Form. It takes only 2 minutes, and you can start looking forward to your trip.
When you get tired of architectural walks, take a calmer day and head out for other experiences Barcelona offers.
Welcome to another world. On Carmel Hill, you’ll find a place where Gaudí let his architectural imagination run wild. Everything bursts with color, natural motifs, and organic architecture – irregular shapes, wavy benches, mosaic lizards, and beautiful city views!
It’s like stepping into a dream. But be careful – there’s an entrance fee, and you need to buy tickets in advance. Hundreds of other tourists want to visit the park too.
In the La Ribera district, you’ll find a palm-lined promenade, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, and the El Born Cultural Center with archaeological ruins. You can visit the Picasso Museum or the Moco Museum of modern art. For food, head to Mercat de Santa Caterina, where locals often go and which isn’t as touristy.
Greenery, palm trees, relaxation, and comfort. That’s Parc de la Ciutadella with its majestic Cascada Monumental fountain, which a young Gaudí helped design. You’ll also find Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf there. You can rent a boat, have a picnic, and relax.
On Turó de la Rovira hill, you’ll find old bunkers from the Spanish Civil War (1937), located outside the main tourist flows. What’s best here? The breathtaking 360° view of the city, from the beach to the most famous landmarks! Perfect for a sunset picnic.
The Columbus Monument is a viewpoint with a huge statue of Christopher Columbus pointing into the distance. You can take an elevator up, and the view of the city will captivate you.
Another viewpoint is at the top of the Torre Glòries skyscraper, inspired by a geyser and Montserrat mountain. It also somewhat resembles London’s Gherkin skyscraper.
A cable car leads up to famous Montjuïc, which you can ride up and then walk down. And you definitely won’t be bored along the way!
You’ll find a spectacular 17th-century castle, the impressive National Art Museum of Catalonia, the modern art museum Fundació Joan Miró, the artificial Spanish village Poble Espanyol, magical fountains with a large water show, botanical gardens, and also Anella Olímpica – the Olympic park specially created for the 1992 Olympics.
At the foot of the iconic hill lies a place away from tourist crowds. The postcard-perfect Passeig de Santa Madrona will completely relax you. Walk through the gardens, sit on benches, admire the fountains, or enjoy the harbor view.
Do you love adrenaline and fun? Then don’t miss Tibidabo, where you’ll find a fairground with historic attractions. On the hill stands the magnificent Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as if taken from a Disney fairy tale. It’s guarded by a huge statue of Jesus, accessible by elevator.
The most popular beach is undoubtedly Barceloneta. Unfortunately, that also means you’ll be squeezing in with tourists and walking among litter. Slightly calmer beaches include Bogatell, Nova Mar Bella, Llevant, or Nova Icària.
Swimming in the sea isn’t the only beach activity. For example, go on a sunset boat cruise and enjoy unlimited refreshments offered by many boats.
From Barcelona, you can take a train or bus and within an hour and a half arrive in beautiful Montserrat, with its charming mountains, monastery, and nature.
In just under two hours from Barcelona, you can also reach Tossa de Mar, a romantic coastal town with calm beaches away from the big-city bustle.
CHOOSE ACCOMMODATION IN BARCELONA
TIP: Did you know you can pay for your vacation with employee benefits from Edenred, Pluxee, or Up and save money? Simply choose any accommodation on Booking.com and copy the link into the Order Form. It takes only 2 minutes, and you can start looking forward to your trip.
We’ve already talked about three hidden spots many tourists don’t know – the Temple of Augustus in the Gothic Quarter, Bunkers del Carmel with city views, and the Passeig de Santa Madrona gardens at the foot of Montjuïc. What other secret places can you discover?
A beautiful historic park where you can relax in peace and quiet. It’s the oldest preserved garden in Barcelona, where you’ll mostly meet locals.
Get lost in the garden labyrinth, stroll along picturesque paths, sit on a bench by the fountain, or hide in peaceful corners with statues and ponds.
An outdoor botanical garden focused on cacti and succulents! Every nature lover simply has to explore it. Walk along paths around more than 800 species of exotic plants from all over the world while admiring the coastal view.
The mentioned Tibidabo amusement park will definitely delight children. What else should you visit?
