Going to Barcelona with kids is such a great experience. It’s a city full of beauty, culture and interesting artwork. Kids of all ages will love the parks, churches, European streets and of course, the churros.
All the best spots to see in Barcelona with kids are laid out in this 2 day guide to the city in Spain.
Getting around Barcelona with Kids
Barcelona is a very walkable city and has great public transportation options.
We opted to have a car to extend our trip to the area surrounding Barcelona. Read our itinerary around Andorra, Carcassone, and the Costa Brava. Driving a car in Barcelona cost quite a bit for parking, hotel overnight fees and a considerable time searching for parking spots. But it is possible to drive in the city.
What to Bring to Barcelona with Kids?
Walking around the city with kids can be exhausting. I highly recommend bringing a scooter. The kids love it and last longer than you will! Then you can tour to your heart content. The scooter was a bit difficult when it was crowded on La Rambla, but everywhere else in Barcelona it was perfect. A scooter with a carrying strap would be perfect. I like the scooter with big wheels so I can ride sometimes!
Mission Barcelona Scavenger Hunt guide really helped my daughter to be engaged and excited about all of our stops.
Day 1 Park Guell, Sagrada Familia and La Rambla
Wander around Park Guell
This is the perfect start to your trip because it embodies all the design work of Gaudi with a spacious area to walk or have the kids get out some energy. Plus, the views of Barcelona is great.
Parking on the street is free on Sunday if you get in early enough to get a lucky spot.
You can buy your tickets in advance for a certain time slot or at the gate when you arrive. Be aware that they only allow a certain number of people to enter, so you may have to wait for a time slot. We arrived right at opening (8am) and it was no problem to get tickets, but it filled up quickly.
Climb the Towers of Sagrada Familia
Of course, the gem of Barcelona needs to be one of the first stops. In order to get close or inside of the cathedral, you need to purchase tickets for a certain time period.
The Sagrada Familia has 2 sides or facades. One is called the Nativity Facade. This has depictions of Jesus’ birth and early life. The other side is called the Passion Facade. The art and architecture is so very different on each side. Make sure to look up! You are allowed to buy tickets to go up the tower, but you need to choose which side to go up. I suggest going up the Nativity Towers as these give a great view out to the ocean and have one tower you go up and another you go down.
Inside the church, you will have an audio tour which really helps to explain the construction and process of this cathedral that has taken over 100 years to complete (and is still not done!). . I loved noticing that one side had warm (red, yellows oranges) stained glass and the other had cool colors (greens, blues, and purple).
There is really so much to notice and enjoy inside the cathedral. But if you are a religious person seeking a quiet place of solitude for meditation and prayer, you will not find it here. Although, they try to keep the reverence, it really feels more like a tourist sight with people snapping pics and talking to each other.
Before or after you tour inside the grounds of the Sagrada Familia, spend some time sitting around the pond and park looking at the majesty of this building. Especially if you have kids, you will love this time for them to play and you to enjoy.
Devour a Churro
At the Sagrada Familia, we found the best churros ever down from the KFC across from the park. The churros were stuffed with various fillings like Nutella or cream. A.Maze.Ing. Have a churro in the park and go back for another one! This was our first churro and we craved it the rest of our trip.
Find the Hidden Gems on La Rambla
Start on the Plaça de Catalunya.
You’ll find some amazing fountains and hoards of pigeons for the kids to chase around. My daughter especially loved her scooter on this plaza.
From this plaza, find La Rambla. It isn’t far or difficul,t but we got a bit lost in the pedestrian zone before we found the right street. La Rambla is a long street with the median being a wide, walkable street for tourists and locals. You’ll know you are on the right street because the street signs say “La Rambla” and there are cars driving on both sides on the wide median.
This street offers all the touristy things you want in food, shopping, street performers and some history. To give purpose and some direction during your walk down La Rambla, don’t forget you Missiona Barcelona ![]("//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0989226751&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL110_&tag=flybyourpants-20")
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Where to stop on La Rambla
You may want to stop and tour the Museu de Cera de Barcelona or the Guell Palace or shop at the Mercado de La Boqueria. But definitely veer slightly off course to see the beautiful Plaça Reial.
As is common at most amazing tourist areas, you will pay more for everything here. But it is convenient with a cool ambience. Watch for pickpockets.
We ate at a street restaurant and enjoyed people watching right on the street. If you go early, some restaurants advertise deals and discounts. As the night wore on we noticed the stores took down their ‘deal’ posters.
Port Vell
The street ends at Port Vell, which includes a monument to Christopher Columbus (Mirador de Colom) and an old ship in port (as well as hundreds of moderns ships). Out on the pier you see the animals in an aquarium.
Mont Juic Magic Fountain Show
If you are in Barcelona with kids, do not miss this incredible water, light and music show. It is busy and crowded, but the beautiful backdrop, the amazing lights and synchronized waterworks is so entertaining.
The fountain show only happens on Thurs- Sunday. So if you are Barcelona on one of those nights plan it in. The shows times change throughout the season so be sure to check the schedule.
