Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by sophibee
Barcelona Family Vacation
I had the pleasure of experiencing Barcelona during multiple stays in 2023. The city is perfect for year-round visits and pre- or post-cruise stays, catering to enthusiasts of beaches, food, and shopping. Moreover, Barcelona seamlessly offers the best of both worlds. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant city center are conveniently close, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of activities.
Riding a bicycle in Barcelona
As a Dutch person who rides a bicycle daily, I consider myself an experienced biker. I assumed it would be super easy to ride a bike in Barcelona without needing a guide. However, although the experience was amazing, it was also quite confusing. At one point, I was halted by a police officer for going in the wrong direction. Fortunately, he was very nice and forgave me since I was a tourist—being a tourist has advantages.
Therefore, my advice, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids, is to let us book you a guided bicycle tour if you’re keen on exploring Barcelona by bike.
Favorites for Kids
For food, especially with kids: El Nacional (Spanish-style food court) for mouthwatering tapas and drinks.
Zoo Barcelona A typical city zoo, similar to Artis in Amsterdam. We saw elephants getting a “pedicure” by their caretakers. And most importantly, the Barcelona Zoo is home to capybaras.
Casa Battló A unique cultural experience, with a lovely rooftop for drinks! The audiovisual experience in the basement is a must-do. Perfect for pre-teens and teens.
L”Aquàrium de Barcelona With shark experiences such as shark cage diving (kids 8+) diving, and sleeping with sharks! But also lovely penguins, piranhas, and axolotls.
Bookings
I was fortunate to visit and/or stay at the following luxury hotels in Barcelona:
- Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
- InterContinental Barcelona
- Kimpton Vividora Barcelona (in the Gothic Quarter)
- Hotel Arts Barcelona, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Got questions? We’d love to chat and help make your Barcelona family vacation one of the best you’ve ever experienced.
Ilonka Molijn
Creator & Founder of Sophibee
Luxury Travel Advisor Sophibee & 360 Private Travel
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