Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Published: July 18, 2024
teens barcelona

Whether you're willing to admit it or not, the ever-dancing, attention-seeking, slang-slinging teens will inherit the Earth. It's enough to make your head shudder uncontrollably. Anyway, yes, teens. They are people too, and as such, have interests we may never truly understand. That can make it hard if you're taking the moody ungrateful specimens on vacation. What is a grown, world-weary sort like you supposed to do?

Or, are you a cool, hip, skateboarding teen? Hey there dude; we're down with your sort. We know our front-facing caps from our back-facing ones, and sometimes we get gnarly too! Sigh.

No matter who you are, you want to know what things there are for teenagers to do in Barcelona, don't you? Well, lucky for you, we've come up with this bodacious list of awesome things that will satisfy even the shortest of attention spans. So, let's get on with it. These are our picks for the best things to do in Barcelona for teenagers!

Including:

  • Soccer stadium studies
  • Street art situations
  • Escape room escapades
  • Segway madness
  • Beach braving
  • and more!

Camp Nou tour

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

This one's for teen soccer fans only, so apologies in advance. Barcelona is arguably one of the greatest soccer teams of all time, with countless domestic and European trophies to their name. Some of the best players to ever kick a ball have called the city home, and when they kick that ball, sometimes it goes in the net. Great stuff.

So, why not head to the home of Barcelona's soccer success and take a tour of the Camp Nou? You'll walk where players like Messi, Ronaldinho, and Henry have walked. Your guide will give you the inside scoop on the goings-on behind the scenes. And you'll get a look at the impressive trophy cabinet and be able to take Snapchats, or whatever else teens do these days, with reckless abandon.

Walk through the players' tunnel onto the pitch, see where the broadcasters lose their minds at the mind-boggling displays of skill, and step into the changing rooms where they prepare for battle. Soccer battle, the kind where no one really gets hurt, but they sure pretend they do.

The perfect choice for any ball-friendly teenager.

 

Moco Museum Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Yes, you may think at first that many teens would turn their attention-seeking noses up at an art museum. After all, no one's there to see them, just some stupid paintings. Well, they might turn their nose back down to a standard level if they discovered it wasn't just art, but street art. They may even crack a smile. Think of all the likes and shares.

If so, drag them along to the Moco Museum Barcelona, where teenagers can immerse themselves in modern art marvels from some of the genre's biggest stars. They'll see pieces from Banksy and David LaChapelle, as well as older works from the likes of Dali and Andy Warhol. Reel them in with the street art, then surprise them with the 20th-century artists. It's the perfect plan.

For any teenager with even a passing interest in art, street art, or ideologically-driven media, the Moco Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Barcelona for your darling little Zoomers.

 

Escape Hunt Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Does your teen think they're smart? Put those smarts to the test in a controlled environment they have to pass to escape. No, we're not talking about school (though the parallels are startling). Instead, we're chatting about escape rooms. These daring mazes of dastardly design are sure to tear your teen away from the screen and put them to work. And they'll love it.

At Escape Hunt Barcelona, they have three themed rooms to get trapped in, including the Mystery of Gaudí, School Thieves, and The Vampiress of Barcelona. Perhaps avoid the School of Thieves one; we wouldn't want to give them ideas for next semester. That was a joke - they'll learn nothing.

If you have a sizable clan, you can split into teams and tackle a room each to see who comes out on top. Doesn't that sound like good teen fun? Yes, it does.

 

 

Ciutadella Segway tour

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Nothing makes a video go viral quite like a unique mode of transport. Well, maybe, we're not really into that. But if your teenager is, or if you're a teen reading this, then boy do we have a vacation suggestion for you! Segways!

Yes, those two-wheeled wonders are back, and this time, you can board your e-chariot and burn around Ciutadella Park and learn all about its history! If you've never boarded the 'transport of the gods' before, cry no tears. Your park guide doubles as a bonafide Segway instructor. So once you meet up, he'll give you some handling tips, and then it's off into the sunset...of the park you're already in.

You'll zoom past the city's zoo, the famous Cascada fountain, and learn all about the park's many landmarks and their history. And, of course, they can make a social story about the whole thing for internet points, which is what they really want.

 

Barcelona's Beaches

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

And finally, we'll end our guide of things for teenagers to do in Barcelona with everyone's favorite sandy getaway; the beach! Whether you're looking to relax, go for a swim, or take part in some beach-based activities, everyone loves the beach. And thankfully for you and your teen of choice, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from in Barcelona!

There's Barceloneta, arguably the city's busiest and most tourist-friendly beach, with plenty of space to stretch out, places to eat and drink, and watersports to take part in. It'll likely be a good place for a sociable teen to make some new friends, given the abundance of traveling families who flock there every year. Could your teen of choice be involved in a whirlwind summer romance? Hopefully not.

