3 Days in Barcelona – The best Family-Friendly Itinerary

For more information on the family walking tour, check out our review of the Runner Bean Tours Barcelona family walking tour. While you’re in the area check out our guide to Tossa de Mar, a gorgeous town on the Costa Brava just 90 minutes along the coast that makes a great stop after visiting Barcelona.

Let’s dive into the itinerary.

Family Trip Highlights

Day 1: Gaudi Sites then relax in Park Güell or Ciutadella Parc

Day 2: Gothic Quarter tour and beaches

Day 3: CosmoCaixa Science Museum and parks and gardens on Montjuïc Hill

Barcelona Family travel Information

Before you travel to Barcelona – Don’t make this mistake

Read this first. DO NOT make our mistake and leave booking the big attractions until the week before. Well in advance, book Parc Guell and The Sagrada Familia. A few years ago we were able to get tickets near to our visit, but this is no longer possible. On this visit we had to skip Park Guell and buy an expensive (but brilliant) guided tour for The Sagrada Familia because we left booking until two weeks before,

If you are visiting on a Sunday, be aware that many restaurants close for the day or close early, and most supermarkets close. Plan where you will eat in advance or make sure you have food ready if self catering.

When to go to barcelona with kids

Spring and Autumn are great times to visit Barcelona. The weather is cooler and the crowds are a little smaller, which makes navigating with children much easier and less stressful.

And if the city gets too much, add on a visit to the Costa Brava to see more of what Catalonia has to offer. Read our guide to Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava. Great for a day trip but even better as a base for a few days away from the city.

Getting to Barcelona from the airport

If flying into Barcelona, the A1 or A2 buses leave from right outside the airport to Barcelona centre. If you purchase the Hola BCN travel card (see below), these buses are not covered. Instead take one of the municipal buses, from 100 meters  further down the bus lane, to Placa d’Espanya, where you can get the metro or bus to anywhere in the city.

Getting around Barcelona

Before you go, decide if you want to invest in a travel card or not.

If you plan to do a lot of walking, the cheapest option is to buy individual metro or bus tickets which are around €2.50 per journey. One ticket lasts for your entire journey. There are large red ticket machines in each metro station and you can use the language button to translate easily.

Barcelona is surprisingly easy to navigate on foot, for example Barceloneta beach is within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter. It can be quicker to walk shorter journeys than use public transport, with the added bonus of seeing more of the city in transit.

If you plan on covering a lot of ground, or are limited for time, the Hola BCN card is a good option. Choose from 2 to 5 days and buy online to save 10%. Children under 4 travel free wit ticket collection easy at any of the red ticket machines. This is an easy option, although we found we walked so much we could have managed without it.

The Hola BCN card covers all metro, bus, funicular (to Montjuic), tram and regional rail travel.

3 day Family Barcelona Itinerary

Barcelona Family Itinerary Day 1: Gaudi immersion – Family-Friendly Must-Sees

Casa Batlló

Start your first day at Gaudi’s Casa Batlló. Standing between ordinary residences on either side, the extraordinary residence, Casa Batlló, instantly draws the eye. The walls are cloaked with colourful tiles and curved balconies, topped by a fantastical dragon shaped roof covered in shimmering iridescent tiles.

There are a choice of ticket options. We chose the Silver ticket, which included the dragon roof, audio tour and a 360-degree media experience. The tour was brilliant for the entire family. Highlights included the dragon roof and the magnificent main salon with its oval shaped windows set with delicate, coloured glass. Light refracts through the glass and dances around the space. Every detail is exquisite and often surprising. The house is simultaneously a monument to nature, where Gaudi took his inspiration, and a playful, joyful space. Our tour ended in the basement, where we enjoyed an immersive art installation by Refik Anadol. Our youngest son absolutely loved this. The house certainly has a wow factor and it was a brilliant way to start our visit.

Visit the Sagrada familia

A visit to La Sagrada Familia is an unmissable part of any Barcelona visit. The basilica is as astonishing as it is beautiful. A unique space which exudes calm and is filled with light, some visitors are even brought to tears by the colourful interior. 

Whilst still unfinished, the basilica is both a religious building and a temple to nature itself. Standing at 172.5 metres tall, Architect Antoni Gaudi intentionally designed the basilica to be slightly shorter than nearby mountain Montjuic, as a reminder that humans are less than god.

