Barcelona What to Do: The Complete Local’s Guide

Barcelona in Spain might be one of Europe’s most popular city trip destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This city literally has it all: vibrant urban life, a sunny beach, and nature and mountains surrounding it on every side. I was only planning to stay one month, but this city has a way of drawing you in and never letting go. Three years later, and I’m still here – soaking up the Mediterranean lifestyle, admiring its architectural attractions and falling in love with Barcelona a little bit more each day. It was just a matter of time before I created my own Barcelona travel guide as this city became my home.

If you, like me, don’t want to rush through a checklist when visiting the city, this ultimate Barcelona travel guide will show you my personal favorite attractions of Barcelona, what to see and do, where to eat and of course the local rituals that make this city so special to me. Consider this your ultimate Barcelona travel guide- written by someone who actually lives here.

Before we start, a little disclaimer, as you might have seen news stories about locals in Barcelona (and elsewhere in Spain) who aren’t exactly thrilled with the number of tourists – to put it mildly. Around the city, you’ll notice graffiti and posters saying “Tourists go home”. 

It’s part of a local backlash against mass tourism, since Barcelona welcomes millions of visitors each year. Most locals don’t dislike tourists, they simply want balance. When visiting Barcelona, we can do our part by slowing down, supporting local businesses and respecting the city. This Barcelona travel guide will exactly show you how.  

Top things to do in Barcelona Spain

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Barcelona or you have already visited the city before, there is always something new to discover. Barcelona is famous for its attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and many more. But that’s the Barcelona you’ll find in every guide – I want to show you more. Because let me be honest about the main Barcelona attractions- some are worth the hype, others aren’t. I hope this Barcelona travel guide helps you experience the city like a true local, a slower and more intimate Barcelona. This is the Barcelona really worth discovering if you ask me.

But of course, no Barcelona travel guide is complete without the city’s famous attractions. I’ll start with the must-sees and then I take you to the Barcelona hidden gems you won’t find in every guide.

Beaches in Barcelona Spain

Barcelona’s seaside setting is one of the reasons what makes Barcelona a popular destination. Barceloneta is probably the city’s most popular beach among visitors, who hasn’t seen a holiday photo with the iconic W Hotel in the background? My personal favorite is Bogatell. It’s less touristy even though is still gets busy, but it has a more relaxed vibe.

Museums worth your visit

Visiting a museum instantly adds culture into your Barcelona getaway. Find some of the most iconic ones below.

1. Casa Vicens Gaudí: Gaudí’s first house, a colorful and impressive piece of architecture. An attraction in Barcelona I would recommend!
2. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: A grand museum showcasing Catalonia’s art history
3. Museu Picasso: One of the most extensive Picasso collections in the world
4. Moco Museum: A contemporary museum featuring modern and often provocative works
5. Museo Banksy: A space dedicated to Banksy’s street art
6. Joan Miró Foundation: A beautiful, airy museum showcasing the colorful works of Joan Miró
7. Museu d’Història de Catalunya: A must-visit to understand the rich and complex history of Catalonia
8. Museu del Disseny – Design Museum: Inspiring exhibitions dedicated to design, fashion and arts

Architecture that will never bore me

To me, walking through Barcelona feels like wandering through an open-air museum. Beyond the famous Gaudí landmarks such as Casa Battló, Sagrada Familia and Casa Vicens – the city is filled with historic architecture just waiting to be discovered. As you explore, remember to look up and take in the fascinating details and beautiful facades. It’s something that never fails to bore me.

So, where can you find some of the most breathtaking architecture and which Barcelona attractions are actually worth it?

