Barcelona is first and foremost the capital of Catalonia, a proudly autonomous region that periodically attempts to break up with Spain. You’ll hear Catalan in the streets, and find the work of hometown icons like Miró and Gaudí in museums and along the Passeig de Gràcia. It can be a late-night party town, but Barcelona still nails a tranquil sort of time travel, as you walk the lanes of its Gothic quarter or sip a cava with a saucer of anchovies in an old-school pintxos bar.
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Barcelona Travel Guide
Plan Your Barcelona Trip
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Featured
23 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Our to-do list for this city is as plentiful as its sunny days.
13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Barcelona
In Gaudí we trust.
14 Beautiful Spanish Beach Towns to Dream About this Summer
They have fortresses, pintxos, and beaches for days.
33 Best Hotels in Barcelona
From plush boutique hotels to grandes dames that have stood the test of time, here's where to stay.
Editor Recommendations
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia 68-70Read full reviewThis grande dame on the Passeig de Gràcia recently turned 106—and she's looking great for her age.
Readers Choice Awards - The Barcelona EDITION$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14Read full reviewThe location of Barcelona's hottest 2019 opening is ideal: easy stumbling distance of the city’s buzzing bar and restaurant scene, and with four excellent in-house bars and restaurants, you won't regret staying here.
- Grand Hotel Central$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Via Laietana, 30Read full reviewA sexy new look adds to the appeal of this chic hotel, best known for the sweeping, panoramic views from its top-rated rooftop terrace.
- Monument Hotel$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 75Read full reviewFind one of the only three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona at this chic hotel.
- Hotel Brummell$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 174Read full reviewThis comfortable, affordable, activity-packed oasis is the ideal stay for fit, yoga types.
- The One Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Provença, 277Read full reviewThe Cosy rooms here are much more spacious than they sound, and probably Barcelona's best deal.
- Casa Bonay$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700Read full reviewLocals and travelers mix together seamlessly in the beautifully renovated public spaces at Casa Bonay, right in the heart of the city.Readers Choice Awards
- Nobu Hotel Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Av. de Roma, 2Read full reviewGreat value, and oh-so-sexy, in an up-and-coming location
- Almanac Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 619-621Read full reviewTopped off with a secluded skyline pool, Almanac has all the trappings to go with its five-star status.Readers Choice Awards
- Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona$$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40Read full reviewThere's a reason the Mandarin Oriental is so expensive—it's simply one of the best hotels in Barcelona, in every way.Readers Choice Awards
- Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer del Duc, 15Read full reviewThe Vividora is the Kimpton brand’s first foray into Spain, and its “hola” has been done with panache and individuality.
- Grand Hyatt Barcelona$ | Spain, Barcelona, Plaça de Pius XII, 4Read full reviewSkip the overcrowded old town and opt for a trusted brand in a quiet location.
- Sofitel Barcelona Skipper$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Avenida del Litoral 10Read full reviewBringing joie de vivre to the Barcelona beachfront
- Hotel Casa Sagnier$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Rambla de Catalunya, 104Read full reviewThis former home of one of Barcelona’s more noteworthy architects remains true to its roots with locally inspired design.
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The Best Things to Do in Barcelona
- 15 Best Beaches in BarcelonaOur favorite stretches of sand and surf in and around the Catalonian capital.
- Best Things to Do With Kids in BarcelonaThere’s loads to keep kids engaged and off the iPad, whether they’re into soccer, science, animals or ice cream.
- 14 Best Museums in BarcelonaThe Catalan capital is overflowing with cultural attractions.
- Where to Shop in BarcelonaThis rundown of the retail scene will guide you through the must-dos, from the locals’ favorite deli to discounted designer labels
- 6 Best Day Trips from BarcelonaShort getaways from the Catalan capital that are easy to fit into a visit.
Editor Recommendations
- Sant Pau Art Nouveau SiteSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 67Read full reviewThis former hospital is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, and now functions as a famous museum and arts venue.
- La Sagrada FamíliaSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Mallorca, 401Read full reviewGaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, aka the world's largest church
- Fundació Joan MiróSpain, Barcelona, Parc de MontjuïcRead full reviewA wide range of Miró’s paintings and sculpture exhibited exactly as the artist intended
- Mirador Torre GlòriesSpain, Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal, 209Read full reviewThe gleaming, iridescent tower that pierces the cityscape like (some say) a gherkin, though architect Jean Nouvel had a geyser in mind.
- TibidaboSpain, Barcelona, Plaça del Tibidabo, 3Read full reviewThis mountaintop fairground is great fun, with notable views and entertaining rides.
