
Barcelona
What you need to know before you go
Barcelona is the cosmopolitan Catalan capital that makes an enchanting first impression, thanks in part to outlandish landmarks by legendary Modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. The flamboyant, fairy tale-like Sagrada Familia church is the city's most astonishing sight, but the multi-hued mosaics and surreal structures of Park Guell give it a run for its money.
Sizzling summers provide ideal conditions for lazy days on buzzing Barceloneta beach, and al fresco feasts of tasty tapas dishes like succulent grilled razor clams and rich Iberico ham. And Barcelona continues to heat up after the sun goes down, with bohemian bars and pulsing nightclubs to explore. Thanks to its combination of rich historical landmarks and sandy coastline, Barcelona offers plenty to see and do in every season.
What to see & do in Barcelona
Featured stories & fun stuffBarcelona has an amazing range of things to do and see, from medieval lanes winding through the Gothic Quarter, to a rich Catalan culture and top-of-the-league football. Once a thriving maritime city, you can still explore the old city, including its 13th-century cathedral, museums housing Roman-era ruins, and neighbourhoods made up of 19th-century modernistic architecture. The city’s revamped waterfront is linked by palm-lined... Read more
10 Best Beaches in Barcelona
Barcelona beaches are among the best in Spain whether you're looking for thrilling water sports or just a space where you can relax by the gentle waves. A wide variety of beaches are available in town, from beaches known for...10 Best Road Trips Near Barcelona
The best road trips near Barcelona will take you on an adventure to must-visit destinations throughout Catalonia. The surrounding...15 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
From art to food, football to fun nights out, Barcelona makes an excellent city break. Part of what makes it...11 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Barcelona
The most popular neighbourhoods in Barcelona range from some of the oldest areas in the city to coastal districts with...10 Most Popular Streets in Barcelona
Take a stroll along the most popular streets in Barcelona and you’ll see why the Catalonian capital often attracts over...Most Instagrammable Places in Barcelona
Barcelona is such a popular destination that it’s tricky to select the most Instagrammable places. We listed 14 spots that...10 Best Free Things to Do in Barcelona
A trip to Barcelona can quickly make a sizable dent to your wallet thanks to impressive museums and medieval landmarks...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Barcelona
Things to do for couples in Barcelona are plentiful, as this Spanish city is downright romantic. No matter what your...10 Relaxing Things to Do in Barcelona
Sunny days on Barcelona’s city beaches, harbour cruises, Arabian spas and picnics in Ciutadella Park – you’re spoilt for choice with...
Where & what to eat in Barcelona
10 Best Local Restaurants in Barcelona
Looking for where to find Barcelona's best local food scenes? Let us show you through this handy guide. Cooking is a very important part of Catalan culture. It should therefore come as no surprise that its capital, Barcelona, offers an...11 Best Local Dishes from Barcelona
The delicious range of local dishes from Barcelona is as varied and alluring as the many fabulous sights the Catalan...10 Great Restaurants in Barcelona
Some of the great restaurants in Barcelona exemplify the rich food scene of the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. With restaurants...
Where to shop & what to buy in Barcelona
10 Best Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona is packed full of things to see and do, but the local markets are among the most impressive attractions that everyone can enjoy. You'll find shops all over town, and the markets here are where you'll want to go...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Barcelona
The best places to go shopping in Barcelona include the city's trendiest avenues, streets, and neighbourhoods. Some are world-renowned...5 Best Outlet Shops in Barcelona
Outlet shops in Barcelona offer the chance to find stunning bargains on everything from luxurious high fashions and accessories to...
Where to go & what to do at night in Barcelona
Nightlife in Barcelona offers everything from classic dance clubs with DJs spinning indie electronica hits to night-time tours, laid-back bars and even parties on boats. In this city, you can find just about every after-dinner late-night activity you can imagine. In Old Town, you can explore Las Ramblas and discover upscale restaurants, tapas bars, speakeasy-style cocktail bars and even Irish pubs. Hit up the Gothic... Read more
10 Best Nightclubs in Barcelona
Barcelona nightclubs are among the city's greatest features when it comes to things to do. You'll find a variety of experiences available after sunset in town that keep going well into the early hours of the morning. The local nightlife...10 Best Beach Clubs and Bars in Barcelona
The best beach clubs and bars in Barcelona help this city to stand out as one of the most popular...10 Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona
Barcelona rooftop bars offer stunning views even after the sun goes down in one of the most beautiful cities in...