But Barceloneta is just one of the many beaches dotted across the city's coastline, so pick whichever one suits you and head there while the sun's out and the getting's good!

And that's our list of things for teenagers to do in Barcelona. Good luck! And grab a Barcelona attraction pass and sightsee while you save!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Waterfall feature in front of the Palau Nacional
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Barcelona in April

Springtime is thought by many to be the best time to visit Barcelona. With the city still slumbering somewhat in the absence of peak-season tourists, its streets and attractions are usually relatively quiet and uncrowded. Throw in temperatures averaging between 50°F and 65°F alongside near-constant sunlight, and you can be certain a trip to Barcelona in April is sure to be a pleasant one. Tourism in April April serves as somewhat of a transition month for Barcelona as far as tourism concerned. It marks the boundary between the low-season winter and early spring months and the shoulder-season months leading up to summer. With that, tourism rates tend to rise gradually throughout the month. This is what makes the spring season ideal for many visitors. While the city has yet to be bombarded by the waves of summer tourists, there are still plenty of people around to give Barcelona its trademark buzz. You’re sure to be able to visit your attractions and restaurants of choice without too much hassle, but you can also depend on the nightlife to be booming. Take this opportunity to take a casual tour of Gaudí’s masterpieces, not last of all the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Walk in the footsteps of soccer legends at Camp Nou. Take a quiet stroll through Barcelona’s many famous markets, or sit back and enjoy a whirlwind tour of the city’s best attractions atop a Bus Turístic. Easter Weekend While Easter Sunday may sometimes fall at the end of March, it’s typically considered an April celebration. And as such, it serves as one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in April. Visitors are welcome to join the locals in celebrating the long weekend and attending the many processions and masses taking place throughout the city. Throughout Semana Santa, or Holy Week, the streets tend to be thriving with festivity. Alongside the religious processions, many retailers, chocolate stores and bakeries will be stocked up on festive treats and various types of Easter fare. Just be sure to note that the Friday and Monday either side of Easter Sunday are public holidays, meaning many stores, bars and restaurants are likely to be closed. However, businesses will still typically operate under regular weekend hours on Saturday and Sunday. Fira per la Terra (Earth Festival) Held in conjunction with Earth Day, celebrated globally on April 22, Barcelona hosts la Fira per la Terra, or the Earth Festival. Spread across two days, the event sees locals and visitors alike come together in Parc Central de Nou Barris in celebration of the little green planet we call our home The eco-fair typically offers an open market, live music and a host of environment-focused talks and events. Many stalls will showcase environmentally friendly products, whether locally produced, recycled, ecological or all of the above, in an effort to encourage attendees to live a more sustainable lifestyle. There’s often quite the atmosphere throughout the festival, with attendees all sharing in their common passion to fight climate change and protect the environment. For those more activism-oriented or any visitors simply interested in attending a very wholesome event, this is not a festival to be missed! Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day) Spain loves both its saints and its feast days, so the calendar is packed full of religious holidays and festivals throughout the year. Barcelona is no stranger to its own celebrations and, in many ways, likes to take each event up a step. So it should come as no surprise that the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi, is honored in a very big way indeed. The Diada de Sant Jordi is not a public holiday, so the vast majority of stores and restaurants will remain open. And that’s just as well, because it’s also Catalonia’s answer to Valentine’s Day. Sometimes referred to as the Book and Rose Day, it’s customary for locals to gift each other – you guessed it – books and roses. While the exchange of roses is an internationally recognized gesture of love, the swapping of books serves as a celebration of culture. On this day, La Rambla and its adjoining streets can typically be found lined with stalls offering all manner of books and flowers. While the books at these stalls will typically be offered in a wide array of languages, the city takes this opportunity to encourage the protection and promotion of the Catalan language in particular. This annual festival continues to bring well-deserved international attention to Catalan authors and publishers, and typically sees a massive boost in their output. It’s no coincidence that April 23 is also host to World Book Day – it was this exact festival that led the UNESCO General Assembly to declare it so! When visiting Barcelona in April, book lovers and couples alike should make their way to La Rambla to share in the city’s celebration of love and culture. Feria de Abril (April Fair) While the more famous Feria de Abril is held each year in Seville, Barcelona’s own celebration can easily hold a candle to its bigger brother. Typically held in Parc del Forum for around a week at the end of April, the festival offers a range of activities for all ages, often alongside live music and performances. For younger visitors and families, the event offers a fairground area housing the obligatory Ferris wheel alongside various other rides, game stalls, food stands and similar amusements. The other side of the fair is composed of the casetas, a host of marquee tents housing various organizations, political parties, merchants and food stands. The largest caseta, Caseta de la Fecac, is run by the event’s organizers and offers a series of free events and concerts by top artists and performers from around the country. If you’re in Barcelona in April and enjoy the atmosphere of a classic fair, be sure to pencil the Feria de Abril into your itinerary. Wrapping Up For many, Barcelona in April is nothing short of idyllic. With just enough crowds to give the city its renowned bustling atmosphere without clogging up the top attractions, visitors can be sure they’ll be getting the very best of both worlds. And with such engaging events taking place throughout the month, there’s certainly no shortage of festivity. Whether you’re looking for a quieter time to explore the city’s famous architecture, an opportunity to stroll through its many famous parks in pleasant weather or simply the chance to let loose in the evening, April could be the perfect time to plan your trip to Barcelona.
Robert Heaney
The emblematic salamander at the entrance to Park Güell
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Gaudi Barcelona

