I’ve been traveling with my teenagers for a few years now. We have learned to make the most of our trips. Barcelona is one of Europe’s best destinations for families with teens, thanks to its beautiful beaches, medieval streets, and iconic architecture. The city offers plenty of activities in every price range, from a mega-sports complex to natural beauty, to local walking tours. Keep reading to see our top eight recommended activities to enjoy with your family on a visit to Barcelona!
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See Antonio Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia
The details and beauty to be found at this site are unsurpassed. You cannot imagine how Gaudi’s vision impacts you until you walk in. We have visited the Vatican and thought that was an emotional experience. But there is such a feeling of awe found from walking through this building that there is truly nothing like it.
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You can visit the ticket website to purchase your timed entry tickets ahead of your visit. Be sure to download the Sagrada Familia app before you arrive so you can manage tickets as well as listen to the audio guide.
Note that for a small additional fee you can be a part of a small group led by an official guide. Choose the day that you wish to attend and then you will be able to see what languages are available for that day. Once you find the date, the language has been selected then you will be able to choose from the available times. The further in advance, you book the more flexibility you will have.
We highly recommend a guide as you’ll gain an opportunity to hear details about the Catalan architect that provide insight into his life, his work, and his death.
Students, both national and international, young people under 30, seniors, and people with recognized disabilities can get a discount on tickets or they are free.
Take a local guided walking tour
We have learned to prioritize connecting with a locally-led tour in each of the cities we visit. This gives you an opportunity to hear about the city through the theme of your choice as told by someone who lives in the city right now. We chose Withlocals for this trip and would go back to them again without hesitation.
My husband’s family is from Mexico and we were aware of the love-hate relationship between Mexico and Spain. In fact just before we left for our trip the president of Mexico made the news as he demanded an official apology from Spain and the Vatican regarding the human rights abuses during the era of conquest.
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But as our guide got to know us and where we were from, he was eager to point out that Barcelona does not like to consider itself a part of Spain. Mexico holds a fond spot in Barcelona’s history as Mexico City was a place of refuge for LGBTQ citizens who fled along with anti-Franco Republicans during Franco’s dictatorship.
Our tour was filled not only with these personal touches but also with a greater sense of the depth of history present in Barcelona.
We also heard about how Barcelona recognized hard truths about life during the Inquisition. We were able to see sites where trials were held which still exist today. The photo below shows the intricate woodwork creating a courtroom. The design of the building placed the judge on a balcony far above the accused as if he was speaking for God himself.
Visit La Rambla and walk the city
People watching, seeing the street performers, shopping, or visiting the famous Block of Discord. You will not run out of things to do walking along La Rambla.
Tip: Walk a few extra blocks from La Rambla to the Block of Discord. Located in the Passeig de Gràcia, this collection of modernist buildings is unique to Barcelona. The rivalry of a number of modernist architects, including Gaudi himself, led to this collection of spectacles, each trying to outdo the others.
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See Camp Nou
Sports fans will love this behind-the-scenes tour of the mega stadium! You can check out their official website to buy tickets and get tour information.
Visit Tibidabo Amusement Park
At one of the highest points in the city, this is a great place to let off some steam. Open seasonally so check online for the latest schedule. You can enjoy rollercoasters, a Hall of Mirrors, and a Sky Walk. The Ferris wheel is a great place to get amazing pictures of the cityscape.
Or you can visit the Cathedral del Sarat Cor, just above the amusement park, which looks down over the city.
You can get there by bus or metro stop Avenida Tibidabo where you can catch the Tibidabo funicular.
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Fountain and Light Show at Montjuic
Located just below the National Palace and an easy walk from the metro station Espanya, you will find the fountains. While you can walk around this area year-round the fountains and light show are seasonal and were suspended due to Covid safety requirements so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date times and opening schedules.
Tip: While you are at the metro station Espanya be sure to check out where to buy tickets for your day trip to Montserrat.
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Visit the Markets – La Boqueria and Santa Caterina
We absolutely love hitting up the local markets in a new city. The markets in Barcelona are some of the most amazing we’ve seen. You are almost paralyzed by the vast choices presented to you. La Boqueria has been hawking goods since the 12th century and is located in what was once the outskirts of the city. But you can enjoy it now as you prepare to walk La Rambla or if you’re staying near the Barri Gotic neighborhood.
Who knew that I wanted to try an emu egg so badly!
And be sure to get an apartment with a kitchen so you can take advantage of trying something you’ve never tried before.
While you will pay top prices for goods purchased at La Boqueria, and you get to see famous characters like Juan from Pinotxo Bar, you can find more local-focused markets such as the Santa Caterina Market by El Born neighborhood. Because of where we were staying that was the market we hit up more frequently.
Day Trip to Montserrat
This is an exciting day trip that lets everyone blow off some steam hiking outdoors in the Montserrat Natural Park. You will have an opportunity to see the unique beauty of this area that has been drawing pilgrims for centuries.
Plan for this popular excursion with our detailed guide on how to get the most out of a day trip to Montserrat.
Barcelona is one of Europe’s best destinations for families with teens, thanks to its beautiful beaches, medieval streets, and iconic architecture. The city offers plenty of activities in every price range, from cooking classes to local walking tours. And the opportunities to learn from interactions with locals are many! From museums to markets, architecture, and amusement parks, the options are endless!
During our visit to Barcelona, we learned about their passion for their language and identity independent of Spain. We listened to a local’s perspective on international relations to get beyond the negativity of news headlines.
Interested in exploring more of Europe with your family? Check out our post on how to use London as a launching pad.
We hope you find this article helpful as you plan your next family vacation–leave a comment below if there are any other places that have been on your radar or if you have some personal favorites that we haven’t mentioned yet.