Barcelona Holidays

Destination highlights

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food & drink | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Barcelona?

Barcelona enjoys an impressive 4.5km stretch of sandy bays along its shoreline, making it perfect for a city break with a side of beach. From lively to peaceful; family to nudist, Barcelona has a beach to suit you. Barceloneta is the closest beach to the city centre and definitely the most populated. Restaurants and bars line the edge and there are plenty of stalls and vendors to buy knick-knacks from. The atmosphere is lively here and there are often entertainers, sand sculptors and music being played down the promenade. For a more relaxed vibe head north towards Port Olympic. Nova Icaria Beach and Bogatell Beach offer a more peaceful feel, with locals and families enjoying the calm waters and warm sands.

What are the top hotels in the Barcelona?

Barcelona has a wide selection of great hotels, suitable for all holidaymakers. So, whether you fancy a beachfront beauty, a family-friendly apartment or a hotel in the super-cool gothic quarter, there’s definitely a perfect place for you in Barcelona.

If you’re jetting off on a romantic escape the Occidenal Atenea Mar is the perfect choice - an Adult Only property with rooftop infinity pool located just 500m from the beachfront. Another great choice for a lively couples escape is the Axel Hotel Barcelona Urban Spa. A popular LGBTQ+ hotel with stylish rooms, an on-site spa and swimming pool, and a gorgeous rooftop bar.

For a hotel that works for everyone in your party, the Iberostar Paseo de Gracia ticks all the right boxes. Rooftop infinity pool, central location and gorgeous modern rooms are just a few of the perks of this beautiful hotel.

Looking to take the kids away? Barcelona House is a great option. Located less than 100m from the famous La Rambla, this hotel offers spacious apartment-style accommodation right in the heart of the city. If you prefer staying somewhere a little quieter then head to the Catalonia Park Guell. With a rooftop pool and on-site snack bar, this hotel is sure to keep every family member happy.

What’s the food like in Barcelona?

Lying at the heart of the Catalan community, Barcelona offers a signature blend of traditional Spanish cuisine with unique Catalan classics. The proximity to the coast and large ports in the city also ensures a constant supply of fresh Mediterranean seafood. For a truly authentic experience try heading to one of the smaller tapas bars hidden away from the central street of La Rambla. We recommend trying the local cured Iberico ham, gazpacho soup and la bomba – a potato croquette served with a spicy tomato sauce and a healthy dollop of aioli. And in typical Spanish style, no meal would be complete without a good beer to wash it down with, such as Barcelona’s famous Estrella.

Where is the best nightlife in Barcelona?

Like many European cities, Barcelona comes alive at night. With everything from tapas bars open until the early hours, small backstreet tavernas and nightclubs that don’t stop until dawn, Barcelona is a hive of activity and loved by all who visit. La Rambla offers a string of outdoor restaurants, pitched perfectly down the middle strip, that offer the best spot for sitting back and relaxing while the city carries on around you. Look out for smaller bars hidden along here too such as Patagonia Bar. It may be accessed through a churro shop but the sangria and cocktail list is definitely worth a visit. Small backstreet bars often specialise in craft beer in a traditional setting and are a great place to socialise before heading to the lively clubs dotted across the city.

What events can I go to in Barcelona?

From huge music festivals to art installations; traditional fiestas to football fixtures, Barcelona has something going on for everyone. Whether you’re taking a sun-soaked summer escape or a winter city break, Barcelona is sure to have a long list of events happening at the time. Here are a few of our favourites

Sonar (June) - Celebrating music, art and technology, Sonar is a top-class festival that caters to every taste. The days are relaxed with art exhibits, technology installations and plenty of ac5tivities on offer whilst the night comes alive with a huge party

Primavera Sound (June) - With huge acts and international DJs covering all genres, Primavera Sound is a must-do for every festival-goer. And, being located so close to the centre of Barcelona, it’s perfect for a city break and festival all in one

48 Hour Open House (End of Oct) - For just two days of the year, Barcelona opens some of its most famous buildings and monuments to the public. Take a look behind the scenes and check out the amazon architecture that is off-limits for 363 days of the year

Barcelona Pride (June) - Barcelona Pride is a huge event in the Pride calendar and features a wide range of events and activities. Expect amazing parties, live music and a world-famous parade plus much, much more

Diada Nacional de Catalunya & Festes de la Mercè (September) - September sees a number of traditional festivals in Barcelona. Expect to see plenty of food, street parades, parties and great celebrations all round

What is there to do in Barcelona?

