Since 2023, my family has been enjoying a grand European adventure, living together in beautiful Barcelona, Spain! I believe this stunning seaside city is a fantastic escape for families who are eager to explore European culture. To make the most of your family’s visit, I’ve collected a few of my best insider tips that my own family has discovered after some trial and error. Dive in and discover how to enhance a family trip to one of my favorite European cities:
1. The super touristy things, like Sagrada Familia? Skip them on the weekends—and only go during a weekday.
Especially during the tourist high season during the summer, these sites get swamped, and if you try to visit you’re going to end up with unbelievably cranky children. Plan to visit some of the under-the-radar spots on the weekend and tick off the “must-sees” on a quieter Tuesday or Wednesday. If you do visit Sagrada Familia, be sure to download the app to purchase tickets in advance!
2. Use the metro!
Public transportation in Barcelona is easy to use and so much cleaner than the NYC subway. Tourists should take advantage of the Hola Barcelona card that offers deals for 2-5 days and includes the airport metro line.
3. Build in some time to take in Barcelona’s beach bars.
When you think “beach bar,” you may picture a rowdy scene not well-suited to kids—but it’s different here. Beach bars called chiringuitos dot the Barcelona coastline, and they’re really restaurants with special beach amenities. At many, you can rent chairs and umbrellas right in front of the restaurant. I love that you don’t have to lug your own wagon full of supplies to enjoy a day at the beach here! Plus, there are plenty of public restrooms at the beach, along with open public showers to rinse those dusty feet and bodies; the whole beach experience is much more family-friendly than in the U.S. Two beaches that I suggest for a more family-friendly experience are Mataro and Ocata, both about a 30-minute ride away from Barcelona. One word of warning: Be prepared for nudity on the beach, with your kids asking questions—this is a common European way of life on the beach!
4. You can easily make a whole day out of strolling the waterfront and enjoying the beaches.
Here’s my family’s favorite beach-day itinerary: For a fun lunch and beach experience, start at the Diagonal Mar shopping mall play area, and then head to Platja de Llevant after your meal. Walk down the large wide boardwalk (lined with bathrooms, restaurants, and play structures), all the way to the iconic W Barcelona Hotel, if your kids’ little feet allow you to!
5. Set expectations with your picky eaters (and maybe pack some snacks).
In Barcelona, as in most of Europe, the restaurants don’t have separate kids menus—you won’t find chicken nuggets, fries, or pizza here. Even a simple pasta with tomato sauce tastes different from the American version! If your kids aren’t the most adventurous eaters, be prepared to seek out time restaurants that have something that might work for them; burger and pizza chains are also readily available across the city. A reliable standby for our family when we get a little tired of Spanish food is Ribs, serving American-style BBQ and sides (and they have a play area that keeps kids occupied while parents order!). A few of our other favorites that best resemble American options are Two Patties, Tomasso’s NY Style Pizza, and Vicio (which even has a vegan burger option)—and there are always McDonald’s and Burger King in a pinch!
6. Try the local delicacies that kids are likely to love—like chocolate and churros!
One of our local favorites, Granja Dulcinea, has been open since 1941, so you get a dose of chocolate, crispy churros, and history when you visit.
7. Stay in the Eixample Neighborhood.
This elegant, central area is walkable, safe, and quieter than the Gothic Quarter. It’s full of wide sidewalks for strollers and mobility aids, upscale family-friendly hotels with suites and interconnecting rooms, and easy access to Metro elevators. The neighborhood includes the famous Passeig de Gracia where you can stroll past two of the famous Gaudi sites:Casa Batillo and La Pedrera – Casa Mila.
8. Visit Gràcia. Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most charming and family-friendly neighborhoods, and entering from Travessera de Gràcia is the perfect way to explore it at a relaxed, local pace.
Begin by strolling north to Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, the neighborhood’s symbolic heart, where children can safely play near the iconic clock tower while adults unwind at shaded café terraces. Just a short walk away is the vibrant and bohemian Plaça del Sol, a favorite gathering spot for locals that’s ideal for families to enjoy a casual drink or gelato in an open, social setting. From there, explore Carrer de Verdi, a tree-lined pedestrian street filled with artisan boutiques, kid-friendly bookshops, and relaxed cafés. For lunch, spots like La Pubilla or Café Godot offer menus that appeal to both adventurous eaters and picky kids. Cultural experiences like a film at Cinemes Verdi or a local show at Lluïsos de Gràcia provide engaging, often sensory-friendly entertainment.
9. Take advantage of Barcelona’s “open streets.”
For an even more spacious and stroller-friendly experience, walk along Gran de Gràcia on weekends when the street becomes part of “Obrim Carrers,” Barcelona’s initiative to open key roads to pedestrians by closing them to vehicle traffic. On Saturdays (4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and Sundays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), Gran de Gràcia transforms into a lively, car-free boulevard perfect for families to stroll, shop, or enjoy impromptu street performances in a safe and festive atmosphere.
If you’re ready to plan your family’s Spanish adventure and seeking help from an insider, learn more about my travel planning services here—or hop to completing my brief trip inquiry form to get started!
