Spain – A city break Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those cities where you immediately get into the rhythm. The sun on your face, a gentle breeze from the sea and liveliness all around you. Whether you come for culture, good food, shopping or just to enjoy the atmosphere together. In Barcelona it is all possible. We take you along the highlights and the places where you can experience the real city feeling.

The icons of Barcelona

No visit to Barcelona is complete without the extraordinary architecture of Antoni Gaudí. The city is steeped in his work, and everywhere you look you see his organic forms, colorful mosaics and playful detailing. He is an architect who wrote his own laws, and Barcelona has become more beautiful because of it.

Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí’s famous basilica is perhaps the symbol of the city. This impressive, still unfinished basilica began in 1882 and is still under construction today. As soon as you stand in front of it, you understand why it is so special. From the outside it is an explosion of detail; inside you are enveloped by a forest of slender pillars and stained glass windows that refract light into a thousand colors. Tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long waits.

Casa Milà

Casa Milà, also called “La Pedrera,” is another highlight. The undulating stone building looks like it was modeled by the wind. On the roof, you walk among the bizarre chimneys that feel like sculptures from another world.

Strolling through the heart of the city

La Rambla & Plaça de Catalunya

La Rambla is the beating heart of Barcelona. This wide, leafy boulevard runs from the center straight to the port, and there is always something to see: street performers, flower stalls, terraces and an endless stream of people from all corners of the world. Keep a close eye on handbags though, as pickpockets are unfortunately also at home there. At the beginning is Plaça de Catalunya, the point where all roads converge. Fountains, pigeons, people having lunch on the grass and then all the cars driving around it on the traffic circle. A very special sight.

The alleys and squares of the center

Right behind La Rambla begins the Gothic Quarter. Narrow alleys, centuries-old buildings, small squares with cozy terraces. A kind of maze where you will be happy to get lost. Perfect to sit down with a drink and just enjoy everything around you.

The shopping streets of Barcelona

Barcelona has wonderful shopping streets, from international chains to small local boutiques. We strolled a bit through the Passeig de Gràcia and the surrounding area, feasting our eyes on the shop windows and, of course, not returning empty-handed. I couldn’t resist visiting Victoria’s Secret. My son had to and would visit a little store called “Hand of God. This turned out to be a store with all retro soccer shirts, where he very sweetly bought a shirt for his big brother.

Harbor, Ferris wheel and the aquarium

Barcelona’s port is lively and surprisingly diverse. Large cruise ships, fishing boats and tourists fill the quay, as well as a large indoor shopping mall. You will also find the Aquarium Barcelona, where you literally walk among the fish. Fun for young and old alike. The Ferris wheel provides a great view of the sea and city. From the gondola you can see Barcelona spread out to the horizon: the sea on one side, the city with the towers of the Sagrada Família on the other.

The beach of Barcelona

And then the beach. Barceloneta, the city beach right by the port. This quickly became our regular base for afternoons. Sand, sea, an ice cream in hand Ideal and a quick look at some cute stores, then finish your day with your feet in the sand.

Bikes and hop-on hop-off bus

Barcelona is surprisingly easy to explore by bicycle. Barcelona is surprisingly bike-friendly and you also see much more of the city this way than on foot. Everywhere in the city you can find loaner bikes that you can easily pay for with an app.

For us, the hop on hop off bus was the ideal way to explore the city without having to think about routes and subways all the time. You get on, enjoy the commentary through the headphones and get off wherever you want. This also got us into neighborhoods we might have missed otherwise. Highly recommended for families!

Camp Nou for soccer fans

For the soccer fans among us, a visit to Camp Nou was an absolute must. FC Barcelona’s stadium is impressively large. The stadium tour takes you past the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel and the field. The moment you walk out through the tunnel and see the grass under the huge stand … is impressive even for non-football fans. And of course you end up in the Megastore to buy a soccer jersey or something else.

Practical tips for a trip to Barcelona

• When to go – Summer is great, but very busy and hot. Consider May or September for more pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Book in advance – Tickets to the SagradaFamília are cheaper online and you avoid long lines. Be sure to book a week or more in advance, especially in the summer.
• Loaner bikes are a must – Barcelona has an excellent share bike network. Ideal for an afternoon along the beach or through Park Güell. Do check the minimum age for children.
• Beware in crowded areas – La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter are known for pickpockets. Carry bags out front and leave valuables at the hotel.
• Use the hop on hop off bus – Especially with a family, the bus tour is a smart choice. You see a lot in a short time and the kids often enjoy sitting at the top of the open bus.
• Consider what time you want to eat – Restaurants in Barcelona aren’t really full until after 9 p.m.. With kids you don’t have to follow that, but the local tapas bar early in the evening is often quieter AND cheaper.

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa