Are you looking for an exciting family-friendly vacation destination? Look no further than beautiful Barcelona, Spain! With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and sandy beaches, this city is ideal for a family getaway. This blog post will explore why you should take your children to Barcelona.
What’s this about Barcelona?
What’s so special about Barcelona?
First, I had never heard of Barcelona being a great family destination. I didn’t expect much when Barcelona became a waypoint for my family’s recent cruise. Boy, was I surprised when we arrived. Many things stood out to me and my kids on this trip.
- Barcelona personifies what it means to be family-friendly – the locals are knowledgeable and happy to help visitors find their way around, and kids are welcome with a smile almost everywhere.
- The city is CLEAN – I’ve traveled quite a bit, and most of the high-tourist places I’ve visited have lacked cleanliness. Not Barcelona. Every morning we observed residents coming out to sweep, mop, and clean the city streets, showing the residents great pride in keeping things neat.
- The weather is AMAZING – the average temperature in Barcelona ranges from 40 degrees F in the winter to 80 degrees F in the summer, and it’s a dry climate. We went at the end of April, and while jackets were needed in the morning, one could comfortably explore in a t-shirt or blouse by the afternoon.
- It’s the perfect mix of culture and beach vibes – Yes, every destination has its history and culture, and many also offer beautiful beaches, but Barcelona is one of the few cities where you get both at once. Enjoy a stroll through the shops in the Gothic Quarter for breakfast and be at the beach by 11.
5 Family-friendly Things to Do in Barcelona
- Explore Park Güell: A visit to Park Güell is essential for families. This whimsical park, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is filled with colorful mosaics, unique structures, and beautiful gardens. Kids can roam freely and marvel at the park’s surreal elements, including the iconic lizard fountain. Take a stroll, enjoy a picnic, and savor the panoramic views of the city.
- Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a captivating attraction that offers a dazzling display of music, lights, and water. Trust me when I say your kids will go wild for this water light show.
Located near Montjuïc Hill, families can witness the mesmerizing fountain show, which combines choreographed water movements with colorful light projections. The spectacle is especially enchanting at night and provides a delightful experience for kids and adults. - Spend the day at Barcelona Zoo: Barcelona Zoo is a popular destination for families, offering a wide range of wildlife and educational experiences. Home to more than 4,000 animals, including lions, elephants, and dolphins, the zoo allows kids to learn about different species and conservation efforts. The zoo also features a petting area, pony rides, and playgrounds, ensuring an enjoyable day for the whole family.
- Relax at Barceloneta Beach: Barcelona’s coastline is lined with beautiful sandy beaches, and Barceloneta Beach is one of the most family-friendly options. Take a break from sightseeing and spend a day building sandcastles, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, or enjoying beachside activities. The beach has facilities, including showers, restrooms, and beachside cafes where you can grab a bite to eat.
- Ramble down La Rambla: La Rambla is a bustling street in the heart of Barcelona that is perfect for families. It’s lined with street performers, vendors, and cafes, making it a lively and entertaining place to stroll. Kids will love watching the street performers and sampling the local snacks, like churros and chocolate, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in late April, you might even catch the Festival of Sant Jordi, where the town is full of dragons and red roses.
Family-friendly hotels in Barcelona
My family opted for hotels instead of house rentals this time because this was a one-day trip on both sides, but we got the opportunity to stay at two different locations, and I’ll cover each. Because this was such a short trip for us, I won’t make recommendations beyond those two locations.
- Hotel Catalonia Vinyo was the first hotel we stayed in. I had booked it a night before our landing because we were flying in on a red-eye flight, and I wanted to make sure the room was ready when we got there. We booked a triple room to have a bed to ourselves.
We loved the hotel’s artsy-grunge vibe. They’ve hired local artists to paint graffiti on the lobby walls, giving this hotel a pop of something special. The morning breakfast buffet was excellent, the pool was clean (but not heated), and the staff was friendly. The room wasn’t exceptional, but it was good enough.
The biggest issue with this hotel was the clientele. While I saw many other travelers with children there, our room was next to some backpackers playing loud techno music until 3 AM. I imagine the hotel’s price point and proximity to the local bars and hotspots here can make it feel like a hostel more than a hotel. I’d give the hotel an overall 2 / 5. They could add soundproofing, and it would go up to a 4/5. - The second hotel we stayed at was the H10 Madison, where we could only book a double room. While this hotel was undoubtedly more upscale, I would still rate it a 3/5. Unlike the first hotel, this place didn’t have breakfast included, the entire restaurant was closed that day, and while soundproofed, the room was cramped.
However, one plus for this place is its comprehensive bar with light-fare on the roof. My kids enjoyed the spectacular views from the heated pool, and the bar food was enough to tide us over for the night. I’d probably give the hotel a 3/5 overall.
My family had an incredible time visiting Barcelona, if even for a brief visit. I would highly recommend this European Destination to any family looking for something new, something fresh, and something that will be an immersive, family-friendly experience to remember for years to come.