- HivernacleSpain, Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 7Read full reviewA beautiful example of urban conservation done right
- SuperillaSpain, Barcelona, Consell de CentRead full reviewEnough to have La Rambla quaking in its boots
- Museu de l’Art ProhibitSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de la Diputació, 250Read full reviewThe world’s first museum comprised entirely of artworks considered so scandalous that they were banned, censored or withdrawn from public view
- Barcelona Architecture WalksSpain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 701Read full reviewFor anyone who wants to know more about a building than simply how it photographs
- MontgatMontgat,Read full reviewWhen Barcelona's main beach gets too crowded, escape here for a chilled-out scene with great water sports and cool bars.
- Arenys de MarArenys de Mar,Read full reviewThis clothing-optional beach is located next to a working fishing port, whose lively daily auctions are worth the trip alone.
- Caldes d'EstracCaldes d'Estrac,Read full reviewIn terms of overall experience, this is one of the best beaches around—with its beautiful houses, bars, and sunsets, it's easy to see why.
- Gavà MarGavà,Read full reviewSituated just south of Barcelona, Gavà’s beaches offer surprisingly pleasant wild terrain—and some seriously fun dunes.
The Best Airbnbs in Barcelona
From hip Sant Antoni to the historic Gothic Quarter.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Barcelona
- 34 Best Restaurants in BarcelonaFew cities in the world can rival this dining scene, where even humble tapas bars have Michelin stars.
- 21 Best Bars in BarcelonaWhatever your mood, this city has a bar for you.
- 16 Best Tapas Bars in BarcelonaFrom old-school neighborhood dives to concepts from Michelin-star chefs—these tapas spots are a must.
- 14 Best Wine Bars in BarcelonaEssential information, really, in a city at the crossroads of twelve designated wine regions.
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Editor Recommendations
- Eldiset$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3
- Zim$ | Barcelona,A hearty, happy pit stop that feels like home away from home, this bar is a completely unique gem.
- Viblioteca$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de les Guilleries, 10It's abiding goal is to educate guests about wine, but this bright, buzzy library-inspired bar is anything but stuffy.
- Vila Viniteca$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer dels Agullers, 7At this tiny but bustling treasure trove, you'll suddenly need everything—even if you didn’t come in for anything in particular.
- Monvínic$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Diputación, 251Part bar, part educational facility, and part experience, this is an institution—and a must-visit for anyone who loves wine.
- Cellarer Wine Bar$ | Spain,This warm, compact wine bar offers unusual pours and a consistently terrific menu of South American tapas.
- Tiberi Bar$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Vila i Vilà, 67Pared-back, post-industrial hip with a side of cozy courtesy
- Público$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer d'Enric Granados, 30The giant selection of wine lines the walls.
- Bodega Borràs$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Casanova, 85If you’ve never sipped a Terra Alta, Empordà, or Tarragona, this is your chance.
- Volta$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 26-30A pan-Mediterranean newcomer perfect for quiet Tuesday lunch dates, rowdy Saturday nights, and everything in between
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A Day in Barcelona
There are many reasons that sultry, colorful Barcelona is one of the world's most beloved cities. From pintxos to art to the beach, get the vibe of a day spent in the iconic capital of Catalonia.
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Ask a Local: The Coolest Places in Barcelona According to Nuria Val
Born and raised in the Catalonian capital, the co-founder and creative director of Rowse lets us in on where to find the best shared plates, natural wines, and creative nourishment.
Food & Drink
7 Barcelona Ice Cream Shops to Bookmark for Your Next Trip
Get ready for some unforgettable flavors, from parmesan to Catalan cream.
Food & Drink
In Barcelona, a New Wave of Businesses Is Drawing Visitors Beyond the City Center
A buzz has returned to this cool coastal city, percolating through progressive eateries and stylish boutiques in its emerging enclaves.
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: An Airy Barcelona Apartment With Double Balconies and Lots of Light
Located in central Barcelona, the rental is a perfect launch pad for sightseeing and tapas tasting.
News & Advice
In Barcelona, the Applause Starts at 8 p.m.
Quarantined in Barcelona, one writer shares the new daily ritual that gives her hope.
News & Advice
12 Days of Deals: U.S. to Barcelona from $230 Round-Trip
Fares to Europe are almost never this low—don't miss out.
News & Advice
You Can't Use Uber in Barcelona Right Now
Both the ride-hailing giant and Cabify have suspended service after protests by taxi drivers turned violent.
Family Travel
The Loneliness of the American Soccer Fan
The World Cup makes us all global citizens—but for this father and his son, it all starts with Messi.
News & Advice
We Planned Your Next Trip to Barcelona: Travelogue Podcast
There's so much more to the city than the Sagrada Família—but you should totally still go there, too.
Shopping
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
Follow these tips, and you may even be mistaken for a local.
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