Barcelona
Visited in 2011 and 2014
At a glance
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Barcelonès
- Population
- 1.7 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Barcelona El Prat (BCN)
- Coordinates
- 41.39°N, 2.17°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Barcelona has it all: Gaudí's extraordinary buildings, a medieval old town, city beaches and some of the best food in Spain. As the capital of Catalonia it has its own language and a fiercely proud culture.
Days here start late and finish later. Lunch is around 2pm, dinner rarely before 9pm, and the city's squares buzz long into the night.
Things to see
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Photo: Canaan, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, under construction since 1882, is the city's must-see. Book ahead and consider a tower visit.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: essetefano, CC BY 3.0 Park Güell
Mosaic terraces and gingerbread houses on a hill above the city. Entry to the monumental area is timed.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: ChristianSchd, CC BY-SA 3.0 Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
Two of Gaudí's flowing modernist houses on the Passeig de Gràcia.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Llull, CC BY-SA 2.0 Gothic Quarter
A maze of medieval lanes around the cathedral, with hidden squares and Roman remains.
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Photo: uayebt, CC BY 2.0 Picasso Museum
An extensive collection of the artist's early work in five medieval palaces in El Born.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fabio Alessandro Locati, CC BY-SA 3.0 Montjuïc
A hilltop with a castle, gardens, the Joan Miró Foundation and views over the port.
Things to do
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Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 La Boqueria market
Graze on fresh fruit, jamón and seafood at the famous market off La Rambla. Go early.
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Photo: Elemaki, CC BY 3.0 Tapas in El Born and Gràcia
Hop between bars for patatas bravas, pan con tomate and vermouth.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Montserrat
A monastery perched among jagged mountains, an hour from the city.
Find tours -
Photo: DimiTalen, CC0 Hit the beach
Barceloneta is the closest; Bogatell and Nova Icària are a little quieter.
Where to stay
Eixample
Elegant grid of streets with Gaudí buildings and good transport. A great all-round base.
Hotels in EixampleGothic Quarter
Historic and central, but busy and can be noisy at night.
Hotels in Gothic QuarterEl Born
Stylish and full of bars and restaurants, close to the old town and the beach.
Hotels in El BornGràcia
Village-like neighbourhood with leafy squares and a local feel.
Hotels in Gràcia
Getting around
The Metro is quick and easy, and a T-casual card gives ten journeys on Metro, buses and trains. Many sights are walkable, and the city has plenty of cycle lanes.
The Aerobús runs from El Prat airport to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes; Metro line L9 Sud also serves the airport. High-speed trains arrive at Sants station.
When to go
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are warm without the peak crowds. July and August are hot, humid and very busy. Winter is mild and good for sightseeing, though too cool for the beach.
Plan your trip to Barcelona
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.