Barcelona - Local Guidebook to the City

Barcelona - Local Guidebook to the City

Restless Pursuits
I visited Barcelona in March of 2023 and fell in love with the city. I knew I wanted to know more about the city and find all the fun and unique activities for one to see and do. I worked with a Barcelona native to give you the following: 🏔️ - Top Attractions 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 - Family Friendly Activities 🍽️ - Restaurant Recommendations 🏨 - Places to Stay
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Top Attractions

Sagrada Família
@amandasmith
This iconic, unfinished basilica designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi is a must see. Going inside is totally worth it, especially when it is sunny to see how the sun reflects the light through the windows. Best place to take nice photos outside is Plaça Gaudi. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance online.
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Park Güell
@amandasmith
Park Güell is a truly unique and beautiful park. This iconic park requires tickets to enter and can be very busy, but it is worth it!
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Montjuïc
@amandasmith
Montjuic is a prominent hill in Barcelona that offers stunning views of the city and is home to several cultural and recreational attractions. Visit Plaza España and walk all the way up to the Olympic Ring with the escalators. Watch the colorful magic fountain if it’s running. Check the link to see if you can see the magical fountain when you visit.
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Gothic Quarter
@amandasmith
The Gothic Quarter neighborhood is beautiful to walk around. Be sure to check out the Barcelona Cathedral. The adjacent neighborhood of Raval is also worth the wander.
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Palau de la Música Catalana
@amandasmith
Beautiful building from the outside and even more incredible from the inside. If you have time, buy tickets for a concert to truly enjoy the elegance of this venue.
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Casa Batlló
@amandasmith
A beautiful building by the famous architect, Gaudi. It is located on Paseo de Gracia, is definitely worth a walk by. I would recommend visiting in the evening to see it lit up. Paseo de Gracia is a wonderful street to walk down to do some shopping or eat at some delicious restaurants.
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La Pedrera-Casa Milà
@amandasmith
Another one of Gaudi's masterpieces and on the same street as Casa Batllo.
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Parc del Turó del Putxet
@amandasmith
For 360 degree views of Barcelona, Parc del Turó del Putxet is the place to go. It is a serene park with multiple short trails to enjoy.
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La Rambla
@amandasmith
La Rambla is a very busy tree-lined street in the heart of Barcelona, known for its lively atmosphere, street performers, shops, and restaurants. It can get very crowded and please beware of pickpockets! This isn’t a spot that locals visit, so there are some tourist traps. La Boqueria market is located on La Rambla and is a great place to eat!
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Visit a Nearby Beach

We don't recommend visiting a city beach in Barcelona. Here are the best nearby beaches in the area. 

Platja del Garraf
@amandasmith
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports at this beach that is only 30 minutes from Barcelona.
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Platja de Castelldefels
@amandasmith
Only 20 minutes on public transportation to get to this nearby beach.
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Sitges Beach
@amandasmith
45 minutes from Barcelona by car or public transportation.
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Family Friendly Activities

There are always fun things for kids to enjoy in a big city and Barcelona is no exception. Below are our top picks for enjoyable activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

Poble Espanyol
@amandasmith
Near Montjuic, this little Spanish village represents different places in Spain. It is a fun activity for all the family.
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Museu de la Ciència CosmoCaixa
@amandasmith
Cosmo Caixa is a fun science museum in Barcelona that features interactive exhibits and activities, including a rainforest simulation (which is very cool) and a planetarium.
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Tibidabo
@amandasmith
Tibidabo is Spain’s oldest amusement park and has amazing views of the city. Take the funicular to the top for a fun adventure. Also there's a beautiful church at the top, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.
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Ciutadella Park
@amandasmith
This beautiful and expansive green space in the heart of Barcelona offers various attractions, including a zoo, a lake where you can rent a boat, and several museums. Great for the whole family!
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Top Restaurants

Each of these restaurants has something to offer from delicious local cuisine to fantastic breakfast. 

Cerveceria Catalana
@amandasmith
Traditional tapas at a vibrant hangout with bar seating & shaded sidewalk tables near Passeig de Gracia.
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COMPA GRACIA|Panini de Calabria
@amandasmith
The best focaccia I have ever had. So delicious!
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Ciutat Comtal
@amandasmith
Elegant tapas bar with eclectic furnishings and lots of outdoor seating!
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El Fornet
@amandasmith
Go for delicious pastries!
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Boldú Gràcia
@amandasmith
For that doughnut craving! Other scrumptious pastries are also served.
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Macchina Pasta Bar
@amandasmith
Good pasta at a reasonable price!
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Tio Joe
@amandasmith
THE burger stop in Barcelona.
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Places to Stay

Hotel Catalonia Catedral
@amandasmith
This beautiful hotel is in a central location near the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter! It has beautiful family rooms and a pool. Can't get much better than that!
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Suite Place Barcelona
@amandasmith
Spacious apartments close to the famous La Sagrada Familia
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Casa Consell Gran Via, Guest House
@amandasmith
They have a great family room with two twin beds and a double bed. It even has a balcony. This hotel is very centrally located to all the attractions.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Restless Pursuits
Hi! I am Amanda and the voice behind Restless Pursuits. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 I specialize in family travel. We are an adventurous family of four that loves to travel all over the world. We seek out captivating locations that are fun for the whole family. 🏔️ When traveling we enjoy hiking and being in nature. 🌮 We are always in search of a delicious meal, snack or coffee. 📍We enjoy popular attractions at times, but really seek out the off the beaten path locations. ✈️ We slow traveled full-time for 8 months and have recently moved to Europe to continue our journey taking shorter trips on school breaks. During our 8 month trip we visited Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Spain, Paris, Belgium, Netherlands and Portugal. In the United States we have lived in various places in Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Estes Park, Colorado; and Bozeman, Montana.
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