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Planning Your Trip
With its stunning architecture, world-class dining scene and unbeatable weather, Barcelona has a little something for everyone.
If you plan on visiting the Barcelona Cathedral, know that the dress code will be strictly enforced: Knees and shoulders must be covered. Women can bring shawls or scarves to drape over bare shoulders in the summer months.
Exploring the City
Whether you’re strolling to one of Gaudí’s buildings or down Las Ramblas, you’ll find that Barcelona’s pedestrian-friendly sprawl makes it easy to see the sights.
- You’ll likely be out all day so pack a pair of stylish, comfortable shoes that can take you over cobblestone streets and out to dinner.
- Bring a portable phone charger so you can stay connected while you’re on the go.
- If visiting during the summer months, throw a swimsuit in your daypack. You never know when a day of exploring will lead you to the beach.
Summer Escape
July and August can be particularly hot and humid, but cooling off is easy when the beach is so close.
- Beach season is from May to September. Pack your swimsuit, sunglasses and sunscreen to hit the seaside.
- Stick with light colors and breathable materials, like 100 percent cotton and linen, to help keep cool.
- Sandals and sneakers are appropriate for daytime activities but you’ll want a pair of stylish flats or dress shoes to wear to dinner.
Weekend Getaway
If you only have a few days in Barcelona, you’ll want to focus on the highlights: food, sightseeing and the beach.
- The dress code is to always be fashionable but not strictly formal. A maxidress for women and a sports jacket for men are good choices for a night out.
- Bring your beach essentials — swimsuit, sunscreen and cover-up — for an easy transition from the boardwalk to a casual lunch.
- Leave the jackets behind in the summer. Barcelona’s fall and winter seasons, however, do require a lightweight coat.
Barcelona is known for its laid-back culture and amazing weather. But it’s also no stranger to long lines and waitlists. Make the most of your time in this seaside city by booking these activities in advance.
It’s hard to think about Barcelona without Antoni Gaudí’s surreal buildings coming to mind. There are 11 Gaudí buildings in Barcelona but his most popular ones are Sagrada Família, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and Park Guell. Buy your tickets online in advance and you’ll be able to skip the long lines when you get there. For a special experience — and a few surprises — book the La Pedrera night tour that only allows small groups at a time. Glass of cava, included.
Barcelona is home to the most Michelin-star restaurants in Spain. One of them Enoteca Paco Pérez, is located at Hotel Arts Barcelona, where Chef Paco Pérez creates imaginative Mediterranean delights with an emphasis on fish and seafood. Awarded two Michelin stars since 2013, his cooking philosophy is based on quality raw ingredients, simplicity, elegance and creativity.
Escape city life and take the train one-hour northwest to Montserrat for a serene experience. Here, nature lovers can revel in the numerous hikes — difficult and easy — that offer breathtaking mountain views; or visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey where people line up to pay for the Virgin of Montserrat statue a visit. Another short train ride away is Girona, a medieval city famous for its well-preserved Jewish Quarter and colorful houses nestled along the Onyar River. Farther north, visit the birthplace of Spain’s most famous artist, surrealist Salvador Dalí, and see his work at the Dalí Theatre-Museum. But buy tickets in advance because the lines to get in are predictably long.
After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation at 43 The Spa. Taking inspiration from the beauty of the sea, the 3,000-square-foot retreat sits in the highest floors of the hotel and offers everything from massages to facial treatments to manicures. For a luxurious experience, book the Sublime Diamond Journey, which uses diamond dust to exfoliate and revitalize the skin. Or soothe your skin after a day in the sun with the Citrus Body Scrub and Body Soufflé, an intense treatment that moisturizes and protects skin through the natural powers of pure vitamin C.
Contemplate Barcelona’s wealth of wonderful museums and you realize the depth of cultural heritage the city offers. Although legend has it the city was formed by the mythological Hercules, Barcelona was actually founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago and rose to political and economic influence during the medieval period. You’ll find the splendor of this time still reflected in the Gothic Quarter. In the early 20th century, the modernisme movement, with architect Antoni Gaudi at the fore, left a boldly unique mark on the city. All of these cultural wonders, and more, await your discovery.
