Barcelona has always been on my bucket list because everyone I talked to couldn’t stop raving about it. Now, we finally made it here—with our one-year-old! If you’re considering a trip to Barcelona, whether with family or solo, but feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ve gathered all the essential tips and insights to make your travel planning easier.

Barcelona is not just the capital of Catalonia; it’s a vibrant coastal city where Mediterranean charm, rich history, and modern architecture blend seamlessly. Gaudí’s unique masterpieces, the lively city atmosphere, charming plazas, and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea make this an absolute dream destination. The weather is almost always pleasant—winters are mild, and the summer heat is softened by the sea breeze—making it a great year-round getaway, even with a young child.

This city offers an endless supply of culture and entertainment: museums, open-air cafés, bustling markets, nightlife, and long seaside promenades await travelers. If you want to see Barcelona from above, head to Tibidabo (516 m) or Montjuïc (185 m) for breathtaking panoramic views. In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience on the latter.

Let’s dive into the must-see attractions and practical tips to make your family trip even smoother. 😊

💡 Tip: Join a free walking tour with Freetour and discover the city’s hidden gems with local guides! There are several tours to choose from, led by experienced and passionate guides in English or other native languages. These walks are usually organized by independent guides who love sharing insights about Barcelona’s history, culture, and daily life.

If you want to explore a destination from a unique perspective, don’t miss this opportunity! The tours have no fixed fee—you decide how much to tip the guide at the end, based on your budget and satisfaction.

Arrival Day in Barcelona

We spent four nights in this incredibly vibrant city in May 2022. (For more airport parking tips, check out this link!) Our journey started at London Stansted Airport with an early afternoon flight, which took around two hours to reach Barcelona El Prat International Airport.

Upon landing, we had multiple options to get to the city center, but we opted for the fast and direct Aerobus airport transfer.

Accommodation in Barcelona – Practical Tips for Travelers with a Toddler

We booked our accommodation through Booking.com, and once again, we were completely satisfied. Over the years, we’ve used this platform countless times, and we’ve never had any issues—what we saw in the photos and descriptions was exactly what we got. This time was no different!

Since accommodation prices in Barcelona have significantly increased in recent years, we consciously chose a place slightly outside the city center, near Sagrada Familia. This turned out to be a great decision—we found a well-equipped and comfortable apartment at a more affordable price, and one of the city’s most famous landmarks was just a short walk away.

One morning, for example, we reached Sagrada Familia within minutes. Since we had pre-booked our tickets, we arrived stress-free and right on time for our slot. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, it’s worth considering whether a little extra walking or using public transport is a fair trade-off for more budget-friendly accommodation. For us, comfort and cleanliness were the most important things at the end of a long day of exploring. All we wanted was a quiet and relaxing place to rest—and MH Apartments Sagrada Familia provided exactly that.

A Perfect Choice for Families

The apartment was spacious and modern, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a shared living area—plenty of room for all of us to stay comfortably. We specifically opted for a larger apartment because my partner’s parents joined us from Hungary the following day, and we wanted to make sure everyone had a relaxing stay.

Since we were traveling with a toddler, we requested a travel cot in advance, ensuring our little girl had a familiar and cozy sleep environment. This is always a great idea when traveling with young children—it saves you from scrambling for a solution after arrival.

One of the best features of the apartment was the balcony—it offered a direct view of one of Sagrada Familia’s iconic towers. Sipping our morning coffee with this breathtaking backdrop made for a truly unforgettable start to the day. We couldn’t have imagined a more peaceful and scenic moment before heading out for a busy day of sightseeing!

Our First Evening in Barcelona

From the moment we arrived, we started soaking in Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere. Our daughter, Liny, rode in her stroller—she had slept well on the flight, so she was wide-eyed, curiously taking in the buzzing streets.

By the time we settled into our accommodation, it was around 7 PM, so we quickly popped across the street to a CONDIS supermarket to stock up on essentials for dinner and the next few days. The following morning, we picked up fresh breakfast from SUN – Coffee & Bakery, conveniently located right next to our apartment. It was the perfect way to start the day!

💡 TIP: If you’re staying in an apartment, consider doing a quick grocery run after arrival. Many rentals come with basic supplies (like spices, tea, or coffee), so you won’t need to buy every little thing.

That’s how our first evening in Barcelona went. I could hardly wait for morning to come so we could finally set off and explore this world-famous city! Over the next three full days, we visited numerous attractions—mostly on foot, but occasionally using the metro.

Luckily, the weather was fantastic throughout our stay, making our adventures even more enjoyable. Now, let’s dive into the top Barcelona sights we explored as a family of five, including a one-year-old and a stroller, at a relaxed pace—soaking up all the magic this city has to offer!