Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the northeastern coast of Spain. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, sandy beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. People from all over the world visit Barcelona to explore the works of famous architects like Antoni Gaudí, enjoy delicious Spanish cuisine of tapas and paella, experience the vibrant nightlife, and soak up the Mediterranean sun on nearby beaches. The city is also home to many world-class museums, galleries, and cultural events, making it a popular destination for art and history lovers. For this Barcelona travel guide, I interviewed a local native to find out what she knows and loves about this incredible city.
Meet Eugenia – Our Local Barcelona Travel Guide Expert
If you follow me on Instagram, you might already know our local expert Eugenia, we have many of the same followers. Eugenia grew up in Barcelona. She lived there until she was 22 until she moved to Madrid, so she is very familiar with the city. Now, she is an HRBP (Human Resources Business Partner), but she also recently started her online business in network marketing.
Discover with Eugenia
For her online network marketing business, Eugenia coaches explorers to unleash their potential and achieve time and location freedom. If this sounds interesting to you (yes please 🙋🏼♀️), you should check out her website: www.discoverwitheugenia.com. She also is a travel enthusiast and posts amazing itineraries from the places she visits on her Instagram account, @discoverwitheugenia.
I was super excited to interview her and get all the nitty gritty details about Barcelona. It is one of my favorite cities to visit and couldn’t wait to hear any advice she had for family visitors.
You may also like: Ultimate Travel Guides – From a Local for the Family
Top Attractions
For all of my local guidebooks, I research all of the most common attractions in a destination and ask our locals about them. Here are the top attractions listed in multiple blogs from various websites with Eugenia’s thoughts and recommendations.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Las Ramblas and Boqueria Market
Las Ramblas is a very busy tree-lined street in the heart of Barcelona, known for its lively atmosphere, street performers, shops, and restaurants.
Things you need to know:
- It can get very crowded.
- Beware of pickpockets!
- This isn’t a spot that locals visit, so be aware that there are some tourist traps.
La Sagrada Familia
This iconic, unfinished basilica designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi is a must see. Its construction began in 1882 and is supposed to be completed some time in the 2030s.
Highlights:
- Going inside is totally worth it, especially when it is sunny to see how the sun reflects the light through the windows.
- Best place to take nice photos is Plaça de Gaudi, where you can get nice views and photos.
- Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance online.
Casa Batlló
Another beautiful building by Gaudi, located on Passeig de Gràcia, is definitely worth a walk by. The interior is also beautiful and worth a tour. Since it is such a popular attraction, I would recommend purchasing the “Be the First” entrance ticket to avoid the crowds. Get your “Be the First” ticket here.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a truly unique and beautiful park. This iconic park requires tickets to enter and can be very busy, but it is worth it! Get your Park Güell tickets here. I would recommend going in the early morning or late evening. The park is open from 9:30am – 6:30pm.
Montjuic
Montjuic is a prominent hill in Barcelona that offers stunning views of the city and is home to several cultural and recreational attractions.
Highlights:
- Beautiful area with nice views.
- Visit Plaza España and walk all the way up to the Olympic Ring with the escalators.
- Watch the colorful magic fountain if it’s running. Check here for times.
Gothic Quarter & Raval
These two adjoining neighborhoods are beautiful to walk around in. Be sure to check out the Barcelona Cathedral when in the Gothic Quarter and wander the many narrow alleyways that make these areas charming.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana is a beautiful building from the outside and even more incredible from the inside. If you have time, buy tickets for a concert to truly enjoy the elegance of this venue.
Go to the City Beach
Eugenia does not recommend going to a city beach. They aren’t very nice. Only a short train from Barcelona, you can arrive at much better beaches including Garraf, Castelldefels or Stiges with Garraf being the best of those three.
Or another option is to take a day trip. Rent a car and explore the beaches up the coast near Begur. Some options being Aiguablava and Sa Tuna.
You may also like: Quito: The Best Family-Friendly Guide to Ecuador’s Amazing Capital
Family-Friendly Attractions
All of these are family-friendly activities recommended by Eugenia for this Barcelona travel guide.
Poble Espanyol
Near Montjuic, this little Spanish village represents different places in Spain. It is a fun activity for all the family. Buy your tickets to enter here.
Cosmo Caixa
Cosmo Caixa is a fun science museum in Barcelona that features interactive exhibits and activities, including a rainforest simulation (which is very cool) and a planetarium.
Tibidabo
Tibidabo is Spain’s oldest amusement park and has amazing views of the city since it is located on the top of the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola. It can be hard to reach the top of the mountain using public transportation, so it’s best to get a taxi.
If you aren’t interested in the amusement park, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located at the top of the mountain. This is a beautiful neogothic church where you can take an elevator to the top and see impressive views of Barcelona.
You may also like: The Best Family-Friendly Festivals For Kids in 2024
Additional Barcelona Travel Guide Recs
Passeig de Gràcia
This high-end shopping street is beautiful to walk down and do some shopping. It is also the road with Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Casa Mila is another great work by Gaudi that I would recommend you visit. In addition, the nearby Rambla de Catalunya has many delicious restaurants to try.
Parc de Ciutadella
This beautiful and expansive green space in the heart of Barcelona offers various attractions, including a zoo, a lake where you can rent a boat, and several museums. Great for the whole family!
Parc del Turó del Putxet
For 360 degree views of Barcelona, Parc del Turó del Putxet is the place to go. It is a serene park with multiple short trails to enjoy.
You may also like: Stavanger, Norway: Ultimate Guidebook with the Best Honest Tips
Barcelona Restaurant Recommendations
Below are some yummy options to fill your belly that have been recommended by Eugenia.
Delicious Local Cuisine – Great for Lunch or Dinner
Top Breakfast Joints
Good Cheap Food
