Things to do in Barcelona with Kids

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
barcelona kids

The children are our future - that's just a cold, hard fact. But what about the present? Well, we have to account for that too. Children very much live in the present, so it's important you make today's vacation one they'll remember forever. And where better way to do that than in the beautiful city of Barcelona! It may not be a huge theme park dedicated to their every whim, but there's plenty for kids to do in Barcelona!

From fun education excursions to museums dedicated to fun (really), you'll be surprised at the amount of great stuff there is for you and your little one to experience! But with so much to see and so little time to see it, which are the best things to do with kids in Barcelona? Calm your weeping body, settle down, and focus. We've done all the heavy lifting and collated our list of the very best things to do with kids in Barcelona, so you don't have to. You are very welcome.

Including:

  • Underwater exploration
  • Historical city wanders
  • Landmark-laden bus tours
  • 4D fun
  • The literal museum of fun
  • and more!
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L’Aquàrium de Barcelona

Most kids love animals, especially those of the exotic variety they only see on TV or read about in books. So why not make their fantasy a reality at the Barcelona Aquarium?

There, they'll have the chance to meet more than 11,000 weird and wonderful underwater critters, pass through the fantastic underwater tunnel where they'll be surrounded by chill sea animals just hanging out, and see live feedings for some of the bigger, spookier sealife.

They'll also explore 14 Mediterranean aquariums that contain all types of life found in Barcelona's seas. From seahorses to eels, sharks to rays, there's a world of wonderful wildlife down there for young minds to explore. Easily one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids!

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Poble Espanyol de Barcelona

If your kid's the type to always ask questions about what life was like, or how people used to live, then this one should answer some of their questions. Poble Espanyol is a world within itself, an open-air architectural museum that recreates much of Barcelona throughout time.

This results in 117 buildings, streets, and squares, faithfully recreated from history. You and the little one can gaze up at ancient houses on a residential street, or see a centuries-old monastery up close. Truly a city within the city, it's hard to describe what it is - you really have to see it for yourself.

They also have expert craftsmen onsite that sell a variety of authentic knickknacks, as well as a whole gallery of art from some of the city's biggest artists. So why not pick something up for the little one to commemorate your visit?

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Bus Turístic Tour

Barcelona is a city packed with history, outstanding landmarks, and bucket-list locations. And with so much to see, it can be tough fitting all of them around a kid-friendly schedule. So why take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Barcelona's greatest hits?

For one day, you'll be able to board and get off any Bus Turístic service. That means you have complete freedom to see whatever you want, whenever you want. If your little one's eyes widen as soon as they set eyes on the Sagrada Familia, we wouldn't blame them. Simply hop off, explore the monumental building, and then hop on another bus to the next destination.

It's a great way to keep kids engaged without dragging them around every landmark until they're bored to tears. Don't worry, you can thank us later.

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Gaudí Experiència 4D

Gaudí's monumental gifts to the architectural world may stand on their own, but to a little mind, they may not be more than a passing interest. This is especially true when you consider the effect that surrealism and strangeness have had on the children's entertainment industry. Do you actually watch those kids' programs with them? They're weird. Really weird. So your little one may be desensitized to the magnificence of the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell in person. Which is a shame but, what are you going to do?

Well, what you will do is take them on an interactive rollercoaster of an experience through Gaudí's work, thanks to Gaudí Experiència 4D! This state-of-the-art interpretation of the main man's masterworks involves moving cinema seats, water effects, and a high-budget thrill ride to transport you into the mind of Gaudí. You'll learn about what influenced his designs. They'll appreciate flying through the air and feeling the ocean breeze on their face. To each their own!

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Museum of Illusions and Big Fun Museum

Next up is a two-for-one special. Two museums, two amazing kid-friendly experiences, and only one ticket required! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Big Fun Museum.

This wonderful fun house will see you and your kids shrunk to the size of a bug as you explore a Giant's House. Featuring larger-than-life utensils, apparel, and furniture, you'll have a blast climbing in the giant's massive shoe with them, or tightrope-walking along his teaspoon.

Then, at the Museum of Illusions which is a part of the Big Fun Museum, they'll have their minds warped and their eyes deceived by some dastardly tricks of perspective. Featuring giant dinosaurs, huge chasms, and floating spaceships that feel like they're just a touch away, it's one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids!

