Barcelona, the capital of the Catalan region of Spain, is the all-you-can-eat buffet of city visits. There are so many things to see, do and taste that it’s a crime that you can’t try them all. This heady mix makes it the ultimate destination for family adventures, and even our arrival happened on a turbocharged note as we travelled directly from Madrid on a bullet train booked via Rome2Rio.com.
Known around the world for its unique architecture, which includes Antoni Gaudi’s Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the largest soccer stadium in Europe and an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s artworks, and it is the most visited city in Spain.
Eager tourists pass the time soaking up the sun as they wander the five tree-lined Ramblas, explore the city’s abundant street markets and feast on their regional cuisine.
Kicking our visit off in style, we booked a three-in-one “Land, Sea and Air” tour with The Tour Guy, which promised—and delivered—an unforgettable introduction to this Catalan gem. This small-group guided excursion started with a relaxing stroll through the Gothic Quarter and St James’s Square toward the Cathedral of Barcelona, along the Rambla and then to the heliport.
Flying high above Barcelona, we felt like special agents on one of James Bond’s missions, witnessing the city from a perspective few get to enjoy. It was also the best way to appreciate its unique octagonal block design and proximity to the Balearic Sea. We lunched at the Ardevol Cafe, located near the famed Sagrada Familia. When we said we'd like to share a paella, our waiter imparted a memorable piece of wisdom: “Sharing is life.” This sentiment resonated as we savoured our delicious food under the shade of the iconic church. The experience concluded with a serene boat ride that hugged the city’s coastline. This tour was one of the best ways to see Barcelona in 4D, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
The next day we joined The Tour Guy’s “Barcelona in a Day” tour. This comprehensive excursion included a much-anticipated visit to the Sagrada Familia, which is a must-do for any newbie to the city. The attraction was overrun with crowds, but thankfully for us, the tour came with skip-the-line tickets. This majestic Catholic church, which to this day remains unfinished, dates back to 1882 and features Gothic towers, stained-glass windows and intricate stonework. We found the beauty of Gaudi’s work to be truly extraordinary.
We also visited Park Guell, which is home to architectural structures from not just Gaudi but his fellow modernists Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Barcelona is a walking city, so we were always grateful to have a moment to sit and watch the world go by. We enjoyed lunch and people-watching at a cafe just outside the Sagrada Familia.
That evening, we booked an Old Town evening walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of the medieval Gothic Quarter with its lively clubs and cocktail bars and sampled food at two cafes. At the first we indulged in an array of delicious pintxos, which are traditional small snacks featuring cheese, olives and peppers. We drank local wine, and I think I ate my body weight in Manchego cheese. It was all divinely mouthwatering.
At the second location, we made room for tortillas, pan con tomate and patatas bravas, and the evening culminated in a colourful flamenco show at the 17th-century Dalmases Palace. This passionate performance perfectly encapsulated the effervescent spirit of Spain.
On our final day, eager to learn more about the cuisine we had been devouring, I booked a cooking class with Chef Renata, another fantastic offering from The Tour Guy. This hands-on activity began with a visit to the bounteous La Boqueria market, where we selected fresh ingredients for our cooking session. It was great fun, and we had free time to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Chef Renata’s passion for Spanish cuisine was infectious as she guided us through the preparation of a traditional meal. We made appetizers, paella and a Spanish flan known as Crema Catalana, a traditional dessert similar to creme brulee.
Cooking together as a family in a professional kitchen was a true highlight, and within a couple of hours, my kid was chopping vegetables like a pro with his newfound skills. With so much to see, booking your tours ahead is the ultimate Barcelona vacation hack. Tickets for main attractions sell out fast, especially during school holidays, so plan and reserve ahead. We booked all of our tours with one outfitter to keep our plans streamlined and organized, and we always picked “skip the line” offers.
