Barcelona city breaks

The capital of Catalonia thrives with life all year round. Prepare to be wowed by the creative genius of Gaudí, take time out along the stunning harbour, and get to know these sandy shorelines by the shimmering Mediterranean. Bars, beaches, boutiques and more… that’s the buzz of Barcelona.

A cosmopolitan melting pot

Barcelona has a wealth of historic gems, inspiring art, designer shops and a vibrant and trendy nightlife scene. You can’t help but be mesmerised by the breathtaking architecture of Gaudí dotted around – especially the Sagrada Família. The church is like something from a Brothers Grimm fairytale, and is the city’s crown jewel.

A city by the beach

If the sun’s shining, take time out from the sightseeing and head to the beach. There are wide, golden sandy coastline stretches to check out. Pop over to the neighbouring port for a brilliant selection of chic bars and seafood restaurants. You’ll find peace and quiet further along on one of Barcelona’s seven sizzling shores.

Panoramic city views

Head up the steep hill to Park Güell to enjoy more artistic works, including Gaudí’s home – it looks like somewhere Hansel and Gretel would have lived! Sports fans will go mad for Olympic Park, built specially for the 1992 games, while the nearby cable cars offer rides up to Montjuïc for cinematic cityscape scenes.

No.6 – TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations

Brilliant Barcelona has made quite the impression – eager explorers have earmarked the city as number 6 in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in the World.

Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya

Barcelona, Barcelona

Our rating

Based on 4124 reviews

Great for sightseeing
50m from the nearest bus stop
220m from Sants Estacio
750m from Placa de Espanya
Stylish and elegant rooms

H10 Montcada Boutique Hotel

Barcelona, Barcelona

Our rating

Based on 2338 reviews

Great for sightseeing
700m from Las Ramblas
40m from Jaume I Metro Station
Fantastic views of the Gothic Quarter
Chill-out terrace with whirlpool

Oriente Atiram Hotel

Barcelona, Barcelona

Our rating

Based on 1957 reviews

Great central location
Located on the famous Las Ramblas
70m from the nearest bus stop
1.7km from Casa Batllo
Comfortable rooms

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Camp Nou

Barcelona

Take a tour of Camp Nou, the stomping ground for Barcelona FC and discover one of the world’s biggest stadiums. Head through the tunnel onto the famous pitch and imagine 100,000 fans cheering you on. The two...

Casa Batlló

Barcelona

Arguably one of the strangest buildings in Europe, Gaudi's Casa Batlló is also known as House of the Dragon thanks to its blue and green tiled façade and jaw-like balconies. Inside is just as enchanting, with...

Gothic Quarter

Barcelona

Discover the Gaudi architecture in the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona. It has lots of plazas filled with cafés, bars and restaurants; the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Pick up some...

Language

Spanish/Catalan

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£2.65 / €3

48-hour express travel card

£16.30 / €18.20

Three course meal

£35.50 / €39.80

Sightseeing

The jaw-dropping Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s brainchild, towers watchfully above the city. For another dose of local art, the Picasso Museum houses some game-changing works to gawp at. Celebrate the finest feet of Barcelona at the awesome stadium of Camp Nou, while you’ll find colourful fountains and a zoo nearby.

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Eating and drinking

The Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets featuring local markets and restaurants. Tapas bars are all over, so you can enjoy dainty meals of many tasty morsels, like chorizo and frittata. Port Olímpic offers the best seafood eateries by Barceloneta Beach, plus tempting, bubbly cava and traditional Catalan wine.

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Shopping

Barcelona boasts more than 35,000 shops! As you’d imagine, that gives you an amazing amount of choice, from the famous Els Encants Flea Market to the exclusive labels of Avinguda Diagonal. Plus, the famous thoroughfare La Rambla is filled with stalls and street performers. Plaza Catalunya’s also lined with the El Corte Inglés department store.

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Getting around

The bright sunshine makes Barcelona a great for walking, especially as the Gothic Quarter’s often free from cars. As an alternative, the metro system’s really reliable too. Pick up the Barcelona Tourist Card and you’ll get unlimited transport plus discounted entry on many attractions. The open-top tourist bus is also handy for visiting the sights.

5-6 January 2019 – Three Kings Parade

Steeped in tradition, the kings arrive by boat at the waterfront and make their way through the streets in grand carriages, throwing sweets to on-lookers.

10 March 2019 – Barcelona Marathon

The Barcelona Marathon attracts runners from every corner of the globe. This epic race winds through the seaside city’s sunny streets with famous landmarks lining the way.

23 April 2019 – La Diada de Sant Jordi

'Lovers’ Day' commemorates the death of Catalonia’s patron saint, so it’s pretty big news in Spain’s event calendar. Watch as locals give each other gifts of books and flowers along La Rambla.

12 May 2019 – Spanish Grand Prix

Join thousands of fans for sun, tapas and roaring engines. Check out Rosberg, Hamilton, Vettel and competitors as they drive for the prize.

30 May – 1 June 2019 – Primavera Sound

One of Spain’s coolest festivals has always bragged solid line-ups. The Cure has taken to these stages, while Beach House and Crystal Castles kicked off their careers here.

Please note, the event dates above are just a guide and could be subject to change.

Barcelona

Barcelona city breaks

A cosmopolitan melting pot

A city by the beach