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Barcelona travel guide

Barcelona is a city rich in culture, with great nightlife, abundant sunshine and an incredible food scene. It can be busy in summer, but its architectural treasures by Gaudi are truly awe-inspiring. Don’t miss Park Guell or La Sagrada Familia – construction began in 1882 and the basilica is due for completion in 2026 (love to be in town for THAT party). Just wandering the streets of Barcelona is a delight, with tree-lined La Ramba a perfect place to start. Savour the tasty morsels you’ll find at the city’s many tapas bars and restaurants, or hit the beach and soak up the easygoing Barcelona vibe. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Barcelona travel guide. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have top suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Barcelona, getting around and more.

Where to stay

Picking where to stay in Barcelona depends on your holiday style. While sightseeing is top of everyone’s list – you don’t want to miss architectural masterpieces like Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, or visiting the iconic Picasso Museum – consider how you’d like to unwind afterwards. ...

Things to do

Finding things to do in Barcelona isn’t the problem. It’s finding enough time that’s tricky. Visiting modernist Gaudi architecture is a must, but there’s more to this city. Stroll the famous La Rambla and Gothic Quarter, or go off the track to trendy Poble Sec. Here you’ll find some of the best tapas the city has to offer. Need some downtime? Barcelona beaches are the best places to unwind. 

Travel tips

Amid the holiday excitement, it’s easy to forget about arming yourself with a few key Barcelona travel tips. The good news: Spain’s a well-developed country. Tap water is safe to drink and there’s not usually any need for vaccinations. However, it’s advisable to check you’re up to date with jabs and always get travel insurance. ...

Getting Around

The Barcelona transport system is modern and reliable. The result: more time for exploring.  Many of the main attractions are close together. The famous Gaudi architecture is largely found in Eixample, which is close to shopping on Passeig de Gracia and La Rambla. A little way from there and you hit the Gothic Quarter and Placa Catalunya.  Walking Barcelona is certainly an option. However, if you prefer to get the underground, the Metro system is efficient and air-conditioned. The Metro stops at all the main attractions and you’ll rarely be waiting more than five minutes for the next train.

Where to eat

There’s a number of delicious options when deciding where to eat in Barcelona. For cool cosmopolitan restaurants and bars head to Eixample or El Born. Here you’ll find upmarket Michelin-starred restaurants alongside pop-up eateries. Don’t miss out on trying authentic Spanish dishes and tapas. The best are in the quieter Poble Sec area. ...

Shopping

You may have to exercise some restraint during your Barcelona shopping trips. There are several key neighbourhoods that will help you spend your holiday money. Each has its own feel and shopping style. ...

Best time to travel

When it comes to picking the best time to travel to Barcelona, you really do have an open playing field. The city has two main seasons (summer and winter) with only a few transitional months. ...

Beaches

Work on your holiday tan by heading to one of the nearby Barcelona beaches. The main district is Barceloneta. This neighbourhood is known for its roots in the fishing industry, but it’s also where you’ll find the longest stretch of golden sand. Locals have sun loungers and beach umbrellas for hire at popular spots like Sant Sebastia and Sant Miquel....