• Visit Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Church; a spectacular former hospital complex
• Get lost in the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter and admire the old city walls and cathedral
• Stroll along Diagonal and Passeig de Gràcia for more architectural gems
• Obviously you cannot miss the Sagrada Famalia and Park Güell; the top Barcelona attractions everyone visits
• Start at Arc de Triomf and make your way toward Parc de la Ciutadella. Head to the Cascada Monumental; a stunning, photogenic fountain

Parks to escape to

Barcelona is surrounded by nature on all sides. But in the city you can find plenty of green spaces to escape to as well. Some favorites and popular parks:

• Parc de la Ciutadella: Barcelona’s most famous city park.
• Montjuïc: The perfect spot for a short or long walk with some of the best views over the city.
• Parc del Turó: A small neighborhood park in Sant Gervasi, ideal for a quiet stroll with a coffee.
• Parc del Turó del Putxet: One of my personal favorites. Skip the overrated tourist attractions in Barcelona and try this park instead. It’s a bit of a climb but the view makes it worth it.
• Parc Güell: One of Gaudí’s masterpieces and very popular. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as it’s often sold out at the door.

And more…

• Go to a FC Barcelona game: Sports fan or not, a Barça match is an experience in itself. And if football isn’t your thing, catching a basketball game is just as exciting.
• Font Màgica: After some years without shows due to water shortage, the Magic Fountain is finally back. The combination of water and lights is magical to watch. A must-see Barcelona attraction!
• Las Ramblas: The famous 1.2 km promenade in the heart of Barcelona. Here you’ll also find the popular Mercat de la Boqueria.
• Gran Teatre del Liceu: Barcelona’s oldest theater, located on La Rambla. After three years I finally attended an opera here, and among all Barcelona attractions this one surprised me the most. It felt like stepping back into time, what a stunning theatre!
• Boat tour: In the mood for some adventure or relaxation on water? There are multiple sailing experiences and boat trips you can book along Barcelona’s coastline.
• Cable Car to Montjuïc: Take the cable car from the beach up to Montjuïc for stunning views over the city. Or take the one from Montjuïc to the old castle at the top, which is a fun and scenic way to reach your next destination.

♥ Want to explore the main Barcelona Attractions? Consider buying the Barcelona pass which will give you ease and lots of discounts. I always recommend my friends to buy one when they visit me. It saves a lot!

Barcelona: Hidden gems & slow local rituals

If you’re curious to experience Barcelona beyond the obvious and are looking for the city’s slow-living side and Barcelona hidden gems, the below Barcelona attractions and experiences should be on top of your list:

Sunrise at the beach, Sunsets at Montjuic and Barcelona rooftops

Set your alarm early to watch a breathtaking sunrise on the beach in Barcelona – how early really depends on the time of the year you’re visiting. But trust me, it’s absolutely worth it! Find yourself a good spot (I recommend Sant Sebastià beach or Bogatell beach), bring a big beach blanket, a coffee-to-go and enjoy the sun slowly rising out of the sea. During the warmer months, it’s a blast to go for a little swim as well. The beach is still quiet then, making it the perfect setting for your slow morning ritual.

If you’re more of a sunset seeker, no worries – Barcelona has some great spots for that too. You can head to Montjuïc, the Bunkers or Tibidabo to watch the sunset surrounded by nature. Or try one of the many rooftops across the city to enjoy the golden hour such as 1881 per Sagardi, El Palace Hotel, Casa Bonay or Casa Luz.

Rooftop yoga sessions

Barcelona has many amazing yoga studios, and the level of the yoga teachers and classes here are exceptionally high and diverse. But did you know you can also practice yoga on the city’s rooftops? Check out rooftop yoga sessions at el Hotel ME in and Yoga & Brunch at Hotel Mandarin 5* if you feel like moving your body with a breathtaking view.

Another favorite ritual of mine is starting my weekend with a SUCO rooftop yoga session by the beach, followed by a healthy brunch at Honest Greens. It’s very calming to practice yoga under the warm morning sun overlooking the shimmering sea. Make sure to check out if SUCO also hosts their active meditation session when you’re in Barcelona – this is a guided meditation with electronic music guiding you towards a state of deep connection to yourself. I personally loved it!

Tibidabo hike: A local’s favorite

Tibidabo is a mountain on the edge of Barcelona, easily visible from many parts of the city. Something that always feels a bit magical to me. What makes Tibidabo so impressive is the majestic church at the top of the mountain. There’s even an amusement park there, the oldest of Spain. But the real highlight is the panoramic view: from the top you can see the entire city stretching out to the sea and the inland mountain ranges.

