Spain · Catalonia’s Capital
Barcelona
Gaudí’s fantastical buildings, a medieval old town and a city beach, all wrapped in Catalan food and late nights. Explore it your way, with skip-the-line tickets and private guides arranged by our Spain specialists.
- 7 Gaudí works on the UNESCO list
- 1882 Sagrada Família begun
- 2.5 hrs by train from Madrid
Hassle-Free Dream Travel!
Meet the city
The Barcelona Highlights
Gaudí is only the beginning. Tap through to explore the landmarks that make Barcelona one of Europe’s favorite cities.
Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece
Work on the basilica began in 1882 and Antoni Gaudí devoted more than 40 years of his life to it. More than a century later it is still rising, and its forest-like interior, washed in stained-glass light, is unlike any church on earth.
Timed tickets sell out, especially for the towers. We book them ahead with a private guide who brings the symbolism of each façade to life.
- Begun
- 1882
- Gaudí’s work
- 1883 until his death in 1926
- UNESCO
- Nativity façade and crypt, 2005
A hillside garden of mosaics
Built between 1900 and 1914, Park Güell was planned as a garden city and became one of Gaudí’s most playful works, with its famous mosaic lizard, wavy bench and views over the city to the sea.
Entry to the Monumental Zone is by timed ticket. Early morning brings soft light and far fewer people.
- Timed tickets arranged for you
- Best visited first thing in the morning
- Pair with a stroll through the Gràcia neighborhood
Modernisme on Passeig de Gràcia
Barcelona’s grandest boulevard is lined with Modernista buildings. Casa Batlló shimmers with ceramic scales and bone-like balconies, while Casa Milà, known as La Pedrera, rolls like a stone cliff topped with warrior-like chimneys.
We like to visit the rooftops at sunset, then stay for dinner in the Eixample, one of the city’s best dining districts.
- Casa Batlló and La Pedrera with reserved entry
- Evening rooftop visits
- Boutique shopping on the boulevard
Barcelona’s elegant grid
The Eixample was laid out in the 19th century with wide streets and chamfered corners that give it its airy feel. It’s home to many of the city’s best hotels, restaurants and Modernista façades.
It makes an ideal base: central, walkable and just a short ride from the Gothic Quarter and the beach.
- Many of our favorite hotels
- Walkable to Gaudí’s houses
- Excellent restaurants and wine bars
Marinas, beaches and seafood
Barcelona has several kilometers of city beaches, from lively Barceloneta to quieter stretches further north. The old harbor, Port Vell, is lined with yachts and seafood restaurants.
Head up Montjuïc for views back over the port, or sail along the coast on a private catamaran.
- Private sailing at sunset
- Seafood and paella by the sea
- Montjuïc cable car and gardens
In the city and beyond
Things to Do in and Around Barcelona
Filter by what you love, then tap “Read more” for our insider tips.
The Gothic Quarter & El Born
Lose yourself in medieval lanes around the cathedral, then cross into El Born for Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum.
Read moreShow less
We pair the old town with a private guide who knows its hidden squares and Roman walls, and finish with vermouth in a local bodega.
Palau de la Música Catalana
A UNESCO-listed concert hall with a dazzling stained-glass skylight. See it on a tour or, better still, at an evening concert.
Montjuïc & the Miró Foundation
The hill above the port is home to gardens, the Joan Miró Foundation and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
La Boqueria & a tapas tour
Barcelona’s famous market sits just off La Rambla. Explore it with a local guide, then hop between tapas bars in El Born and Gràcia.
Read moreShow less
Our favorite tours are small and private, with tastings of jamón, cheeses, anchovies and cava along the way.
Cava in the Penedès
Spain’s sparkling-wine country is about an hour from the city. Tour historic cellars and family estates, with lunch among the vines.
Montserrat
A Benedictine monastery set among jagged mountain peaks about an hour away, home to the Black Madonna and a famous boys’ choir.
Read moreShow less
Go early to hear the Escolania choir (on scheduled days) and ride the rack railway or cable car for the views.
Girona & the Dalí Museum
Medieval Girona and Salvador Dalí’s surreal Theatre-Museum in Figueres make a perfect day north of the city.
The Costa Brava & Sitges
Head north for the coves and fishing villages of the Costa Brava, or south to the beaches and old town of Sitges.
Know before you go
How to Do Barcelona Well
A few local habits and booking tips make all the difference. Here’s how we plan an easy, unhurried stay.
Book the big sights early
The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Gaudí’s houses use timed tickets. For spring and summer, we reserve them as soon as your dates are set.
Eat like a local
Lunch is usually from 2 pm and dinner from 9 pm. Many of the best restaurants don’t open for dinner before 8:30 pm.
Eixample or the waterfront
The Eixample is central and elegant, the Gothic Quarter is atmospheric, and the waterfront is perfect for beach lovers.
Walk, ride or be driven
The center is very walkable and the metro is easy. For day trips, we arrange private drivers and guides.
Catalan and Spanish
Both are official here. A friendly “bon dia” (good morning in Catalan) is always appreciated.
Mind your bags
Barcelona is safe, but pickpockets work busy areas like La Rambla and the metro. Keep valuables close.
Work with One of Our Travel Experts
The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.
After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!
You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!
Good to know
Barcelona FAQs
How many days do I need in Barcelona?
Three to four days covers Gaudí’s highlights, the Gothic Quarter and a beach afternoon. Add a day or two for Montserrat, the Costa Brava or the Penedès.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
May, June and September bring warm days and sea swimming with fewer crowds than July and August. See our best time to visit Spain guide for more.
Do I need to book the Sagrada Família in advance?
Yes. Tickets are timed and often sell out days or weeks ahead, especially for tower access. We reserve them with your itinerary.
How do I get from Madrid to Barcelona?
The high-speed train takes about two and a half hours city center to city center, and is usually easier than flying.
Is Barcelona good for families?
Very. Kids love Park Güell, the beaches, the aquarium and Montjuïc’s cable car. We’ll pace your days and pick family-friendly hotels.
Your Spain journey
Keep exploring Spain
Your Dream Spain Getaway
Barcelona is a feast of Gaudí, Catalan cooking and Mediterranean beaches. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Spain specialists will start designing it with you.
- A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
- Tickets, guides and transfers handled
- Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Spain Specialists