Tourism to Barcelona with children

ArabiaWeather - Mindful culture lovers have long looked to Barcelona as a place to enjoy the arts, and families can enjoy it too thanks to the city's kid-friendly ethos. Whether it's the charming architecture, innovative exhibitions, or attractive coastline, children are welcomed at every corner of this coastal city. From exhibitions aimed at teenagers to children's playgrounds next to tapas bars in starlit squares, it is a place where culture and children happily come together.

Is Barcelona good for children?

Beauty does not accurately describe Barcelona's architecture. This city is a colorful and moving creature that captures the imagination of children as much as it delights adults and makes tourism more enjoyable for the whole family. Most importantly, central Barcelona is relatively small and a lot can be seen and done on foot. Families who need to use the metro will find the transport system easy to navigate – check out the T-Familiar ticket (€10), where four people can travel eight trips in 30 days.

When navigating cobblestone city streets with a stroller is not the ideal option, but it is possible. On the plus side, the stroller can provide sun protection and be a portable bed for evening outings.

Barcelona's opening hours may be a complicated point for some visitors

• First, many stores and restaurants observe the siesta period, which lasts from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Second, everyone eats late – including families. The best restaurants don't serve food until at least 8pm.

However, it is a cosmopolitan city and there will be options for families at all times. If possible, join the locals and eat at 9pm; Children can sleep in the stroller if necessary - no one will pay attention to them.

© Marianna Alija/Getty Images

Where is the best in Barcelona for children?

The fairytale streets of Ciutat Vela will amaze little ones; It's filled with quaint tapas joints, old bodegas and leaning houses with wrought-iron balconies. At lunchtime, find one of the many restaurants with outdoor playgrounds, such as Plaza del Sol, with its climbing structure surrounded by tapas bars, or the lovely vegetarian restaurant Suba Barcelona with its large terrace and enclosed court.

Sometimes, the busy city center can feel cramped with young children. When it gets a little exhausting, take shelter in parks (Parque de la Ciutadella is the biggest and best), beaches (travel north if Barceloneta is too crowded), or galleries. The Joan Miro Foundation organizes family-oriented events and the Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya distributes free notebooks and pencils for children to draw when they feel inspired.

Best things to do in Barcelona with kids

Best things to do in Barcelona with babies and toddlers

• La Ciutadella Park

Let the little ones roam freely in this spacious 31-hectare oasis, which contains a zoo, a museum, a charming garden center and a shaded space that hosts free workshops and children's games called Laludo.

• Tapas tour

While baby is resting in the stroller, take a little detour to try the tapas. Try the famous spicy croquettes at La Cova Fumada, known as La Bomba, and eat steak and fried padron peppers (fried green peppers) at El Paso de Oro.

• Go to the beach

Kids love sinking their soft toes into the sand, and although Barceloneta is the closest beach to the city center, it's also the busiest. It's suitable for building some sandcastles but for a full family day at the beach, travel to a quieter place like Bogatell or Nova Icaria, just a few kilometers north-east of the coast.

Best things to do in Barcelona with kids

Tibidabo Entertainment City

This ancient amusement park enjoys an innovative location atop a 512-metre (1,679 ft) high hill, giving the carousel rides stunning views. Tibidabo dates back to 1901 and has a variety of small trains, coaster rides and the iconic 'Aveo' plane which soars above the site like a huge bird.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo was named after the merchant who owned it, which happened when he gave Gaudi complete freedom in renovating their home. Children under 12 years old enter free to this stunning palace; They will love having tablets that allow them to immerse themselves in a Gaudi-inspired virtual reality. There are baby carriers available to borrow and space to store strollers.

Mercado de la Boqueria Market

Are you planning a picnic? Buy sun-ripened fruit, fresh vegetables and jamon bocadillo (bacon sandwiches) at this lively market. There's a hidden playground just steps away, in the Doctor Fleming Gardens.

Best things to do in Barcelona with teens and big kids

Boat trip

The views of Barcelona are stunning from the sea, and some tour companies offer affordable cruises that you share with other visitors. The Sailing Experience offers a two-hour lunch cruise (€59 for adults, €41 for children) with a stop for brave teenagers to challenge each other to dive into the Mediterranean.

Park Guil

Gaudí's magnificent garden is a lovely place to wander among the olive trees and amber-scented galleries, but because of the long paths and many steps, it's not ideal for small children or prams. It's best to take older children, who may appreciate the innovative mosaics and charming views from the balcony.

Source: lonelyplanet