Barcelona Holidays & City Breaks

When coming to Barcelona, whether it’s for a weekend city break or a week, you will need to make sure you pack your itinerary as tightly as possible because there is just so much to see! Cheap Barcelona holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to all of the city's attractions.

• La Sagrada Familia - This huge Catholic Church was designed by one of the city’s favourite sons, Antonio Gaudi, and is perhaps the most iconic Barcelona sight.
• Camp Nou - With a plethora of different tour options, make sure you witness the jam-packed trophy room, pristine pitch and the amazing views from the very top of the almost 100,000 seater stadium. 
• Park Guell - Yet another of Gaudi's creations, this mosaic covered park offer scenic views.
• Gothic Quarter - The main area in Barcelona's old city, known for its Gothic buildings and artwork.
• La Rambla - Barcelona's most famous street full of restaurants, markets and shops. 

The best time for a Barcelona weekend break would be between May and June when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, perfect for the beach and exploring the city. The summer can be really hot in Barcelona, meaning it may not be the best time to visit if you plan on doing a lot of walking and sightseeing. Winter in Barcelona is very mild in comparison to other Spanish destinations. Tourism is huge in the city, so no matter what time of the year you choose to go, expect to see huge crowds of tourists.

Average high and low temperatures (°C):

• January: 13° / 7°
• February: 15° / 8°
• March: 17° / 9°
• April: 19° / 11°
• May: 23° / 14°
• June: 27° / 18°
• July: 30° / 21°
• August: 30° / 21°
• September: 27° / 19°
• October: 22° / 15°
• November: 17° / 11°
• December: 14° / 8°

Food is important wherever you go, so picking a place that will serve your stomach well will always benefit you immensely, and boy does Barcelona do that! Barcelona city breaks aren't complete without great Catalan cuisine. As one of the best foodie holidays in Europe, Catalan cuisine has a number of amazingly unique dishes to offer, so make sure you remember to pack your appetite. Tapas is key here, so get ready to try a plethora of new dishes.

Places to eat in Barcelona include:

• Alkimia
• Botafumeiro
• Can Solé
• Els Quatre Gats
• Set Portes

Barcelona is packed with night entertainment, it is a city full of young people, ex-pats and it never sleeps. Restaurants and bars are all open late into the night so you can continue eating and drinking as long as you want.

• Las Ramblas - The busiest and most popular of the neighbourhoods, there are plenty of tapas bars or barrios (bars) here as well as excellent cocktail bars.
• The Gothic quarter - Where you will find the Irish and English bars so you will find lots of ex-pats here as well as flamenco nights in one of the many clubs around the central square.
• The Raval area - If you want to find somewhere more local and away from the tourists, then the Raval area has lots of trendy bars and clubs.
• Sutton Club - For an upmarket clubbing experience.
• Sala Razzmatazz - With 5 rooms to choose from and many different kinds of music.
• El Boo - Alternatively, if you head out of the city central and to the beach you can party the night away at El Boo, a trendy bar on the pier with a rooftop cocktail bar or one of the many bars that spill out onto the beach.

One of the most endearing things about Barcelona holidays is that many of its local activities include children in seemingly adult activities. Going out to eat or sipping a beer at a terrace bar or restaurant needn’t mean leaving children behind, as many locals take their kids out all the time and don’t worry too much about keeping them up late. So why not do as the Catalans do during your short break to Barcelona?

• La Rambla - This area fascinates kids as much as adults, this tree-lined pedestrian boulevard is an amazing stage for street performers, with acts as diverse as flamenco dancers to fire-eaters. A walk down La Rambla is fun for all the family!
• La Sagrada Familia - This is such a unique building that even the little ones will be stunned by Gaudi's architecture.
• Monument a Colom - For a bird’s eye view of Barcelona and assuming your kids aren't scared of heights, head to the top of the Monument a Colom for dazzling views of the harbour.
• L’Aquàrium - When you want to escape the hot weather and cool down, head to the city's aquarium and witness the 80m-long shark tunnel, 11,000 fish and special children’s activities they have to offer.

Widely known for its gastronomy, architecture and nightlife, Barcelona is a Mediterranean playground designed for lovers. It strikes a healthy mix of romance and leisure and no matter your taste, most activities within the city have a romantic tilt. A city break to Barcelona is a romantic adventure, and where else better to go?

• Park Guell - Visit Gaudi's Park Guell, overlooking the gorgeous city views hand in hand.
• La Sagrada Familia - This fascinating building is truly a romantic hotspot on a Barcelona weekend break.
• Barcelona bike ride - Take a bike ride along the boardwalk, where you can soak up Barcelona's views together.
• Picasso's Museum - The city's rich history and striking buildings can't help but provide for an extremely romantic vibe. 

Although not known primarily as a beach destination, Barcelona is certainly no slouch when it comes to providing quality sands for tourists to relax upon. As the city has over 4 kilometres of beach areas, which are are also exceedingly close to the city centre. Barcelona holidays aren't complete without a visit to the beach!

• Barceloneta Beach is perhaps the most famous of these beaches and it is the first one you can get to from the city, it is also the most popular. Making the most of Barcelona’s amazing rays, this sandy wonder is a great place to pop down your towel, get out your book and relax. Just a ten minute walk from the metro station, it’s a convenient distance away from most hotels in the city. Sailing is a popular activity on the beach and you’ll find many local swimmers all year round.
• Icària Beach - A smaller and quieter option for a Barcelona beach.
• Marbella Beach - A nudist beach.
• Sitges Beaches - More remote and about 30 minutes away. Of course, you're right in the centre of the Costa Brava, so anywhere you head on the coast is going to boast some fantastic beaches.

Barcelona city breaks are chock full of museums of art and history to soak up the varied and long history of the country. Many museums hold a free Sunday entrance as well so if you are ready for the queues this is an excellent way to absorb some history. Barcelona hosts many festivals all year round, and Catholic festivals are celebrated with great aplomb so if you are visiting in January then Epiphany means a spectacular procession with floats and music. 

Through the summer there are several music festivals just outside the city including:

• Primavera - Rock and dance festival.
• Sonar - Electronic music. 
• Benacassim - Indie and rock.
• Grec festival - During June – August is a collection of many different entertainments including theatre in the ancient Greek style amphitheatre.
• Saint Joan -  A national holiday (24^th June) and the city throws huge parties on the 23^rd June) expect street parties, fireworks and much drinking and dancing through the night. If you fancy an evening under the stars then you can catch some outdoor cinema and jazz outside the Montjuic fortress.
• Festa Major de Gracia - Another huge festival during  mid-August, lasting a week, the city is decorated with lanterns and statues and paper machier sculptures. Not to be missed.