Tibidabo isn’t just a tourist attraction in Barcelona, locals love to come here to run, hike and bike. One of my favorite hikes is the Passeig de les Aigües – a beautiful, easygoing path that runs along the mountain giving you an uninterrupted, stunning view of Barcelona its entire route. This hike is the best example of what to do in Barcelona as a local in Spain!

Montjuic: Some of the best views over the city

My absolute favorite place in Barcelona is Montjuïc. It’s another beautiful hill on the edge of Barcelona. I used to live so close to Montjuïc that you could find me there every single day, to unwind in nature I love going for long walks. Even after months I kept discovering new pathways, hidden parks and quiet spots with some of the best views over the city.

While Montjuïc is perfect for long walks and picnics, there are some places I can recommend going to for a drink, lunch or dinner. For a casual drink or date go to Salts, it’s a terrace bar above the Olympic swimming pool with a stunning view over the city. It’s a casual but unique place, I personally love the laidback atmosphere here and the view over Barcelona is fabulous – makes you fall in love with the city even more!

My favorite hidden terraces- you won’t find these in any standard Barcelona travel guide

Three other favorite places of mine on Montjuïc are: Font del Gat, La Greca and La Caseta del Migdia. If you’re looking for a restaurant on a truly special location, I recommend these three as they all have something magical and you won’t find this in any standard Barcelona travel guide. Font del Gat is a garden restaurant, a hidden gem that’s located in a courtyard surrounded by lush greenery. La Greca is a chiringuito in the gardens of del Teatre Grec; an old Greek theatre. And La Caseta del Migdia is located on top of Montjuïc, a hidden escape just behind the castle and accompanied by live Spanish music.

Show Up sunrise session – every Wednesday morning

Join a sunrise movement and breathwork session with likeminded people, followed by a cold dip in the sea. Every Wednesday morning, the Show Up community gathers at San Sebastian beach to start the day together and boost their wellness, mentality and health. Throughout the entire year – yes, even in winter – up to 150 people show up to move, breathe and connect.

It doesn’t matter if you can only join once or make it a weekly ritual, Show Up is an incredible way to meet new people in Barcelona and begin your day feeling energized. Watching the sun rise from the sea after a meditation and to simply breath and be, is a unique kind of calm that you can find here in Barcelona.

Where to eat in Barcelona: My dinner and brunch favorites

Oh, I love the food scene in Barcelona. This city is full of beautiful, locally run restaurants and incredible cuisine. You’ll find all of my recommendations in my next blog post “Barcelona: Where to eat and drink?” but let me share a few of my favorites restaurants in Barcelona with you already.     

Bar El Pepino in Gràcia: Incredible food and natural wine in an intimate, Spanish setting

A hidden restaurant just outside the vibrant streets of the Gràcia neighborhood, where I currently live. Bar El Pepino was recommended by my hairdresser and wow, it does not disappoint. The restaurant is colorful and intimate, and both the sommelier and the chef take time to visit your table for a chat. That’s one of the things that makes this restaurant so special – they truly make you feel seen.

The food is really (really!) amazing. Ask the chef for a recommendation and he will literally name every dish on the menu. I get it, they are all delicious but my top pick is the ‘agnolotti de gambas en su propia bisque’ (prawn agnolotti in their own bisque). We ordered it again the moment we finished, it was that good.

If you’re a wine lover, this place is paradise. They offer a carefully selection of natural wines from all over the world. Overall, this is one of my top dinner recommendations in Barcelona; incredible food and natural wine in an intimate, authentic Spanish setting.

Bar Mut just above Diagonal: A warm, cosy and romantic restaurant

I love this restaurant. Last time I visited we sat at the bar, a cosy spot surrounded by bottles of wine. The atmosphere is warm and romantic, they know exactly how to dim the lights for that intimate, romantic vibe. Their menu is displayed on two chalkboards signs: one for their aperitivos and one for their main dishes. They focus on seasonal dishes, and specialize in fish and seafood. But honestly, my absolute favorites are their aperitivos and next time I visit, I’ll probably only order those.