Today in Barcelona
Stay connected to the vibrant energy of Barcelona. From cultural events and festivals, to live music and culinary experiences, we’ve got your guide to the city's best.
As Christmas draws near, the Sant Pau Modernist Complex becomes a space full of fantasy, joy, and colour, delighting both young and old.
“Els Llums de Sant Pau” is a light show like never before. A fully immersive experience in an extraordinary setting, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An essential event to enjoy the magic of Christmas with the family.
WHERE: Hospital de Sant Pau
WHEN: Until January 11th. 2026
TIME: Check daily agenda for evening shows
Japanese culture and Barcelona combine for Manga Barcelona, the stellar event for manga and anime lovers which is held at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. The fair offers the latest developments and trends in this sector, with specialised publishing companies and booksellers, and a chance to enjoy roundtable discussions, talks, meetings with authors, competitions and all sorts of activities, including the most international of cosplay competitions, the World Cosplay Summit.
WHERE: Fira Barcelona Gran via
WHEN: December 5th. - 8th. 2025
TIME: 10:00 a.m.- 08:00 p.m.
Every year, Barcelona closes out the sports year on 31 December with a highly original and festive run which has become a true Christmas tradition in the city.
The “Nose Race” is a 10 km event open to all which attracts large numbers of runners in a circuit around the streets of Barcelona.
The event also includes a 5 km race, the International Nose Race 5K, exclusively for 50 professional runners and considered by many as the best race in the world over this distance.
WHERE: Itinerary all over the city
WHEN: December 31st. 2025
TIME: Race starts at 17:15 hrs
The Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès invites you to welcome the new year with a celebration full of energy, elegance, and good humour.
Waltzes and polkas from the Strauss family combine with other musical surprises in a festive and captivating program that looks forward to the coming year with optimism.
WHERE: Palau de la Musica Catalana
WHEN: December 28th. & 31st. 2025
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
Barcelona sees out the year with the most spectacular countdown from Montjuïc’s emblematic Magic Fountain.
Music, fireworks, a monumental set and the most spectacular cutting-edge technology combine to make Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina a really special and unique place to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026.
This is a show to amaze anybody wishing to celebrate a New Year’s Eve packed with magic and emotions and in the best company.
WHERE: Avinguda Maria Cristina
WHEN: December 31st. 2025.
TIME: Midnight
The Barcelona Christmas Tour is a unique experience enabling you to really feel the magic of Christmas. This panoramic bus tour takes you on an evening trip around the city’s main streets, avenues and most iconic buildings, such as Passeig de Gràcia, the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral and the Arc de Triomf, all specially decorated and lit up for the festive season.
The tour follows a route full of colour where the authentic Christmas ambience will rub off on you and you’ll discover the traditions and secrets surrounding Christmas in Barcelona, explained by tourist guides on board the bus.
Guided service with live commentary in Catalan, Spanish and English.
WHERE: Itinerary all over the city
WHEN: December 1st. 2025. Until January 4th.2026 (except December 24, 25 and 31 &January 1)
TIME: 18:30 hrs./ 20:30 hrs
All art lovers must be aware of the many advantages of the Art Ticket, a passport that grants entry to the 5 most visited museums in the city, letting you skip the line and without making any advanced bookings.
Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, modern and contemporary art. Painting, sculpture, silver and goldsmithing, photography, drawings, prints, posters, coins, exhibitions and audiovisuals. Enjoy six Barcelona museums with a single ticket: the Articket.
Cost: 38 Euros (saving more than 45% on the normal admission price)
Alex Moreno has been working at Hotel Arts Barcelona for over 27 years and considers himself a passionate foodie and a traveller.
If you're in Barcelona during the Christmas season, you can't miss discovering our world-famous Christmas sweets.
A great way to discover the origins of turrón is to visit the Casa Vicens museum, located in the heart of the city.
The visit includes 3D audiovisual animations, large information panels and an immersive room with a unique display that will give you an insight into the world of turrón and chocolate, from their origins to recent innovations as well as tasting of 8 different types.
