Far from being a destination reserved for partygoers and young globe-trotters, Barcelona is a city that lends itself very well to family holidays . Nestled between sea and mountains, home to dozens of museums and other cultural institutions, it has many assets to satisfy both young and old.
If you have planned a few days of holidays this summer in the Catalan capital, Go Voyages offers 10 ideas of activities ideal for families so that everyone keeps an exceptional memory of his stay in Spain!
1. The Tibidabo and its theme park
The Tibidabo is the highest peak of the Serra de Collserola and therefore offers an extraordinary panorama of Barcelona. But its appeal is not limited to this … The Tibidabo is also home to an amusement park a little old but full of charm and a Catholic church whose highest tower offers a 360º panorama of the city. To get there, the fun (and practical) is still to take the funicular dating from 1901.
Practical information : Funicular (7,70 €). The amusement park is open only on weekends in low season (12h-21h) and every day from 12h to 23h in summer.
2. The Ciutadella Park and the Barcelona Zoo
Located in the heart of Barcelona, Ciutadella Park covers 60 hectares and is home to the city’s famous zoo. If the first is ideal for picnicking or playing on the lawns , the second is pleasant half a day. The zoo has nearly 2,200 animals representing 315 species.
Entry to the zoo : 19,90 € (adult), 11,95 € (-12 years), 10,05 € (+65 years).
3. Montjuic and the Poble Espanyol
The hill of Montjuïc dominates the old city of Barcelona and houses many interesting sites such as Poble Espanyol, a reconstruction of different regions of Spain in the same village, the Botanical Garden of Barcelona or the Miró Foundation. To get there, you can climb the cable car from Paral·lel.
Entry Poble Espanyol : € 12 (adult), € 7 (under 12), € 8.4 (+ 65 years).
4. The aquarium
The aquarium is one of the favorite tourist sites of families on Barcelona’s Port Vell . Its underwater tunnel 80 meters long is particularly impressive. A particularly interesting option for rainy days!
Entry to the aquarium : € 20 (adult), € 15 (under 10), € 7 (under 4), € 18 (+ 65).
5. The Cosmocaixa
Opened for ten years in the district of Sarrià – Sant Gervasi, on the heights of Barcelona, Cosmocaixa is a museum dedicated to science and technology . In addition to numerous experiments to understand the founding principles of physics, exposure to the evolution of man and planet and temporary events on the theme of science, the museum also houses an impressive reconstruction of the Amazon rainforest where the rain falls every 20 minutes …
Cosmocaixa entrance : € 4, free for children under 16 and account holders at La Caixa.
6. The golondrinas
It’s impossible to stay in Barcelona without taking a boat trip to discover the coast of Barcelona. Thanks to the Golondrinas cruises you can discover the choice of the port of Barcelona, or the whole coast to Fòrum, north of the city. What to enjoy the fresh air of the sea!
Practical information: Departure from Colón (Drassanes) between 11:30 and 18:15.
7. The tourist bus
Another essential means of transport when visiting Barcelona, the tourist bus allows you to discover the most important sites of the city without wasting time and without tiring the little legs of children! In addition, the second floor uncovered offers breathtaking views of everyday life in Catalan . With a single ticket it is possible to board the bus as many times as you want and the many stops can cover more than just the points of interest of the city.
Tourist bus ticket 1 day : 26 € (adult), 15 € (-12 years).
8. The Boqueria Market
The most famous market in Barcelona is a paradise for the senses : the colors, the smells and the flavors of the Boqueria products are generally pleasing to all visitors, big and small. If they are not very convinced by local deli and cheese stands, those of colorful fruits or treats of all kinds should seduce them without much difficulty …
Practical information: Metro Liceu. Open Monday to Saturday from 8h to 20h30.
9. Park Güell
Without a doubt the most beautiful park in Barcelona! The wacky constructions and the famous mosaic salamander at Park Güell make it the most popular park for children traveling to Barcelona. From there you will also enjoy an exceptional panorama, perfect for taking some souvenir photos … with your family!
Prices : 8 € (adult), 5,60 € (children, + 65 years old, disabled person).
10. The beach of Barceloneta
Finally, it is impossible to finish this list of activities “family friendly” without mentioning the beach of Barcelona , the famous Barceloneta. Very easy to access it is perfect to cool off after a busy day and even has some games for children . It is also very well equipped for cycling or rollerblading.
With all these activities options for the whole family, you have no excuse not to go to Barcelona for your next vacation!