The combination of flavors is just unforgettable, they really know how to elevate even the smallest dishes. My two top picks? Start with their anchovy served with bread stuffed with cod; I can’t even describe how good this was. And don’t miss the tapioca bread with seared crayfish and smoked hollandaise sauce, simply incredible.

Viblioteca in Gracia: Vinos y quesos

Another favorite of mine is Viblioteca, tucked away in Gracià as well. It’s a bar de vinos y quesos – a wine and cheese bar – and the perfect spot for anyone craving a unique gastronomic experience. My love for cheese and wine is real, and if you feel the same, this place deserves a spot on your list. The team working here is really kind and genuinely passionate, which only enhances your experience.

The cozy atmosphere makes it ideal for dinner with friends or a romantic evening. I once took my parents here, and they still talk about it. Their cheese bar offers more than 60 types of cheese and they love creating a personalized cheese platter for you, based on your preferences. I recommend letting them surprise you – you’ll for sure discover new, favorite cheeses that were so carefully selected by them.

Brunch

For brunch, make sure to check out Wanna Project or T.44! At Wanna Project you are greeted by a tempting display of fresh bakery treats as soon as you walk in, and they serve the cutest, most colorful plates and coffee ceramics. This place feels like home, the perfect spot for a cozy Sunday brunch. T.44 is located in Poblenou, just a short stroll from the beach so ideal to pair with a morning seaside walk. Their zucchini pancakes with salmon are an absolute favorite of mine, and if they happen to have the kimchi tosti on their menu, don’t even hesitate to order that one. 

But to truly experience a Spanish lunch, you can’t skip paella. Head to one of the many Chiringuitos (beach bars) along Bogatell beach, I have been to Chiringuito Escribà several times and I really enjoyed the Chiringuito vibes. If you want to sit under the sun, you can try Salamanca or Xup Xup. 

Where to sleep in Barcelona

Barcelona has countless hotels, from charming boutique stays to laid-back bed & breakfasts. I have gathered a few of my favorites in this Barcelona travel guide.

Where to stay in Eixample

Casa Bonay: A Mediterranean space

One of my favorite hotels in Barcelona is Casa Bonay; a boutique hotel that offers far more than just a comfortable stay. Located in Eixample, it’s perfectly positioned near great restaurants, bars, shops and the exciting energy of the city. I often come here myself to write in their café or lobby, or enjoy an after-work or dinner on their rooftop. The hotel has a Mediterranean touch, filled with color, plants and art. They have created multiple unique spaces thoughtfully designed for their guests.

• Amenities: Spacious rooms, rooftop chiringuito, two restaurants downstairs and a café with good coffee
• Location: Eixample, in the heart of Barcelona
• Rates: Starting at €150 per night

Boutique Ca La Maria: The most authentic stay

This place isn’t a hotel, it’s a home away from home. Ca La Maria is a boutique bed and breakfast and offers one of the most authentic stays in Barcelona. With only seven rooms, the place feels intimate and personal. You’re welcomed by Maria and her staff and they’ll do everything to make sure you have the best experience. Ca La Maria blends comfort, gastronomy and art in one space – just perfect for your Barcelona getaway.

• Amenities: Seven rooms, homemade breakfast, beautiful garden terrace
• Location: Upper Eixample, just below Diagonal
• Rates: Starting at €90 per night

Where to stay in El Born

The Barcelona Edition Hotel: Grand and sophisticated

This luxury boutique hotel is perfectly located for your next Barcelona getaways – close to many incredible restaurants, museums and cultural sights. The hotel itself feels grand and sophisticated. After a day of exploring, unwind on the rooftop with a cocktail before heading back out to your next dinner reservation. I also love that they host events, so be sure to check what’s on their agenda during your stay.

• Amenities: 100 stylish rooms, rooftop, custom-made Le Labo bathroom amenities, exclusive penthouse suites with private panoramic terraces
• Location: El Born
• Rates: Starting at €271 per night

Where to stay in Gothic Quarter

Wittmore Hotel: A luxurious getaway

The atmosphere and design of this hotel is what attracts me most. It’s a blend of dark, dramatic elegance and effortless luxury. The staff are exceptionally warm, some of the kindest people I have met in Barcelona. Even if you only stop by for just a coffee in their hidden vertical garden, they make you feel as if you belong there. The rooms are flooded with natural light and overlook the garden, perfect for an intimate and relaxed stay. So yes, if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, make sure to check out the Wittmore Hotel.