LOCATION: Museu del torro I la xocolata Vicens
WHERE: Rambla 134
Cultural Treasures
Contemplate Barcelona’s wealth of wonderful museums and you realize the depth of cultural heritage the city offers. Although legend has it the city was formed by the mythological Hercules, Barcelona was actually founded by the Romans 2,000 years ago and rose to political and economic influence during the medieval period. You’ll find the splendor of this time still reflected in the Gothic Quarter. In the early 20th century, the modernisme movement, with architect Antoni Gaudi at the fore, left a boldly unique mark on the city. All of these cultural wonders, and more, await your discovery.
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Morning
- Breakfast With a View. Start your day in Lokal at Hotel Arts Barcelona, which serves a buffet breakfast of fresh fruits, pastries, crepes, local specialties and hot dishes. In warm weather, soak up the beautiful Mediterranean climate and dine outside on the sunny garden terraces.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter. Head to the Gothic Quarter, the center of the Roman city and Barcelona’s oldest quarter. The Barcelona Walking Tours Gòtic starts at the Plaça Sant Jaume, traversing narrow, cobbled streets and delving into the history of the city from Roman times to the medieval period.
- Survey Architectural Marvels. Continue your architectural foray by visiting the Passeig de Gràcia, a street in the Eixample District, and enjoy Gaudi’s modernisme masterpiece Casa Batlló, a building where wood, glass, ceramics and quarried stone mix to produce stunning lights, colors and shapes. Then, make your way to La Pedrera, a residential building designed by Gaudi in the early 1900s that resembles a stone quarry.
Midday
- Modern Masterpieces. After lunch, stroll in the Quadrat d’Or, the central area of Eixample. You’ll see countless examples of Barcelona’s modernisme style from the late 19th and early 20th centuries — buildings featuring floral decorations, neo-Gothic details and stained glass.
Afternoon
- Natural Wonders. Ride the Blue Tram to CosmoCaixa Barcelona, where science exhibits include the Flooded Forest, a re-created Amazon rainforest ecosystem (look for the piranhas), and the Geological Wall that illustrates the world’s variety of geological structures.
Evening
- Tapas Tour. Enjoy one of Spain’s great culinary traditions: tapas. Stop in at a bar (or three) serving these small dishes meant to be shared. Have a glass of wine and sample the classic pan con tomate, patatas bravas and numerous seafood specialties.
Morning
- Let the Games Begin. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, and the event left a lasting impression on the city’s architecture. On Montjuïc, you’ll see the impressive Olympic Stadium and sports complex, and also the communications tower, a stunning, sloping design that evokes the body of an athlete.
- Art and Soul. Located at the base of Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is in the Palau National, a neo-Baroque palace. The museum houses a collection ranging from Romanesque to modern art, with works by Picasso, Goya and Rubens.
- Tour Spain. Near the Montjuïc Fountains is the Poble Espanyol, a charming re-creation of a village with more than 100 buildings representing different Spanish regions, and 20 workshops where you can see artisans working with pottery, glass and leather.
Morning
- Local Flavors. Grab a Spanish-inspired lunch at one of the restaurants in Poble Espanyol or journey to the Barceloneta neighborhood to enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront.
- Afternoon
- Where Columbus Walked. Upon his return from America, Christopher Columbus landed at Barcelona; the 197-foot tall Mirador de Colom opened in 1888 to honor the explorer. An elevator transports you to the viewing area at the top, where you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic sight.
- Set Sail. From the Mirador de Colom, it’s a short walk to the Museu Maritim, which shows the history of shipbuilding and navigation between the 13th and 18th centuries. The museum is located inside a former military building dating to the 1200s.
- Seaside Rides. Rent a bicycle to ride along the waterfront to the Sant Marti District’s Vila Olimpica, the Olympic Village from the 1992 Games, where leading architects remade an industrial area into a modern urban neighborhood. Survey the nearby “El Peix,” a striking giant goldfish sculpture by Frank Gehry.
Evening
- A Dinner to Remember. Head back to Hotel Arts Barcelona and dine at two-Michelin star Enoteca. The restaurant features Chef Paco Perez’s contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and a selection of more than 700 wines from local winemakers as well as from around the world.
