Barcelona Holidays
Amazing architecture, atmospheric streets, stunning beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine!
Holidays in Barcelona
Barcelona, Catalonia’s vibrant capital, nestles on Spain’s Costa Dorada and is a favourite when it comes to city breaks. Known for its vibrant culture, eclectic buildings, tasty food, iconic sights, and golden beaches; Barcelona offers something new around every corner. Whether you're a history buff, a culture lover, a sun seeker, or simply looking to explore a new destination; a bargain break to the vibrant city of Barcelona should be on everyone’s holiday wish list.
When is the best time to visit? With its Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is a destination that can be explored all year round. For warm sunnier days packed with the perfect mix of beach time and sightseeing, June to September is perfect. For budget travellers and bargain hunters, autumn and winter often offer cheaper accommodation; while November through to December add Christmas Markets and festive fun into the mix.
Where is the best place to stay? There are plenty of places to stay in Barcelona, whatever your budget; from small and friendly hotels to self-catering apartments in the heart of the city. Barri Gotic with the busy La Rambla thoroughfare and narrow streets lined with bars, clubs, and traditional eateries is perfect for first-time visitors. Staying close to the seaside neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is also a great base with easy access to both the beach, Port Olimpic, and famed sights. Other popular areas include: Eixample with its bustling Plaça de Catalunya and iconic Sagrada Familiia; trendy El Born with its medieval streets, unique boutiques, and eclectic nightlife; and the bohemian village-style Gracia with its galleries, arthouse cinemas, and authentic bistros and wine bars.
Travel guide
With its unique blend of culture, art, and seaside charm, Barcelona is a holiday destination that captivates and inspires every visitor.
- Best time to visit: June-September
- Average flight time: 2 Hours
- Most suited for: Couples, Groups
- Currency: Euro
- Time Difference: +1 hour
Barcelona Holidays
Barcelona Weather
Average monthly temperature in Barcelona (°C)
- Jan 10°C
- Feb 10°C
- Mar 12°C
- Apr 13°C
- May 16°C
- Jun 20°C
- Jul 23°C
- Aug 24°C
- Sep 22°C
- Oct 18°C
- Nov 13°C
- Dec 11°C
DISCOVER THE HEART AND SOUL OF BARCELONA ON LA RAMBLA!
The 1.2 kilometres-long La Rambla stretches from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya and is the true heartbeat of Barcelona! By day, go shopping at the open-air Mercat de la Boqueria and tuck into a plate of tapas in a café; before joining the locals for a drink or two and a paseo accompanied by live music, street performances, and mime shows in the evening. Barri Gotic and its Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia and Museu Picasso sit on the northeast side; halfway down is the palm tree and historic house-lined Plaça Reial and its Fuente de las Tres Gracias, and you’ll also pass by Gaudi’s Palau Güell.
EXPLORE GAUDI’S ICONIC MASTERPIECES!
Antoni Gaudi, the renowned Catalan architect, and his unique mix of modernism and neo-Gothic architecture with an added touch of cubism and surrealism has certainly left his stamp on Barcelona. Culture fans will want to seek out his most famous masterpieces dotted around the city - from his iconic and still unfinished Basilica de la Sagrada Familia; Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, and Casa Calvet; Parc Güell and Pavellons Güell; and Torre Bellesguard. Delve further into Gaudi’s fascinating life at Casa Museu Gaudi, Gaudí Experiència, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
BEACHES AND WATERSPORTS!
With 4.5 miles of beaches lining Barcelona’s shoreline and beyond, you’re sure to find a patch of sand to chill out. Bogatell Beach is a favourite with residents and visitors alike; perfect for soaking up the rays and swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. The old fishing village of La Balconeta by the cruise port is home to Sant Sebastia and La Balconeta Beaches and is ideal for sunbathing by day and witnessing the colourful sunsets after dark. Hop on the nearby Port Cable Car up to hilltop Montjuic’s Castell de Montjuic, Palau Nacional’s Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and Plaça d’Espanya’s Font Màgica de Montjuic.
MORE THINGS TO SEE AND DO!
Footie fans will want to make a beeline for the Camp Nou stadium, home of FC Barcelona, to enjoy a guided tour including seeing the trophies, photos, and exhibits at Barca Museum. If art is more your cup of tea, then viewing the 4,000+ artworks by Pablo Picasso at Museu Picasso de Barcelona and the contemporary art by Joan Miró and other 20th and 21st artists at Fundació Joan Miró in Parc de Montjuic should top the list. Bargain hunters can seek out local buys at Mercat de Santa Caterina or the grand Mercat de Sant Antoni, while top brands are available at Plaça de Catalunya’s El Corte Ingles and in the designer boutiques along the tree-lined Passeig de Gracia.
Food & Drink
No trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling authentic tapas including Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, Jamon Iberico, Chipirones, Tortilla de Patatas, and Queso de Manchego; not forgetting local specialities like Fideua, Escalivada, Paella, and Esqueixada with, of course, Crema Catalana for dessert. If you fancy some fizz, opt for a glass of the elegant and easy-to-drink Codorniu Cava sparkling wine; beer lovers can refresh with an Estrella Damm or San Miguel, and wine fans can choose a local Rioja or Tempranillo. You’ll also find everything from fast food fare to international favourites served in Barcelona’s bistros, restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and takeaways.
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