Barcelona Travel Guide: Things to do, flights to Spain, food and tourist attractions for a city break

It’s one of those cities that has something for everyone, whether you want to hop between art galleries, laze on the beach or sleep all day before partying all night.

Whatever you’re into, here’s what you need to know before you go…

Three must-sees in Barcelona

Park Güell

Think of Barcelona, and you likely think of the curved, tiled architecture of Park Güell, even if you don’t know its name. A collaboration between Gaudi and Güell, the park was originally designed as a residential enclave for the wealthy, but only two of the planned 60 houses ever materialised.

Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and made up of the green space and the monuments, where you’ll find all the unique curves, colourful mosaics and statues that work as a masterclass in Modernism. While the park area used to be free to visit, you now need to buy tickets for both, and it’s best to do so in advance, as they sell up fast. parkguell.barcelona

La Boqueria

Sure, it’s busy. And sure, it’s touristy. But a trip to La Boqueria is still a joy, with piles of produce stacked in pleasingly colourful mounds throughout every stall in the market. It’s been on the go since 1836 and is a dream for food lovers – wander around the hall and you can nibble on jamon cut in slivers right in front of you, or sit down for a cold glass of cava as you make a plan of action. The fruit juice stands by the entrance are particularly welcome on hot days – a kiwi smoothie will always hit the spot. boqueria.barcelona

La Sagrada Família

It may have been more than 144 years in the making, but we’re rapidly approaching the projected finishing date of the Sagrada Familia basilica, set to be complete in 2026 (the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death). But its incompleteness is part of the charm, and a visit to this incredible building is a must when you’re in Barcelona. Tickets are often sold out so book as far in advance as possible, and pay the extra €10 to ascend one of the towers – it’s worth it. sagradafamilia.org

Three hidden gems in Barcelona

Poblenou

Once an industrial neighbourhood, Poblenou is now where you’ll find some of the coolest bars, shops and cafés in Barcelona. It even has its own Rambla, a less crowded version of the boulevard that cuts through the middle of the city, so you can get the same vibe without the hordes of people. Visit Can Framis Museum for contemporary art, hop between tapas bars or check out the arty design shops. fundaciovilacasas.com

MACBA

Gaudí may steal the spotlight in the city, but stark architecture of the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, to give its proper name, brings a bit of novelty to the scene. Inside, the collection of contemporary art focuses on the work of Spanish artists, but there’s plenty of international work as well. Outside, you’ll often find skateboarders making the most of those smooth lines of concrete, and there’s plenty more to see in the El Raval neighbourhood when you’re done. Admission is free on Saturdays, too. macba.cat

Barceloneta

Barcelona hasn’t exactly got a reputation as an amazing beach town, but the stretch of coast at Barceloneta is perfectly pleasant. Grab a drink at one of the (many) sand adjacent bars, walk the length of the prom to Frank Gehry’s giant, golden fish sculpture and take a dip in the sea, if you’re there in the summer.

Three travel hacks for Barcelona

Use the Metro

If you want to get to some of the museums outside of the city centre, the Metro is reliable, quick and easy to navigate. Just plot out your journey on Google Maps first to make sure you’re heading in the right direction. There’s a station in El Prat Airport, too.

Don’t eat early

In Barcelona, locals don’t start eating dinner until 9pm at the earliest, but more often as late as 11pm. If you try to get a table in a local restaurant any earlier, you’ll likely be out of luck. Likewise, lunch is usually at 2 – 3pm. Adjust your eating schedule accordingly and you’ll be able to make the most of all the great local food.

Zip up your bag

Like plenty of cities, there can be areas in Barcelona where pick pockets love to congregate. Don’t keep your wallet, purse or phone in an open pocket, and keep all your valuables in a bag that can close completely, if you can.

Three places to stay in Barcelona

€€€ Monument Hotel

Set in the 19th century building designed by the pre-modernist architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, the Monument Hotel combines a classically Barcelona exterior with a more modern interior. The rooms have a cool, Brooklyn loft feel, and there’s a white mosaic swimming pool on the sixth-floor terrace. monumenthotel.com

€€ The Hoxton

It’s no surprise that The Hoxton chose to locate their hotel in the hipster district of Poblenou. It’s a good fit – their brand of design-focused hangouts works perfectly alongside the neighbourhood boutiques and bars. Their rooftop bar and pool has exceptional views of Sagrada Familia, and there are also ‘Homey’ rooms with kitchenettes for longer stays. thehoxton.com

€ Hostal Grau

There’s a breezy, period vibe to the light-filled rooms at the eco-friendly Hostal Grau, with organic mattresses and views out over their giant living wall. There’s also a rooftop terrace, and apartments if you’re staying for longer (or just appreciate a bit of your own space). hostalgrau.com

Three places to eat in Barcelona

€€€ Disfrutar

Set in front of Ninot Market in the Eixample, this three Michelin-star restaurant is a blowout meal, but one you’ll never forget. Topping the latest list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, it was launched by three chefs who met while working in El Bulli, which tells you everything you’ll need to know. disfrutarbarcelona.com

€€ Cal Pep

A favourite among chefs, Cal Pep is always crowded with people looking for a seat at the bar and a feed of top-notch tapas. There’s no menu, so you just put your dinner in the hands of the chefs – and they rarely disappoint. calpep.com

€ Bar Cañete

There’s no shortage of excellent tapas restaurants in Barcelona, but Cañete is one of the best (and most popular). You can get a hefty feed if you’re hungry, or just order a table of bites like fried aubergine, lobster croquettes and Galician razor clams. barcanete.com

After dark in Barcelona

Paradiso

Voted the best bar in the world in 2022, Paradiso is a speakeasy that you access through a fridge door in a pastrami shop. So far, so bonkers. But the bar inside is a wonderfully Wonka-esque creation, where you can get unique cocktails in an uber cool setting. Join the virtual line via the QR code at the door to avoid waiting in line. paradiso.cat

Razzmatazz

Barcelona is big on nightlife, and the mammoth music venue Razzmatazz is one of the hottest spots in town for a night out. There are five different rooms with different DJs or live acts, as well as big name gigs. salarazzmatazz.com

Wet Deck

You can’t miss the W Hotel down on the beach at Barcelonetta – it’s shaped like a huge sail, reflecting the shimmer of the sea. But in the summer months, it’s also party central at their pool bar, with a series of live club nights held when the sunbathers have wrapped up. marriott.com

Follow to find out more

@thebarcelonist – for inspiration pics from loads of different accounts

@visitbarcelona – news and ideas from the tourist board

@foodieinbarcelona – excellent restaurant tips from around the city

Best time to visit Barcelona

The summer months can get very hot, and a lot of people leave town in August, meaning restaurants and shops can be closed. Instead, visit in May or September and October, for optimum weather and fewer crowds.

Get there

Barcelona International Airport (El-Prat) is 15km from the city, and served by Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways and more. Budget airlines sometimes refer to Reus and Girona as Barcelona airports, but be warned – they are 100km and 90km away, respectively. See more at barcelonaturisme.com