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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.
If you are a football fan, this is a chance for you to watch Barça play live. The Joan Gamper Trophy is a historic tournament, where FC Barcelona will be launching the 2025–2026 season squad to fans in a friendly match. For the past four years, this trophy has also had a women’s category, offering spectators the chance to enjoy one of the best women's teams in the world.
WHERE: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
WHEN: August 10 / 22th.. 2025
TIME: TBC
Gràcia neighbourhood hosts one of Barcelona’s most important summer festivals in mid-August. It is famous for its distinctive best-decorated street competition that the locals spend the whole year preparing for. Walk around decorated streets that have transformed into small fantasy worlds with a wide variety of themes, and feel free to attend the different concerts and activities.
WHERE: Gracia Neighbourhood
WHEN: August 15-21th 2025
TIME: Check daily agenda
Circuit is one of the largest LGBTI leisure festivals in Europe, running over nine fun-packed days on the beach with pool parties, terraces and night-time events. The event offers good music, a place to make friends from around the globe and meet new people, celebrate diversity and discover Barcelona – a city with non-stop culture and leisure attractions.
WHERE: Different locations all over the city
WHEN: August 9-17th, 2025
TIME: Check daily agenda
An event to enjoy good films outdoors on summer nights. The programme features quality films that have been screened at renowned film festivals, and these are shown in their original version with subtitles in Spanish. Each session also starts with a short film. The completely free event is held on Sant Sebastià Beach in Barcelona.
WHERE: SANT SEBASTIA BEACH
WHEN: July 31st, August 3rd & 7th 2025
TIME: 21:30 hrs
The globally iconic K-Pop female band will stop by Barcelona. The new world tour will make stops at selected cities in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. Their previous tour gathered over 1.8 million devoted fans from all over the world.
WHERE: Estadi Lluis Companys
WHEN: August 9th. 2025
TIME: 21:00 hrs.
Rubens’ unparalleled creativity, his influence, and the aesthetic renewal that he fostered are the main focus of this exhibition, in which his paintings engage with the works of artists such as Van Dyck, Jordaens, and Brueghel.
WHERE: Caixa Forum
WHEN: Until September 21st 2025
TIME: 10:00 hrs - 20:00 hrs.
Montserrat is an area of breath-taking natural beauty, featuring a natural park, a unique museum, and the Holy Shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. The Tot Montserrat ticket takes you from Barcelona to Montserrat, offering great savings on transport, culture, and gastronomy so you can enjoy your visit to this iconic site.
With the Tot Montserrat ticket, you'll have everything you need to enjoy a day of nature, art, and spirituality. This pass includes all the following, making the visit a smooth and carefree experience:
Round trip metro ticket from Barcelona to Montserrat (Plaça Espanya).
Round trip train ticket from Barcelona-Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat or Aeri de Montserrat cable car.
Round trip ticket on the Cremallera or Aeri de Montserrat cable car to Montserrat.
Unlimited use of the Sant Joan and Santa Cova funiculars included if they are operating.
Free admission to the shrine of the Virgin and basilica. No pre-booking is necessary, but ticketholders will have to join the queues to get in (the Tot Montserrat ticket does not give priority access).
Entrance to the audiovisual exhibit "Montserrat behind closed doors."
Admission to the Museu de Montserrat.
Meal in the self-service/coffee shop at Montserrat.
Cost: 68.25 Euros per person
Purchase available at: Plaça Espanya train station and www.totmontserrat.com
Alex Moreno has been working for the Hotel Arts Barcelona for over 25 years and considers himself a passionate foodie and traveller.
Most foodie visitors are eager to experience a wine or Serrano ham tasting, but we would like to encourage you to discover the secrets of one of the signature national treasures. Cast aside what you think you know about olive oil and engage in this two-hour tasting experience where oils are elevated to “juices.” You will learn the mechanics of how to taste and hone your personal flavour preferences. The setting is a perfectly on-brand boutique in Sant Antoni, where green walls reflect the colour of the raw material and bottles are displayed like fine fragrances.
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
Barcelona’s incredible array of cultural, culinary, leisure-time, wellness and adventure offerings is sure to appeal to everyone in your extended brood — from Gen Zers to baby boomers and everyone in between.
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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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