Barcelona is first and foremost the capital of Catalonia, a proudly autonomous region that periodically attempts to break up with Spain. You’ll hear Catalan in the streets, and find the work of hometown icons like Miró and Gaudí in museums and along the Passeig de Gràcia. It can be a late-night party town, but Barcelona still nails a tranquil sort of time travel, as you walk the lanes of its Gothic quarter or sip a cava with a saucer of anchovies in an old-school pintxos bar.
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Barcelona Travel Guide
Plan Your Barcelona Trip
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Featured
23 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Our to-do list for this city is as plentiful as its sunny days.
13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Barcelona
In Gaudí we trust.
14 Beautiful Spanish Beach Towns to Dream About this Summer
They have fortresses, pintxos, and beaches for days.
33 Best Hotels in Barcelona
From plush boutique hotels to grandes dames that have stood the test of time, here's where to stay.
Editor Recommendations
- Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona$$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40Read full reviewThere's a reason the Mandarin Oriental is so expensive—it's simply one of the best hotels in Barcelona, in every way.
Readers Choice Awards - Hotel Arts Barcelona$$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de la Marina, 19-21Read full reviewThe food and drinks at this five-star beach stunner are legendary (as are the prices).Readers Choice Awards
- The Barcelona EDITION$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14Read full reviewThe location of Barcelona's hottest 2019 opening is ideal: easy stumbling distance of the city’s buzzing bar and restaurant scene, and with four excellent in-house bars and restaurants, you won't regret staying here.
- Sir Victor Hotel$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer del Rosselló, 265Read full reviewThis hotel is neighbors with one of Gaudí’s most surreal works, yet it's managed to become Barcelona-famous on its own.
- El Palace Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668Read full reviewA lavish, mini Versailles, set right in the heart of Barcelona.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia 68-70Read full reviewThis grande dame on the Passeig de Gràcia turned 105 last year—and she's looking great for her age.Readers Choice Awards
- Ohla Eixample$$ | Spain, Barcelona, C/ de Còrsega, 289Read full reviewYou’re sandwiched between two great streets: Rambla de Catalunya, perfect for shopping, and Enric Granados, perfect for eating.
- Margot House$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 46Read full reviewMargot House encourages you to treat the hotel like your home—they all say that, but here it’s actually true.
- The Wittmore$$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Riudarenes, 7Read full reviewThe vibe is sultry—and sexy—at this gorgeous adults-only spot, which feels more like a private club than a hotel.
- Alma Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Mallorca, 271Read full reviewThe Alma is like your friend who wears a simple T-shirt and jeans and still manages to turn every head.Readers Choice Awards
- The One Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Provença, 277Read full reviewThe Cosy rooms here are much more spacious than they sound, and probably Barcelona's best deal.
- Monument Hotel$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 75Read full reviewFind one of the only three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona at this chic hotel.
- Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Trafalgar, 26Read full reviewYoung, trend-aware travelers are flocking to this surprisingly affordable hotel.
- Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670Read full reviewEnjoy luxe accommodations at this beautifully restored hotel set in a former private palace.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Almanac Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 619-621Read full reviewTopped off with a secluded skyline pool, Almanac has all the trappings to go with its five-star statusReaders Choice Awards
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The Best Things to Do in Barcelona
- 15 Best Beaches in BarcelonaOur favorite stretches of sand and surf in and around the Catalonian capital.
- Best Things to Do With Kids in BarcelonaThere’s loads to keep kids engaged and off the iPad, whether they’re into soccer, science, animals or ice cream.
- 14 Best Museums in BarcelonaThe Catalan capital is overflowing with cultural attractions.
- Where to Shop in BarcelonaThis rundown of the retail scene will guide you through the must-dos, from the locals’ favorite deli to discounted designer labels
- 6 Best Day Trips from BarcelonaShort getaways from the Catalan capital that are easy to fit into a visit.
Editor Recommendations
- MontgatMontgat,Read full reviewWhen Barcelona's main beach gets too crowded, escape here for a chilled-out scene with great water sports and cool bars.
- Arenys de MarArenys de Mar,Read full reviewThis clothing-optional beach is located next to a working fishing port, whose lively daily auctions are worth the trip alone.
- Caldes d'EstracCaldes d'Estrac,Read full reviewIn terms of overall experience, this is one of the best beaches around—with its beautiful houses, bars, and sunsets, it's easy to see why.
- Gavà MarGavà,Read full reviewSituated just south of Barcelona, Gavà’s beaches offer surprisingly pleasant wild terrain—and some seriously fun dunes.
- Platja de GarrafGarraf,Read full reviewThis cove is too pretty to stay secret, and the arrival of Soho House sent its stock soaring.
- Playa el MorerSant Pol de Mar,Read full reviewThis wide, spacious, hill-free beach is perfect if you don’t want to trek to touch sand.
- Canet de MarCanet de Mar,Read full reviewThis scruffy northern beach feels like a coastal destination on the rise, thanks to a planned promenade and some notable architecture.
- CastelldefelsCastelldefels,Read full reviewThis dreamy stretch will make you vow to move to the sea, adopt a dog, and spend evenings walking the beach.
- Ocata PlayaEl Masnou,Read full reviewLocated 30 minutes outside Barcelona, this urban beach manages to remain low-key, even during peak season.
- Les Roques, CalellaCalella,Read full reviewAt the beach in this picturesque seaside city, the water is so blue you'll find it hard to believe you're in Northern Spain.
- Zona de Banys del FòrumBarcelona,Read full reviewLose the sand but keep the sunshine, water, and outdoor sports, and you've got this beach-like facility.
- SitgesSitges,Read full reviewThis collection of 17 sandy beaches has something for everyone, plus an idyllic central town with charming cobblestoned streets.
- Nova Icària and BogatellBarcelona,Read full reviewBarceloneta's quieter, less crowded, and more pleasant little sister is chock full of amenities and seafood restaurants.
- Platja de LlevantSpain, Barcelona, Avinguda del LitoralRead full reviewThe ultimate iteration of an urban shoreline.
The Best Airbnbs in Barcelona
From hip Sant Antoni to the historic Gothic Quarter.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Barcelona
- 34 Best Restaurants in BarcelonaFew cities in the world can rival this dining scene, where even humble tapas bars have Michelin stars.
- 21 Best Bars in BarcelonaWhatever your mood, this city has a bar for you.
- 16 Best Tapas Bars in BarcelonaFrom old-school neighborhood dives to concepts from Michelin-star chefs—these tapas spots are a must.
- 14 Best Wine Bars in BarcelonaEssential information, really.
Editor Recommendations
- Punch RoomSpain, Barcelona, Avenida de Francesc Cambó, 14The timeless calm and elegance here is an ideal antidote to the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of Barcelona.
- Bluesman Cocktail BarSpain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668A back-in-time cocktail joint just down the hidden lobby stairs from El Palace Barcelona hotel
- Masa VinsSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Pallars, 154Your living room, but with a fridge full of natural wine and on-trend snacks
- Old Fashioned - Gin Tonic & Cocktail Bar$$ | Barcelona,It’s not completely hidden, but this tiny joint in Gracia, which serves the best Old Fashioneds in the city, is easy to miss.
- Senyor Vermut$$ | Barcelona,The lack of bells and whistles at this spare vermouth bar doesn't deter locals, who hang out here all day.
- Hemingway Barcelona$$$ | Barcelona,One of the smallest bars you'll ever see—and one of the cutest ones, at that—does a mean Negroni.
- Creps al Born$$ | Barcelona,Essentially a raging party in a tight, bumper-to-bumper space, this is Barcelona’s most upbeat and rowdiest cocktail bar.
- The Alchemix$$$Cocktails play on texture—foam, smoke, crushed ice, glazes, even caviar—and offer just the right amount of theater.
- Tandem Cocktail Bar$$ | Barcelona,Open for 30 years, this long, narrow bar in the Eixample neighborhood, which tends to be filled with older regulars, is considered a Barcelona classic.
- Bobby Gin$$ | Barcelona,The global gin craze is in full swing, and nowhere is that more obvious than at this bar in Gracia, which boasts 80 varieties.
- Cecconi's$$ | Barcelona,This is a wonderful place to post up for a few hours, get some work done, have a nice cocktail, and keep to yourself—a rarity in Barcelona bar culture.
- Solange Cocktails & Luxury Spirits$$$ | Barcelona,This James Bond-themed restaurant, with its moneyed crowd and fancy menu, implores you to leave the sweatpants at home.
A Day in Barcelona
There are many reasons that sultry, colorful Barcelona is one of the world's most beloved cities. From pintxos to art to the beach, get the vibe of a day spent in the iconic capital of Catalonia.
More from Barcelona
Food & Drink
Where Chefs Eat on Vacation: Gregory Gourdet's Seafood-Filled Week in Barcelona
There was a seafood tower, anchovies galore, and dim sum.
Destinations
What's on the Menu at the World's Best Cocktail Bar
Recently named the best cocktail bar in the world by 'The World's 50 Best Bars', Sips led by Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez in Barcelona's Eixample is an experience full of technique, creativity and no barriers between the service and the customer.
Destinations
Ask a Local: The Coolest Places in Barcelona According to Nuria Val
Born and raised in the Catalonian capital, the co-founder and creative director of Rowse lets us in on where to find the best shared plates, natural wines, and creative nourishment.
Food & Drink
The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Have Just Been Announced
And a bar in Barcelona once again takes the top spot.
Food & Drink
7 Barcelona Ice Cream Shops to Bookmark for Your Next Trip
Get ready for some unforgettable flavors, from parmesan to Catalan cream.
Food & Drink
In Barcelona, a New Wave of Businesses Is Drawing Visitors Beyond the City Center
A buzz has returned to this cool coastal city, percolating through progressive eateries and stylish boutiques in its emerging enclaves.
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: An Airy Barcelona Apartment With Double Balconies and Lots of Light
Located in central Barcelona, the rental is a perfect launch pad for sightseeing and tapas tasting.
News & Advice
In Barcelona, the Applause Starts at 8 p.m.
Quarantined in Barcelona, one writer shares the new daily ritual that gives her hope.
News & Advice
12 Days of Deals: U.S. to Barcelona from $230 Round-Trip
Fares to Europe are almost never this low—don't miss out.
News & Advice
You Can't Use Uber in Barcelona Right Now
Both the ride-hailing giant and Cabify have suspended service after protests by taxi drivers turned violent.
Family Travel
The Loneliness of the American Soccer Fan
The World Cup makes us all global citizens—but for this father and his son, it all starts with Messi.
News & Advice
We Planned Your Next Trip to Barcelona: Travelogue Podcast
There's so much more to the city than the Sagrada Família—but you should totally still go there, too.
Shopping
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
Follow these tips, and you may even be mistaken for a local.
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