The Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s last work

When planning your trip to Barcelona, it’s impossible to ignore Gaudí’s masterpiece – the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia (‘Holy Family’). Once you are in Barcelona, the Sagrada Família can be seen everywhere, from postcards and guide books to snow globes in souvenir shops, and it’s a monument that all Catalans are proud of. This Basilica is no hidden secret, but rather an imperative for anyone visiting the city.

We would like to give you an idea of its history and architecture, as well as offering you some practical advice for visiting the church. At the bottom of the article, you will find some important information such as opening times, and the official website. 

History

Although the Sagrada Familia is recognised as Antonio Gaudi’s masterpiece, he wasn’t the person responsible for placing the first stone, on 19 March 1882. This responsibility fell to the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, who was planning a smaller church than the one that was eventually constructed. Once sufficient funding for its construction was collected, work began in 1882 under Villar’s supervision. Very shortly, a disagreement arose with donators, and responsibility for construction was passed over to Antoni Gaudí, who at that time was 31 years old.

The original idea was that the church, dedicated to the Holy Family, would be entirely financed by donations. When Gaudí received a large donation from an anonymous source, he decided to transform the old neo-Gothic project into something more monumental and innovative as far as its shape and structure.

In 1914 Gaudí decided to dedicate himself exclusively to the Sagrada Familia project, even installing small living-quarters within the building, so that he was always on hand. Tragically, on 7 June 1926, on his way to the building, he was run over by a tram, eventually dying three days later. All of the city dressed in mourning and the Pope agreed for Gaudí to be interred in the unfinished crypt of the Sagrada Familia.

Gaudí had planned for a construction period of 200 years for the church. However, he did not leave a complete construction blueprint, as he wanted to count on the opinion of future generations.

After his death, several different architects continued work on the monument. Since that time, construction work has never been suspended, even during the difficult times of the Civil War when plaster models to scale, drawings and plans of the building were lost and destroyed.

Design

The Sagrada Familia comprises five main naves and three transverses, forming a Latinate cross. The five main naves have a total length of 90 meters and the transverses of 60 metres. When construction finishes, there will be 18 towers with a height of between 90 and 170 metres – the latter being the highest tower on a church in the world. These towers are dedicated to the apostles, the evangelists, Mary and Jesus Christ.

The three entrances symbolise the three virtues: Faith, Hope and Love, and are symbolic of the lifetime of Christ. The Nativity Façade is dedicated to his birth, the Glory façade is dedicated to his glory period and the Passion façade is symbolic of his suffering.

During the later years of his life, Gaudí planned many areas of the building so that they could be built by other people in the future. He did so by combining geometrical forms, chosen for their formal, structural, luminous, acoustic and constructive qualities: hyperboloids, paraboloids, helicoids, conoids and ellipsoids – surfaces which are ruled, making construction easier.

Visits

Of course, you don’t need to wait until 2025 to visit this impressive building. I would recommend that you visit it as early in the morning as possible. The best bet is at 9 o’clock, when doors open, as queues tend to form very early.

The first thing you will see in the interior of the church is the huge scaffolding. This makes it difficult to take in the building full dimensions. You can also use an audio-guide, which, for €4 extra, will allow you to see many other details.

Upon looking upwards, you feel very small. The enormous pillars rise up like trees up to the rafters. These impressions are doubtlessly caused by the trunk like structures branching upwards towards the ceiling. This lends a very pleasant feeling of being enveloped in warm light when the sun shines through the stained-glass windows.

You can also visit the tower for a small extra cost of €4.50, which is definitely worth it. A lift will take you to the top as going up by foot is prohibited but you are however allowed to go down by taking the stairs.

Tips

We would strongly recommend buying your ticket in advance, unless you happen to enjoy spending hours queueing! You can do this at the ticket office there or even better, book online.

If you haven’t booked in advance, make sure you arrive as early as you can, as early as 9am would be advisable on weekends to beat the crowds.

Invest in an audio guide to get the most out of your visit and hear lots of little details. They are available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese.

