6 must-visit Barcelona attractions packed with history
I’m always drawn to the historic side of the places we visit. I love walking streets that have been trodden for centuries, standing on spots where history was made and visiting buildings that were home to legends. My mind boggles at all of those moments from the past that still echo in these places. Historic attractions also appeal to young travellers. What child doesn’t love a good story? One of our favourite European city breaks as a family is Barcelona – a destination steeped in history. Fancy stepping back in time Barca-style? Read on for our top historic Barcelona attractions for families.
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What makes Barcelona so great for families?
We’ve touched on Barcelona a few times over the years – visiting before kids, with our little ones ahead of a Mediterranean cruise and also during a solo trip for me to the Costa Barcelona region. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.
There’s so much colour, the public transport system is good and families are made to feel welcome everywhere. It really is a great place for a city break with babies and toddlers.
Getting to Barcelona is easy from a range of UK airports and you can get a taxi to the city centre in less than an hour.
You can also search for car hire in Barcelona giving you the freedrom to explore the wider Costa Barcelona at your own pace. I’d definitely recommend visiting some of the region’s historic Cava vineyards if you get the chance. But first, let’s look at Barcelona’s top attractions for history buffs!
Historic Barcelona attractions
Here’s seven historic Barcelona attractions I think families will love based on places we’ve been and have on our own travel bucket list:
1. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
You can’t visit Barcelona without seeing the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia…except I have. And a shocking three times! The closest Mr Tin Box and I have gotten is standing on the steps outside having not been organised enough to buy tickets in advance.
Top tip: the queues for tickets on the day are enormous, so always buy ahead online and skip the line or book a guided tour for extra insight.
The Sagrada Familia – infamous for being designed by Antoni Gaudi and, so far, taking 135 years to build – is a piece of history in the making. When completed, its central tower will measure 566ft, making it the tallest cathedral in Europe. Being there during its construction is a memory to share for a lifetime.
One of the best parts for families to see is the Nativity facade, which was the first part of the cathedral to be built. It depicts the birth of Jesus and incorporates symbolic creatures such as turtles and chameleons – perfect for spotting with young children.
2. Casa Batllo
Continuing on a Gaudi theme, we can recommend a visit to Casa Batllo. This fantastical building is a legend in itself. From the facade that is reminiscent of a sea monster to the free flowing interior of curves and light.
Mr Tin Box and I took a self-guided audio tour 20 years ago. I’d now love to return with our girls for one of their family friendly theatrical visits. You can choose to be guided by actors playing either Antoni Gaudi himself or the loose lipped housekeeper, Lady Ramona. It looks like a really fun way to bring the story of the building and its design to life for kids.
3. Castell de Montjuïc
Montjuïc’s stories are sure to appeal to fans of Horrible Histories. This fortress overlooking the city has a chequered history of suppression and imprisonment. It was a key defence point in the War of the Spanish Succession (1705 to 1714) – the first world war of modern times.
The castle bombarded the Catalan city of Barcelona on a number of occasions and was the setting for the torture of political prisoners during the Spanish civil war (1936 to 1939).
Young visitors will also enjoy travelling on the 2,754ft Teleferic de Montjuïc cable car to reach the top of Montjuïc Hill.
Top tip: avoid visiting at peak times (weekends) to get the best views of the city and marina from the cable car.
4 Tibidabo Amusement Park
Tibidabo Amusement Park is Spain’s oldest amusement park and one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It sits on top of Mount Tibidabo – part of the world’s largest metropolitan parks and on the edge of the city.
Barcelona’s amusement park was founded in 1889 and has more than 25 family-friendly, vintage rides – many with bird’s-eye view of Barcelona. As well as white-knuckle rides that will attract teenage visitors there are puppet shows, play areas and a ferris wheel to entertain younger children.
5. Park Güell
Apart from being another of Antoni Gaudi’s lasting masterpieces, Park Güell is a wonderful place to take children to burn off steam. There’s fascinating architectural structures in Gaudi’s naturalist style, winding walkways and plenty of street sellers offering colourful wares.
We took the Tin Box girls here after visiting ourselves a decade before. I love the artistic surprises around every corner, from mosaics to architecture inspired by nature. You can also enjoy beautiful views across the city towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Top tip: only the forest area of the park is free to roam around. If you’d like to enter the memorial gardens where you’ll see a hive of Gaudi’s best designs then it’s a good idea to book tickets for Parc Guell in advance.
6. Montjuïc Magic Fountain
This is one of my enduring memories of our first trip to Barcelona as a couple. I’d love to return to see it with our girls. The Montjuïc Magic Fountain was built in 1929 for the International Exhibition. The fountain in front of the National Museum of Art is now one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions.
Four evenings a week during the peak holiday season it puts on a light, music and water show for hundreds, if not thousands, of spectators. The dancing water jets are bound to pique children’s interest.
Here’s where to find it.
What’s your favourite historic Barcelona attraction?
Where to stay in Barcelona city centre
During out first family stay in Barcelona we booked into Leonardo Hotel which is set back from the famous Las Ramblas. As well as beautiful family rooms, its staff are super friendly staff and the location is great – 45 minutes from Barcelona Airport with all the sights an easy walk or metro ride away.
Take a look at our full review of Leonardo Hotel Barcelona.
More inspiration for holidays in Europe
Here’s some more reading to inspire your travels to other European cities:
Want more ideas for family holidays and days out? Read my tips for smashing family travel and sign up for my newsletter.
Disclosure: this post has been written in partnership with Avis which can help with car hire in Barcelona.