Morning
- Market Fresh. Start your day with the Barcelona Walking Tours Gourmet, a guided tour of delicious cuisine in Ciutat Vella — from dairy products to cured meats to dried fruits and nuts — with a stop at stalls and shops in Santa Caterina Market.
- Gothic Beauty. Santa Maria del Pi, a basilica built in the Catalan Goth style, has the largest rose window in Catalonia, as well as the Gegants del Pi, giant figures dating to the early 1600s, popularized in a well-known children’s song. From the bell tower, catch breathtaking views over the Plaça del Pi and Plaça del Sant Josep Oriol.
Midday
- Catalan Crafts. Spend some leisurely time browsing in the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll find small niche shops and designer boutiques. On weekends, Plaça del Pi features stalls with locals selling Catalan craft works.
- Gaudi’s Triumph. Take a short metro ride to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a world-renowned Barcelona landmark in the tradition of Gothic architecture. Gaudi dedicated his last years to the project, yet it was only 25 percent complete at his death in 1926 and remains under construction to this day.
Afternoon
- Garden of Surrealist Delights. Stroll through the public Park Güell, another legendary Gaudi masterpiece, that depicts surrealist and playful works such as columns that appear as palm-tree trunks and quilts of ceramic tiles. The site of an unsuccessful residential project, the area became city property in 1923.
- Tiled Treasure. Within walking distance of the park are the narrow streets, squares and shops of the peaceful Gràcia neighborhood. Casa Vicens, covered with vibrant patterns of green and white tiles, dates to the late 1800s and was the first major commission for Gaudi.
Evening
- A Final Taste. Finish your visit to this enchanting city with dinner at The Pantry, an innovative speakeasy concept where real food and straight forward earthy gastronomy are the primal elements and sharing style cuisine is the uttermost goal.
Family Adventures
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A Romantic Getaway
Rich in history and vibrant in culture, Barcelona is a city that charms and surprises and forever has you wanting more. It’s no wonder that a place that awakens such passion is an ideal destination for days and nights of romance and adventure, an extraordinary corner of the world made all the more memorable by sharing it with someone. Fall in love all over again, or for the first time, amid the walkable boulevards, stunning views, delectable cuisine, thoughtful museums and architecture that truly is art.
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Morning
- A Breakfast Stroll. Start your day with a walk through Mercat de Sant Josep La Boqueria, a lively public market in the Old City where you’ll find colorful displays of fruits and vegetables as well as a central fish market. Described as a “paradise for the senses” and located in front of a gate of the Old City wall, its origins as an open-air market go back to the 13th century.
- Promenade Pleasures. Walk to the nearby tree-lined La Rambla, a wide boulevard that leads through the Old City of Barcelona to the waterfront. It’s ideal for a stroll together, along a pedestrian-friendly promenade, to take in the sights and sounds of the flower stalls, street theater, artists and sidewalk cafés.
- See Picasso Anew. Viewing beautiful art can be a deeply passionate experience, and the Museu Picasso in the Ciutat Vella will not disappoint. Devoted to the formative years of Pablo Picasso, the permanent collection consists of 4,251 works, housed in five large townhouses that date from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
Midday
- Lunch With the Master. Dine at one of Picasso’s favorite hangouts in his younger years, Restaurante 4 Gats, a café-restaurant in the Casa Marti, a medieval-style building. A favorite gathering place for Barcelona’s modernism intellectuals at the end of the 19th century, the location hosted Picasso’s first exhibition.
Afternoon
- Garden of Delights. Parc de La Ciutadella contains more than 100 species of plants and an abundance of century-old trees. With many fine sculptures, it’s considered an outdoor museum — look for Joan Roig i Solé’s La Dama del Paraigua (The Lady with the Umbrella), a longtime symbol of Barcelona.
- Relax Together. Retreat to the serene, relaxing 43 The Spa at Hotel Arts Barcelona. The spa offers body and facial treatments by Natura Bissé, including two signature rejuvenation and wellness treatments exclusive to 43 The Spa.
Evening
- Dinner for Two. Head to Hotel Arts Barcelona and dine at Enoteca, a two-Michelin-star restaurant. Chef Paco Perez’s contemporary Mediterranean cuisine is complemented by an extensive wine list, with more than 700 wines from local and international winemakers.
