Traveling to Barcelona with a toddler is a great option if you’re visiting Spain with kids. It offers a sunny Mediterranean climate, a plethora of outdoor spaces and parks, a wide variety of child-friendly attractions, and a vibrant culture and cuisine that is sure to delight both kids and adults.
Things to Do in Barcelona With a Toddler
There are many family-friendly activities and attractions to choose from, and the city is relatively easy to get around with young children. Here are a few ideas for things to do in Barcelona with a toddler:
- Visit the park. Barcelona has many beautiful parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a game of catch, or a picnic lunch. Some of the most popular parks include Park Güell, Parc de la Ciutadella, and Montjuïc Park.
- Go to the beach. Barcelona has several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Some of the most popular beaches include Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach, and Bogatell Beach.
- Explore the city’s many museums. Barcelona has a number of family-friendly museums, including the Barcelona Zoo, the Aquarium of Barcelona, and the CosmoCaixa Science Museum.
- Take a walk down Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Barcelona.
- Visit the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works. It’s a stunning unfinished church that’s worth a visit, even if you’re not religious.
- Take a boat trip on Port Vell. A boat trip on the Port Vell is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can also see the famous Barceloneta Beach and the Olympic Port.
- Visit the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona. It’s a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, perfect for getting lost in.
- Take a cooking class. If your toddler is interested in cooking, you can take a cooking class together. Many cooking schools in Barcelona offer classes for children of all ages.
- Visit a chocolate museum. Barcelona is home to the Museu de la Xocolata, a chocolate museum that’s perfect for families with young children.
- Go to a football game. If your toddler is a fan of football, you can take them to a Barcelona FC game. Camp Nou is one of the largest stadiums in Europe, and the atmosphere is electric.
Where to Stay in Barcelona With a Toddler
There are many family-friendly hotels and apartments to choose from, and the city is relatively easy to get around with young children. Here are a few ideas for places to stay in Barcelona with a toddler:
- The Eixample District: This is a great area to stay with toddlers. It’s centrally located and has a number of family-friendly hotels and apartments. There are also a number of parks and playgrounds in the area, as well as a number of shops and restaurants.
- The Gothic Quarter: This is the oldest part of Barcelona, and it’s a great place to wander around with toddlers. There are a number of narrow streets and alleyways, perfect for getting lost. There are also a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area.
- The Barceloneta District: This is a seaside district, and it’s a great place to stay with toddlers who love the beach. There are a number of family-friendly hotels and apartments in the area, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes. There’s also a long stretch of beach where toddlers can play in the sand and swim in the sea.
- The Poblenou District: This is a trendy district, and it’s a great place to stay with toddlers who love art and culture. There are a number of family-friendly hotels and apartments in the area, as well as a number of museums and art galleries. There are also a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area.
- The Sarrià-Sant Gervasi District: This is a residential district, and it’s a great place to stay with toddlers who love nature. There are a number of family-friendly hotels and apartments in the area, as well as a number of parks and gardens. There are also a number of family-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area.
Where to Eat in Barcelona With a Toddler
Here are a few ideas for places to eat in Barcelona with a toddler:
- Restaurants with outdoor seating: This is a great option for toddlers who love to be outdoors. There are many restaurants in Barcelona with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal while your toddler can run around and play.
- Restaurants with children’s menus: This is a great option for toddlers who are picky eaters. There are many restaurants in Barcelona with children’s menus that offer a variety of familiar and kid-friendly options.
- Restaurants with high chairs: This is a must-have for any restaurant you visit with a toddler. Make sure to call ahead to make sure the restaurant has high chairs available.
- Restaurants with changing tables: This is another must-have for any restaurant you visit with a toddler. Make sure to call ahead to make sure the restaurant has changing tables available.
- Restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere: This is a great option for toddlers who are not used to being in restaurants. There are many restaurants in Barcelona with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families with young children.
Here are a few specific restaurant recommendations for families with toddlers in Barcelona:
- La Nena: This restaurant is located in the Gracia district of Barcelona, and it’s a great option for families with toddlers. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and a children’s menu that offers a variety of familiar and kid-friendly options.
