The Top 5 Things to See (and eat) in Barcelona with Kids
Barcelona, with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, is a fantastic destination for families. Whether you’re marveling at the iconic Sagrada Família with a picnic lunch or exploring the whimsical Park Güell while indulging in a flight of gelato, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. Let’s dive into the top five places to see (and the best food pairings) for you and your kids!
1. Sagrada Familia – paired with a picnic lunch
Our adventure for our first full day in Barcelona began at the Sagrada Família, the whimsical masterpiece built by Antoni Gaudi. To get around the city, we decided to use a day pass for the metro, which cost 11 euros. From the Barceloneta station, it took about 20 minutes with 1 transfer. As we stepped off the metro, we looked up high into the sky to see all of the steeples. To save time, we recommend booking your tickets ahead of time on the official website: Tickets - Sagrada Família - Sagrada Familia
Once inside, the church glowed with a myriad of colors as the sun hit the stained-glass windows. The stone interior appeared incredibly smooth, and it was awe-inspiring to see how high it reached. We opted for tickets to tour the Passion Tower and found that 9:30 AM was an excellent time to visit, as the lines were minimal, and we waited only 5 minutes to take the elevator up. Children younger than 6 years old are not allowed in the Tower, the elevator up would be fine but the 426 steps to come down would be hard for their little legs.
After the tour, resist the urge to rush to the next landmark. Instead, check out the playground across the street at Jardins Placa de Gaudi, which offers the best views of the church. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch while taking in the magnificent architecture, and let the kids play in the sand - you may never find another sandbox with a view like this!
Sandbox with the best views
2. Park Guell – paired with Gelato
Our next stop was Park Güell. Eager to maximize our metro pass, we took the metro as close as possible. Little did we realize that a substantial hill awaited us between the metro stop and the park entrance. Note to fellow travelers: use your metro ticket (which also works for the bus) to whisk you right up to the entrance. Trust me; you’ll want to conserve your energy for exploring this sprawling park. Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time and load the map via the QR code when you arrive at the park Official website Park Güell | Barcelona | Web oficial Park Güell | Barcelona (parkguell.barcelona). The park is over 17 hectares (45 acres) and there is so much to explore. We started at the side entrance and were drawn in with a musician playing the accordion near The Three Viaducts.
As we wandered through Park Güell, especially near the entrance (and more touristy area) it became clear that Antoni Gaudí was the original hipster. The vibrant mosaics, the lizard sculpture, and those sinuous benches – it’s as if he invented Instagram aesthetics before Instagram even existed. After burning all your energy exploring the park, find the most charming gelateriato and indulge in gelato.
3. Gothic Quarter - paired with Tapas
After busy days of site seeing, we always like to end the evening with a low-keyed, local vibe. The small cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and hidden squares in the Gothic Quarter are the perfect place to end a busy day. There are tapas restaurants around every corner offering a variety of small, flavorful dishes – from crispy patatas bravas to succulent grilled octopus. If the weather allows, dine al fresco under the soft glow of street lamps. For our family, we chose to eat at Tapas San Miguel | Tapas y platos en el centro de Barcelona because the girls wanted to go back to THE “trampoline” park!
Gothic Quarter has something to explore around every corner
The OG Trampoline Park
4. La Rambla – paired with Sangria
A visit to Barcelona isn’t complete without walking up and down La Rambla, the bustling promenade. During the day, you will find vendors and street performers, including our daughter’s favorite – The Antoni Gaudi statue. At night, La Rambla takes on a whole different feel and you will have your choice of restaurants to sip on Sangria
Our daughter’s favorite street performer - the man who built “The Big Church”
5. La Boqueria – paired with a little of everything, and a lot of prosciutto and cheese
La Boqueria is the most vibrant and bustling food markets in the heart of Barcelona.
As you step inside, your senses are immediately awakened by the colorful displays of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and mouthwatering delicacies.
One of our highlights at La Boqueria is the prosciutto and cheese. Artisanal vendors offer an array of cured meats, including thinly sliced prosciutto, chorizo, and salami. Pair these savory delights with a selection of Spanish cheeses – from creamy Manchego to tangy Cabrales – for a delightful taste experience. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or assembling a picnic, La Boqueria’s offerings are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Remember to explore the market’s other stalls as well. From fresh seafood and exotic fruits to sweet pastries and aromatic coffee, La Boqueria is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Soak in the lively atmosphere, chat with the friendly vendors, and indulge in the flavors of Catalonia
Barcelona is a city brimming with possibilities, and these top five experiences are just the beginning. In the next post, I’ll reveal the secrets to capturing the most breathtaking views of the entire city from Mount Tibidabo, all while savoring a drink at Gran Hotel La Florida – one of Barcelona’s hidden gems