- Art and Theater. Cap your evening with opera at Gran Teatre del Liceu or a concert performance at Palau de la Música Catalana. Constructed between 1905 and 1908 and designed as a huge glass box distinguished by a large central skylight, the Palau de la Música Catalana has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1997.
Morning
- A Leisurely Start. Begin with breakfast at the hotel’s Lokal, which serves a buffet of fresh fruits, pastries, crepes, local specialties and hot dishes. In warm weather, you can opt to dine outside on the sunny garden terraces.
- Neighborhood Beauty. Go for a walk in the Quadrat d’Or, the central area of Eixample. You’ll see countless examples of Barcelona’s modernisme style from the late 19th and early 20th centuries — buildings featuring floral decorations, neo-Gothic details and stained glass.
Midday
- Style and Sustenance. Take a break from exploring the neighborhood with lunch along Rambla de Catalunya at one of the plentiful restaurants, many with terraces. The middle of the street has a pedestrian walkway shaded by trees.
Afternoon
- Explore Chic Boutiques. Walk to Plaça de Catalunya to learn why Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading cities for fashion. With shops selling high-end brands of clothing and accessories, it’s the perfect place to treat each other to a favorite accouterment.
- Seaside Bliss. Barcelona is forever linked to the lore of the Mediterranean Sea that laps against its shores, with a seafaring history dating back thousands of years. Experience the romance of that maritime connection with a private sailing excursion, sipping wine as you gaze at each other and the city across the sea.
Evening
- Dinner and a Show. Feel the sea breeze and hear the soothing sound of waves at Xiringuito Escriba in Barceloneta. Try the delicious paella and sangria, and watch the chefs create in an open kitchen.
- Rhythm in the Night. Finish the night with a walk on the boardwalk or dance the night away in one of Barcelona’s many nightclubs featuring everything from jazz to disco to Latin. Barcelona is known as a city that doesn’t sleep, and nightclubs are full until the early morning hours.
Morning
- A Culinary Adventure. For lovers and lovers of food, the Barcelona Walking Tours Gourmet is a delicious guided tour of cuisine in Ciutat Vella — from dairy products to cured meats to dried fruits and nuts — with a stop at stalls and shops in Santa Caterina Market.
- Forest Hideaway. Escape to the tranquility of Parc del Laberint in the Horta-Guinardó District. The park, designed in 1792 in a woodland setting, is Barcelona’s oldest garden. With its flower beds, small squares, tall trees and even a waterfall, it’s perfect for exploring as you discover its secret corners and hidden treasures.
- Art Affair. In the Sants-Montjuïc District, visit Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in the Palau National, an intriguing neo-Baroque palace. The museum houses a collection ranging from Romanesque to modern art, with works by Picasso, Goya and Rubens.
Midday
- Table Traditions. Grab an informal lunch at one of the iconic bodegas in the hipster and artistic Poble-sec neighborhood. Quimet & Quimet, a famous restaurant that has been run by four generations of the Quimet family, delivers an authentic tapas experience.
Afternoon
- Barcelona’s Scenic Beauty. Enjoy brilliant views of the Mediterranean and the port of Barcelona at the Montjuïc lighthouse perched nobly atop the south side of Montjuïc Hill. Built-in 1906, its design and isolated location evoke the sense of a simpler time.
Evening
- Sound and Light. Catch the lovely water, music and light show at Font Màgica, Barcelona’s largest ornamental fountain, built for the International Exposition in 1929. The dancing waters come to life in rich, translucent colors — azure and violet and emerald — accompanied by a mesmerizing soundtrack.
- Dine With a View. Stay for dinner in Montjuïc, where many restaurants offer dramatic views of the city below. With El Xalet’s crystal walls and rotating dining area, you’ll see a 360-degree panorama while dining on enticing Mediterranean cuisine. On balmy nights, an outside terrace is a magical place for a rendezvous.
- Evening Pleasures. Back at the hotel, savor a nightcap at P41 Bar in an atmosphere of low lighting and romantic music. Choose from a selection of champagnes or sparkling wines, or let one of P41 Bar's talented bartenders surprise you with their own creations.
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