For example, Barcelona Zoo, for which you should set aside at least 4 hours.
You also must not miss CosmoCaixa, a large interactive science museum that ranks among the most popular in Europe. You’ll find a planetarium, many interesting exhibits, experiments, exhibitions, and even a rainforest.
Just an hour and a half by train from Barcelona awaits PortAventura amusement park, where kids can have fun and you’re set for a full-day trip.
CHOOSE ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
You’re probably heading to Spain mainly to taste paella and sangria. But did you know they are far from the most traditional and popular among locals?
Residents of Barcelona enjoy starters like pa amb tomàquet, the dish fideuà (a local twist on paella), the potato dish bombas, the black rice dish arròs negre, or pasta rolls called canelones.
Food markets are a guaranteed classic. The most touristy is Mercat de la Boqueria, while much calmer and more local are Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mercat de la Sagrada Família, and Mercat de Sant Antoni. Add them to your itinerary!
La Plaça Gourmet Cafeteria is a food court with a beautiful city view on the top floor of El Corte Inglés Plaça de Catalunya shopping center.
El Nacional offers a gastronomic experience across several restaurants and bars. Prices and atmosphere are more premium, but you’ll enjoy it all the more.
Catalan restaurants include Can Culleretes, La Pubilla, or Semproniana.
Spanish ones include Casa Alfonso or 7 Portes.
For tapas, visit El Xampanyet, La Flauta, or El Velódromo.
To truly enjoy your vacation to the fullest and not leave with a bitter feeling, we have a list of the most important things to prepare for.
Before visiting a restaurant, read Google reviews and avoid restaurants near famous landmarks or those where someone invites you inside. Also be cautious if they have huge picture menus in multiple languages. These are often tourist traps.
If a restaurant offers a lunch menu Menu del Día, it’s often cheaper than the regular menu.
Watch out for pickpockets, which tourists often complain about. It’s helpful to keep important items zipped in a pouch or waist bag worn at the front of your chest, and in crowds turn your backpack to your front as well. It’s better to wear a handbag crossbody rather than on just one shoulder.
Do not participate in street games like the shell game; it’s a scam.
It’s better to visit Barcelona in spring or autumn when temperatures are ideal and you avoid the biggest August crowds.
On the first Sunday of the month, many museums are often free, so you can take advantage of that.
Buy tickets to all well-known attractions online in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Walking around the city without a shirt or in a bikini can result in a fine.
TIP: Did you know you can pay for your vacation with employee benefits from Edenred, Pluxee, or Up and save money? Simply choose any accommodation on Booking.com and copy the link into the Order Form. It takes only 2 minutes, and you can start looking forward to your trip.
Spain uses the euro. You don’t need a huge amount of cash, though. In most places, you can pay by card, which is always the best option.
On the payment terminal, always choose euros to avoid conversion and unnecessary extra charges.
If you need to withdraw cash, use only ATMs of reputable banks with contactless card reading. Always choose “Decline conversion.”
Want to shop at a supermarket or enjoy a restaurant meal? Then it’s useful to know typical prices. That way, you can easily spot a tourist trap.
Bottled water in a supermarket: €1–2
Ice cream: €2–5
Lunch in a restaurant: €12–16
Beer in a restaurant: €2–5
Sangria: €3–7
Espresso: €1–3
Magnet or keychain: €2–5
Sunscreen: €8–15
Beach sunbed: €8–12
Taxi: €8–40 depending on distance
Single public transport ticket: €2–3
Public transport in Barcelona is very high quality and much cheaper than taxis. It will take you all around the city – including from and to the airport.
You must always validate your ticket in machines inside the bus or, in the case of the metro, at the turnstiles before entry.
You can conveniently buy tickets at machines or tobaco stands. You can also get an online T-Mobilitat card so you don’t have to worry about paper tickets and validations.
Taxi apps used by locals are Cabify and Free Now – Spain alternatives to Uber.
Do you receive employee benefits from Edenred, Pluxee, or Up at work? And did you know you can conveniently pay for your vacation with them?
Simply choose any accommodation on Booking.com and copy the link into the Order Form. It’s completely simple – done in 2 minutes. Then all that’s left is to pack your bags and look forward to well-deserved relaxation!
And for more tips on where to go on vacation, follow our Instagram.
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