- Barbacoa: This restaurant is located in the El Born district of Barcelona, and it’s a great option for families with toddlers who love meat. The restaurant has a children’s menu that offers a variety of grilled meats and vegetables.
- Can Culleretes: This restaurant is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, and it’s a great option for families with toddlers who love traditional Catalan cuisine. The restaurant has a children’s menu that offers a variety of classic Catalan dishes.
- Pastelería Hofmann: This bakery is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, and it’s a great option for families with toddlers who love sweets. The bakery has a wide variety of pastries, cakes, and other sweets that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
- Xurreria Laietana: This churrería is located in the Barceloneta district of Barcelona, and it’s a great option for families with toddlers who love churros. The churrería serves up fresh churros and hot chocolate that are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat.
When to Go to Barcelona With Kids
The best time to go to Barcelona with kids is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summer can be very hot and crowded, and the winter can be cold and rainy.
How Long to Stay in Barcelona With Kids
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll need to decide how long you want to stay. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- How old are your kids? Younger kids will have a shorter attention span, so you may want to plan a shorter trip. Older kids may be able to handle a longer trip and be more interested in seeing more of the city.
- What are your interests? If you’re interested in art and architecture, you may want to plan a longer trip so you can see more of the city’s museums and Gaudí buildings. If you’re more interested in beaches and nightlife, you may want to plan a shorter trip.
- Your budget. Barcelona can be an expensive city, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to plan a shorter trip.
Here are a few suggestions for how long to stay in Barcelona with kids, depending on your interests and budget:
- 3 days: This is a good amount of time to see the city’s highlights, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.
- 5 days: This is a good amount of time to see more of the city, including the Barceloneta beach, the Picasso Museum, and Montjuïc Park.
- 7 days: This is a good amount of time to see everything Barcelona has to offer, including day trips to Montserrat and the Costa Brava.
Barcelona Itinerary With a Toddler
Here is a possible itinerary for a 3-day trip to Barcelona with a toddler:
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works. The park is full of colorful mosaics, whimsical sculptures, and stunning views of the city. There is a playground in the park, and toddlers will love running around and exploring.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the park.
- Evening: Take a walk down Las Ramblas, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Barcelona.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudí’s most iconic works. The church is still under construction, but it’s an impressive sight to see. There is a museum on site that tells the story of the church’s construction.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the Gothic Quarter.
- Evening: Take a cooking class together. Many cooking schools in Barcelona offer classes for children of all ages. This is a great way to learn about Catalan cuisine and spend some quality time with your toddler.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the beach. Barcelona has several beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Some of the most popular beaches include Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach, and Bogatell Beach.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at one of the many family-friendly restaurants on the beach.
- Evening: Take a boat trip to Port Vell. A boat trip on the Port Vell is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can also see the famous Barceloneta Beach and the Olympic Port.
How to Get Around Barcelona With a Toddler
Barcelona is a very walkable city, and many of the city’s top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you have a toddler, you may want to consider other modes of transportation. Here are a few tips for getting around Barcelona with a toddler:
- Use the metro. The metro is the best way to get around Barcelona quickly and easily. The system is extensive and covers most of the city. Children under 4 years old ride for free, and children under 16 years old ride for a reduced fare.
- Take a taxi. Taxis are a convenient way to get around Barcelona, but they can be expensive. If you’re taking a taxi with a toddler, be sure to request a taxi with a child seat.
- Rent a car. If you’re planning on doing a lot of exploring outside of the city center, renting a car may be a good option. However, be aware that parking in Barcelona can be expensive and difficult.
- Use a stroller. A stroller is a must-have for getting around Barcelona with a toddler. The city’s streets can be crowded and uneven, so a stroller will make it easier to get around.
- Be prepared for crowds. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the summer months. If you’re traveling with a toddler, it’s a good idea to avoid the city’s most popular attractions during peak times.
- Take breaks. Toddlers have short attention spans, so it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break in a park or a cafe.
- Pack snacks and drinks. Toddlers get hungry and thirsty quickly, so it’s a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for the day. This will save you money and time.
- Be patient. Traveling with a toddler can be challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. Be patient with your toddler and enjoy the experience.