Visit the museum before you leave, located in the basement on the Passion façade. There’s a whole host of exhibitions – including photos from all stages of its construction, original designs and sketches, models of the church and information regarding the architects and craftsmen, past and present.

Address

Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Church of the Holy Family)

C. Mallorca, 401

08013 Barcelona

(The entrance is on the Passion Façade – Sardenya Street.)

Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat (in Spanish and English)

How to get here

Metro: L2 or L5 Sagrada Familia

Opening times:

From October to March: from 09.00 to 18.00

From April to September: from 09.00 to 20.00

25th and 26th December, 1st and 6th December: from 09.00 to14.00

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

Park Güell is synonymous with Barcelona and it’s no surprise it’s one of the top five tourist attractions in the city. Not only does it offer stunning panoramic views, fantastical architecture and beautiful gardens, but you can also discover the house of the great man himself in the grounds of the park.

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

The dream-like exuberance of Gaudí’s imagination remains breathtaking to this day and as you stroll around you can’t help but admire how skilfully he integrated his work into the landscape. His usual imposing style can be seen throughout the park – bright colours, unusual architectural forms, influences from nature that include natural shapes and curves.

The grounds of the park are pretty big and it can be bit overwhelming on arrival. To make life a little easier, check out our guide on what to see and do during a visit.

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

The history of Park Güell

Built from 1900 to 1914, the Gaudí Park is situated on the hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. Park Güell is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called ‘Works of Antoni Gaudí’ along with his other masterpieces such as the Sagrada Família and La Pedrera.

The park was originally commissioned by the Catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Guëll, who wanted around 60 houses built in the style of English garden cities for the wealthy of Barcelona to enjoy. (The English influence can also be seen in the anglicised spelling of ‘park’.)

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

Work on Park Güell was interrupted by the outbreak of war in 1914 but the idea of a housing estate never really took off due the park’s distance from the city centre. So in 1922 the unfinished estate became the property of the city of Barcelona and is still open to the public today as a municipal park.

Things to see in Park Güell

The two gatehouses – these Hansel and Gretel-like gingerbread houses are what greet visitors who have made the climb to the Gaudí Park. They flank the park entrance and are famous for their fantastical roofs and mushroom-shaped domes with colourful tiling work. Originally there were two, life-size mechanical gazelles at the entrance of Park Güell, but they were unfortunately destroyed during the Civil War.

The staircase - for some, the stairs themselves will not be an attraction but it’s the beautiful fountains on the way up that you should take a look at. The infamous salamander or drac is one of them and like a lot of the Park, it’s decorated in broken ceramics and glass in a mosaic style known as trencadís. It’s one of the most popular photo spots in the whole park and you often have to queue for a quick snap.

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

Room of 100 Columns’ – 100 Doric columns hold up the square above and provide a shady pavilion from the summer heat. If you look to the ceiling you’ll find numerous coves, elaborated with religious, mythological and astrological symbols.

The serpentine bench – this beautiful tiled bench surrounds the viewing terrace or main square and is supposedly the longest bench in the world. It’s a great place to sit back, relax and admire the spectacular view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. The benches themselves are covered in an array of unique mosaics, delicately created by Gaudí’s assistant Josep Maria Jujol.

Gaudí museum – the Museum, otherwise known as Casa Museu Gaudí, can also be found in the grounds of Park Güell. It was his home between 1906 and 1926 and today it’s open to the public for a small fee. Among the artefacts inside are furniture and mirrors from the other Gaudí buildings such as Casa Batlló, the Pedrera and Palau Güell, as well as the artist’s wardrobe, bed and personal possessions.

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

The peak – the stone cross at the top of Park Güell marks its highest point and it’s here that you’ll find extraordinary panoramic views of the city. On a sunny day you can spot the majority of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks – Sagrada Familia, Agbar Tower, Camp Nou and of course the Mediterranean Sea. It is an unforgettable sight and the perfect way to start or finish a trip to Park Güell.

