Barcelona Vacations & Travel

Overview

Joan Miró, one of the most influential Catalan artists, esteemed European painter Antoni Tàpies, and renowned surrealistic painter, Salvador Dali, were all born in the Catalan region. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature the art of their beloved namesakes.

Among Barcelona’s most enduring attractions are its colorful and whimsical buildings that enliven the cityscape.  La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, are well-loved landmarks in this beautiful city by the sea. 

Ride a roller coaster at one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tibidabo which opened in 1905 in Barcelona’s Collserola Ridge. Observe the city in all its spectacular glory from atop Tibidabo, also known as Barcelona’s magic mountain.

Barcelona’s long history dates back to Roman times. Today, this thriving metropolis embraces its rich heritage while moving purposefully into the future, rightly earning it a reputation as one of the modern world’s leading centers of tourism, art, and commerce. 

What To Do

Stroll along the city’s most popular boulevard, Las Ramblas, as it extends from the heart of Barcelona to the sea.

Enjoy tapas and sangria at a local café, shop, people watch and soak in Barcelona’s cosmopolitan ambiance.

Visit La Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Roman Catholic church, whose massive Basilica has astonishingly been under construction since Antoni Gaudí first designed the structure in 1882.

Explore the beautiful Barcelona Church, with its impressive pinnacles, arches, and intricate Gothic design.

Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera), which rank among Gaudí’s most renowned masterpieces with their unique curves, colorful mosaics, and fanciful style. These buildings are perfect examples of functional art: both were commissioned as private residences.

Linger awhile and observe the wave-like architecture and cactus gardens of Park Guell on Barcelona’s Carmel Hill. Commissioned in the early 1900s, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site in 1984.

What To See

Visit the impressive Picasso Museum in Barcelona, displaying many of the Spanish master’s significant artworks. Take a walk on the wild side at the Barcelona Zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella. Learn more about the world at the CosmoCaixa, Barcelona’s impressive interactive science museum.

Shopping

Browse for souvenirs and designer fashions along the wide boulevards of Passeig de Gracia. Shop and dine along the world-famous Las Ramblas, stretching from the city’s historic center to the sea.

Nightlife

From sultry jazz bars to sensual salsa clubs, nighttime sizzles in this vibrant Catalan town.

Barcelona sways to a samba beat and moves to the rhythm of the sea. Dance, drink or listen to the latest sounds in one of a thousand lively nightspots. Or gaze up at the stars with your significant other and toast your good fortune with local wine, beer or sangria.

Off the Beaten Path

Go wine tasting in the renowned vineyards of Alella, surrounded by lush, rolling hills overlooking sparkling turquoise seas.

Hike on Barcelona’s Tibidabo Mountain, the tallest in the Serra de Collserola, with its impressive views and splendid Temple De Sagrat Cor cathedral. Reach the top of the mountain via the city’s unique funicular railway, or by buses, bicycles or car.

Food and Drink

Much of the world already loves tapas, Spanish small-plates offering delightfully big flavors. Traditional Catalan delicacies are also sure to catch your fancy. Be sure to try pa amb tomàquet, bread rubbed with garlic, and topped with seasoned tomatoes; or briny escalivada, grilled eggplant and red peppers on toasted bread flavored with olive oil, garlic, salt, and anchovies.

Jamon or cured ham has been on the Spanish menu for thousands of years. Paella is also a long-time favorite, with its golden saffron rice overflowing with fresh seafood. A refreshing glass of fruity sangria is the perfect accompaniment to a Barcelona feast.

Delight your culinary senses at La Boqueria, one of Barcelona’s primary markets displaying fresh seafood and produce, artisan cheeses, cured meats, wines and local delicacies. Take a private tour of La Boqueria for an authentic taste of Barcelona.

Barcelona with Kids

Explore the works of Picasso at the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.

Take the kids on rides at the Tibidabo Amusement Park, one of the longest-running amusement parks in the world, in the Collserola Ridge of Barcelona.

Row a boat across the lake amid the relaxing Parc de la Ciutadella, and explore the zoo, Museu de Geologia, and Museu d'Art Modern in the parliament building.

Journey to one of Barcelona’s splendid beaches and dip your toes in the sparkling Mediterranean.

A visit to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic will prove a treat for the entire family. Built as one of the exhibits for the 1929 International Exposition, the fountain delivers a captivating display of color, light, and movement.