Useful information
A city full of World Heritage Sites, traditional tapas bars, and delectable Spanish cuisine, Barcelona attracts just about any type of traveller. Located on the Mediterranean coastline, the pristine beaches are packed with beachgoers come summertime, while the old city’s medieval lanes and art galleries are best explored during autumn. As the capital of Catalonia, locals are fiercely proud of their unique identity, which can be seen in the local... Read more
5 Things Not to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited cities, but some locals are getting a bit peeved about the hordes of tourists. Use this list of tips and advice to help you enjoy your time in Barcelona and blend in with...13 Best Festivals in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city with vibrant and lively festivals that celebrate its culture all year long. Here, you can visit...9 Fun Facts About Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is located on the Mediterranean coast. The city’s name has become...
More information about Barcelona
A Barcelona city break can mean relaxing on sandy beaches, strolling through medieval streets and bar-hopping from dusk ‘til dawn. Book a Barcelona hotel to see the best of the city by day and by night.
Get your bearings
Barcelona flows inland from the promenades and marinas of Port Vell and Port Olímpic on the coast. The lively tree-lined avenue of Las Ramblas runs for 1 km southeast through the old city centre, the Ciutat Vella. The Gothic Quarter, known as the Barri Gòtic, and the nightlife hubs of La Ribera and El Born meander east of Las Ramblas. The suburb of Eixample, with its sought-after Art Nouveau Modernista architecture, leads north to the spiky towers of Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família church. Overlooking Barcelona to the south, Montjuïc mountain is topped by a crop of museums and sporting facilities from the Summer Olympics, held here in 1992.
Centuries of history and culture
Barcelona has almost two millennia of history and culture to explore. Follow medieval lanes winding through the Gothic Quarter to the old city’s focal point, the 13th-century cathedral, and see Roman-era ruins at the City History Museum. Barcelona once thrived as a maritime power and the revamped waterfront is now linked by palm-lined promenades running northeast from Port Vell to the seaside restaurants of Barceloneta. Discover Barcelona’s role as a powerhouse of Catalan culture on a stroll through Eixample to admire 19th-century Modernista architecture, and see early masters at the Picasso Museum in La Ribera.
Tapas bars and more
Barcelona specialises in atmospheric wine bars in the medieval backstreets of the old city and alfresco paella restaurants by the beach in Barceloneta. Get the taste for tapas in the Gothic Quarter, and savour traditional Catalan dishes or the more experimental pairings of new Spanish cuisine in La Ribera. For multicultural fare from the subcontinent and Africa, head to El Raval on the western side of Las Ramblas. While you’re here pick up fresh produce in the bustling, colourful Boqueria Market.
Family fun
Families make a bee-line for the sandy beaches on Barcelona city breaks, stretching northeast from Barceloneta to Port Olímpic and beyond. Away from the coast, Eixample has an urban play beach in summer, complete with sand and lifeguards. See sharks swim overhead at the Aquarium at Port Vell, and get a taste of history at the city’s Chocolate Museum. Hire rollerblades to glide along the seaside promenade and landscaped walkways of Ciutadella Park, or book tickets to see FC Barcelona play at Camp Nou Stadium, west of the city.
Made for relaxing
Sit back and soak up Barcelona’s holiday atmosphere, whether from your towel at the beach or from a café table in a Gothic Quarter courtyard. For panoramic views of Barcelona, visit Gaudí’s eccentric Park Güell gardens in Gràcia, north of Eixample, or ride the cable car from the port to Montjuïc. Take a break from the action on a sightseeing cruise of the harbour, or wind down in an Arab-style hammam or with a luxurious massage at a Barcelona hotel.
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