How to get to Park Güell

You wouldn’t get the spectacular vistas you do in Park Güell without its hill-top location, but it’s this hill-top location that makes getting to it a little tricky at times, especially on a hot day! The main Park Güell metro stop is Lesseps however it involves a 20-minute uphill walk to the entrance of the Gaudí Park. A top tip is to go one stop further on the metro to Vallcarca, catch the escalators up to the cross at the park’s highest point and then head down into the park. You will essentially see the Park in reverse and end up leaving through the entrance but it does mean you walk down the hills instead of up!

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

Another option which is great if you are sightseeing with children or the elderly is to take the bus. Bus No. 24 drops you directly outside Park Güell’s entrance and goes from Plaça Catalunya and Poble Sec, while bus No. 92 does the same but goes from Glòries & Port Olympic. Other buses that will drop you nearby are 31, 32, H6 and 112.

Park Güell opening hours

January to March – 10:00 to 18:00

April – 10:00 to 20:00

May to September – 10:00 to 21:00

October – 10:00 to 20:00

November – 10:00 to 19:00

December – 10:00 to 18:00

Park Güell – Gaudí’s playground

Park Güell prices

From october 2013, Park Güell entrance has a cost. 

Cabalgata Reyes Magos – the parade of the three kings in Barcelona

When one Christmas isn’t enough…

If the festive season isn’t long enough and you want the excitement to continue into the New Year, Barcelona’s your city.

On 5 January the Catalan capital hosts La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (the Three Kings’ Parade), followed by the official bank holiday of El Día de los Reyes (the day of the kings) on the 6th. Christmas Day takes a back seat in Catalonia and throughout Spain as locals fling themselves into these early-January festivities with gusto.

Cabalgata Reyes Magos – the parade of the three kings in Barcelona

The traditions

While there are clearly many similarities between this celebration and the way that Christmas is celebrated in many countries, the traditions surrounding the day of the kings are centuries old.

The story goes that after the three Kings (aka the Magi, or Three Wise Men) had been to Bethlehem to give their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, they then made their return journey. And on this return journey, they gave gifts to children – gifts which children in Spain wake up to on the morning of 6 January (Day of the Epiphany).

Similar to the way children write a letter to Santa, Spanish children write to the Three Kings in advance and prepare for their arrival by leaving out straw and water in their shoes for the camels. They wake up early the next morning to find out whether their shoes will be empty and if their letters have been answered. Kids who haven’t behaved themselves over the year may end up with nothing more than a bag of carbón dulce – a sweet that resembles charcoal. Many well-behaved children also receive some – just to remind them to keep up the good work next year!

Cabalgata Reyes Magos – the parade of the three kings in Barcelona

Spanish families spend the day very much like Christmas, exchanging gifts and tucking into a large family meal.

Three Kings’ Parade – a city-wide party

The celebrations actually begin on the evening of 5 January when the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona to a stunning reception of crowds, cannons and fireworks. Thousands of people gather around the city’s port in anticipation of the three kings sailing in on their own ship – the Santa Eulàlia (named after the city’s patron saint). Once on land, they’re greeted by Barcelona’s Mayor, who hands them a set of keys to allow them to go round the houses of the city distributing gifts.

Cabalgata Reyes Magos – the parade of the three kings in Barcelona

But this is just the beginning. A parade soon weaves its way around the streets of central Barcelona, ending up at the Magic Fountain at the foot of Montjuïc. Around 500,000 people turn up to see this spectacular parade of colourful floats, giant animals and professional dancers, actors and circus acts. The streets of the city are also crowded with stalls selling all manner of sweet treats and other culinary delights to revellers as well as children clamouring for the thousands of sweets thrown from floats to the crowds.

Cabalgata Reyes Magos – the parade of the three kings in Barcelona

Experience the ‘Spanish Christmas’

The day of the Kings is a very merry festival, not to mention an amazing spectacle, and it’s no wonder that visiting Barcelona for this celebration is becoming increasingly popular. The whole city gets involved (there are loads of smaller parades spread throughout the suburbs) and an infectious atmosphere of child-like excitement takes over. Whether you’re a big kid, want to experience a different take on winter celebrations, or if one Christmas just isn’t enough for you, come to Barcelona this January and beat the winter blues Spanish style!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2013

Barcelona, the ultimate party city, certainly leaves no stone unturned when it comes to New Year’s Eve. There are loads of options available if you want to enjoy the last day of the year in style. Whether you celebrate in the streets, at a party, in a beach club, or at a gala dinner, Barcelona is a fantastic place to start your new year with a bang!

