Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the northeastern coast of Spain. In this Barcelona travel guide, I interviewed a local before our trip and got insider tips for what to do in this fantastic city. Now you too can experience Barcelona like a local like we did during our vacation to 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.
Barcelona is also home to many world-class museums, galleries, and cultural events, making it a very 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.
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Meet Eugenia – Our Barcelona Local & Travel Guide Expert
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 ended up being one of my favorite cities to visit. Her advice made our trip to Barcelona even more memorable.
When To Visit Barcelona
Sadly Barcelona has been heavily influenced by overtourism. I can see why. It is an incredible destination with so many great locations to visit and is easy to get to. This puts a strain on the community, however.
I am not saying to avoid going to Barcelona, but consider going at a less busy time.
Peak Season (June – August)
If you can skip a trip to Barcelona during peak season, that would be for the best. It is hot and super crowded during this time of year. Walking through the Gothic Quarter or Park Güell will be more annoying than enjoyable. Plus the locals will be on edge.
If you can only go during the summer, plan your tickets and activities in advance. Be sure to make dinner reservations.
Shoulder Season (March – May & September – October)
For lower crowds and pleasant weather, the best time to visit Barcelona is during the shoulder season. While you still have to plan ahead for popular attractions like a visit to La Sagrada Familia, it will be more enjoyable and honestly the best weather during these months.
We visited in Late March and it was perfect. We had sunny, warm weather. It was busy at the most popular attractions, but not at others.
Off-Season (November – February)
If you really want to experience Barcelona like a local, you should come in the off-season. It will be a little cooler and you may see some rain, but it is still very pleasant.
Temperatures average between the mid 50s and low 60s during the day. Bring a light jacket and stroll the streets in peace.
You will also find lower prices for hotels and flights, making your trip more affordable!
Top 8 Attractions In Barcelona, Spain
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in Barcelona. Below are the 8 most popular attractions with Eugenia’s ratings and tips.
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.
If you want to visit Barcelona like a local, don’t go to Las Ramblas. Instead go shopping in Barcelona on Passeig De Gràcia.
You will still find amazing shops and if you plan your route out, you can pass by two stunning Gaudi masterpieces, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera or Casa Milà.
Things you need to know about Las Ramblas and Boqueria Market:
- They both can get very crowded.
- Beware of pickpockets! There are many there.
- This isn’t a spot that locals visit. There are some tourist traps in this area, so choose to eat somewhere else!
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 in 2026, which is also the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.
While this is a big tourist attraction in Barcelona, it is a must-visit for everyone.
Highlights of a visit to La Sagrada Familia:
- Going inside is totally worth it. Even better when it is sunny to see how the sun reflects the light through the windows.
- According to Eugenia, the 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 if you have time.
They have made a visit to Casa Batlló a bit touristy, but honestly it is so unique that you will still enjoy it.
Since it is such a popular attraction, I would recommend purchasing the “Be the First” entrance ticket to avoid the crowds and have the place almost to yourself. Get your “Be the First” ticket here.
Children 12 and under are free!
Park Güell
Park Güell is a truly unique and beautiful park, even though it can get very busy. This iconic park requires tickets to enter, but it is worth it!
Get your Park Güell tickets here.
I would recommend going in the early morning or early evening. The park is open from 9:30am – 6:30pm. There will always be other people there, but there is no place like it in the world.
Montjuic
Montjuic is a prominent hill in Barcelona that offers stunning views of the city and is home to several cultural and recreational attractions. Eugenia loves visiting Montjuic when she is in Barcelona.
Highlights:
- Beautiful area with nice views. Great place to experience Barcelona like a local.
- 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. The current schedule is Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 8pm to 9pm until March 31, 2026.
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.
It is best to avoid these areas midday during peak travel season. They can get so crowded due to the narrowness of the streets that it would be uncomfortable and not enjoyable to explore.
Best time to walk through these neighborhoods is during shoulder and off-season. We were there in late March and it wasn’t crowded at all and very enjoyable.
Palau De La Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana is a beautiful building from the outside and even more incredible from the inside.
You can visit the music venue on a guided or self-guided tour. Guided tours are 50 minutes and scheduled between the hours of 9am and 3:30pm. Tickets are €22 euros and kids 10 and under are free with an adult.
If you prefer to go at your own pace and aren’t one to ask questions, you can also tour the Palau de la Música Catalana with an audio-guided tour for the same price as a guided tour. Don’t forget your headphones!
For a few euros less, it is also possible to tour this breathtaking building on your own with just a brochure to guide your way. Grab your tickets to the Palau de la Música Catalana here.
For a unique and the most spectacular way to experience the Palau de la Música Catalana like a local, buy tickets for a concert.
Go To The City Beach
Eugenia does not recommend going to a city beach. They aren’t very nice.
If you want to experience Barcelona like a local, take a short train to get to a much better beach. These beaches are Garraf, Castelldefels or Stiges, with Garraf being Eugenia’s favorite of those three.
Another option is to take a day trip out of Barcelona. Rent a car and explore the beaches up the coast near Begur. Some options being Aiguablava and Sa Tuna.
Family-Friendly Attractions – Barcelona With Kids
All of these are family-friendly activities have been recommended by Eugenia for this Barcelona travel guide.
