Our kids absolutely love it - not least the opportunity to strike a pose outside Barcelona FC’s shop rocking their Real Madrid shirts! Barcelona feels so alive. Ibiza is beautiful (don’t worry, she’ll always be our number one), but for teens who want a Taco Bell fix or want to wander around big brand stores you just won’t find on our little island, Barcelona is wonderous.

And the people! So many people! It’s a bit of a culture shock if you’ve been tucked away on a quiet beach for too long, but in the best way possible.

So, Barcelona, Spain’s second city, home to outrageously cool architecture, equally outrageous food, and more energy than a double espresso. One downside? You’re definitely not going to “do it all” in a few days. The upside? You’ll just have to come back, won’t you?

Here are some of our top picks for your short stay in Barcelona...

MUST-SEE SIGHTS

La Sagrada Familia – Gaudí’s infamous masterpiece is still under construction after more than a century… and somehow that makes it even more magical. Whether you love architecture or just want to gawk at something utterly bonkers (in the best way), this is a must.  However, the Sagrada is one of Barcelona’s top tourist destinations and it can get very crowded.  Weekends, Summer Season and Fiestas are peak times.

TAKE NOTE: You cannot just turn up and expect to get inside, you have to book in advance and tickets are for a timed admission. However there are various ticket/tour options available, including a skip the line - yes! Or a private tour (which may feel less manic!) so avoid disappointment and book those tickets.

Be aware, that even when you’ve booked your tickets, even if it's a skip the line etc you still have to go through a security screening before entering the site which may cause a short line. So, you know, don’t bring your life’s belongings or packed lunches…. To speed up the process a bit!

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE! - Remember the Sagrada Familia is a place of worship. You are expected to dress accordingly. It is respectful to cover your shoulders (tops of arms) and thighs, basically don’t be wearing the ‘short’ shorts and vest tops. Don’t even contemplate turning up in beachwear or see through clothing. You shouldn’t be wearing your hat in there either. It’s simply a matter of respect.

Park Güell – Is not your ordinary park! Another Gaudí gem, this colourful park is part fairy tale, part art installation, and 100% Instagram gold. Gaudi spent 15 years designing and building this park. Did the man ever sleep?? It does get very busy in peak season and at peak hours, again, you can book tickets in advance, skip the queue, or have a private tour.  Either way it is PEAK Barcelona Must See! ALSO, you can book a combined Sagrada Familia and Park Güell tour, two birds one stone, handy huh!

La Boqueria – OMG, could you imagine going to Barcelona and NOT visiting La Boqueria? Possibly the most popular market in the whole of Europe? It’d be like going to London and saying “No, we didn’t bother going to see Buckingham Palace.” La Boqueria Market (Mercat de la Boqueria) is Barcelona’s busiest market dating back to the 13th century.  However the market you visit today is in the Mercat de Sant Josep market hall built in 1914 along La Rambla. Fresh fruits and vegetables galore, olives ahhhhh the olives, and huge slabs of cheese, ahhhh the cheese!!! alongside an abundance of seafood, various meats and sweets. Go for a wander or book yourself a tour with a wonderful local guide that can give you all the knows there is to know! Either way, do not miss this place out.

Gothic Quarter – The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) dates back to the middle ages. It’s cobblestone alleys, nooks and crannies (my favourite thing of all!), shaded plazas, tucked-away tapas bars, and unexpected bursts of street art. And let’s not forget the 3 other major cathedrals! 3!! If you fancy it you can opt for a (small group) guided tour that will tell you all about the Quarter, give you stories about its history and architecture and also (as you’re very close) take you to Las Ramblas and Boqueria Market too, which to me is a bonus!

It’s the kind of place you’ll want to get a little lost in. Tell a lie, you’ll probably never want to leave actually, it is simply gorgeous.

We’ve tried a few spots, but if you’re looking for a central stay we’re big fans of:

Hotel Jazz – Rooftop pool, walkable to everything, and comfy beds.  Its rated exceptional for a reason. (The Ramen restaurant next door is a tasty plus too!)

Praktik Bakery Hotel – Yes, there’s an actual bakery in the hotel. Yes, it smells amazing. The Breakfast is totally delish, a perfect start to a day full of exploring! Quite frankly i defy you to find fault with the Praktik!

Hotel Oriente - Excellent central location, the staff are friendly and its very comfortable. This is where the VoyVip boys stay when they're in Barcelona. (So, quite often!) They will in fact be staying here when at Barcelona Rock Fest in a couple of weeks. (Not that I told you that little nugget!)

Barcelona’s metro system is easy to navigate, clean, and surprisingly affordable. My teenagers have no problems getting about by themselves.

Grab a Hola BCN travel card for unlimited rides, it’ll save you time and stress.

If you're more into pedalling than underground tunnels, the city’s bike rentals are also fantastic. Just maybe avoid cycling Las Ramblas unless you enjoy dodging a thousand people per minute.

But my fave?? Because I am a total child and love nothing more than a rooftop bus?? 

The Barcelona Hop on Hop Off buses that you can buy passes for and literally “hop on, hop off” (as much as you want) for getting about from spot to spot. Like, what is not to love about that?

Travelling with Kids or Teens?