Barcelona With Kids: 8 Things To Do

We have discovered Barcelona with kids is always a good option.  There is so much to do and see for the entire family.  The people of Barcelona have a love for family and they just fell in love with Hurricane Jo. As you can see, we explored Barcelona with a toddler. It was a warm and welcoming feeling throughout our stay. Traveling with kids can be a daunting task, but once you arrive you remember why you did it. Below I will give you the lowdown on everything we did on our family trip to Barcelona.  

Language- Catalan & Spanish

Currency- Euro

Barcelona Weather

The best time to go to Barcelona for pleasant weather is May.  The weather is perfect for exploring and you will mingle with the beautiful people before they depart for their own vacations later in the summer.

July and August are probably the worst times to go due to higher temperatures, crowds and higher prices.

Where To Stay In Barcelona With Kids

One thing we almost always do and thoroughly enjoy doing so as long as we have the time is staying in at least two different hotels in a city.  You explore the different neighborhoods and get a feel of the city’s culture.

First up

U232 Hotel

U232 is a very nice boutique hotel that is centrally located with lots of restaurants and shopping boutiques around.  The metro station is within walking distance.  This may not be the very best option if you are traveling with kids, but it is a good option.  You won’t find amenities such as a kid’s play area within this hotel.

A biggie for us is adding on breakfast to our stay.  I would skip it here! This also includes ordering any room service.  There are plenty of other options and a grocery store around the corner from the hotel.

Next

Fairmont Barcelona Rey Juan Carlos I

This hotel is a great option for families big or small in Barcelona with kids!  It is a beautiful luxury hotel with plenty of options for kids to include pools and a playroom for the little ones.  

If you want to be in the city’s heart, the location might disappoint you.  Although it is a very easy fix with a taxi, the concierge will be happy to arrange for you or get to your destination using the metro station for a fraction of the cost.

There is a great variety of food options within the hotel.  The staff were more than happy to accommodate our dietary request for Joakim.

Things To Do In Barcelona With Kids

• Parc Guell

Is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parc Guell was a great way to start our trip off in Barcelona, exploring such a beautiful park.  It was an excellent introduction to Gaudi’s work because it breaks you in nicely for the drama to come. The park overlooks the city which provides some magnificent views of Barcelona.

Now, everywhere you turn, it felt like we were climbing a hill.  Because of this I would bring good shoes and leave the stroller behind.  Less is better for this one.  Your carrier should suffice.  You will spend a lot of time here.  There is plenty of open space for kids and lots for them to take in and use their imagination which is another reason why Parc Guell is a good option.

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• The Sagrada Familia

This one is a jaw dropper and another piece of Gaudi’s work!  You can not visit Barcelona without visiting the Sagrada Familia. It is an iconic site and the most amazing church I have ever entered.

I would highly recommend you purchase “skip the line” tickets, but even with those you will have to wait to get in.  I think we waited about 30 minutes, compared to two hours without the “skip the line” tickets.  It is Gaudi’s most famous piece, so there is just no way of getting around the wait.  

If you are visiting Barcelona with a baby or a toddler, there is an elevator available for strollers.

• Casa Balto

Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces!  You can go by Casa Balto anytime and see sizable crowds outside.  Also, it would be a solid choice to purchase tickets in advance.

• La Boqueria

I absolutely love a good food market and for me this one did not disappoint.  You will hear some say locals no longer shop here because it has been overrun by tourists.  But they do, they are mixed in with you.  If you go, there are lots of options.  Sit and have a meal or buy some snacks to carry as you explore.

• Do a food tour

I talked about the food tour we did in Lisbon as my top 3. This one falls on that list too.  

• Magic Fountain

This one is also great for kids.  It is a free colorful water show.  The best time to go is for an evening show, get there early.

• Chocolat Factory

Who doesn’t love chocolate?

• Playa de La Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a nice beach if you have a free day during your stay.  It is centrally located, with lots of activities and restaurants in the area. If you are in Barcelona with kids playa de la barceloneta should not be missed.

Restaurants in Barcelona

• La Boqueria

There are some great restaurants within the market, so if you have the time have breakfast or lunch here.

• El Quim

El Quim is inside La Boqueria.  Great seafood with lots of options.  It is usually very busy here, so expect to wait.

• Restaurante Salamanca

Barcelona is best known for soccer, Guadi’s work, and I will throw paella in there too.  Joakim and I were licking our fingers.  The best!  You can even get it with squid ink.

• Xurreria Dels Banys Nous

Churros and chocolate!  There is no way on planet earth you can go to Barcelona and not get churros.  We literally went in, made our purchase, ate them out front and went back in to get more.  Incredible!

• El Xampanyet

Tapas bar anyone?  Yes, children can go into a tapas bar.  Do not get it confused with an American bar.  We were told by one of our guides if a tapas bar is loud you were in the right place.  This is a loud tapas bar, and it has been around for years.  A classic!  The sardines and calamari are a must.  Get there early.

Neighborhoods in Barcelona to explore

Eixample

Barceloneta

Barrio Gotico

El Born

Some great neighborhoods to explore. Restaurants, shops and bakeries.

Tip: I would highly suggest you spend a day in this beautiful city getting lost because there is so much to take in.  No need for a taxi or getting on a hop on hop off bus, just walk.  Get to know the people.  We quickly learned they are big on family here!

You may also enjoy Rome With Kids and Travel Essentials For Families.

Have you been to Barcelona?