Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia and Spain's second-largest city. A city that blends ancient history with modern architecture, offers a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings. A city where you can hike a mountain, visit a monastery, sit on a beach, or relax in a street-side café all in the same day.
Barcelona attracts visitors from all around the world and is one of the most popular European tourist destinations. Located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the city offers something for everyone, from its rich history and architectural wonders to its exquisite cuisine, lively festivals, and breathtaking beaches, and of course, how can we introduce Barcelona without mentioning its world-famous football club, FC Barcelona, whose home is the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium, one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions.
Barcelona's history dates back over 2,000 years when it was actually founded as a Roman city called Barcino! Throughout the centuries Barcelona has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Visigoths, Moors, and the Kingdom of Aragon. The Gothic Quarter, with its narrow medieval streets, is a testament to the city's rich past.
Barcelona's most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí, left an unforgettable mark on the city during his lifetime with his unique architectural creations including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila La Pedrera, all being some of Barcelona most popular tourist attractions and all designed by one man, Antoni Gaudi!
The Eixample district is known for its grid-like layout and wide boulevards. This is the area that’s home to some the most popular tourist attractions including the architectural marvels like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - La Pedrera which can both be found on Passeig de Gràcia. Passeig de Gracia is the fashionable place to be seen and is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona and lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and other stunning buildings.
The Gothic Quarter, or ‘Barri Gòtic’ as it’s called in Catalan, is the historic centre and heart of Barcelona's old town. The Gothic Quarter starts at La Rambla and ends at Via Laietana and back to the Ronda de Sant Pere from the seafront, so its also sits in the Ciutat Vella district. Here you will find the streets are almost set out in a labyrinth style where most end up in beautiful squares. You will also find medieval buildings (you can even see the remains of the city’s Roman wall!), along with landmarks including the Barcelona Cathedral. The area is full of bustling cafes, quaint little boutique shops, and a lively atmosphere. Its also home to the Museu Picasso (a very popular museum in Barcelona). A great place to visit.
El Raval is home to modern hip shops, loads of amazing restaurants offering incredible food and lots of great little bars. It’s a modern multicultural neighbourhood located near Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter and has transformed in recent years. The area is home to the popular Museu d’Art Contemorani de Barcelona (MACBA), which is a must for any art fans. Historically El Ravel was referred to as a rough area, but its been cleaned up over the years and now offers a very modern charm with its restaurants and bars, becoming a trendy district with its vibrant nightlife.
Gràcia, home to Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell and Casa Vicens. Gracia has a bohemian and artistic vibe to it and the area is full of narrow streets, small squares and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Gracia is home to the famous ‘Festa Major de Gràcia’ which is a week-long festival during which the streets are adorned with colourful decorations and an incredible time to visit if you are lucky enough to be there during this festival. Gracia used to be an independent town but as Barcelona spread over the years, it now forms part of the city. In fact, that was why Antoni Gaudi established Park Guell there – as the then owner of the land (Eusebi Guell) wanted Park Guell to be an escape from Barcelona city for his wealthy friends and socialites! Gracia is home to some incredible restaurants such as Gut, Disbarat and Somodo.
Montjuïc. You can’t miss it! It’s the hill that overlooks the city and offers a huge amount to do up there! Home to Montjuïc Castle, the Olympic Stadium, Poble Espanyol, Joan Miro Foundation, National Museum of Catalan Art, and the magical Magic Fountain of Montjuïc (sadly not in use at the moment due to water shortages in the area). Montjuic offers incredible views of the city and a fun way of getting there is using the Montjuic Cable Car!
Barceloneta is home to Barceloneta beach, Barcelona's very popular man-made beach! The area is also home to lots of seafood restaurants, and lively atmosphere. Barceloneta is the place to be seen on the beach and in the beach-side restaurants when spending the day at the beach!
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate which means it enjoys mild winters and hot summers.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Barcelona is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F). Spring is a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions and enjoy the blooming flowers before the summer heat kicks in.
