Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit to Barcelona with Kids

Where to stay, free things to do, parks, beaches and more: practical guides for planning your family trip.

Before You Go

Barcelona works well for a family city break: many of the main sights are close together, and you can mix museums and sightseeing with time at the beach or in parks. Popular attractions can sell out, so it’s worth booking ahead, and a city card may save you money, depending on your plans.

Plan Your Visit

City Pass

The Barcelona Card Family

Free entry to top museums and attractions, plus unlimited public transport. See how to save with Barcelona’s family card.

Tickets & Transport

What to Book Ahead

Which tickets and transfers to book before you arrive, and what you can leave until later.

Where to stay

Where to Stay

Which area to choose for your family. Find out more about Barcelona’s neighbourhoods.

A child touching a plasma ball at a science museum

Museums

Best Museums for Kids

Which museums to choose for your kids’ ages and interests, from dinosaurs and science to art.

Free

Free Things to Do

Free museum days, parks, beaches and the Magic Fountain.

Markets

Barcelona Markets

Barcelona’s food markets with children, from the busy La Boqueria to quieter local markets.

Parks

Parks & Playgrounds

Ciutadella park, the Horta maze, the gardens of Montjuïc and the city’s hidden playgrounds.

Beaches

Barcelona Beaches

Combine a family city break with time by the sea at one of Barcelona’s several beaches.

Barcelona in 2, 3 or 4 Days

Suggestions for how to plan your days.

2 days: Gaudí, Gothic Quarter and Beach

  • Day 1, Gaudí: Start with the Sagrada Família, which you need to book ahead. Then choose Park Güell, Casa Batlló or La Pedrera and make this a day dedicated to Gaudí and the most famous sights.

  • Day 2, Old town and beach: Explore the streets, shops and cafés of the Gothic Quarter, have a stop at the Parc de la Ciutadella, then make your way to Barceloneta for the marina and beach.

3 days: Explore Montjuïc

  • Days 1 and 2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.

  • Day 3, Montjuïc: Take the Montjuïc cable car up to the castle, then visit Poble Espanyol or the Fundació Joan Miró. In the evening, enjoy the Magic Fountain.

4 days: Family Attractions

  • Days 1 to 3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.

  • Day 4, your choice: Visit the Barcelona Aquarium or Zoo, head uphill to the Tibidabo amusement park, or spend time at the CosmoCaixa science museum.

Barcelona also has plenty of other attractions kids will enjoy, including the Museum of Illusions, the Olympic Museum, the FC Barcelona Museum, White Rabbit and the Chocolate Museum.