New Year’s Eve Parties

Night-owls by nature, it’s no wonder that the Spanish tend to head out after midnight on New Year’s Eve. There are so many famous clubs in the city, all offering something unique, so have a look around and maybe think about getting your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Even better – the metro is open 24 hours on New Year’s Eve so there’ll be no problem getting home safely. Here are a few of our recommendations.

Razzmatazz – Barcelona’s one and only super club, this 5-room extravaganza goes all out for New Year’s. As well as entry to the club, you get two drinks, a t-shirt, grapes, a glass of champagne and a party bag – all for €45.

Otto Zutz – the place for hip-hop in Barcelona, Otto Zutz can compete with the best of them and this New Year’s Eve is no exception. Exact details of the event aren’t out yet but there’s no doubt that it’ll be filled to rafters when the big night comes.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2013

Sala Bikini - this popular and exclusive venue pulls out all the stops on New Year’s Eve. Party-goers dance the night away to a selection of the best Latino music as well as enjoy the live shows and surprises that the club puts on.

Other places to try once you’ve downed your New Year’s grapes are the ever-cool Jamboree, upscale Sutton Club or even the home of the ravers, Moog. A popular hotspot is also Poble Espanyol’s New Year’s Party – a huge university bash housed in three indoor tents in the mock-medieval Spanish village. It plays a large repertoire of music, ranging from the 70s to what’s in the charts right now – all for 35€.

New Year’s Eve Gala dinners

Shôko – one of the coolest restaurant cum clubs in Barcelona, it’s no surprise that the all-inclusive ticket will set you back €190. It includes a lavish dinner complete with flamenco and guitar performances. Luckily there are cheaper tickets for €50 which includes the entry charge and two drinks. They celebrate the New Year four times throughout the night as the theme changes from New York, London, Rio de Janeiro and Seville!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2013

Rita Blue – located in the up-and-coming Raval, Rita Blue teems with Barcelona’s trendy 20-somethings on New Year’s Eve. As well as serving a selection of Mexican fusion food, it also opts for the traditional Spanish campanadas and cava – grapes and sparkling wine at midnight. There’s also a lively DJ set and with the reasonable prices and a great atmosphere it’s a night to remember in a more relaxed setting.

New Years out in the Streets

The streets in the centre of Barcelona fill up with revellers on New Year’s Eve, as tourists and locals mill around on the hunt for the celebrations. The most popular spots are Las Ramblas, Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Reial and they get pretty busy as midnight draws near. There’s no official firework display in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve but the Torre Agbar does have a light show at midnight and sometimes the hotels on the beachfront put on fireworks of their own.

A typical tradition on New Year’s Eve in Barcelona is to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one on each chime of the clock. In Barcelona, thousands of people head to Plaça Catalunya to do this in unison and soak up the atmosphere. Make sure you eat all 12 in time and make a wish – it’s considered bad luck not to! And yes there are seeds!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2013

Barcelona beach clubs

The ‘street’ offers many possibilities, but don’t forget that Barcelona is also famous for the beach. So if none of the above takes your fancy, make sure you head along to one of Barcelona’s beach clubs and see what’s going on. The busiest area is Vila Olímpica, with a great atmosphere as the party gets into full swing at about 2am. The waterfront is buzzing and people spill out of the cool bars and beach clubs like Opium Mar, Catwalk, Sotavento and Carpe Diem.

Down by the beach is also Barcelona’s newest five-star hotel, the W Hotel. It boasts the 26th-floor Eclipse Bar complete with beautiful people and spectacular views over the Mediterranean coastline. Cocktails aren’t cheap but for an unrivaled view of Barcelona by night it’s definitely worth splashing the cash this New Year’s Eve.

