Tours & Activities
With so much to do and see in Barcelona, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. Below are some of our recommendations for activities and tours to take here.
Stroll along beautiful beaches, wander through the historic Gothic Quarter, and admire the unique architecture of Gaudí’s creations. Barcelona is not just about its famous landmarks; it’s where every day is celebrated, evident in festivals like Sant Joan.
Whether it’s seeing the sunrise or sunset at the beach, having dinner outdoors, exploring the old city, or enjoying a drink in a classic Spanish bar, Barcelona is the perfect setting. One thing is certain in Barcelona: your memories will last a lifetime.
The best time to visit Barcelona is May to June! It’s warm at 21-24°C, and the city is alive with summer festivals. As the real summer begins and it gets humid, locals often leave for cooler places. Meanwhile, the city attracts more tourists, making its streets lively.
With so much to do and see in Barcelona, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. Below are some of our recommendations for activities and tours to take here.
While finding a hotel in the heart of the city is convenient for several reasons, it’s far from being essential to enjoying your stay there; there are plenty of fantastic hotels to choose from near the sea, or in quieter, more residential areas, where you’ll generally get far more bang for your buck.
Just a stone’s throw away from Nova Mar Bella beach, Occidental Atenea Mar is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a contemporary, no-frills experience during their stay.
Located right on the bustling street of La Rambla, Hotel 1898 is ideal for those who prefer that their accommodation has more of a rustic, historical flair to it.
If stunning views and quieter surroundings are your priorities, then Catalonia Park Guell might be just the thing for you.
The best way to plan a trip to Barcelona as a culinary explorer is to start your journey late (as Spanish meal times are notoriously late) at one of the city’s famous markets — La Boqueria or Mercat de Santa Caterina. Sample a variety of cheeses, seafood, and local Iberico ham.
For a more casual dining experience, grab some tapas and a glass of vermouth at one of the many bars in El Born or Gracia. Snag a seat at a local bodega to sample dishes like patatas bravas or pan con tomate (both of which are great vegetarian food options in Spain).
If you’re here to sample some Michelin-starred fare, Caelis is great for creative-looking plates, while Batea is a top choice if you love seafood.
Ultimately, booking a food tour in Barcelona is the best way to get the full foodie experience. We recommend the Barcelona Tapas Walking Tour for a casual yet informative introduction to Catalan history and Spanish food and wine culture.
Ready to expand your horizons? You could easily extend your trip here for a week or two just to spend time heading out on day trip adventures that await beyond Barcelona.
Have you booked your flight to Barcelona with one of the best airlines in Spain? Before departing, brush up on some transportation and safety tips to ensure a stress-free trip.
With 180 stations and 12 lines, you can get just about anywhere you need to go (or pretty close) using Barcelona’s metro. If you plan on using it a lot, it’s usually worth getting a Hola Barcelona Travel Card. It’s $20.79 for 48 hours of unlimited movement on all of Barcelona’s transportation systems,
If the weather’s nice, rent a bicycle. Barcelona has plenty of bike rental options (although Bicing is only for residents), and the city’s flat terrain makes it an easy place to get around on two wheels.
Barcelona is super walkable, too. The Gothic Quarter and El Raval are made up of winding, narrow streets that are best discovered on foot. If you’re in a hurry, there is Uber in Spain, but it’s often hard to get an Uber in Barcelona, and it’s usually more expensive than flagging down a taxi on the street.
Barcelona has its fair share of bag snatchers and con artists, like any big city. This is usually a bigger issue in crowded spaces than anywhere else, meaning it is best to secure your belongings when using public transportation.
You’re more likely to get pickpocketed or scammed than being robbed. The ATM scam is fairly common. Someone will help you “avoid bank fees” only to scan your bank card to access your PIN number and drain your account. Or, someone might “accidentally” get mustard on you to cause a commotion and pickpocket you while helping clean it up.
The best thing to do is to avoid accepting help from anybody you don’t know. Don’t accept “gifts” from people, and keep your phone, wallet, and other personal belongings safely stored away so they can’t be snatched easily.
Barcelona is a fantastic holiday destination! We have traveled extensively, but this city still has a special place in our heart.
From sun-soaked beaches to enchanting architecture (yes, I’m talking about Gaudi!), bustling markets, a vibrant nightlife, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
For art lovers, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit. And the food—tapas, and paella are just the beginning!
Yes, Barcelona is generally safe for tourists. However, it is important to stay alert and mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
During my (Timon) 2-year stay in Barcelona, I avoided getting pickpocketed despite a few attempts. My dad wasn’t as lucky and had his backpack stolen while dining in a restaurant. Most of my friends also had unfortunate experiences with their phones.
Despite these incidents, I can assure you that with a bit of caution, your visit should be problem-free and enjoyable. Barcelona is a city that’s worth every bit of your attention!
This depends on your travel style. Barcelona can be a bit pricey compared to other Spanish cities, especially regarding accommodation and dining in fancy restaurants. However, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options! Trying delicious street food and many of the city’s highlights, like Park Güell, are free to visit.
We recommend a minimum of 3-4 days. This gives you enough time to visit key sites like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, enjoy the beach, do a little shopping, and, of course, sample the local cuisine.
Question not answered?