Alongside its rich cultural heritage, thriving nightlife and globally-celebrated football team, Barcelona is famous for its wealth of stunning architecture. Offering up a unique mix of baroque, Romanesque and modernist architecture, a walk through its streets is enough to know how much the city celebrates its architects. But very few architects can boast as prolific and accomplished a portfolio as Barcelona’s very own Antoni Gaudí. Known above all for his highly individual modernist style, Gaudí designed and oversaw the construction of a plethora of buildings throughout Barcelona. Drawing equal inspiration from nature, local tradition and often mysticism, many of his works now sit among the ranks of Barcelona’s best attractions for their often bizarre and mesmerizing designs. UNESCO has dubbed seven particular examples of his work as World Heritage Sites, which are referred to collectively as the Works of Antoni Gaudí. Sagrada Familia Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401 A guide to Gaudí’s finest work would be woefully incomplete without first covering the architect’s magnum opus, Barcelona’s famous Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. One of the most famous religious sites in the world, the church began construction in 1882, when devotees of St. Joseph sought to build a place of worship in his honor. Gaudí took over as chief architect of the project in 1883, adapting the original plans of his predecessor and introducing Art Nouveau elements to merge with the intended Gothic style. He is credited for having designed and overseen the construction of the basilica’s famous nativity scene, interior apse and crypt during his time on the project. Intricate models of the church put together in his workshop allowed him to experiment with his plans, and would later form the blueprint for the remainder of the works. Gaudí would come to work on the project for the remainder of his life, and was buried in the crypt alongside its first architect. The Sagrada Familia now serves as Barcelona’s most visited attraction. While construction continues on the basilica, its planned total of eighteen spires are intended to represent the twelve apostles, the Virgin Mary and the four Evangelists, with Jesus Christ towering above them all. Park Güell Location: 08024 Barcelona Second only to the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is another of Barcelona’s most visited attractions. While the majority of the park consists of tranquil green space, its main feature is the interior Monumental Zone. Commissioned by Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, the park was originally built to serve as a stylish social space for Barcelona’s aristocracy. Gaudí designed this space to serve as a tranquil area from which to enjoy the park’s surrounding beauty, ensuring its features were eccentric while still incorporating naturally into their environment. Much of the park’s symbolism draws inspiration from a combination Catalan nationalism, religious mysticism and ancient poetry. From the iconic mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace which offers panoramic views over the park, the Monumental Zone is best characterized by its somewhat surreal installations. La Pedrera / Casa Milà Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92 Translated literally as the ‘stone quarry’, La Pedrera is best known for its rough-hewn limestone façade, somewhat resembling an open quarry. This titan of a residence was designed and built for the aristocrat Pere Milà i Camps and his wife Rosario Segimon between 1906 and 1912. Entrancing both inside and out, La Pedrera is composed of two apartment blocks spread across nine stories and constructed around two large, interconnected courtyards. Gaudí, together with his partner Josep Maria Jujol, designed everything from the exterior façade to the individual apartments and the furniture within to incorporate with one another in the duo’s iconic modernist style. Crowning the residence is the ‘garden of warriors’ rooftop terrace, named after the 28 imposing chimneys that resemble twisted, standing soldiers. The terrace is decorated in a mosaic of marble, broken Valencian tiles and shards of broken champagne bottles and offers almost unparalleled views over the city. Casa Batlló Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43 Famous for its somewhat visceral, skeletal exterior, Casa Batlló is known locally as la casa dels ossos, or the ‘house of bones’. While not originally built by Antoni Gaudí, the property’s owner, Joseph Batlló, commissioned the architect to redesign the home in 1904. While only broadly identifiable as a modernist structure, the residence joins Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó to make up the Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’, which stands as a celebration of Barcelona’s most prolific modernist architects. Palau Güell Location: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5 Palau Güell was the first of what would come to be many works commissioned by tycoon Eusebi Güell. Designed as both a residence and a venue at which to host high society guests, the urban palace served to offer every conceivable luxury possible of a building. Its opulent interior appears in stark contrast to its relatively undecorated exterior façade. The mansion is constructed around a central hall and its accompanying receiving rooms. Incorporating towering, ornate walls and pillars, this party hall served as somewhat of an interior courtyard, offering a source of natural light during the day. In the evening, lanterns would be hung from small holes in the domed ceiling to mimic a starry sky. Casa Vicens Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26 Considered Gaudí’s first significant masterpiece, Casa Vicens was the first building in Catalonia to stray entirely from standard architectural norms and practices. With inspiration drawn from the orientalist and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, Gaudí’s design incorporated a mixture of Catalan, Islamic, Japanese and English techniques and symbolism. Commissioned by the Vicens family to serve as a summer residence, Gaudí designed the home to provide a balance of private quarters, social spaces and areas for quiet reflection. Much of the interior furniture was also by his own design in order to compliment the surrounding architecture. Church of Colonia Güell / Gaudí Crypt Location: Carrer Claudi Güell, 08690 La Colònia Güell Sitting a short distance outside Barcelona, the Church of Colònia Güell was designed to serve as a place of worship for the workers of Eusebi Güell’s industrial colony. Although Gaudí had drawn up plans for the construction of a full church, various complications meant that the structure was ultimately left unfinished. The church’s crypt stands as the only completed section of the project. Built partially below ground due to its hillside location, Gaudí designed the crypt to incorporate with its natural surroundings. His use of basalt, brick and stone gives the crypt a more muted, earthy appearance. Between the use of natural-looking colors and the rough-hewn pillars holding up the ceiling, the crypt has been likened more to a forest grotto or cave. A number of stained glass windows help to provide some vibrancy to the otherwise dim, almost ancient-looking interior space. Other Works Although UNESCO dubs these the collective works of Gaudí, they certainly weren’t his only projects. Throughout his professional career, the architect worked on over a dozen major sites throughout Catalonia. His most celebrated works are those that employed the extent of his skills, often straying largely from architectural norms. For those looking for the full Gaudí experience, some other notable examples of his work throughout Barcelona include Pavellons Güell, the Teresian College, Celler Güell, Casa Calvet and Bellesguard.
Robert Heaney
Avinguda Diagonal from above splitting Barcelona in two
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2 Days in Barcelona