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Barcelona Zoo

And finally, let's end this list with more kid-friendly animal fun at Barcelona Zoo! Your little one can go face-to-face with over 2000 animals who call it home. They'll find all their favorite animals within, from lions and tigers to giraffes and elephants. If they lean on the scaly side, make sure to visit the Reptile House so they can meet some weird and wonderful green critters.

Plus, there are plenty of hidden opportunities to learn there, thanks to talks from zookeepers, conservationists, and others who work there. There are even live feedings, if your little ones can handle the more grisly stuff!

And that's our list of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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The Palau Nacional viewed from the Magic Fountain
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Free Things to do in Barcelona

Any trip to Barcelona is bound to be jam-packed with sightseeing, cultural activities and all the fresh Catalan cuisine you can stomach. While that’s exactly what many consider to be the best way to experience the city, it isn’t always too kind on the wallet. For those that are more budget-minded or would simply like to complete their itinerary with some cheaper and more laid-back activities, the city can still deliver. There are plenty of free things to do in Barcelona for just about every type of visitor. Parks Galore For a city as metropolitan and bustling as Barcelona, it’s surprising just how many open green spaces it manages to sneak in. Well over a dozen parks are dotted throughout, ranging from small dog parks to many-hectares-large social spots. Park Güell By far the most renowned and popular of Barcelona’s attractions is Park Güell. Second only to the Sagrada Familia in terms of the sheer volume of visitors it receives each day, Park Güell is most well known for its interior Monumental Zone designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. While you will need to pay to book a visit to the Monumental Zone, this area constitutes just a tiny portion of the park as a whole. If you don’t mind missing it, you can very easily sink a couple of hours of your day into exploring or relaxing in the rest of the park. Ciutadella Park Offering over 17 hectares of green space, Ciutadella Park is the largest park in Barcelona, and it does plenty with that space. It’s so large, in fact, that it houses not only the Barcelona Zoo and its more than 2,000 resident animals, but also the Parliament of Catalonia. A number of street performers, dancers and musicians are often dotted throughout the park, adding to its relaxed and jovial atmosphere. Take a chance to sit back and relax, watch the rowboats go by on the lake, explore the space’s many monuments and take a selfie with the park’s very own wooly mammoth. Montjuïc Park For the very best views over the city, get yourself over to Montjuïc Park. This hill to the south of the city is jam-packed with some of Barcelona’s best attractions, and is also simply a fantastic place to relax with a panoramic view of the Catalan capital. Entry to the park by foot is entirely free, and you’ll be able to take all the time you need to explore the likes of Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain and the Olympic Ring. There is also a cable car to take you directly to the top of the hill by the castle, but you will of course need to pay for this. Museums Barcelona is a city brimming with culture, and it’s no coincidence that it also hosts a great many museums for visitors to explore. While it’s no secret that many of Barcelona’s museums charge fairly hefty admission, many offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and often at select times throughout the week. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is housed within the beautiful Palau Nacional and exhibits hundreds of thousands of visual art pieces from throughout the Catalonia region, dating back as far as a thousand years. As the biggest and most important museum in Barcelona, the MNAC typically charges admission, but can be visited for free on Saturday afternoons. The Museu Picasso offers the most complete collection of the surrealist Spanish artist’s paintings in the world. Thursday evenings will allow you to view the more than 4,000 pieces free of charge. Montjuïc Castle sits atop Montjuïc Mountain and originally served as a military fortress, dating back to 1640. The castle is now open for visitors to explore its halls, and offers free entry every Sunday evening. Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona offers a labyrinth of medieval streets in which you’ll find all manner of attractions, quaint restaurants and local retailers. While this area may house some of the pricier pastimes of the city, it also offers many of the best free things to do in Barcelona. Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the Barri Gòtic is its wide selection of charming squares. The likes of Plaça Reial, Plaça Prim and Plaça Sant Felip Neri offer relaxed and open spaces to sit and socialize, often along with a handful of cafés and restaurants to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. These cobbled alleyways also house some of Barcelona’s most notable historic sites. You can visit the Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria for free between certain times each day. The Jewish Quarter at the heart of the Gothic Quarter is an entire fragment of history in itself, offering some of the most gorgeous architecture in the area. If that isn’t quite enough to sate your historical hunger, then you can also retrace Barcelona’s ancient Roman past. Walk the perimeter of the old city wall, visit the remains of the Roman aqueduct and necropolis and explore the impressive remaining columns of the Temple of Augustus. Wrapping Up While the aforementioned attractions may be considered some of the best budget-friendly ways to pass your time, they are by no means the only free things to do in Barcelona. Throughout the year, there are always a number of events, workshops, gigs, exhibitions and tours on offer free of charge for any who may be interested. As bustling and metropolitan as Barcelona may be, it doesn’t have to be reserved only for those with the cash to splash on every single attraction. The more savvy, budget-minded traveler can fill their itinerary with all manner of rewarding activities without having to spend a penny more than their flights, accommodation and meal costs.
Robert Heaney
barcelona winter
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Things to do in Barcelona in Winter