Poble Espanyol
Don’t have enough time to visit all the different areas in Spain? Check out Poble Espanyol to discover over a 100 full-sized buildings that represent different places in Spain. Located near Montjuic, see Andulsian alleys, Catalan plazas and Galician stone houses.
It is a fun activity for the whole family. The kids can join craft workshops and family-friendly programming like theater and concerts. With it being pedestrian only, kids can safely roam and explore while you marvel at the architectural details and cultural aspects.
Learn more about Poble Espanyol and buy your tickets to enter here.
Cosmo Caixa
Cosmo Caixa is a sensational and fun, hands-on science museum in Barcelona that our local guide highly recommends for kids.
You might be thinking, it’s just a science museum. Why go to one in Barcelona?
One of the coolest features, alongside its interactive exhibits and activities, is the rainforest simulation, Flooded Forest. You can walk through this little slice of the Amazon and even see native Amazonian species swim by in the huge aquarium wall. It is very cool.
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.
Take the new Tibidabo funicular to get to the top or a taxi.
If you aren’t interested in the amusement park, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is also 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, panoramic views of Barcelona.
It is a wonderful spot to take in the sunset!
Additional Barcelona Recommendations By A Local
Along with the most popular things to do in Barcelona, we wanted to share a few more attractions that are excellent ways to experience Barcelona like a local.
Passeig De Gràcia
This high-end shopping street is beautiful to walk down and do some shopping. It is also the avenue with Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Casa Milà is another great architectural masterpiece by Gaudi that I would recommend you visit.
This is the alternative street to La Rambla for shopping in Barcelona and a truly special area to enjoy Barcelona like a local.
For another shopping location, locals also enjoy the nearby Rambla de Catalunya in the Eixample district with its many delicious restaurants to try and high-end shops.
Parc De Ciutadella
If you need a little nature on your trip to Barcelona, head over to Parc de Ciutadella. This stunning centrally located park used to be home to an old citadel, hence the name. It was demolished to be the center stage for a world’s fair in 1888.
Nowadays, this beautiful and expansive green space offers various attractions for visitors, including a waterfall, Barcelona zoo, a lake where you can rent a rowboat, and several historic buildings.
Parc de Ciutadella is great for the whole family to relax and see a more natural side of Barcelona!
Parc Del Turó Del Putxet
For 360 degree views of Barcelona, Parc del Turó del Putxet is the place to go if you want to experience Barcelona like a local.
It is a serene park with multiple short trails to enjoy. The highlight is the viewpoint at the top where you can enjoy a sunset or clear views of the city without hundreds of other tourists.
Here you can get a peaceful break from the hustle of the city and take it all in from above.
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
- Tapas Cerveseria Catalana – We ate delicious tapas here for dinner on our first evening. We had no idea what we were doing when we ordered and got far too much food. Everything was really good and the waiter was very helpful!
- Ciutat Comtal – Another great option, but the same restaurant group as Tapas Cerveseria Catalana.
Pro Tip: Tapas come out fast. Order a couple, enjoy, order a few more, repeat.
Top Breakfast Joints
- El Fornet – With many locations scattered around Barcelona, you will most likely find yourself near one of these delicious coffee shops.
- Boldu – Boldu bakery has a few locations around Barcelona as well where you can enjoy their yummy donuts and bread.
- Caffè Mo’No – If you some how find yourself near Caffè Mo’No in the Eixample district, stop in for a coffee and pastry. This coffee shop was across the street from our hotel and soon became one of our favorite cafes we’ve ever been to.
Good Cheap Food
- Macchina Pasta Bar – Serving affordable pasta where you choose the sauce and toppings. Delicious and fresh everytime.
- Crep Nova – For some of the best crepes or pizzas in the city, go to Crep Nova. They have other food too, but the crepes and pizzas are the best.
Best Places To Stay In Barcelona For Families
- $ – Catalonia Diagonal Centro Hotel – An affordable hotel in a central location that works well for a family. It even has a small pool where the kids can cool off!
- $$ – Casa Consell Gran Via – This is where our family stayed and it was perfect for us! The beds are perfect for a family of four and there was even an additional dining area you could use with snacks.
- $$ – Violeta Boutique – Boutique hotel with spacious rooms in a great neighborhood. The customer service is top notch and the beds are comfy.
- $$$ – Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia – A beautiful hotel right on the Passeig de Gracia. It has a lovely rooftop bar, comfortable beds and great customer service.
- $$$$ – Monument Hotel – Another amazing hotel choice on the Passeig de Gracia for families. You will find an attentive and friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms with room to spread out, rooftop terrace, a pool and delicious restaurants.
My Thoughts On Visiting Barcelona Like A Local
Barcelona is one of the top destinations to visit in the world. You should visit this architecturally rich city at least once in your life, but do so at a time that makes sense for you and for the community.
Visiting in March was really a fantastic time, I’m so glad we went to see La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Passeig de Gracia and ate all the tasty tapas when we did.
Since we only had 3 short days there, we will be back to see even more of what Barcelona has to offer.
Next time, I’d like to explore the beaches of up the coast near Begur, experience a performance at the Palau de Música Catalana, see the fountain at Montjuic and admire the panoramic view at Tibidabo. Oh there’s so much to do!
We hope you enjoy your vacation and get to experience Barcelona like a local.
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