• Amenities: Adults only, a warm living room, rooftop with a view and pool, fancy rooms
• Location: Gothic Quarter
• Rates: Starting at €279 per night

Serras Barcelona: An oasis in the city centre

Another refined luxury hotel with a view on the Port Vell Marina. With just 28 rooms, it’s an elegant hotel and just perfectly located to rest and unwind in the middle of the city. The staff goes above and beyond to make your stay exceptional. And their rooftop? The ideal setting for a romantic evening, just saying.

• Amenities: 28 rooms, rooftop with swimming pool, Catalan cuisine, fitness centre
• Location: Gothic Quarter
• Rates: Starting at €342 per night

Where to stay in Poblenou

Hoxton Hotel

The Hoxton Hotel is always a good idea, no matter which city you’re in. The interior design is spot-on, the rooms are spacious and the vibe has that effortlessly authentic Hoxton feel. In Barcelona the hotel is located in the Poblenou neighborhood, just outside the crowded city center, giving you a more local area to explore during your stay.

• Amenities: 240 rooms, rooftop pool, bright and airy lobby, fun events
• Location: Gothic Quarter
• Rates: Starting at €247 per night

Day trips from Barcelona

As someone living in Barcelona, I love escaping the city for a day whenever city life starts to feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily , Barcelona is surrounded by mountains, nature and of course the Costa Brava – which means there are lots of beautiful day trips to take.

No Barcelona travel guide is complete without sharing my best day trip tips

Hidden beaches just outside of Barcelona

True locals prefer the beaches outside Barcelona. These coastal spots offer a more Catalan experience with fewer tourist crowds, clearer water and beautiful natural surroundings. The train runs both north and south along the coastline, making it easy to reach a variety of stunning beaches close to Barcelona. On sunny days the train can get busy, it remains very doable but be prepared as it can get a bit crowded. Some of my favorite beaches that are easily reachable by train are Montgat, Ocata (have lunch at El Mas Vell) or Canet de Mar.

Another great option is to rent a car for a day. This opens up even more options to more secluded beaches that are only reachable by car – quieter, hidden gems that are only just a short drive from Barcelona but feels like you’re worlds away. One of my favorites finds from this year is Platja de Treumal; its azul blue water, rocky coastline and an intimate hidden beach gives you the feeling of being on a tropical island. Have lunch at Cala Treamal, the beach’s only chiringuito. Just make sure to reserve a table as soon as you arrive, otherwise you might end up on a long waiting list.

Another beautiful spot is Gavà Mar. It has a different vibe, feels far less crowded than the other beaches and has cute paths that run alongside the beach. Combine it with brunch or an early dinner at Catalina Gavà Mar – a dreamy restaurant with the most stunning garden.

Lounging at the beach followed by a mediterranean lunch in Garraf

Platja del Garraf is a small, intimate beach just south of Barcelona. The train gets you there in about 30 minutes, making it an effortless day trip from Barcelona. Soho’s Little Beach House is located here as well, and it’s easy to see why they chose this spot. The beach is charming and perfectly sized for a slow, relaxing day by the sea. Alongside the beach there are tiny, white little beach houses in true authentic Catalan style – making it even more picturesque.

Although Garraf is close to the city, it really feels like a mini getaway. Spend your morning lounging on the sand, enjoying the waves and sunshine. Then book a lunch at Chiringuito de Garraf, set on the rocks with panoramic sea views. My friend and I once spotted a dolphin during our lunch, a magical moment I’ll never forget. I really like their seafood and laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. Order a chilled rosé and savor a long lunch before hopping back to Barcelona – sun-kissed and completely relaxed.

A day trip to Sitges

Sitges is a historic coastal down about 40 minutes from Barcelona. It’s the perfect day trip when you want to escape the city but don’t feel like spending your entire day on the beach. Along the shoreline you’ll find Sitges’ most iconic sight: the historic church Eglésia de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. Climb the stairs for a beautiful view before wandering into the charming old town filled with narrow streets.

