Barcelona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Sagrada Familia which includes heritage architecture, skyline and a church or cathedral

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

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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
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Eixample

4.5/5(206 area reviews)

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

Eixample
Placa de Catalunya featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

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
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El Raval

4/5(61 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

El Raval
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La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a destination travellers 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
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Grand Hyatt Barcelona
5 out of 5
Plaza de Pio XII, 4, Barcelona
The price is AU$394 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$394
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Pool is not for free. We complained and got it as exception for free, but it is advertised as free, but costs generally 40€ per person per 1 time."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Grand Hyatt Barcelona
Barcelona Airport Hotel
Barcelona Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza de la Volateria, 3, Poligono Mas Blau, El Prat de Llobregat
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$282 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$282
includes taxes & fees
15 Apr - 16 Apr
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! (4,916 reviews)
"The personnel at the bar responded well considering a sudden rush of clients."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Barcelona Airport Hotel
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
5 out of 5
Avenida de Roma 2-4, Barcelona, Barcelona
The price is AU$410 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$410
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (956 reviews)
"Good hotel but the room condition is little old."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Nobu Hotel Barcelona
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,073 reviews)
"Easy location near airport, great access to public transport"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Camping 3 Estrellas
Naitly Barcelona Poblenou
Naitly Barcelona Poblenou
4 out of 5
Carrer Sancho de Àvila, 32, Sant Martí, Barcelona
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Barcelona. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,229 reviews)
"Have to pay for parking. No parking available on the streets."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Naitly Barcelona Poblenou
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! (1,719 reviews)
"Good stay for one night."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Aparthotel Aura Park Fira Barcelona
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.

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Reviews of Barcelona

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
226
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
119
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
20
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Next time I will come for 3 weeks so I have time to explore everything

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Such an artistic city with so much art visible on the streets. Had to do a bit more research to find the good food places but definitely worth a visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The gothic quarter was lovely. The rest of the city was like any other big city in the world

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

As a person with breathing problems, it was hard to breathe as it smelled like smoke and cigarettes. Sagrada Familia is a must go and I enjoyed having lots of paellas. Be careful of pickpockets and driver's- they are scary.

5/5 - Excellent

J

Loved it

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