La Sagrada Familia & Park Guell

Widely regarded as Gaudí’s masterpiece, this breathtaking structure took the artist most of his life to create, and is still under construction some 150 years later. Dominating the city’s skyline at over 500ft tall, its soaring spires and intricate stonework are a photographer’s dream. Walking a little further, Park Guell is Gaudí’s stunning park area and former residence. The park is full of nooks and crannies with stunning architecture at every turn. The colourful mosaic structures and unrivalled view over Barcelona are not to be missed. For more great Gaudí architecture be sure to check out Casa Milà and Casa Batlló.

La Rambla

Leading from the Plaza de Catalunya all the way to the seafront, this tree-lined boulevard is a huge tourist hotspot. From vibrant street art to pop-up live performances, it’s abuzz with action almost 24/7. Here you can find a huge number of shops, restaurants, bars and even museums - all in one place.

Camp Nou

Home to the world-famous Barcelona FC, this super-sized stadium is built into the ground and is the largest in Europe, seating a whopping 99,000 people. With a huge range of tours on offer - from self-guided wanders to VIP pitch walks - it’s a must for lovers of the beautiful game. There’s even the chance for a sneak-peek behind the scenes, and the interactive exhibits offer hours of hands-on fun for even the littlest footie fan.

Boqueria Market

As one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, the Boqueria Market is an absolute must for any foodie. Just wandering around the hundreds of stalls will have you in awe. With fresh fruit and veg, artisan chocolates, locally-produced cheese and the region’s famous ham, you won’t be short of something new to try. To make it even better, there are also a few small open-air restaurants and bars cooking up the most fresh and tasty lunches possible.

Museo Picasso

If you’re into your art then a visit to Museu Picasso is definitely a must! Picasso lived in Barcelona between the ages of 15 and 23 and the city definitely had an impact on his work. Marvel at some of Picasso’s most well-known pieces and discover some of his lesser-known early works that were inspired by this beautiful city.

Take a ride on the Montjuic Cable Car

Montjuic is a scenic wooded hill that borders the bustling city below and is home to a magnificent castle. Taking a trip up here is worth it for the views alone. And to top that off, a trip by cable car is even better. Whether you start at the bottom stop or take the funicular halfway, you’re sure to enjoy the amazing panoramic views on offer.

What's the weather like in Barcelona?

With sizzling summers and mild winters, Barcelona is a real year-round destination. Sun-seekers flock to the city in July and August, when the mercury hits a toasty 28°C - and with average highs of 14°C even in December, it’s a sure-fire festive winner compared to chilly Blighty. Be sure to take a brolly for autumn visits, as showers can be pretty common - and in summer, a fan is the perfect accessory for the humid city centre.

Important Information about travelling to Barcelona

How long does it take to fly to Barcelona?

It takes about two and a half hours to fly to Barcelona from the UK.

What's the time difference between the UK and Barcelona?

Barcelona is one hour ahead of the time in the UK.

What currency do they use in Barcelona?

The official currency of Barcelona is the Euro.

What language do they speak in Barcelona?

The official language spoken in Barcelona is Spanish.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Barcelona?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Barcelona?

The Catalonia region implements a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel. This ranges from €0.65 to €2.25 per person, per night. The amount will depend on the type of accommodation and its star rating.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Barcelona?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Spain on the FCO website.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Barcelona for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.