While exploring a city as large and culturally rich as Barcelona in a short span of time may seem an intimidating task, it’s actually perfectly doable once you put together a solid plan of everything you’re genuinely interested in seeing. Whether you’re passing through for a couple days or looking to take a weekend city break, two days in Barcelona should be plenty of time to see a good portion of what the city has to offer. Covering everything from the city’s stunning architecture to its complex history, we’ve put together our own suggested itinerary to take you on a whirlwind tour of the beloved Catalan capital. The itinerary below includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping destinations. Feel free to take suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use the suggested visit timings to help decide how best to lay out your trip. Day 1 - Sightseeing What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away. Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day. Recommended visit: 1h – 2h Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance. Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30 Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue. Recommended visit: 45m Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry. Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30 Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings are eccentric in design both inside and out. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s city centre and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street. Recommended visit: 30m – 2h Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go. Recommended visit: 45m Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with a fresh dish of Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines? Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 2 – Culture Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, music and history are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick. Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself. Recommended visit: 1h – 3h Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses some of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything the historic streets have to offer. Recommended visit: 2h Barcelona Cathedral – Known officially as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this immense structure is a case study in Gothic Revival architecture. It’s expertly-crafted neo-Gothic façade makes way to a somewhat more unassuming yet nevertheless still imposing interior common to traditional Catalan churches. Recommended visit: 30m – 1h30 Museu d'Història de Barcelona – If you’re a history buff visiting Barcelona, this should be your trip’s Mecca. As the name might suggest, the MUHBA will take you on a tour of key points throughout the city’s history, from as recent as the Spanish Civil War to as far back as prehistory. Recommended visit: 3h – 5h Museu Picasso – Housing over 4,000 of Pablo Picasso’s works, this museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of the famous Spanish artist’s paintings. Recommended visit: 2h Carrer de Salomó ben Adret – At the heart of the Gothic quarter, this street is replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés. A perfect rest stop to draw a close to your whirlwind trip. Recommended visit: As long as you want Getting Around Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.
Robert Heaney

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