Barcelona Holidays

Go for a city break in Barcelona - the city that blends a relaxed beach atmosphere, a busy city life and stunning architecture. Eat amazing Spanish cuisine, stoll through brilliant shopping areas and visit galleries and museums. There's something for everyone in Barcelona! Ready for your next escape? View all our Barcelona deals.

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  • Currency: Euro
  • Language: Spanish
  • Timezone: GMT+1
  • Population: 1.6 million
  • Flight duration from Gatwick airport: 2h 5m
  • Airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

Best Package Holidays to Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the pricier European cities however if you budget correctly and avoid expensive restaurants and services like taxis, you can enjoy Barcelona on a budget.

  • Average price of a beer: €2 - €6
  • Glass of wine: €3.50 - €5
  • Coffee: €1.25 - €2.25
  • Sandwich: €4-€7
  • Dinner: €15-€20
  • Attraction entry price: €12-€26

Make sure to plan out where you want to go in advance so you can budget correctly. You can view ticket prices for popular attractions on their websites to help with planning.

Barcelona offers many modes of transport including sightseeing tours on land and sea.

  • Metro: This is the best choice for budget conscious travellers as it is the cheapest (and the fastest!)
  • Bus: There are plenty of buses in Barcelona, including a night bus service.
  • Suburban Trains: If you’re planning on visiting sights outside the city, the suburban trains will get you there easily.
  • Tram: We recommend avoiding the trams as they don’t head to locations tourists visit often.
  • Cable Cars: If you want to view the city from the air, a ride in one of the cable cars is a must.
  • Boat Cruises: For stunning coastline and harbour views, hop on one of the tourist boat cruises.
  • Sightseeing Bus: Barcelona has Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours to help you view the city in comfort. There are three different routes available.
  • Taxis: This is an expensive travel option but might be worth it late at night or if you have heavy luggage.

If you know you will be using a lot of public transport, it might be worth purchasing a ’Barcelona Card’ which gives you unlimited use of public transport as well as discounts (and free entry in some cases!) to different tourist attractions.

How do I get from Barcelona airport to the city?

We recommend avoiding taxis which can be expensive, and instead taking the Aerobus. This 35 minute shuttle bus runs from both airport terminals into the city centre. It is about €12.25 and makes three stops in the Barcelona city centre. When you arrive at the airport you can buy your Aerobus ticket at ATMs inside or buy your ticket online before you travel.

Is Barcelona walkable?

Barcelona is a very walkable city. If you love to explore and discover on your holidays, we recommend walking around Barcelona to take in all the scenic views and potentially discover a hidden gem.

Cheap Holidays to Barcelona

  • Visit the Sagrada Familia: This modernist church is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, a legendary architect, take a guided tour and appreciate the religious symbolism in full, or take your time admiring the building independently.
  • Stroll through Park Guell: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of colourful and vibrant mosaics, geometric shapes and natural figures. View the park from a distance or experience the magic up close.
  • Explore the Museums: Go to the Museu Picasso in Barcelona to see legendary work by Picasso before appreciating thousands of art pieces. Continue your artistic day with a trip to Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya to admire the outstanding Romanesque church painting collection.
  • Relax at Port Olimpic: Lined with pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, this port is the perfect place to go to unwind for dinner or to take a stroll along the water's edge.
  • Tour Casa Batllo: Take pictures of Casa Batllo, also known as the House of Bones, and immortalise your experience of this architectural masterpiece showcasing Catalan Modernist designs.
  • Climb to La Pedrera: This stony building is the perfect place to get a guided tour and find out about the architect Gaudi. Look at his plans and designs and explore the unusual rooftop.
  • Wander down La Rambla: Take your time as you walk down this popular thoroughfare packed with other tourists. Have lunch at one of the many terraces or watch one of the local street artists.
  • Shop at Mercat de la Boqueria: Dive into the hustle and bustle of a market down La Rambla with a visit here. Buy delicious fruits, sweets and all other types of goods.
  • Get lost in the Gothic Quarter: If you love Gothic architecture then this is a must-see! Amble down the twisting streets as you admire Barcelona Cathedral and Museu Frederic Marès.

Barcelona is located next to several golden beaches. If you fancy a break from sightseeing in the city, take a trip to one of the beaches for a peaceful day of sunbathing and paddling in the ocean. You can enjoy seafood, a drink at a seaside bar or dive into watersports.

  • La Barceloneta Beach: The most popular beach in Barcelona, this beach has everything for the perfect day by the sea, from ocean activities to delicious cocktails.
  • Bogatell Beach: If you’re looking for a sporty beach, Bogatell Beach is the spot for you with a football pitch, a volleyball area and various other sports facilities.
  • Nova Icaria Beach: Known as a peaceful beach, this is a popular beach for families looking for a restful day away from the crowds of Barceloneta.
  • Mar Bella Beach: Popular with younger travellers and locals, this beach is the perfect spot for a bit of sunbathing or a casual swim.
  • Castelldefels Beach: This simple beach is a dreamy spot where you can relax all day long. With hammocks and other amenities, you’ll be able to completely unwind.
  • Ocata Beach: Around 20 minutes away from Barcelona by train, this beach offers golden sands and crystal clear waters.

Last Minute Holidays to Barcelona

Multi-City Break: Barcelona & Madrid

Compliment your trip to Barcelona with the energy and life of Madrid! Home to world class museums and bustling plazas, a break in Madrid will leave you feeling enriched with both the culture and the overall experience. With a high-speed train connecting the two cities, you’ll be able to easily explore more of Spain in one round trip.

What can I do in Madrid?

  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Wander through Spain’s largest royal palace and take in the stunning architecture. Don’t forget to also see the Sabatini Gardens too!
  • Prado Museum: One of the world’s most renowned art museums, the Prado is home to iconic masterpieces by artists such as Goya and Rubens.
  • Plaza Mayor: The perfect place to savour various Spanish dishes, this lively square is full of eateries serving tapas and paella.
  • Nightlife: Madrid is famous for its nightlife so don’t miss out on flamenco shows, rooftop bars or one of the lively clubs.

Barcelona is a great city for a family trip. Whether your children love to make their own adventure in parks, love viewing wildlife or are engaged by educational experiences, there is an activity for them in Barcelona.

  • Park Guell: Explore the colourful architecture and greenery of Park Guell with your kids and let their imagination run wild.
  • Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium: For an exciting day filled with animals and impressive marine life, don’t miss out on this large zoo and aquarium packed with exotic wildlife.
  • CosmoCaixa: If your children love dinosaurs and space, they’ll love visiting CosmoCaixa. This museum is not only interactive, it’s one of the most prestigious science museums in Europe.
  • Beaches: Planning a trip to the beach? Rest assured that there are kid-friendly beaches like Barceloneta and Bogatell. If your children are on the older side, they can take part in watersports too!


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