A day trip to Sitges

Spend your day exploring through the local boutiques, relaxing on the beach and taking a refreshing swim. End your day at Vivero Beach Club Restaurant – the best spot for watching the sunset. But the biggest surprise of our visit was the dinner spot we ran into: L’ Avinyet. It’s a small, artsy restaurant and busy in the best possible way. Come for the food – we tried their Matrimonio de convenienca y el amante, a combination of anchoas de escalia, boquerón en vinagre and sardina ahuamda. The flavors and the texture of the dish were incredible. The atmosphere is what made this place even more special, many of the guests seemed to know each other. During our dinner, a man suddenly started playing his guitar while a friend drummed along. I experienced a feeling of true happiness here.

Hiking at Montserrat: The most stunning mountain views

Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range and I’m always in awe that such a dramatic landscape is so close to Barcelona. There are plenty of incredible hiking routes to choose from, depending on your level and how long you want to spend hiking. Make sure to visit the Montserrat Monastery – its architecture is breathtaking as is seamlessly blends into the shapes of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re in the mood for an active day filled with adventure and stunning mountain views, a day trip to Montserrat is definitely worth it.

Wineries & Cava Vineyards

The Penedès wine region is just an hour away from Barcelona and is known as one of Spain’s most famous wine areas. Picture yourself wandering through picturesque vineyards, sipping cava in a medieval castle with views over the Montserrat mountains. Sounds magical, right? One of the best day trips from Barcelona is a wine tour, and there are plenty of great options.

I visited Artcava, about 40 minutes from Barcelona. The tour begins with a walk around the property before heading into the wine house, where we learned more about the history and the cava from this region. We even got to bottle and personalize our own bottle of cava. We visited at the end of December, so it was a bit chilly, but I can only imagine how scenic it must be in the warmer months when you can sit in their beautiful, spacious garden.

Another place high on my list is L’Olivera Can Calopa, located even closer to Barcelona. It’s a stunning winery with dreamy views over the vineyard landscape, all seen from their old farmhouse. You can tour the property, learn about its history, taste locally produced wines and olives oils and get a glimpse of what life on a vineyard looks like. I can’t wait to visit!

Exploring Barcelona barrios (neighborhoods)

To really discover Barcelona, you need to wander and explore its different barrios (neighborhoods). I’ll share the most popular ones in this Barcelona travel guide, and also my own personal favorites.

The busiest barrios are the Gothic Quarter, El Born and Barceloneta. These neighborhoods are located right in the center of Barcelona and if it’s your first time here, you should definitely explore them. Their narrow medieval streets, lively squares, vibrant nightlife and local art scene are what many people love most about the city. I personally love these neighborhoods for their history, beautiful architecture and the fact that Parc de la Ciutadella offers a peaceful place to unwind right in the middle of the city.

Eixample is another iconic area, know for its grand avenues (what do you mean a 5-lane road isn’t unusual in the middle of a city?), modern architecture and many amazing restaurants, hotels and boutiques. The neighborhood is elegant and spacious, which is why so many locals love living here too.

But if you, like me, also want to experience the slower and more local side of Barcelona, head to Poblenou, Sant-Gervasi and Gràcia. Poblenou has a more industrial vibe and is located right next to the beach, you’ll find cute brunch spots like T.44 and plenty of art exhibitions. Sant-Gervasi and Gràcia have a cute village-like charm, with quieter streets but lively squares like Plaça del Sol.

My usual routine is grabbing a coffee at one of my favorite spots (On Y Va, Bar La Camila or Flower of Gracia – and definitely get a cinnamon bun here), then strolling through the streets with friends or settling onto a terrace with a good book. Barcelona is the perfect city to wander solo and explore on your own.

♥ Read more about the most popular neighborhoods in my Barcelona Neighborhood Guide!