Enormous stained glass windows with abstract designs and jewel tones blend from vibrant reds and oranges to tranquil greens and blues as you follow the walls around. The columns are sculptures of trees and the effect of the light through the coloured glass and majestic tree sculptures evokes the feeling of walking through a forest.

During your visit, don’t miss peeking through the windows near the altar into the crypt, where services are carried out. 

Before you visit La Sagrada Familia

Remember to book your tickets well in advance. The money from visits goes directly to funding the completion of the building, which is expected to take at least another 10 years. To beat the crowds a late afternoon visit can be good, however make sure to visit during daylight to fully experience light through the stained glass windows.

If you are visiting with children over the age of about 8, the guided tour is a great option and gives a very comprehensive introduction to this magnificent building.

Relax in Parc de la Ciutadella or visit spectacular Park Güell

Option 1  – Visit Parc de la Ciutadella (FREE)

After visiting the Basilica, make your way over to elegant Passeig St Joan, perhaps stopping for coffee and cake. Bloome by Sasha will keep the whole family happy with great coffee and cake, acai bowls and smoothies. At the end of the street you will find the Arc de Triomf. Here you can watch the street performers. Keep a little spare change for the kids to drop in hats. Continue in the same direction and into leafy Parc de la Ciutadella. 

Parc de la Ciutadella is a great place to relax for the afternoon. Admire the ridiculously oversized fountain, Cascada Monumental, topped with golden horses and chariot. Pop into L’Umbracle indoor palm gardens and L’Hivernacle greenhouses, both atmospheric spots. 

Option 2: Spend the afternoon in Park Güell (tickets required)

Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying more of Gaudi’s playful architecture in Park Güell (remember to purchase tickets well in advance of your visit). 

There are lots of places in the lovely neighbourhood of Gracia to visit. We ate at Croq & Roll a croqueteria with a huge range of delicious flavours and a relaxed vibe.

Barcelona Family Itinerary Day 2: Family tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter & Beach time in Barceloneta

The Gothic Quarter

Start day two by exploring shady streets of The Gothic Quarter. This area has so much to see and do, and could easily fill a whole day.

With younger kids, the family walking tour from Runner Bean Tours is an excellent addition to your family Barcelona itinerary. The tour is aimed at families with children aged 4 – 12 and starts at Placa de St Jaume, not far from La Rambla. Highlights include Roman remains, the spectacular gothic La Catedral, Giants’ museum and learning about Catalan history and traditions in a fun and engaging way. Read our honest review of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter family walking tour.

Full review of this tour coming soon. 

After the tour, wander along Carrer del Bisbe for my favourite view in Barcelona: the beautiful wooden fretwork of the Ponte del Bisbe, a wooden bridge connecting the Catalan president’s house and the Catalan government.

If you chose not to take a tour, be sure to visit La Catedral and spend some time wandering around this fascinating area. You will find Roman remains hidden near Plaḉa de Sant Jaume, at the impressive Temple d’August. 

La Rambla and around

While in the Gothic Quarter, detour to busy La Rambla. Although La Rambla itself is extraordinarily busy, it’s worth finding time for Placa Reial to admire the Fountain of Three Graces. Pop in to the famous Mercat de la Boqueria. Although the market is very busy, it’s still a fantastic place to explore and pick up local food. You’ll find plenty of options for a grab and go lunch and countless photo opportunities. The market is closed on Sundays.

Family time at Barcelona’s Beaches

After fully exploring this fascinating part of the city, it’s time for some relaxation. Spend the afternoon on the beaches of Barceloneta, the closest to the Gothic Quarter is Platja de la Barceloneta . On hot days and weekends, this area can be really, really busy. To escape the crowds, consider heading a little further to the beaches in Poblenou like Platja de Bogatell. Another great option is to hire bikes from Port Olympic and cycle north along the bike path.

If you choose convenient Barceloneta, a great spot is outside the W hotel. Here you can marvel at groups practising calisthenics or head behind the hotel for some peace and quiet. Follow the concrete promenade for great views of Montjuic and the city. For smaller children, there are a few little play parks in the area between the W hotel and Port Olimpic. 

For dinner with a laid back atmosphere, try Surf House, which has burgers and fries but also delicious, fresh poke bowls and juices. Another option if you’re looking for healthy, delicious and affordable food, is the branch of small chain Honest Greens, near the W Hotel.

