Barcelona is just the most incredible city
I fell in love with it the very first time I visited. I love the warmth of the people, the buzz in the atmosphere. And the choice of activities and accommodation to meet all budgets.
Barcelona is somewhere we love visiting as a family, and as a couple for romantic weekend getaways. When we cruise we always try to cruise from Barcelona. It is the perfect cruise port. We love sailing from Barcelona as it gives us the opportunity to spend a few pre cruise days in this fantastic city.
I always book city break hotels through Expedia, we always get a great deal. It has the facility to compare hotels and reviews, and offers a great selection of hotels; there really is something for everyone and every budget.
Two of my favourites hotels to stay in whilst in Barcelona are
Casa Fuster, this is a beautiful 5 star hotel perfect for romantic breaks away. It is situated on Passeig de Gràcia, and is perfect for shopping, it has many beautiful shops and delicious restaurants very close by. And is a short walk from Las Ramblas and the stunning Sagrada Familia. After a day touring the city the rooftop pool and bar is the perfect retreat with stunning views of the city.
The Hotel Novotel Barcelona City is situated on Avenue Diagonal. This hotel is not a pricey as Casa Fuster and the perfect place to take kids. There are several Novotel’s in Barcelona but this is our favourite. It has the most incredible roof top pool area. It is bright, modern and chilled, and even has I Macs in reception should you need to research the local area. The Novotel Barcelona City Centre is a little further out, but when we traveling as a family it is perfect. And is only a short taxi ride to Las Ramblas or the cruise port. Yet also has a shopping centre and restaurants nearby.
Follow the Gaudi Trail;
I could never get bored of looking at the works of Gaudi and just love the fact that he has left his mark all over Barcelona. As a family we so enjoy spending time in the very stunning Park Guell, it is the most beautiful park I have even visited. It was originally planned to be a housing estate for the elite of Barcelona but the idea was shelved after only 2 houses were built.
If you love Gaudi, another favourite is the Sagrada Família. I could honestly spend hours and hours just looking in wonder at this most incredible landmark. Can you believe it has been under construction since 1882?
It is also a great idea to do a Barcelona bus tour, it’s a terrific way to see the city and has commentary via headphones, should you want to take in the history and get hints and tips on what Barcelona has to offer. It is also a wonderful way to hop between the attractions of Barcelona.
Initially the ticket seems rather expensive, however the landmarks are quite spread out and you can hop on and off the bus throughout the day, which makes the cost worthwhile. It is easy to access and saves the worry of trying to navigate alone around a huge city. The bus takes all the guesswork out of Barcelona and takes you where you need to go
Visit Camp Nou,
Now I am not the biggest football fan but Chris and the boys are football mad. They are huge Barcelona fans and could not wait to visit. I must say it is incredibly impressive, and also has a champagne bar to retreat to should you feel the need to leave the football fans to it.
Eat Tapas;
You cannot visit Barcelona without eating tapas. We love Plaça Reial a beautiful little square surrounded by tapas restaurants that all look delicious. We have eaten at 2 different tapas bars here and have not been disappointed. What is so great about Plaça Reial is should you get an outside table you can enjoy tapas whilst watching the world go by in the hot sun, my idea of a perfect afternoon.
And lastly visit the beach, how many cities have a beach? The fact that you can spend a day in the city and then nip to the beach to cool off is just so great. For us Barcelona has just so much to offer and is only 2.5 hours away, the perfect place to spend the weekend.
I absolutely love Barcelona. Really could do with a trip with the girls as it would be nice to combine all that lovely tapas eating with the beach too. I love Gaudi and that park at the top is a perfect place to while away a few hours.
Karen I think we need a Me Time trip here, it would be just wonderful a blogging girls trip to Barcelona x
Would love to go there – really looks so cool and chic. The food looks amazing! On my ‘to visit’ list for sure. Great photographs Sarah 🙂 xx
Jess you would love it, it is such a lovely place for a romantic weekend and family sightseeing too, as a family Barcelona is a real favourite for us x
This post could not be better timed Sarah. We are looking to go to Barcelona for our 15th wedding anniversary next May. We have never been before but its a place we would love to visit. Actually got some brochures today to start looking through as I have no idea where to stay. Might have to pick your brains lots xx
Tracey you will love it and both the Hotels I have recommend are fantastic hotels with great pools x
Have only been on a school trip to Barcelona – taking 60 Year 10 girls. It was a lovely city and I would love to go back and have a family break there. Thanks for these fab tips!
Ooh yes it will be so much more relaxing to go as a family x
Oh to be 2.5 hours away from Barcelona! One of my favorite cities, and like you I just love Gaudi. A friend of mine is there right now on a solo trip – sans kids – and I keep telling her to send me updates..
Ooh wouldn’t that be amazing, to have time just to wander the streets and take photos, I would be in my element x
I had such a mixed trip to Barcelona (bad weather and a very ill husband) but still loved the city – especially all the Gaudi architecture. Each time I read a post like yours, I keep thinking I need to book that return trip. If there’s a cruise at the end, so much the better! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Thanks Cathy, oh what a shame, yes you need to revisit and get rid of those demons, as Barcelona is just the most stunning place especially in great weather x
Your post reminds me of my visit to Barcelona a couple of months ago. I remember walking past Casa Fuster every day on my way to the hotel. There is so much to see, so, you can keep vising and visiting. There are still tons of Gaudi places I have not seen.
Ruth I feel exactly the same, I could never get tires of Barcelona I just love it x
We loved Barcelona too! My husband is a big footie fan so was so excitied to go to Camp Nou – in fact I was pretty impressed too! We went pre-kids and I would love to go back and see the development of the Sagrada Familia. It was covered during our visit 🙁 I think it’s a city that you can keep going back to! Great photos x #citytripping
Thanks Ting, and yes I feel the same there is so much to see, the Sagrada Familia blow my mind, I could spend hours sat studying it, what a talented man Gaudi was x
My boyfriend and I hope to make a trip to Barcelona some day as we both love art, and the idea of visiting Gaudi works of art, eating tapas and drinking sound really tempting! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #citytripping
Oh Kat, you will love it, it is the most incredible vibrant place x
Really interesting post. Barcelona is a great city to explore with kids. So much variety – the football, the Gaudi, the food, the history and it’s even got a beach! What more do you want? #citytripping
Thanks Claire I know it has something for everyone, I always feel so chilled out when we are there x
I’m a big Barcelona fan too and, like you, could never tire of looking at Gaui’s works! We had a very brief trip there last summer but need to revisit properly as a family trip. Thanks for the hotel suggestions and for linking to #citytripping x
Yew it is just incredible, I love the whole atmosphere of Barcelona, I most definitely prefer cities x
I love Barcelona each time I visit the city I fall in love. This city is mesmerizing and gives a fantastic vibe that I love. Thank you for the great pictures and the wonderful story. Is inspired me to go back again.
Me to Marc, the atmosphere is incredible isn’t it? And thank you x