How to Plan a Trip to Barcelona: From Hotels to Sightseeing and Everything in Between
Madrid may be Spain’s capital, but Barcelona is where all the fun happens.
If you’re in the process of planning a trip to Europe, Spain should be at the top of your list… And not just any city: if you want festivals, delicious food, world-class beaches, and plenty of things to do, look no further than Barcelona. It might seem hard to figure out where to start, but don’t worry — use our quick but useful guide and you’ll be on your way to the Catalonian capital in no time!
WHEN TO GO TO BARCELONA
Thanks to its temperate Mediterranean climate, Barcelona does not have extreme weather, which makes it the perfect place to visit year-round. The most ideal temperatures happen to be between May to June and September to October — and the ocean water between May to October is some of the best to swim in! To avoid the inevitable crowds of tourists, we recommend not visiting during August. Likewise, the rainy season in Barcelona happens to fall around the month of April and is another time that would best be avoided.
Barcelona is home to many festivals, and there are some travelers that plan their trip exclusively around these fun-filled celebrations. Throw on your fanciest clothes and party at Carnival in February/March; watch your favorite race cars at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix in May; dance all night at the dozens of music festivals in the summer; and top it all off with the creme de la crop of all Barcelona festivals at the Festa de la Merce in September.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
As a first-time traveler to the city, it can be hard to figure out which neighborhood is the best to stay in — Barcelona has over a dozen districts, each with its own personality! To simplify the process, we have selected a handful of the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona.
First, let’s go back in history and explore the Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter. This area makes up the oldest part of Barcelona and is one of the most scenic in terms of architecture (some buildings date back to the 14th century!). Likewise, you’ll be in the center of all of the action: the Gothic Quarter is packed with shops, bars, restaurants, museums and art galleries that are waiting for you to explore.
If you’re looking for a fool-proof neighborhood, Eixample is the perfect base for your adventures. It’s the safest neighborhood in Barcelona, large enough to explore and relax in, and within walking distance to major attractions like Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Plaça de Catalunya.
Finally, for travelers who have a specific goal in mind — there’s a neighborhood for you too! Beach lovers and seafood fans have to stop at the waterfront neighborhood of Barceloneta; El Born is the place for those who enjoy culture, trendy artisanal boutiques, and hip restaurants; and El Raval invites foodies to sample dishes from around the world.
One word of caution: Even though some guidebooks recommend staying in the La Rambla neighborhood, we recommend choosing another area. Pickpocketers and scammers are known to patrol the area looking for unaware tourists.
WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA
A visit to Barcelona isn’t complete without seeing the work of the city’s legendary icon, Antonio Gaudi. To get acquainted with this architect, we recommend taking a guided tour through one of his most popular buildings, such as Casa Milà or Casa Battló. From there, head over to Park Güell, the colorful, carefree, and creative park that sprawls over 45 acres and includes a garden and terraced wall. Finally, finish up your mini-Gaudi tour at his most famous masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia.
Has all that walking made you hungry? Visit La Boqueria, one of Barcelona’s oldest markets, and stock up on delicious (and local!) fruits, snacks, and other delicacies. If it’s football season, don’t miss the chance to cheer on FC Barcelona and watch a match at Camp Nou.
At night, catch a glimpse of Catalonian culture by watching a flamenco show, or catch the magical fountain show on weekends at Montjuïc.
BARCELONA’S BEST FOOD
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when we say “Spanish food”? If it’s tapas — you’re in for a treat! Tapas, which is a nickname for small appetizers, can be found in virtually any bar or restaurant in Barcelona. Some examples include patatas bravas, croquetas, small sandwiches called montaditos, and albondigas (meatballs).
If you prefer a full-size meal, there are plenty of dishes to try. Paella is perhaps one of Spain’s most famous dishes, which includes rice with spices, meat, and seafood. It’s meant to be shared, so grab a few buddies and try it out! Other delicious dishes include Canelons (canolli stuffed with meat), Gazpacho (tomato soup), and Tortilla Espanola (an omelet with potatoes and onions).
Top off with a glass of cava (sparkling wine) and Crema Catalana dessert. Bon profit!
Tip: If you only have a few days in Barcelona and don’t want to spend hours searching for restaurants, we recommend starting your trip off with a food tour. You’ll go to cafes and restaurants where locals go and get an in-depth overview of the best Spanish and region-specific dishes from a fun and helpful guide. One of our favorite companies is Devour Food Tours.
Although it can take weeks (or even months!) to explore every single street, we hope this guide will help you uncover the basics of Barcelona.
Bon viatge!
