The Barcelona Airport is really nice and easy to navigate, and very family friendly for traveling with a baby. So far, everywhere I’ve flown in Europe I gate-check Max’s stroller and car seat as we get on the plane. We have to pick it up in a specially designated area at baggage claim on the other side though (which we didn’t realize our first trip).
Once in Barcelona, taxis are readily available. If they realize you are a tourist, they may try to take you for a little “extra” ride or overcharge you. This happened to us twice on this trip, and happened to me ten (or so…) years ago when I visited in high school. Speak some Spanish with them or make conversation (soccer is always a favorite topic) and you will be fine.
Uber is not in Barcelona, so a taxi is the best way to go. There are multiple “Taxi” blue signs on the streets where you can stand to let a passing taxi know you want a ride, or find a nearby hotel and there will be several lined up outside.
Accomodations…
We opted for an Airbnb for this stop, and it worked great for us. We stayed in the Eixample District, where there were a lot of great restaurants and shopping. We felt safe and could walk to nearly everything we wanted to see.
If we were to go again, I would look for an Airbnb in the Gothic Quarter. It is an old neighborhood bordering Las Ramblas and just up from the sea. The cobblestone alleys of the Gothic Quarter were so fun to wander through.
Milk – yummiest spot ever! Known by locals for their brunch. We ate a late dinner, and it was delicious. Great cocktails, and try the drunken shrimp!
El Cochito – our favorite tapas restaurant we found in Barcelona. The sangria is to die for, as is the paella.
W Hotel – fun bar on the top floor; on the beach, floor to ceiling windows – even the bathroom has a great view! The city sights aren’t easily accessible (at least not walking), so I wouldn’t stay here but definitely worth a stop.
Unusual Attractions…
La Sagrada Familia – you cannot go to Barcelona without stopping at Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral. We spent hours here. Buy your tickets online before you go because the only option is to go in at a reserved time; buying them ahead of time ensures you don’t have to wait for your turn. All of Gaudi’s work in Barcelona is fantastic, but this is my favorite.
Camp Nou – if you are a soccer fan in the slightest, this is worth a stop to see one of the most historic and successful clubs in Europe. You get almost full access, and they have a well-done museum documenting their history. If you are a sports fan at all, you will get goosebumps.
la Basílica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor – hidden gem of a church we stumbled on in the Gothic Quarter. Understated and under-crowded, the view of the city at the top of the tower was well-worth the €2.