Barcelona’s calling…

New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2013 has something for everyone – for those who want to spend time with the family, for couples who want a romantic evening, for people who love street parties as well as for those wishing to dance the night away in a club. We hope we’ve provided you with some useful information so you can get planning your Barcelona New Year’s Eve 2013 experience.

Barcelona Shopping Night 2013

In Barcelona at the end of November? Want to get into the festive feel? Or just fancy putting your plastic through its paces? Then read on for details of a nocturnal outing with a difference.

Chilly November evenings in Barcelona usually cause the streets to empty out and stores to shut up shop pronto. But on 28 November the city’s most stylish shopping boulevard, Passeig de Gràcia, invites you in for a unique event – Barcelona Shopping Night 2013.

Last year over 25,000 excited shoppers hit the Gaudí-designed pavements of Passeig de Gràcia in search of the perfect purchase, and this year event organisers are predicting the footfall will double.

Barcelona Shopping Night 2013

Even better, this year the surrounding streets are getting in on the act too. Almost 100 different businesses will be opening their doors to show you their wares, including top fashion brands like Guess, Zara, Bimba&Lola, Massimo Dutti, Swarovski and Benetton.

But it’s not just big names from the world of fashion who’re taking part. You can also call in at a clutch of luxury hotels and upmarket restaurants, just in case you need some light refreshment before bagging your next bargain.

Plus, to keep you entertained, there will be musical events chosen especially to honour composers Verdi and Wagner, celebrating the bicentenary of their births.

Barcelona Shopping Night 2013

If you’re new to Passeig de Gràcia, you’re in for a treat. The shopping experience on this stylish avenue, home to such Barcelona landmarks such as La Pedrera, Casa Milà and Casa Fuster, is top notch. Get ready – new fashion lines will be revealed and frenzied fashionistas will be out in full force.

Browse high-end boutiques, rub shoulders with the glitterati and get your hands on the free giveaways and exclusive deals that retailers have dreamed up for you on this special promotional evening. Get a jump start on Christmas shopping for the family, or kit yourself out with a whole new winter wardrobe – the options are endless.

There’s such a choice of stores on Passeig de Gràcia that you’re bound to find your own favorites, but there are few highlights you won’t want to miss (bearing in mind you’ve only got five hours to fit it all in!).

Barcelona Shopping Night 2013

Vinçon – a mecca for anyone with good taste in design, this multi-level store has been a Passeig de Gràcia stalwart since 1941. With goods ranging from homeware to stationery to gadgets that are just downright bizarre (but you want them anyway), this is the store where you can start scoring off those Christmas lists. (Don’t forget to check out the view of Gaudí’s La Pedrera from Vinçon’s rooftop terrace as well!) & Other Stories – newly launched in 2013, this Barcelona branch of the H&M-owned retailer has quickly established itself as a go-to boutique for the latest in wearable women’s fashions. Chunky knits, whimsical winter dresses, quirky accessories and unorthodox shoes in the basement give you everything you need to create your own ‘story’.

Café de la Pedrera – enjoy a coffee and pastry in the surroundings of Gaudí at La Pedrera’s 2nd-floor café, which for the Barcelona Shopping Night 2013 will put on a free musical performance. Gaudí, gastronomy and good music – what more could you want?

Barcelona Shopping Night 2013

Plaça de Catalunya – OK, so it’s not strictly Passeig de Gràcia, but to round off your night you might want to take a stroll down to see the Christmas lights over Barcelona’s central square. The plaça will be all set up with an ice rink, if your feet can face it after a hard night’s shopping.

Have fun and we might see you there!

Christmas in Barcelona

It’s no secret that the Spanish love to celebrate, and Christmas is no exception. Thinking of visiting the Catalan capital over the festive period and would like to know a bit more about what to expect? Then look no further. We have all you need to know about Christmas in the city.

