Stretches of sandy beaches, unrivalled Spanish nightlife, and rich Catalonian culture make Barcelona a longstanding holiday favourite. Escape to Barcelona and enjoy the expansive city views from atop Parc Guell and Montjuïc, wander down the colourful Las Ramblas or visit Gaudi's Sagrada Familia.
Between the vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture and the delicious food on offer, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy on a holiday to Barcelona, in the heart of Catalonia.
A quick bite in a tapas bar is the ideal way to pass the time until your evening dinner. And, you’ll find they’re very sociable places. However, the locals in Barcelona are quite fond of their own Catalan cuisine, so you’re more likely to find a traditional three-course meal. Barcelona is especially good for its seafood; we like El Suquet de l'Almirall for a top class dining experience – definitely try the cod fritters. The city is also proud to have over 20 different Michelin-starred restaurants, so you can indulge in style.
You’re sure to love the energy and excitement in Barcelona as it comes to life in the evenings. Head to La Rambla Boulevard, where street performers are ready to wow the crowds. As a bonus, there’s also an abundance of affordable bars in the streets nearby. If you’re looking to party, then a cheap holiday to Barcelona won’t disappoint as there are a range of club nights on offer; Razzmatazz is one of the biggest and best clubs in the city, playing a huge variety of music as well as hosting live performances. Most clubs won’t open their doors until 1am, so get ready to party through the night.
Barcelona is renowned as a showcase for the work of its best loved architect, Antoni Gaudi. His magnum opus, the still unfinished Sagrada Familia, shapes the Barcelona skyline with its striking towers and intricate facades. Go on a tour of Parc Güell and take in the vibrant mosaics while wandering around this beautiful garden. Stop by Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera (the quarry) to the locals because of its unusual, uneven stone surface. Be sure to head up to the rooftop terrace, where the chimney pots are styled like knights, in Gaudi’s unique fashion.
Get the most out of your holiday to Barcelona and immerse yourself in its culture. Visit the Picasso Museum for a comprehensive collection including some of the artist’s best works, or check out the Maritime Museum and experience life on a royal galley. Treat yourself at the Museum of Chocolate and admire the variety of displays crafted from chocolate. The artistically inclined will enjoy the Caixaforum art gallery, housed in a fantastic modernista building and home to a vast collection from ancient to contemporary artwork.
Between the vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture and the delicious food on offer, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy on a holiday to Barcelona, in the heart of Catalonia.
Visit in spring and early autumn for mild weather and relatively few crowds. April and May are good months to book a trip to Barcelona, although September and October run them close. Mid-summer is hot - too hot for some - but the Costa Brava offers an escape hatch for beach lovers. If you want to catch some football, any time from September to May would work. And Christmas is a fun time to visit, too, with the festive Fira da Santa Lucia market and seasonal attractions like the La Fonda ice rink.
The best way for visitors from the UK to reach Barcelona is by air. Flights travel to El Prat Airport from Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Southend, Newcastle, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Cardiff, East Midlands and Glasgow. Flight times are around 2 hours, so it's an easy trip. If you want to cut your emissions or enjoy the ride, you can book trains via Paris, while while cheap Barcelona holidays can be enjoyed via long haul buses. Before you reach your destination, remember that Spain is 1 hour ahead of the UK, so set your watch accordingly.
When you think about culture-themed holidays Barcelona instantly springs to mind. The city is famous for its architecture, from the 19th century elegance of Poble Sec, to Gaudi's creations, and modern masterpieces like the Agbar Tower. It's an artistic hub, celebrating local heroes like Miro and Picasso, as well as a sporting destination - primarily due to the heroics of FC Barcelona. Food is another highlight, so don't miss specialities like bombas (filled potato croquettes), or escalivada (grilled vegetable sandwiches). And music is a local obsession, with major events like the Primavera indie festival and Sonar, which caters to the a techno and dance crowd.
Barcelona is renowned as a showcase for the work of its best loved architect, Antoni Gaudi. His magnum opus, the still unfinished Sagrada Familia, shapes the Barcelona skyline with its striking towers and intricate facades. Go on a tour of Parc Güell and take in the vibrant mosaics while wandering around this beautiful garden. Stop by Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera (the quarry) to the locals because of its unusual, uneven stone surface. Be sure to head up to the rooftop terrace, where the chimney pots are styled like knights, in Gaudi’s unique fashion.
You’re sure to love the energy and excitement in Barcelona as it comes to life in the evenings. Head to La Rambla Boulevard, where street performers are ready to wow the crowds. As a bonus, there’s also an abundance of affordable bars in the streets nearby. If you’re looking to party, then acheap holiday to Barcelona won’t disappoint as there are a range of club nights on offer; Razzmatazz is one of the biggest and best clubs in the city, playing a huge variety of music as well as hosting live performances. Most clubs won’t open their doors until 1am, so get ready to party through the night.
Get the most out of your holiday to Barcelona and immerse yourself in its culture. Visit the Picasso Museum for a comprehensive collection including some of the artist’s best works, or check out the Maritime Museum and experience life on a royal galley. Treat yourself at the Museum of Chocolate and admire the variety of displays crafted from chocolate. The artistically inclined will enjoy the Caixaforum art gallery, housed in a fantastic modernista building and home to a vast collection from ancient to contemporary artwork.
A quick bite in a tapas bar is the ideal way to pass the time until your evening dinner. And, you’ll find they’re very sociable places. However, the locals in Barcelona are quite fond of their own Catalan cuisine, so you’re more likely to find a traditional three-course meal. Barcelona is especially good for its seafood; we like El Suquet de l'Almirall for a top class dining experience – definitely try the cod fritters. The city is also proud to have over 20 different Michelin-starred restaurants, so you can indulge in style.