Winter can leave many of us feeling lost, alone, and pondering existential questions. Where did the sun really go? Should I throw out my summer wardrobe and replace it before spring? Is there any point in going on vacation in winter? You're on your own with the first two, but we can help answer the third. Because yes, of course there's a point to winter vacations! Minimal crowds, cheaper flights, and the ability to focus on indoor fun. In summer, spending your vacation indoors might induce serious FOMO, but not when the temperature drops. But what about a famously summertime city like Barcelona? What then, we hear you scream into the night sky. What about it? There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona in winter. Quit your wailing. Here, we'll prove it by creating the greatest list of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter just for you. Hold on to your phones, laptops, or desktops, because it's about to get crazy. Including: Art Museums Brewery tour Escape rooms Science museums Gaudí the great and more!   Image courtesy of Giorgiolo/Shutterstock Get Artsy Let's kick things off with some indoor culture. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't warm your insides with knowledge, inspiration, and learning. Feel the sacred light of art fill your withered body! We're talking modern art here, so strap in. First on the list is Barcelona's own Moco Museum. With plenty of mind-opening installations from the likes of Banksy and David LaChapelle, as well as surrealists like Dali, it's the most colorful, mind-bending place in town. Or, if you want a little less flash and a little more space to ponder, check out Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (or MACBA for short). More of a traditional gallery, you'll find multiple periods of modern art represented in its many galleries. Another modern art museum with an appropriate acronym is the Museu Europeu d'Art Modern or MEAM. This one has a slew of alternative forms of art inside, from concerts to live art theater, as well as other experimental works. Nice.   Estrella exploration Do you like beer? Ever wondered where it all comes from? Why not head down to Barcelona's famous Estrella Brewery, take a look around, and discover for yourself? Spain's biggest amber export, Estrella is enjoyed the world over. Step inside and learn about the history of the brand, the brewery, and its rise to worldwide acclaim. Then, when you've seen enough giant metal beer barrels to fill a lifetime, sample four refreshing Estrella beers for yourself in the tasting room. Delightful.   Escape for your life If things are getting cold outside, heat up proceedings with a race against time! That's exactly what you'll get at Escape Hunt Barcelona, the city's premier escape room experience. Pick from three spooky mysteries, partner up with a few buddies, and lock yourself away. Then, as time ticks away, find the clues, decode the riddles, and solve the game before your time runs out. If you fail, you're stuck there forever to wallow in your mistakes. Not really, but imagine if that really happened? Terrifying. If you're with a large group, you can even pair off, take on a different room each, and see who escapes first. If you're looking to beat the cold weather, Escape Hunt Barcelona is easily one of the best things to do in winter in Barcelona!   CosmoCaixa Do you like science? Do the universe's many mysterious leave you wide awake at night? Well, put those sleepless nights to rest thanks to Barcelona's amazing science museum CosmoCaixa. Go on a journey through the earth's ecosystems. Travel through space and time. Explore hundreds of interactive exhibits about all facets of our world and the stars above. Enter the Room of Matter, and explore the evolution of life and matter on our planet. Trapse through the Flooded Forest and its incredible recreation of the Amazon. Learn stuff and things about science while staying warm in the comfort of the indoors. Perfect!   Gaudí, but not as you know it Everywhere you go in Barcelona, you see his face. Well, not his face, but the faces of the buildings tell his story. Gaudí left his stamp on the city and then some, with his inspired buildings standing all over the place. So, if seeing them in person is out of the question, what with it being winter, why not enter the fourth dimension and see another side of the master architect? Because that's exactly what you'll get at The Gaudí Experience, the world's first interactive exhibition space to explore the life and works of the world-famous artist. Enter his world, uncover his creative universe, and experience it all through state-of-the-art exhibitions and installations. This culminates in a 4D cinema experience that has to be seen to be believed. Feel the wind in your face as your soar high above the trees, before they stretch and evolve into soldiers. Learn how nature and the world helped Gaudí realize his vision. Hold onto your seat as you move in time with the visuals. Easily one of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter!   Ice, ice, skating And finally, we end the list on a tricky one. Winter in Barcelona can mean highs of 57°F, so you may be wondering how in the wintery hell you'll be able to go ice skating. Well, don't worry, because no matter the weather, you'll still get your icy grind on. Just head to the L'illa Diagonal, a massive shopping center in the heart of the city. There, you'll find an indoor rink. And there, you can get your skate on like nobody's business. And there concludes our list of the best things to do in Barcelona in winter! Looking for more fun ideas for your Catalan adventure? If the weather's heating up, check out our top picks for outdoor entertainment. Like things out of leftfield? Our list of quirky activities has got you covered. And be sure to check out our guide to Barcelona's market scene if you like to eat fresh!
Dom Bewley
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Shopping in Barcelona