Barcelona Family Itinerary Day 3: Family friendly Museums and outdoor adventures on Montjuïc

CosmoCaixa Science Museum

Today, start at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum. This huge science museum is situated in the affluent neighbourhood of La Zona Alta, home to grand mansions and wide, leafy streets. It’s a brilliant option on any day, but especially good for rainy days or a respite from the summer heat. The museum is the best value attraction we found in Barcelona at just €8 per person! There is a sheltered outdoor picnic area if you want to keep costs down and self cater.

The museum is cleverly built into the hillside, enter on the top floor, then follow a huge spiral staircase to the ground floor to begin your journey. The museum begins with two large floors of hands-on science activities, including an enormous pendulum which holds visitors in a state of hypnosis waiting for the next pin to fall. There are microscopes for examining tiny details and exhibitions exploring the universe and everything in between. On one side of the museum, an astonishing 3 storey picture window gives a glimpse into an indoor flooded rainforest, complete with underwater viewing areas and a visitor walkthrough. Visitors can watch and learn about conserving species such as piranhas, turtles, caimans and catfish. There are even a flock of pink spoonbills nesting in the trees.

On the ground floor, a side room houses a range of mathematical puzzles which will keep the whole family entertained for hours. This is one of the best science museums in the world, and can easily fill many enjoyable hours. 

Family fun in Montjuïc 

In the afternoon, it’s time to head outside for a different side of the city. Montjuïc hill is a peaceful green area, filled with gardens, viewpoints and fountains. This area also houses the Olympic pools and stadiums used in the 1992 Olympic Games. The winding paths are a shady escape from the city and an absolutely fantastic area for children. Remember to bring food and drink with you as there aren’t a huge number of options.

To get to Montjuïc you can either take the cable car from from Barceloneta, the funicular from Paral·lel metro station (included in the Hola BCN travel pass, or with a metro ticket), or bus from Placa d’Espanya. At the top of the hill, accessible by foot or a second cable car, you will find the hilltop fortress Castell de Montjuïc.

A good option with children is to walk from the funicular or cable car station to pretty Jardins de Miramar (free). From here there are numerous paths up the hill to Jardins de Joan Brossa, passing lots of imaginative play spaces en route. Using your map, look for coixins musicals, parc infantil, área de joc infantil and our favourite Tobogans de Montjuïc (two VERY fast and fun slides), hitting these spots as you enjoy the scenery along the way.

Alternative activity: Visit the Barça Immersive Tour

If you have football fans in tow, the Barça Immersive tour will be a hit and the perfect addition to your Barcelona family itinerary. Add on the beat the robot keeper experience for a few euros, it’s great fun. The museum is outside of the city centre, so plan food, drink and travel time accordingly.

If your family enjoys playparks with epic views as part of your travel, check out this post on travelling to and around Zermatt, Switzerland.

Barcelona Packing Tips

Car seat & buggy: Bring a car seat if you are likely to travel by car or taxi (required by law). For small children a light-weight buggy will come in handy.

Light layers: Temperatures can vary, especially in spring and autumn. Bring T-shirts, a light jumper, and a packable rain jacket. Remember to pack clothes that cover shoulders and knees for entrance to any religious sites, including La Sagrada Familia.
Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking – opt for comfortable trainers or sandals.
Swimwear: If you’re visiting in warmer months, pack swimwear for the beaches or pool. UV sun shirts are good for protecting kids.
Smart casual outfit: For nicer dinners or evenings out, although Bracelona is fairly laid back.
Sun protection: Sunglasses & a wide-brimmed hat or cap are a must for summer protection.

FAQs

Q: Is Barcelona a good destination for families?

Yes! With walkable neighborhoods, interactive museums, sandy beaches, plenty of parks and family friendly attractions, Barcelona is fantastic for kids of all ages. This guide will help you plan a great Barcelona family itinerary which will be fun and memorable for the whole family.

What’s the best way to get around Barcelona with kids?

Barcelona is very walkable, but for longer trips, the metro is fast and safe. Consider the Hola BCN travel card if you’re using public transport frequently.

Is 3 days enough for Barcelona with children?

Three days is enough to see major sights and enjoy key family activities. If you have more time, consider day trips to the Costa Brava, Girona or Montserrat.