If you don’t mind getting wet, you’ll have plenty of good seats up close as the crowd backs up as the show gets going. My daughter danced in the spray as she soaked in her last moments in beautiful Barcelona.
Day 2 Gothic District, Parque de La Cuitadella & Monserrat
Although the beginning of this day’s itinerary is close in proximity to La Rambla, I suggest you split up the days so you don’t have too much walking in one day. You can put it together with La Rambla, but you will be tired of walking! I like to pair a long walking tour with sitting in the car or on public transportation to get a break.
Look up in the Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Catherdral is in striking contrast to the busy, spacious nature of the Sagrada Familia. The differences in architecture and style is interesting to compare.
Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter
I don’t love shopping and wandering without a purpose, but once I was in the Gothic Quarter I understood why people recommend getting lost here. With beautiful architecture, pedestrian-only zones, narrow streets and interesting shops, it is enchanting to just wander.
Learn about the Artist at the Pablo Picasso Museum
Did you Picasso had more phases of art than just the cubist art we are use to seeing? He was sculptor, painter, ceramist and more. Learn more about his life and works at the museum.
Play at the Parque de La Ciutadella
When you go to Barcelona with kids, you must visit the biggest park. Parque de la Ciutadella is so interesting. People watching, fountains, and beautiful art was my favorite part. Let me know if the main fountain is fix and improved yet, because it looked incredible but wasn’t working when we went.
My daughter loved the playground area here. We were delighted to watch a marching bad casually playing through the park while we watched her play.
Be in Awe at the Arc de Triomphe
You don’t have to go to Paris to see the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget your “>scavenger hunt book to make this more meaningful.
Follow a long walkway (filled with street performers and souvenier sales people) from the Parque de la Cuidtadella out to the Arc de Triomphe. A must smaller version of the Arc in Paris, but you see many of the symbols of Barcelona here.
Create your own Gaudi Art at Mosaicasos
After being immersed in the art of Gaudi, you are ready to try your hand at creating your own mosaics. Getting to do-it-themselves is the perfect activity in Barcelona with kids. It certainly heightened my appreciation for the art.
My daughter absolutely loved creating her own souvenir jewelry box with her own tile creation. This is a highlight and a must for your trip to Barcelona. It is located in the coolest tiny streets, so be on the lookout or you might miss it!
Climb the Mountains of Montserrat
Monserrat is a mountain range with all sorts of hikes and explorations. But in part of the mountain, you’ll find a Monastery built into the large boulders. It offers gorgeous overlooks, amazing hiking, as well as history and religious culture. After a lot of time in a city, I love getting out into nature for more perspective and beauty.
Getting to Montserrat
We arrived at Monserrat in the late afternoon and loved seeing all the tour busses and big groups just pulling away, which gave us a peaceful and spacious place to enjoy.
Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona is simple and there are several options.
- Rent a car -50 min drive from Barcelona
- Train + Funicular Rack Rail
- Train + Cable Car
- Organized tour
- Hike on your own
Since our trip included driving to a Castle Parador, Andorra and France we rented a car. Getting to Montserrat was cheap and easy. Parking at the top near the monastery cost 6,50E. After spending the morning in Barcelona, we really enjoyed some downtime in the car while driving to the Monastery in the Mountains.
If you aren’t driving a car, you will have to schedule a a tour and it will mostly likely take a large chunk of the day. Start the day with this tour and do the rest when you get back.
I loved getting away from the city and into nature and some gorgeous views.
Hiking in Montserrat
While the monastary was beautiful and interesting, my favorite part was walking back into the mountains. The large boulders and sweeping valley views make this hike incredible.
There are trails that loop around to see different prayer areas and statues dedicated to patron saints.
Stay the Night in Castle at the Parador De Cardona
Going to Barcelona with kids wouldn’t be complete without immersing them in the history of Europe.
An hour from Monserrat is the most amazing Parador! A Parador is a historical building converted into a hotel and in this case, the historic building is a legit castle.
Pulling up to the Parador De Cardona, my daughter felt like a princess. This castle has been renovated into a modern and functional hotel room. They offer triple rooms with a queen and a twin.
The food, the grounds and rooftop views were incredible. A stay in the Parador de Cardona will be a night to remember.
To get to this Parador, you will definitely need a car or taxi as it is fairly remote. But like I said, worth the effort!
More time in Barcelona with Kids?
If you have more than 2 days in Barcelona, I would suggest visiting a few more museums and the beach.
The Chocolate Museum, Mont Juic Castle, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) or the Barcelona Zoo would be great stops.
I’ve heard the Barcelona beaches are pretty incredible, too! They are man-made (brought in when they hosted the Olympics) so if you want real beaches head north to the Costa Brava area.
What else would you add to this Barcelona with kids Itinerary?
We loved our time in Barcelona! I think 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to see everything you want to and enjoy the food and Catalonia culture. I hope you enjoy your time in Barcelona with kids.
If you liked this itinerary, try these posts
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1 day in Edinburgh
What not to do in London
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