Christmas in Barcelona

Important dates over the Christmas period

6 December – Constitution Day (bank holiday)

8 December – Day of the Immaculate Conception (bank holiday)

25 December – Christmas Day (bank holiday)

26 December – Boxing Day (bank holiday in Catalonia)

1 January – New Year’s Day (bank holiday)

5 January - Parade of the Three Kings

6 January – Three Wise Kings’ Day (bank holiday)

Christmas markets

Markets are a real Christmas highlight in a lot of European cities, and you”ll find several dotted across Barcelona during the festive period. By far the largest and most popular is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, located in front of Barcelona Cathedral in Plaça de la Seu. It’s been going since 1786 and with lots of handmade decorations and gift ideas in a stunning setting, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. This year, the fair begins on 30 November and ends on 23 December.

Christmas in Barcelona

Christmas shopping

Barcelona is a fantastic shopping destination, and for Christmas shopping it really does have it all. From street markets to independent boutiques and national institutions like Zara and Mango, there are plenty of options. Plus there are extra shopping days during December during the bank holidays on the 6th and 8th, as well as on Sunday 9th, 16th and 23rd to give you enough time to pick up all your Christmas presents. Two of the most popular shopping streets are Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Angel, but there are so many side streets full of unique things to give as gifts so make sure you explore those too.

Christmas in Barcelona

Ice rink

For the third year now, Plaça Catalunya is playing host to Europe’s largest open-air ice rink. Open from the end of November until the beginning of January, the price per hour is around 8 euros and it’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. This isn’t the only ice rink in the city – there are also ones in Gràcia and Passeig de Sant Joan, as well as an indoor one in the Pedralbes shopping centre.

Christmas in Barcelona

Christmas lights

The sparkly street lights in Barcelona certainly spread Christmas cheer throughout the city. They can be seen on over 300 streets around the city, with El Corte Inglés store on Plaça Catalunya putting on its own equally impressive twinkly display. Each district of the city also has its own Christmas tree, the most famous being the 12-metre one on Plaça Catalunya, covered in little lights and decorations.

Nativity scenes

Nativity scenes are huge in Barcelona and people spend a lot of time and money recreating this famous festive stalwart. The intricate nativity scenes displayed around the city are not to be missed, the most popular being in Plaça Sant Jaume, commissioned by a different artist each year. It’s life-sized and people queue at its unveiling just to take a picture of it! The unusual caganer is included in the scene, although not without its controversy. In 2005, the Council banned it, as its depiction of public defecation “set a bad example”. However, many locals were outraged by this killjoy attitude and demanded it be reinstalled.

Christmas in Barcelona

Traditional things to buy in markets

A ‘caganer’

Included in Catalan nativity scenes, this cheeky character can also be found in stalls throughout the region during December. Traditionally, the caganer is a gnome-like figure wearing the traditional Catalan barretina or red beret and with his trousers down, his backside bare, defecating! It’s a very popular tradition in Catalonia and it’s said to be a symbol of good luck for the New Year. In recent years, the Catalan figure has been substituted for famous faces such as Barack Obama, Lewis Hamilton and Homer Simpson.

Caga Tío (‘shitting log’)

Quintessentially Catalan and a big hit with kids, the Caga Tío can be found in homes all over the region. It’s a small log with a face painted on one end and wearing the typical Catalan red hat. From 8 December until Christmas Eve, children feed it sweets and take care of it by covering it in a blanket. Finally, on the 24 December, children sing the Caga Tío song and hit the log with sticks to be able to enjoy the delicacies inside. Sometimes, the log will then be used as fuel to warm the house, ‘repaying’ the warmth it has received there.

Sweet treats

Be sure to try some Spanish turrón during your December visit – a sweet that’s a firm favourite here at Christmas. Traditional turrón is made from nougat with almonds, hazelnuts and honey, although today hundreds of flavours are available. Polvorones are also a popular festive treat made from a sweet, almond paste. They’re similar to shortbread, although a lot heavier and more crumbly.

