Barcelona

Gaudi landmarks, tapas counters & Raval vintage

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Barcelona is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Carrer de la Riera Baixa, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Food lovers should not miss Cal Pep and El Xampanyet. Below you will find 44 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Barcelona at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Carrer de la Riera Baixa and Sagrada Familia
Where to stay: Poblenou and Eixample
Local picks: 44 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Barcelona

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Barcelona? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Eixample and Gothic Quarter to…

Local tipsHow Many Days Do You Need in Barcelona? A Local’s GuideHow many days do you need in Barcelona? A local guide to the ideal trip length, the must-see Gaudi sights,…

Where to stay in Barcelona

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El Born

Bar del Pla

A polished but relaxed tapas-and-wine spot near the Picasso Museum, mixing Catalan classics with modern touches and a great natural-wine list. Open all day, it’s a reliable, food-forward pick a cut above the no-frills bars.

★ 4.5

Ciutat Vella

Barcelona E-Bike Tour

An easy electric-bike loop linking the old town, the beach and the parks with a local guide – covering far more ground than walking with none of the sweat. A fun half-day overview of the city.

★ 4.6

Barceloneta

Barceloneta Beach

The city’s most accessible beach, a lively strip of sand backed by seafood restaurants and summer beach bars. Great for a swim, a stroll along the boardwalk or a paella with your toes near the sand – mind your belongings.

★ 4.3

Ciutat Vella

Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)

A labyrinth of narrow medieval lanes, hidden plazas and the towering cathedral at its heart. Get happily lost among the stone alleys, artisan shops and tucked-away bars – the atmospheric core of old Barcelona.

★ 4.7

El Born

Bodega La Puntual

An atmospheric old-style bodega in the heart of El Born – stone walls, timber beams and a lived-in buzz. Slide in for oysters and a glass of wine at the bar, or settle in to work through the tapas menu properly.

★ 4.4

El Born

Bormuth

A dependable, good-value El Born favourite doing all the classic tapas – bravas, tortilla, croquetas – in a lively room with a sought-after terrace. Great for an easy, unfussy graze with a crowd.

★ 4.4

Brunch In The Park

Every Sunday from June til September local and international DJ’s play at the event called Brunch in the Park. The event takes place in Jardins de Joan Brossa at Montjuic, with a…

El Carmel

Bunkers del Carmel

Old Civil-War anti-aircraft bunkers on a hilltop, now the city’s favourite free 360-degree viewpoint. Bring a picnic and a drink and join locals for one of Barcelona’s best sunsets over the whole city and sea.

★ 4.7

El Born

Cal Pep

A legendary El Born tapas bar where you squeeze in at the counter and let the team feed you the day’s best seafood – no menu needed. Queues are part of the ritual; arrive early or late and go with whatever Pep recommends.

★ 4.6

$$$

El Raval

Carrer de la Riera Baixa

Barcelona’s go-to street for alternative shopping – a short Raval lane packed door to door with second-hand shops, record stores and tattoo parlours, with a few cafes to round it out. Great for cheap new threads and crate-digging; on most Saturdays the shops spill outside and turn it into a little open-air market.

★ 4.3

Eixample

Casa Batllo

Gaudi’s dragon-scaled masterpiece on the elegant Passeig de Gracia, a riot of curves, colour and bone-like balconies. The immersive audiovisual tour brings its organic forms to life – magical in the evening light.

★ 4.7

El Raval

Casa Camper

A design-led boutique from the Camper shoe family in buzzy El Raval, with clever split-level rooms and a free 24-hour snack lounge. Stylish, relaxed and walkable to everything in the old town.

★ 4.6

$$$

Gracia

Casa Vicens

Gaudi’s very first house, a jewel-box of tiled Moorish-inspired colour in Gracia and a UNESCO site. Far quieter than his headline works, it’s a rewarding stop for anyone who loves his style.

★ 4.5

Eixample

Cotton House Hotel

A refined five-star in a neoclassical former textile guild building on the Gran Via, all sweeping staircase, library bar and a small rooftop pool. Quietly glamorous.

★ 4.7

$$$

El Born

El Born & Passeig del Born

The effortlessly cool old quarter around the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church – medieval lanes lined with independent boutiques, tapas bars and buzzing nightlife. One of the best areas in the city for an evening out.

★ 4.6

El Born

El Xampanyet

A gloriously old-school tapas bar going since 1929, tiled to the ceiling and always buzzing. Order the house cava with anchovies and an array of little plates, and enjoy the elbow-to-elbow crush – it’s part of the charm.

★ 4.5

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Barcelona travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Barcelona?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Barcelona at a relaxed pace. See our Barcelona itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Barcelona?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Barcelona guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Barcelona?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Barcelona is worth visiting year-round.