Best times to travel to Barcelona

Barcelona is a year-round travel destination, the best time to visit mostly depends on what you love to do. Summer is of course the busiest time, but as Barcelona is a coastal city, it remains an ideal place to visit even during the hotter months. What’s better than cooling off in the sea during the day and enjoying the vibrant city life in the warm, late evenings?

But have you experienced Barcelona during the Holidays? The city glows with Christmas lights while the bright blue winter sky is one of the things that makes me feel so grateful to live here. Really, each season in Barcelona brings something different and I love them all.

Summer time – June until August

The days are long and hot, and the city feels most alive in summer. The season kicks off with Sant Joan on June 24th – which is midsummer night. On the evening before, the city celebrates the start of summer with fireworks, bonfires and live music. Summer is also when the biggest ‘Fiestas de Barrios’ take place, and they are truly spectacular to experience. Fiesta de Gràcia is probably the most famous one, where the locals transform entire streets with their decorations. The effort they put into it is mind-blowing, it’s worth your visit!

Summer is the perfect time to visit Barcelona if you want to soak up the sunshine, swim in the sea, take day trips to hidden beaches nearby and enjoy the hot Mediterranean lifestyle outdoors. There are countless events happening throughout these months – people here always find something to celebrate. And it feels really special to be part of that.

Spring and Autumn – April/May & September/October

But to be honest, spring and autumn are my absolute favorite seasons in Barcelona. When the colder (or really hot) months start to fade and life outdoors begins again, you can feel the excitement coming alive. It’s still not too hot, it’s actually super nice to be outside and in the sun instead of suffering in the heat. Or maybe that’s just me…

If you visit during these months, you can really make the most out of your trip to Barcelona. Go on beautiful long hikes in nature, wander through the city, spend some days at the beach and enjoy cultural activities without the busy crowds.

♥ Read more about Spain in Autumn

Winter time – November until March

During winter, Barcelona is calmer and cooler. But for anyone coming from colder countries, it’s still a wonderful city-trip destination. We still enjoy plenty of sunshine and bright blue winter skies, making it pleasant to be outside. Barcelona is especially charming around Christmas, the whole city is decorated with lights and there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. And last but not least, while most Barcelona attractions are crowded throughout the year, during winter they are a little bit more quiet.

How to move around in Barcelona

One of the things I love most about Barcelona is that you can walk almost everywhere. And honestly, wandering through the city is one of my favorite activities: grabbing a café con leche to go and strolling through Barcelona’s barrios (neighborhoods). If you enjoy walking as well, I highly recommend exploring the city mostly on foot.

But Barcelona’s public transport is also very well-organized. The metro and buses will take you to almost every corner of the city. Metros run every 3 to 5 minutes, so there’s no need to rush. In the evenings and weekend mornings they come a bit less frequently, around every 10 minutes but that’s still very doable. Just keep in mind that metros and buses can get a bit crowded.

You can also hop on one of the shared bikes from Bolt or Lime to cycle to your next destination. Another fun option is grabbing a shared electric scooter from Yego or FreeNow. They are parked all over the city and are an efficient way to get around – just be aware that some main roads are off-limits for scooters, so double-check your route to avoid ending up somewhere you shouldn’t.

Whether you choose to walk, bike or take public transport, just be careful of your belongings. I have never had an issue, but better be safe than sorry.

FAQ Barcelona Travel Guide

Your next trip to Barcelona | Spain

Barcelona has been my home for three years and I still discover new corners of this city regularly. This place blends culture, history, beaches, nature and nightlife into one irresistible mix. The best advice I can give? Use this Barcelona travel guide as your framework, but leave room to get lost. Some of my favorite Barcelona moments have come from taking a wrong turn and stumbling into a hidden plaza or following the smell of fresh bread and coffee to a local bakery.

I hope my version of a Barcelona travel guide helps you make the most of your next Barcelona getaway! Need more local tips? Feel free to reach out to me.

Read more about Spain:

• Gems of Costa Brava Spain: Coastal Villages & Boutique Escapes
• My favorite restaurants in Barcelona
• Where to stay in Barcelona: Top 11 Luxury Hotels
• Barcelona Neighborhoods Guide: The most popular barrios
• Are you a lover of slow travel? Read more about our slow travel philosophy