Much has been said about Barcelona’s nightlife—a defining element that makes this one of the hottest European cities for tourists.
But did you know that it’s also a great spot to take your family and your kids for a vacation?
Barcelona is steeped in history, making it a great educational experience for your children if planned correctly.
And, with many fun-filled activities available for your whole family, you can be sure that everyone will enjoy the trip.
If you’re looking for a great spot to take your family on their next vacation, look no further. Barcelona has everything you need to have a great trip with your kids.
Our guide below will tell you the best things to do in Barcelona with kids so that you and your family can have a vacation experience like no other.
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
This UNESCO Heritage Site is the home of an unfinished church that has become Barcelona’s top tourist attraction. This beautiful church is one of the largest in Europe and is scheduled to be the largest in the world by the time of its yet-to-be-determined completion. Construction, which began in 1882, is still ongoing, making this a great opportunity for you and your family to see history in the making. Be part of this record-breaking construction process by taking a visit to the Sagrada Familia.
2. Las Ramblas
A trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without a stop by Las Ramblas. This bustling city district is one of the hottest shopping areas in all of Spain. With merchants and vendors lining both sides of the street, you can browse through thousands of items in a truly authentic experience. Get to know the locals and other tourists well as you shop from and with them throughout this must-see district. If you get hungry, don’t worry. Las Ramblas is home to several restaurants that can help you and your family get the fuel you need to continue your shopping experience. This is just one of the many fun things to do in Barcelona, Spain.
3. Visit the Barri Gotic
This is another educational opportunity. The Barri Gotic district was home to Barcelona’s Jewish community throughout history. Now you can travel through this Gothic portion of the city to get a first-hand look at how the Jewish community lived in Barcelona across time. If you’re looking to visit Barcelona with kids, this should be at the top of your list, as it provides an intriguing and educational experience. Learn the history of the city with real, first-hand experience and make your trip to Barcelona worthwhile.
4. Guell Park
Guell Park is a family-friendly park that is great for those looking forthe topthings to do in Barcelona, Spain. Guell Park is the perfect place to take your kids for an interesting and a one-of-a-kind experience. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, this almost Alice-in-Wonderland-esque park provides an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Its unique construction lends itself to being one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in the city. Your kids will love the parks’ unique design and bright colors, as they navigate through it for a fun-filled day. The best part of all is that you can spend up to three hours in this park without even realizing it, making it a fun way to spend extra time if you have it.
5. Casa Batllo
Another project of the ambitious architect Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batllo also ranks at the top of the list of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids. These wonderfully-designed apartments have attracted the awe of tourists everywhere and have even been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of Gaudi’s most-praised work, the Casa Batllo apartments feature a unique and colorful design that will amaze you and your kids. See some of the best that Barcelona has to offer in the way of historical architecture with a trip to this internationally-renowned and recognized apartment complex.
6. Take a Tour
If you’re not sure where to start in Barcelona, consider taking a guided tour with your family. In this way, you can learn from experts the importance of several historical sites in Barcelona and be sure that you’re not missing anything on the list. Some tours will even allow you to skip in line at the Sagrada Familia—and this is a big deal because lines here can sometimes be over two hours long. If you’re looking to streamline the process and make it as educational as possible, a guided tour is the way to go. Not only will your kids have fun doing some of the best things in Barcelona, they’ll also get an education out of it—and what more could you ask for?
The Bottom Line
Barcelona’s rich history and thriving cultural scene make it one of the best places for your next vacation. If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona with kids, check out our guide above for some of the most family-friendly places to get the most out of your experience.
I think I love Gaudi too much to venture too far away from Barcelona on our trip. I was only thinking of the two places attributed to him (Familia Sagrada (right?) and Park Guell) but those other places look awesome. And Barri Gotic seems like our kind of place.