  Sights, sunshine... whilst there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, shopping in Barcelona is pretty high on the list. As well as being home to some of the best markets in Europe, the city boasts one of the biggest open-air shopping routes. The Barcelona Shopping Line covers five whole kilometers of retail paradise, winding from Port Vell to uptown Diagonal, along La Rambla, through the historic centre and into the Eixample district. So whether you’re a determined shopaholic, a savvy souvenir hunter or simply browsing in between gazing at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, you might want to save some room in your suitcase. From bijou boutiques to big name brands, discount designer-wear to the locals’ favourite deli, let us help you pack your bags...with bargains! Best markets in Barcelona Barcelona’s markets are famous the world over with food, fruit and vegetables, art, books and bric-a-brac piled high for your delight. Why not join the Ancient Markets Walking Tour to drop in on a few of them, whilst exploring the ancient streets of the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter)?   Mercat de la Boqueria Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria, is a must-do destination for visitors. Enter through its distinctive Art Deco arch from La Rambla and your senses go into overdrive. Crowds of locals and tourists jostle amid rainbow fruit and vegetable displays, brightly coloured smoothies, open-mouthed fish, zingy spices and mountains of meat, cheese, chocolate and much more. Once you’ve selected your savoury souvenirs - or picked up perfect picnic ingredients - perhaps you’ll pause at one of the food trucks for a churro dipped in hot chocolate or a chilled glass of Cava?   Mercat de Sant Antoni Over in the Eixample District, outside stalls sell clothes and homewares whilst, housed in an impressive steel structure that spans an entire block, you’ll find more tempting displays of fresh fruit, veg, meat and seafood. On Sundays the market transforms into a magnet for memorabilia collectors - second-hand books, stamps, coins, comics and magazines are all on offer, alongside vintage clothing, handmade homewares and hand-crafted jewellery.   Mercat dels Encants Meanwhile, at Barcelona’s famous flea market, remember that one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Amid the random rubbish keep your eyes peeled for gems amongst the second hand clothes, books and especially furniture. This chaotic temple of sustainability is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early for the best bargains at the 8am auctions, then pop back at midday when unsold items are reduced! Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep If you’re in the market (see what we did there) for some art to remind you of the beauty of Barcelona, this small but perfectly formed market is made up of Catalan artists, their easels nestled in the shadow of the church. From watercolours to oils, their work covers every style and medium - and sometimes they are joined by musicians or fortune-tellers to add to the boho vibe. Go see.   Best shopping streets in Barcelona Of course, if sifting through stalls is not your scene there are many, many stupendous stores! But where to start? Here’s a retail rundown of some of Barcelona’s best shopping areas for high street names, designer boutiques and more besides. Plaza de Catalunya is not only the city’s main square and meeting point but a buzzy retail hub. Just off the square, Calle Pelai is packed with fashion stores, whilst a giant neon thermometer hanging over Portal del Angel shows you it’s a shopping hot-spot for European fashion chains including Zara, Pull & Bear, Benetton, H&M and Berska. Look out for quirky independent stores too - and delicious snacks including turrón (a kind of nougat) and artisan ice-cream.   Paseo de Gràcia (Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) is one of Barcelona’s most elegant promenades, home to both designer stores and high street names, as well as distinctive Art Nouveau buildings including Antoni Gaudi’s visionary Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Running parallel, the equally lively Rambla de Catalunya is also packed with high end stores - not only clothes but beauty products, electronics and unique furniture. Both streets run into Avenida Diagonal, the place to be for international luxury brands including Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and Gucci.   