Why go?
From a visit to the grounds of the city’s famed football team to a taste of exploding tapas, here are the top things to do with kids in Barcelona, including Parc del Tibidabo, the Camp Nou Experience, The Eixample district, and Las Ramblas boulevard, as well as scream-worthy rollercoaster rides and delicious tapas , these are the places the kids will be texting about from the Spanish city.
Activities
Parc Del Tibidabo
This theme park is a mix of vintage kitsch and high-tech thrills and has been wowing kids for over 100 years. Set on the summit of Barcelona’s highest mountain, Tibidabo, if the views alone don’t get blasé teens gasping, the Muntanya Russa rollercoaster and 360-degree spinning Hurakan ride should.
One of the world’s oldest theme parks, there are 25 rides to suit all thrill-seekers, from toddlers to teens. To avoid the queues and impatient kids, book online.
Camp Nou Experience
For football fans, a visit to the home of Barcelona football team is a must – regardless of who they support.
Aside from that all-conquering feeling they’ll get as they walk down the players’ tunnel, Messi-wannabes can check out the away team changing room, press room, commentators’ box and sit in the dugouts.
The cutting-edge FCB Museum has more silverware than Tiffany, a fantastically interactive multimedia zone, and audiovisual screenings of Barça’s best moments, shown on a 35-metre screen.
Adults, €23; 6-13 years, €17; under 6, free.
The Eixample District
The playground of Modernisme’s pre-eminent architects, including the genius Antoni Gaudi – to wander the streets here is to be transported into the pages of some freaky fairytale.
Maximise on Gaudi’s magic by searching for skeleton bones and a dragon’s back at Casa Batló; counting gargoyles at La Sagrada Familia or, best of all, heading to Park Güell, where a grinning dragon, teacup chairs and gingerbread house are just a few of the treasures to hunt.
Las Ramblas Boulevard
Cutting through Barcelona’s heart, this bustling boulevard runs for more than 1.2 km from Port Vell in the south toPlaça Catalunya in the North, dividing the Raval from the Barri Gotic as it goes.
Pedestrianised down its centre, it’s famous for its many street performers, including the most insanely realistic human statues.
Yes, it’s über-touristy, but the kids will have a ball taking it all in and watching the performers.
The lowdown
Where to stay: Check into The 5 Rooms, a B&B of 12 rooms, which makes a delightful base, not least because it’s minutes from Casa Alfonso – a charcuteria, café and brasseria that’s been serving porcine produce since 1934. It costs around £150 per night for a room, and extra beds and/or cots cost around £12-£25.
How to get there: easyJet offers a flight from London Gatwick to Barcelona; from £54 return.
Travel time: A London to Barcelona flight takes 2 hours.