Headed to Barcelona for the first time? Whether bringing the family along or venturing on a romantic getaway, here are a few must stops for any first timer’s trip to the stunning Spanish city. Pack your comfortable walking shoes, get your camera ready and stay hungry — this Spanish city has a lot of must-see locales to check out with ample opportunity to taste your way through the city, too.
Gothic Quarter
First things first, the Gothic Quarter will grab any traveler’s attention and is a great place to begin. Easily one of the oldest and most unique sections of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter is a historic corner of the city worth exploring. Snap pictures of centuries-old architecture and tight allies dating back 2,000 years. Stop off at King’s Square for a rest and some tapas before exploring the Gothic Cathedral and wander the cobbled ancient streets with the kids.
Barcelona Gothic quarter. Photo: Olgacov – Dreamstime.com
La Sagrada Familia
Paying a visit to La Sagrada Familia on your first visit to the city goes without saying, and for good reason. Not only is the towering feat of architectural integrity and incredible beauty a sight to see, it’s also an important piece of traditional and modern Spanish history. While still unfinished and with years to go, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one for the books and a must for family photos — it’s in the name.
La Gracia Neighborhood
You’ll know this trendy neighborhood at first glance, with the quirky, colorful buildings and winding, mosaic-covered walls — Park Guell is a millennial gold mine and will have your kids snapping pictures for social media instantaneously. Travelers flock to this park for its Instagram-worthy appeal, but stay for Verdi Street’s fun shops and restaurants.
Parc de la Ciutadella
For green-seeking travelers, go no further than Parc de la Ciutadella. The only natural environment in the whole city, this stop is a great break in your wall-to-wall historic architecture and cobblestone street excursions. Stroll around the stunning waterfall of Cascada Monumental in this 18th-century park, previously a prison, and enjoy some quiet time with the family.
Fountain Monumental in Park Ciutadella, Barcelona. Photo: Andrei Stancu – Dreamstime.com
With the Mediterranean Sea to one side, a small portion of Serra de Collserola Natural Park to the other and a labyrinth of city streets and attractions within, Barcelona is a culture-seeking traveler’s dream. Hit the quintessential Spanish city sites first, or pepper them in throughout the trip. Either way, the city offers enough to entertain everyone, novice travelers included.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 8, 2023How Can Disney Vacation Club Work for Your Family?
Can joining Disney Vacation Club help you save on family travel? Well, David’s Vacation Club Rentals, a source for Disney Vacation Club rentals, can provide some insight. Disney travel experts like Melissa Mullett, director of operations, David’s Vacation Club Rentals, provided some tips and insider knowledge on how Disney Vacation Club works.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Kids
Sep 6, 2023Bright Stripes Activities for Car Travel with Kids
Does your road trip crew include young kids? We’ve been there, too, and know keeping everyone busy and entertained makes those long stretches of interstate much more peaceful.
Multigenerational
Sep 1, 2023Atlantic and Target Now Offer New Family-Friendly Luggage Line
In the market for new luggage? If you’re outfitting your entire family of travelers, you may want to check out some new offerings available at Target from travel brand Atlantic. Atlantic’s new line focuses on making travel more convenient with kiddos, and includes seven pieces to choose from, all made with durable, lightweight, sustainable materials (each item is made from up to 27 recycled plastic bottles).
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Travel Tips
Aug 25, 2023Little Free Libraries Make Road Trips Fun for Kids
Engaging children in a family road trip can be a challenge, so parents often concentrate on keeping backseat passengers amused with games and activities. These focus their attention inside the car instead of on the places you travel.
ShareThis