Summer (June to August): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F and 86°F). The beaches and streets get very busy during the summer months as its peak tourist season, and the city comes alive with festivals and events.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Barcelona offers milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Again, as the heat of the summer starts to cool a but, it's an ideal time to explore Barcelona as you don’t have to worry about the heat of the day and with smaller crowds as families have generally gone home with school starting again, so Autumn is perfect weather for sightseeing.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Barcelona are generally mild, with temperatures averaging between 8°C and 15°C (46°F and 59°F). Although it may rain occasionally, you can generally still see blue skies even if you may need a jumper. Considerably fewer tourists but still plenty of people that live in the city to keep the streets full to allow you to enjoy the Barcelona atmosphere.
A: Barcelona is generally safe for tourists, yes, however, like any major city you must still be careful and take the normal safety precautions, those you would do at home, for example, don’t walk around with your phone hanging out of your back pocket.
A: This is entirely up to the individual visitors as Barcelona offers something at all times of the year and depending on the temperatures you prefer. Peak tourist season is July and August and this is also peak summer season as well when the climate will generally be hot and sunny. Those travelling with kids may be more restricted to travel times due to school holidays. However those that aren’t restricted by certain travel times can enjoy Barcelona all year around. We particularly like Barcelona in the Spring and Autumn as its out of the peak heat and peak tourist times, but generally still blue skies, so the city can still be enjoyed!
A: Barcelona has an efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, and renting bicycles or using ride-sharing services are popular options. We sell a very useful public transport pass. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASS.
A: You certainly can, yes! Gaudi’s properties are some of the biggest tourist attractions in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia pulls around 25,000,000 visitors each year just to see it from the outside, with around 6,000,000 of those buying tickets to see and experience the inside of it as well! Casa Batllo, Casa Mila – La Pedrera and Casa Vicens are all also open to the public with the appropriate ticket, along with one of Barcelona’s most famous Park’s Park Guell, which was also designed by Gaudi! We offer tickets all open to the public Gaudi properties, either a combination pass or separate tickets, whichever you prefer! Click the following list for quick access:
Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Ticket from €33.80 (this option does not include access to the Sagrada Familia Towers though – if you would like access to a Sagrada Familia Tower as well, click the next link down instead)
Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Ticket Including Sagrada Familia Tower Access from €46.80
Casa Batllo – Standard Blue Ticket from €35.00
Casa Batllo – VIP Gold Entry Ticket from €45.00
A: Although the locals will very much appreciate you trying to make an effort in speaking their local languages of Spanish of Catalan, English is widely understood in tourist areas, so you can get by without knowing Catalan or Spanish, don’t worry. If it helps though, as we always say, the two most important words in the world, “Please” and “Thank You” and they translate to “Por Favor” being please in Spanish and “Gracias” being thank you in Spanish. In Catalan its “Si Us Plau” for please (pronounced Siis-Plow) and “Merci” (same as thank you in French).
A: Some of the iconic Catalan dishes to savour and enjoy in Barcelona include paella, tapas, Catalan cream, seafood, and the traditional bread with tomato and olive oil known as "pa amb tomàquet." Basic, but always delicious!
A: Barcelona offers various festivals throughout the year, but during the summer months many. They include: La Mercè, Sant Jordi, Sonar Music Festival, and the colourful Carnival celebration just down the road in Sitges which is in the Spring-time and a very fun festival to try and visit!
Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia. A monumental basilica known for its extraordinary architecture and intricate details.
Park Güell: Gaudí's whimsical park, offering stunning views, vibrant mosaics, and imaginative structures.
Casa Batlló: Gaudi's magical Casa Batllo - one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.
Casa Milà - La Pedrera Another incredibly popular Gaudí-design that showcases his distinct architectural style.
Gothic Quarter: Wander through its narrow streets, visit the Barcelona Cathedral, and discover Roman ruins in this historic district.
La Rambla: A bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, leading to the lively Boquería Market.
Spotify Camp Nou: The iconic home stadium of FC Barcelona, offering guided tours for football enthusiasts.
Montjuïc: Explore its gardens, visit the Montjuïc Castle, enjoy the Magic Fountain light and music show, and discover numerous museums.
Barceloneta Beach: Relax on the sandy shores, indulge in delicious seafood, and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.