To the south of La Rambla, the Raval district is popular with those seeking alternative shops. Vintage lovers should head to Calle Riera Baixia and look out for ethnic, Goth and handmade clothes on Calle Tallers. Nearby Sant Antoni sees less tourists but boasts some of the best book shops in Barcelona. For the best boho vibe however, head to the oldest parts of the city. The narrow winding streets of El Born and the Barrio Gòtic are packed with not only upmarket stores but independent shops selling antiques, books, handmade clothes, hats, cutlery and gifts galore.   Best for designer bargains Barcelona is full of big name brands but to bag some at a fraction of the usual price you’ll need to hop on the bus to La Roca Village, part of the same outlet group as London’s famous Bicester Village. This fantastic designer mall, just 30 minutes from the centre, is designed to look like a Spanish town centre, with Gaudi-style mosaics and colourful plants but savvy shoppers come for the discounts not the decor, enjoying savings of up 60% off usual retail prices. Grab your credit card and run amok in almost one thousand boutique stores featuring Spanish fashion and luxury brands like Desigual, Loewe and Balenciaga - and international names including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.   Best shops for souvenirs FC Botiga Since FC Barcelona is one of the world’s biggest football teams, fans won’t want to miss their chance to pick up memorabilia featuring the famous red and blue colours. Take the tour at Camp Nou, Europe’s largest football stadium, then visit the FC Botiga Megastore to pick up and personalize some team kit. You’ll find three whole floors crammed with Barcelona football shirts, scarves, hats, balls, boots and signed team photos. There are several more official FC Barcelona stores around the city, including in Barri Gòtic and Eixample. See what you can score. La Capell Part of the Collegi de Arquitectes in the Gothic Quarter and originally opened as a bookstore dedicated to architecture and art, this is now a fabulous three-storey gift store of uniquely designed souvenirs from Barcelona. The mural outside was designed by Picasso and the gadgets, toys, jewellery, stationery, furniture, homeware and gourmet gifts inside are equally original.   Best for chocolate lovers From handcrafted bon bons to hot chocolate to churros and even a chocolate museum, Barcelona is heaven for chocolate lovers. Pasteleria Escriba is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Barcelona. Its flagship store in the Antigua Casa Figueras has been open on La Rambla since 1906 and its edible murals, chocolate sculptures and spectacular displays are as intricate and popular as the building’s unique facade. Xocoa For a more contemporary take on chocolate follow your nose to over 15 Xocoa boutiques around the city. At Petritxol Xocoa, the original store in the old city, you’ll find a cafe, bakery and endless irresistible creations presented in super chic packaging. Look out for chocolate beauty products, exotically flavoured chocolate bars including orange, rosemary, Jamaican pepper and green tea and, even better, chocolate beer!   Best department store If you still don’t know where to find what you’re looking for, make tracks for El Cortes Inglés; after all it’s hard to miss the huge brutalist concrete building looming over the Plaça de Catalunya. It’s much prettier inside though, with 9 endless floors of...well everything you can think of... from fashion to furniture, kitchenware to a cosmetics floor to die for. You’ll either find just what you need or, should you be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of availability, maybe just take the lift to the top floor, enjoy the view of the square and plan where you’ll go next - with Go City.
Jo Cooke

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