Three Kings’ Day

Although Christmas on 25 December is celebrated, it’s firmly in the shadow of 6 January – the day that the Spanish consider the most important in the festive calendar. This is the day that people typically exchange gifts and enjoy large feasts. The 5th of January is the Night of the Three Kings, the Cavalcada de Reis in Catalan, when you can catch the spectacular Three Kings’ Parade that winds its way through the main thoroughfares of Barcelona. It’s a massive display of fireworks and elaborately decorated floats, with children throwing hard-boiled sweets at the crowds who turn up to watch. Take our word for it – you don’t want to miss this.

Christmas in Barcelona

Barcelona with children

Family holidays can often make for the best memories, but a lot depends on keeping the kids happy! Barcelona makes this an easy task as it’s a city that offers something for everyone, from beaches and parks to football stadiums and museums. To make your family holiday a stress-free experience, take a look at our guide to entertaining  children of all ages in the Catalan capital.

Barcelona with children 

Activities for young children

Barcelona’s Aquarium is an ideal way to spend the afternoon with younger kids. It’s an underwater kingdom housing almost 400 marine species including Nemo and Flounder look-a-likes which children will love spotting. Watch their little faces light up as they walk through the 360º glass tunnel called the Oceaneri – they might even spot a few sharks.

Barcelona with children 

As well as lions, tigers, elephants and gorillas, Barcelona zoo also has a great adventure playground where the children can run wild. We highly recommend the dolphin shows, which are great fun, especially when the dolphins launch balls for the audience to catch. Together with guided tours and workshops, the zoo houses a farm area with goats and rabbits for the younger kids to pet. The zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella which is a nice spot for a family picnic. The park is beautiful, especially on sunny days when children can run around, feed the ducks and take a rowing boat out onto the middle of the lake.

Barcelona with children 

Hit the beach! Many people are surprised when they come to Barcelona for the first time and discover its vast stretches of beautiful beaches. Temperatures are warm enough for you to enjoy the beaches from March to October, so take the kids, let them take a dip and enjoy an ice cream. The closest beach to the city centre is Barceloneta and it can get quite overcrowded, so we’d recommend you heading a little further north to Bogatell Beach or Mar Bella for a bit more space.

Barcelona with children 

Activities for teenagers

CosmoCaixa is a great family day out, especially if you’re searching for something adults will also enjoy. Far from your average natural science museum, it’s an educational yet entertaining and interactive experience. The Amazon rainforest, complete with tropical downpours and alligators, is a particular highlight. You can conduct your own experiments, create sandstorms, and see animal species from all over the world.

Tibidabo is where you will find Cosmo Caixa and is great for slightly older children. It offers unrivalled panoramic views of the Catalan hinterland, the city and the Mediterranean Sea, while its funfair and amusement park are guaranteed to keep kids entertained for hours. Dare them to go on a few of the rides or simply buy some candyfloss and enjoy the view – either way, they will have an adrenaline- fuelled day out!

Barcelona with children 

FC Barcelona Museum and Camp Nou Tour is an absolute must if you have teenagers who are interested in sport and would appreciate seeing the home of one of the greatest teams in the world. This legendary tour takes you behind the scenes; you get a glimpse of the president’s box, the changing rooms and can even walk through the players’ tunnel. The tour also includes entrance to the interactive museum which has over 100 years of memorabilia on show. If you’re lucky enough to be here when FC Barcelona are playing at home, then why not take the family to see a game?

Barcelona with children 

Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia is the most visited attraction in Spain so it’s no wonder many families take their children to see it while on holiday in Barcelona. The Basilica, which isn’t set to be completed for another 20 years, is vast and dream-like. The inside is breathtaking and is full of models, photographs and plans from its humble beginnings in 1882 through the decades.

Barcelona with children 

Shopping! Trawling the shops with kids in tow can be hard work, but it’s something most teenagers enjoy (especially if the spree is on mum and dad!). Barcelona is fantastic for a bit of retail therapy so why not spend an afternoon strolling up and down Passeig de Gràcia or Avinguda Portal de l’Àngel. Or if you fancy something a little different, wander down the side streets of the Born and Gothic Quarter and discover a huge range of independent boutiques.