Barcelona

Travel Guide

Arenas de Barcelona featuring a monument, night scenes and a sunset
Barceloneta Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a skyscraper
Casa Vicens
Turo de la Rovira featuring landscape views and a city
Sagrada Familia featuring a church or cathedral, a city and heritage architecture

Barcelona Travel Guide Video

Modernist art and Gothic architecture create a stunning backdrop in the Catalan capital, where sublime food and a sophisticated nightlife scene await.

Cultured yet trendy, Barcelona is one of Europe’s great cities. The Mediterranean Sea is just minutes from the center, its streets are filled with Modernist and Gothic treasures and the food is simply divine. Shop in bustling markets, take a stroll through the old city, stay up late and party with the locals and visit one of the city’s many world-class museums and galleries.

Be wowed by Barcelona’s eye-catching collection of architecture. Start in La Rambla, the famous tree-lined pedestrian street, which features flower stalls, sidewalk cafés, creative buskers and interesting shops, before delving in to the labyrinthine alleys of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). Among the 14th-century buildings sit treasures such as the spectacular Santa Maria del Mar Church and the grand Barcelona Cathedral, where gargoyles peer down from the ornate façade.

Spend some time in the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. Its exhibits bring to life the city’s long history. The impressive building is located on Plaça del Rei, where concerts are often held.

It is impossible not to notice the artistry visible in Barcelona’s public spaces. Gaudí, Picasso and Miró have left their indelible marks on the Catalan capital in monuments including the fantastical twisting turrets of La Sagrada Familia cathedral and the fantastical modernist sculptures and mosaics adorning Park Güell. Barcelona-born Joan Miró is honored in the Fundació Joan Miró while Picasso’s works are on display at the Museu Picasso.

To enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife like a true local, don’t even consider going out until midnight. Start with a late dinner in one of the city’s fabulous restaurants. Opt for acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants or venture into El Born to find tiny tapas bars heaving with hip locals. Discover everything from jazz venues to nightclubs pumping out techno, or sip cocktails in alfrescobars.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s aviation hubs and welcomes flights from around the world. Explore the city on foot to really soak up the architecture and get to know the locals. Among the best places to people-watch are at the city’s busy markets such as La Boqueria.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Downtown Barcelona

La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are a few top attractions in Downtown Barcelona. Hop around the city on the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and popular shops.

Downtown Barcelona
Gothic Quarter which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(2,488 area reviews)

Discover the historic heart of Barcelona in this labyrinthine quarter, featuring medieval landmarks, the remains of Roman walls, and the Barcelona Cathedral. Easily accessible via L4 Jaume I and L3 Liceu and Drassanes stations.

Gothic Quarter
Eixample showing street scenes and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Eixample

4.5/5(3,576 area reviews)

Characterized by long straight streets and a grid pattern, Eixample boasts iconic sights like Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Família. The area is easily navigable, with wide avenues and chamfered corners.

Eixample
Placa de Catalunya which includes outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Dreta de l'Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample
La Sagrada Familia showing a sunset, a city and landscape views

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a destination travelers like for its churches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Sagrada Familia Station or Sant Pau Dos de Maig to explore sights like Sagrada Familia.

La Sagrada Familia
Barceloneta

Barceloneta

4.5/5(97 area reviews)

Sandy beaches and lively boardwalks with numerous restaurants and nightclubs await, while attractions like the History Museum of Catalonia and Frank Gehry's "Peix d'Or" sculpture enrich the experience. Easily accessible via Metro line 4 and the Port Vell Aerial Tramway.

Barceloneta
Barcelona Airport Hotel
Barcelona Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
The price is ₩256,502 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
₩256,502
₩286,390 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in El Prat de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,020 reviews)
"Best free breakfast ever!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
5 out of 5
Plaza de Pio XII, 4, Barcelona
The price is ₩279,166 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
₩279,166
₩333,611 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,182 reviews)
"Great hotel with good facilities and in a nice location. Easy to use metro to get to tourist attractions."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Grand Hyatt Barcelona
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is ₩208,134 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
₩208,134
₩249,108 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,181 reviews)
"Paral-el metro station entrance is 1 minute walk away, which is so convenient, lots of cafe within 10 mins walk if you don’t want to have breakfast in hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camping 3 Estrellas
Camping 3 Estrellas
2 out of 5
C-31, km 186, Gava, Barcelona
Book a stay at this beach campground in Gava. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,168 reviews)
"All was perfect."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Camping 3 Estrellas
Aparthotel Aura Park Fira Barcelona
Aparthotel Aura Park Fira Barcelona
3 out of 5
Avda. Fabregada 54-56, Corner Avda. Del Carrilet, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,746 reviews)
"I really like the apartment it’s was very clean also the pool was very nice the AC was great for the kind of weather we had super hot also always a person in the front desk to help you"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Aparthotel Aura Park Fira Barcelona
Hesperia Sant Joan
Hesperia Sant Joan
3 out of 5
Josep Trueta 2 San Joan Despi, Sant Joan Despi
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Sant Joan Despi. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Passeig de Gràcia ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,680 reviews)
"Great property. Safe since doors lock at the front and a code is needed to get in."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hesperia Sant Joan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Barcelona

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4699
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
1612
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
201
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
33
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Barcelona is a wonderful walkable city with lots of places to visit and amazing food for great prices! If you have time, go on a wine/cava tour or tasting and make sure to eat lots of tapas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Barcelona was amazing. We ended up staying in the Gothic quarter and the hotel was beautiful and was an easy walk to everything .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The on and off bus is definitely worth the money. You get to see and visit every thing.

5/5 - Excellent

MWilliams

People are nice, food is amazing, architecture is breathtaking. I am so happy we made this decision to visit Barcelona!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city would love to go back someday

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Barcelona was great! I can't wait to go back and really enjoy it. We had to cut our trip short due to the pandemic.

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