Top things to do in Barcelona
Attractions, tours and activities in Barcelona
Recommended museums in Barcelona
Where to discover culture and the arts in Barcelona
Barcelona: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Barcelona
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Ciutat Vella
0.5 miles from city centre
Ciutat Vella (‘old city’) is comprised of several neighbourhoods - El Barri Gòtic, El Raval, El Born and Barceloneta (all detailed here in separate descriptions). As a whole, the district’s characteristic features are narrow, winding streets that reach from Las Ramblas to the coastline.
Places to stay from £11 per night
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Eixample
0.4 miles from city centre
L’Eixample’s large, grid-like avenues (modelled after New York) are easy to navigate. Passeig de Gràcia (at the centre) is a tourist hot-spot, with Gaudí's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller in easy reach. Carrer Balmes is a safe and tolerant area for travellers of all persuasions.
Places to stay from £7 per night
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Gràcia
1.3 miles from city centre
There’s a youthful energy in this dynamic area. Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol and Plaça de Rius i Taulet, are charming squares to relax and people-watch. Take a stroll through Gaudí’s Park Güell, with its unusual architectural spaces that offer wonderful views of the city.
Places to stay from £11 per night
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Sants-Montjuïc
1.4 miles from city centre
This district retains a lot of its traditional character. Tourist hot-spots surround Montjuïc Hill, next to Plaça Espanya. Visit the Joan Miró Foundation and Catalonia National Art Museum (MNAC) in the Palau Nacional. The 17th-century Montjuïc Castle stands on the hill, or enjoy the colours of the Magic Fountain below.
Places to stay from £7 per night
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Sarrià-St. Gervasi
1.7 miles from city centre
Accessible only via train or bus, this primarily residential district has a range of local restaurants. For families travelling with younger children, the CosmoCaixa science museum offers a range of exhibitions. At the furthest edge of the district is Les Planes, an outdoor picnic area.
Places to stay from £8 per night
About Barcelona
Including tips for the best time to visit Barcelona
Cultures melt together in Barcelona, a lively metropolis of mesmerising architecture, medieval streets and top museums on the coast of Catalonia. Its most celebrated figure, Antoni Gaudí, takes all the credit for the city’s most outstanding monuments. From the twisting facade of stone-hewn Casa Milà to the monumental Sagrada Familia, the work of this world-famous architect can be found all over the city.
In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find centuries-old tapas bars set among old haunts and a gargoyle-adorned cathedral. Fill up on staples like ground-beef stuffed croquettes and salt-cod fritters under this dramatic backdrop, and wash it all down with a glass of fruity Rioja. Nearby, an amble along the lively, tree-lined promenade of La Rambla will bring you to the coast, where the crowds start to thin out.
Find a slice of beach in Barceloneta or a shady patch of grass in Parc de la Ciutadella, and soak up the year-round sunshine. Alternatively, take a stadium tour of Camp Nou, or climb Carmel Hill for sweeping views and the iconic mosaics of Park Güell – another of Gaudí’s fantastical creations.
Tonight
From £132 per night
Next weekend
From £264 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.84 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Average weekend price | £92 per night |
| Average weekday price | £98 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Barcelona
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Barcelona
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Camp Nou
2.5 miles from city centre
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Plaça Catalunya
In the city centre
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Sagrada Familia
1.2 miles from city centre
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Plaza Espanya
1.4 miles from city centre
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Tibidabo
3.6 miles from city centre
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Passeig de Gracia
0.2 miles from city centre
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Cathedral of Barcelona
0.4 miles from city centre
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Arc de Triomf
0.6 miles from city centre
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Plaça del Sol
1.2 miles from city centre
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Palau Sant Jordi
1.9 miles from city centre
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Barcelona reviews
What other travellers say about Barcelona
Great place.
24 March 2023
Great place. So many things to see. For sure Sagrada Familia and other Gaudis work are unique and are giving the great impact to the whole atmosphere of the city. So many other places Picaso , Miro museums are fantastic. Nou camp must see. Shopping area fantastic. Food amazing.
So much history, friendly venders and so many people from...
24 March 2023
So much history, friendly venders and so many people from different countries and you really get to experience how the locals live, work and you see the children come back and forth to and from school. I Love both the culture and experience
Barcelona is a beautiful city to visit for 4 to 5 days.
24 March 2023
Barcelona is a beautiful city to visit for 4 to 5 days. Loads of things to see and do and great shops although some very expensive. Public transport very easy to use and regular times. The food market is very nice with great atmosphere. Camp Nou is a must and the cable cars to the castle is worthwhile as is the boat ride for 10euros. Some of the staff in the restaurants/bars could have been a little friendlier but overall a lovely city.
I love Barcelona, compared to czech cities, this is very...
24 March 2023
I love Barcelona, compared to czech cities, this is very citizen-friendly city, with no dangerous car traffic, lots of green places, wonderful food and many places to see. And the beaches of course. :)
I love the Sagrada Familia.
23 March 2023
I love the Sagrada Familia. On a previous trip I didn't visit, but it was one of the high lights of the visit. Judith at reception booked our tickets and a rep at he city tour bus advised us to use the metro to get around. We also visited Monserrat which was great to see. the mountain air was clean and crisp, the mountain road made my friend weak, but Rauold driver kept us all safe. The fabulous Boqueria food market is a must see. We had drinks t the bar and ate the olives bought from a diferent stall holder in the market. A glass of delicious red wine was 3.50euro. Really enjoyed our visit
Clean, safe city visible policeman.
23 March 2023
Clean, safe city visible policeman. A lot of things to visit, lot of very good restaurants. Nice for shopping. Nice weather in February. It was my 2nd visit. Sure I will participate to semi marathon next year.
Popular places to stay in Barcelona
Stay in some of the best accommodation Barcelona has to offer
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Mediterranean Barcelona Apartments Nou Barris, Barcelona
From £158 per night
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Jardinets De Gràcia by The 5ve Soul Gràcia, Barcelona
From £262 per night
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Gaudint Barcelona Suites Horta-Guinardó, Barcelona
From £251 per night
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Hotel El Palace Barcelona Eixample, Barcelona
From £363 per night
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H10 Madison 4* Sup Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
From £183 per night
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