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Tips for Families Travelling to Barcelona

Get the insider's tips on family travel to Barcelona? Where to take the kids to keep them entertained, where to shop and where to eat when you are with your family in Barcelona.
By Fabiola Chirinos
09/26/2016
Barcelona has become one of the favourite holiday destinations for families. Its climate, its traditions and its incredible sights captivate young and old, alike. If you’re planning your next family holiday, the Catalonian capital is an ideal destination. If you’ve already booked a trip to the city, get ready to learn about some of the activities the whole family can enjoy.

Beaches, mountains and impressive architecture all come together in this city with entertainment options abound. The sheer number of outdoor spaces makes it a great place for the youngest members of the household. They have a variety of fun attractions to choose from and can do all the exploring they want safely and securely.

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the preferred spots of both locals and visitors. It has a little lake where you can go row boating. The Barcelona Zoo is also located on the grounds, and if you decide to visit, be sure to see the dolphin show. You’ll find the schedule posted at the entrance to the park. The shows are generally presented three times a day. The Parc de la Ciutadella also offers playgrounds, cafés and picnic areas.

If you’re looking for more outdoor spaces, you can visit Montjuïc. At its peak stands a castle that served as a fortress during the seventeenth century. It’s a great place for an outdoor historical tour, and children can play safely throughout the area. The journey to the peak is an attraction in and of itself, as you can get there by aerial tramway. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy one of the best views of the Catalonian capital.

When night falls, go see the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. There’s an incredible light show in which the water appears to dance to the rhythm of the music. The shows are usually presented Thursday through Sunday, but show times vary depending on the time of year.
If you’re travelling with children, the Tibidabo amusement park is well worth a visit. It’s one of the oldest parks in Europe, and tickets include admission to all the games and entertainment options. From there, you will enjoy another spectacular view of the city, and best of all, your children will enjoy an unforgettable day filled with fun.


Architecture for all ages

Barcelona is known for its architectural richness. You will find impressive structures in the Barri Gòtic and internationally renowned architecture throughout the city. Although architectural tours may be a bit tedious for the youngest members of the family, there are certain stops that everyone will enjoy.

If you’d like to get to know the work of Gaudí, a visit to Park Güell is a must. The combination of nature, surrealism and the artist’s playful creations never fails to win the heart of every visitor. You can purchase tickets ahead of time through the park’s official website. Only 400 people are permitted to enter every half-hour.
To see more of Spain’s unique architecture, you can visit Poble Espanyol, an architectural museum located in Montjuïc. This outdoor park features replicas of some of the country’s most important structures. It’s a perfect place for your kids, as it generally includes children’s activities on the schedule. It also contains galleries, restaurants and shops where you’re sure to find great souvenirs.

Barcelona Museums
  

Museums abound in the Catalonian capital. It’s simply a matter of choosing the topic that interests you the most. You can explore maritime history, learn about the origins of the city or even take a look at cultures from all over the world. But if you want something the kids will really enjoy, there are two museums that leap to mind: the Museum of Chocolate and the Museum of Science.

The Museum of Chocolate (Museu de la Xocolata), located in the El Born district, reveals the history of the dark confection and the Catalonian traditions in which it plays a part. However, the best part of all is the chocolate sculptures of your children’s favourite characters. They’ll want their picture taken with each and every one!

If that’s not enough, the whole family will love the CosmoCaixa Museum of Science, located in Tibidabo. The museum features a great number of interactive exhibitions to help explain certain aspects of physics and science in general. It houses a geological wall where you can learn about the earth, a flooded forest with over 100 species and a planetarium where you can observe the stars.

Soccer fans won’t want to miss a visit to the legendary Camp Nou stadium to learn a little more about their favourite players and the history of the sport. The experience is most exciting if it coincides with a match so the whole family can see the blue and claret team in action.
To round out the tour, there’s the Wax Museum on La Rambla. You’ll find sculptures of historic figures, musicians, sculptors and artist of every kind. The museum is filled with history, culture and a little bit of fantasy, too. It’s an experience the kids will love.

Food and leisure in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a great variety of cuisine. You’ll find exquisite restaurants to satisfy every taste. And at night, you can go out for tapas. Mediterranean cuisine isn’t particularly spicy, so children tend to like it. One of the places any self-respecting foodie won’t want to miss is La Boquería, a street market located in Las Ramblas. You’ll find a little bit of everything, including produce, vegetables, meats, cheeses, fruits and fish, to delight all the senses. Inside, there are a number of renowned restaurants. Go ahead and sample the wide variety of flavours. Once you try the churros with hot chocolate, they’ll quickly become your favourite sweet. If you need a little break, there’s nothing better than a day at the beach, especially in a city with a cool climate, like Barcelona. You can go to Puerto Olímpico or La Barceloneta, which you can reach by the underground. The best time to visit the beaches is during the summer, but the nice weather lasts well into September.

Many of the city’s museums and attractions offer discounts for children and teens, so make sure to ask before visiting. There are also a lot of places that offer student discounts with a valid student ID. You’ll also be happy to know that public transportation is free for children under three.