Barcelona holidays take you to the enchanting capital of Catalonia, where you’ll discover beautiful beaches, captivating culture and fabulous food all wrapped up in one glorious package.
This is a city that teems with iconic landmarks – including Antoni Gaudi’s famously eccentric and bewitching architecture – as well as opportunities to immerse yourself in its rich artistic heritage.
The food and fashion are as fabulous as the city’s beautiful buildings. Feast on tasty tapas in the Barri Gotic and browse the independent boutiques of the trendy El Born neighbourhood.
A Barcelona break also gives you the chance to unwind as you soak up the Mediterranean sun on La Barceloneta beach in this sparkling city by the sea.
With great weather, fascinating history, a lively cosmopolitan vibe and legendary sports teams, there’s plenty to fit into a holiday to Barcelona.
A lively arts scene, vibrant nightlife, phenomenal food and a spectacular shoreline combine to make Barcelona holiday packages tempting for every kind of traveller.
Head to the very heart of the city and wander down La Rambla. This famous, tree-lined boulevard (which is actually made up of several streets joined together) is a magnet for visitors from around the world.
La Rambla stretches out for almost a mile and hums with life at all hours of the day and night. Browse the stalls selling souvenirs, take in the musicians, dancers, living statues and other street performers, or simply sit outside a cafe and watch the world go by.
A short hop from the heart of the city will take you to the incredible Sagrada Familia. Probably Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the ornate church is part of the remarkable design legacy of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.
Building work on the project began in 1882 and today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it’s not due to be completely finished until 2032, the imposing spires form an impressive sight that’s matched by the intricate detail on show inside.
Catch a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour bus and make a stop at the Camp Nou stadium. Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, its sheer size and magical atmosphere will take your breath away.
Home to one of the world’s foremost football clubs, FC Barcelona, the stadium’s near-100,000 capacity makes it the biggest in Europe.
Go on an official tour of the stadium or plan in advance and buy tickets to a game for the full matchday experience.
Experience the colour, charm and character of Barcelona’s fascinating Park Guell. This public park was designed by Antoni Gaudi and is a majestic Modernista playground.
Situated at the top of Carmen Hill, most of the site can be explored for free but you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to see its Monumental Zone.
This where you’ll find some of Gaudi’s most recognisable structures and a series of quirkily colourful mosaic walls – the perfect place to experience the architect’s playful sense of adventure.
While you’re here, be sure to witness the Magic Fountain of Montjüic in all its glory. The famous fountain comes to life at regular intervals during both the day and night, treating visitors to a colourful display of music and lights.
Originally built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, its water jets shoot up to 170 feet in the air.
The surrounding architecture of the Four Columns and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya makes the experience all the more magical.
El Born is a location that offers the best of both worlds. You’re as near to the city centre as you are to the beaches, and close to many of the top attractions and museums.
This charming neighbourhood also boasts plenty of great restaurants and shops, making it the ideal base for a Barcelona city break.
If you want to make the most of Barcelona’s impressive shoreline and golden beaches, this is the area for you.
Barceloneta is nestled right next to the city’s best-loved beach and you’re never more than a five-minute walk from the sand.
It’s ideal for family holidays in Barcelona and for those seeking a slightly quieter stay outside the centre of the city. It’s also packed with brilliant seafood restaurants and some eye-catching public art.
Foodies will adore Poble Sec as it is home to some of the city's best dining spots. The area is relatively quiet during the day but springs to life in the evening.
Head back to base after a day of sightseeing exploits and you’ll be spoilt for choice thanks to the superb tapas restaurants and local eateries.
Sample the montaditos at the legendary Quimet i Quimet. These miniature baguette-like bread rolls are filled with moreish ingredients such as smoked salmon and truffled honey.
Getting around Barcelona is relatively easy as most attractions are within walking distance of the centre. There are plenty of taxis and you can also make use of the metro and hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses.
The local currency in Barcelona is the euro (EUR). Most major credit cards are accepted at businesses across the city and you’ll find ATMs widely available.
Spanish and Catalan are the most widely spoken languages in Barcelona. Many people also speak good English, particularly those working in the city’s hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions.
Barcelona observes many of the same public holidays as the rest of Spain – as well as celebrating the National Day of Catalonia on 11 September.
Barcelona has some of the most stunning and instantly recognisable architecture in the world, much of it designed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Antoni Gaudí. His colourful modernist style is in evidence right across the city.
In addition to the Sagrada Familia, notable examples of Gaudi's work include Casa Mila, a modernist building on Passeig de Gracia, and Casa Batllo, the so-called House of Bones. Park Guell is another of Gaudi’s towering achievements, while the recently reopened Palau Guell features a stunning interior.
Food plays an important part in any holiday to Barcelona. A trip to the Catalan capital offers an opportunity to sample some of the world’s finest food.
Rich and succulent Mediterranean dishes dominate the menus here, with lunch being regarded as the most important meal of the day.
Try fresh seafood paella at Port Vell or find a traditional tapas restaurant along a quaint side street off La Rambla. The evening is the perfect time to sample a variety of tapas with friends and family or try Basque-style pinxtos at Sagardi.
The famous Adria brothers’ Tickets restaurant offers one of the most inventive fine dining experiences in Europe.
Holidays in Barcelona offer more than just a vibrant city – and no break here is complete without appreciating its glorious coastline too.
La Barceloneta is the biggest beach in the city, with soft golden sand and spectacular views of the Barcelona skyline serving as a backdrop.
Nova Icària is the place to try water sports, while Ocata – a half-hour train journey north of the city – is something of a hidden gem. Relax on the golden sand and then head to one of the cafes peppering the shoreline for some deliciously fresh seafood.
Abu Dhabi
With fantastic malls, breathtaking architecture and gorgeous beaches, the UAE’s capital city offers visitors different things to every day.
Abu Dhabi Holidays
Paris
France's romantic capital city is bursting with history and culture. There’s fine French food and cosmopolitan vibes alongside iconic landmarks.
Paris Holidays
Madrid
Stunning architecture, trendy bars and effortlessly cool restaurants await in the Spanish capital. Explore tapas bars, museums and more in Madrid.
Madrid Holidays
Rome
World-famous sites, delicious pizza and pasta and some of the best shopping in Europe awaits you in Italy's historic capital city.
Rome Holidays
