Barcelona with a Baby: Ultimate Guide for a Stress-Free Family Vacation

Are you considering taking your baby on an adventure to Barcelona, but not quite sure where to begin, what to do, or just generally anxious about traveling with a baby? Then you have come to the perfect place – I have put together the ultimate guide to make your trip stress-free!

Flying overseas to a foreign country with an infant is not easy (anyone who has told you otherwise is lying to you and maybe even themselves)! However, with a bit of preparation, patience (and my help 😉 ) I can tell you confidently that the trip will be well worth the effort.

Barcelona in particular is a perfect destination for families, with tons of baby-friendly activities, general ease of getting around, and truly welcoming and helpful locals. My son was 9 months old when we visited Barcelona, he wasn’t quite mobile yet which made traveling a little easier.

Where to Stay 

Barcelona offers plenty of unique, family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from, such as Eixample with its beautiful outdoor parks, Ciutadella-Port Olympie with its close proximity to the beach, and El Born for its charming boutiques and cafes. We opted for Gothic Quarter for its central location, and the rambling medieval streets proved to be perfect for us and our daily stroller explorations. 

Barcelona certainly has no shortage of hotels or AirBnBs, depending on your preference. We were looking for a family-friendly accommodation at a reasonable price and landed on The Duquesa Suites in the heart of Gothic Quarter. They offer transportation to/from the airport and a high quality crib (pack n play), upon request. The rooms come with a small kitchenette perfect for preparing your own food in a pinch. The rooftop pool & bar was also a nice escape from the busy gothic quarter streets. And lastly, the soundproof walls allow you to rest easy knowing your baby won’t disturb others (or vice versa!). 

Here are some other hotel options that we considered as well:

• ME Barcelona – This hotel features a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, multiple dining options, and a convenient location near major attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Passeig de Gràcia.
• Hotel Jazz – Conveniently located near Plaça de Catalunya, this hotel offers family suites, a rooftop pool, and is within walking distance to many of Barcelona’s main attractions.
• Hotel Catalunya – Located close to Plaça de Catalunya, this hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. It’s centrally located, making it easy to explore the Gothic Quarter and beyond.
• Park Hotel Barcelona – Offers family-friendly accommodations with an outdoor pool and is located near the El Born Cultural Center and various parks and playgrounds.
• Hotel Arts Barcelona – A luxurious beachfront hotel with family suites, outdoor pools, and direct beach access. It offers numerous amenities for children, including babysitting services.

Now enough about the hotels – now let’s talk about all the amazing things to do! 

Must-Do in Gothic Quarter

• Barcelona Cathedral – There are several ways to enjoy this fourteenth century spectacle. You can opt for a full tour (~30-60 mins), or simply admire the beauty from the outside via the famous Panoramic Terrace at Hotel Colon. 

• Bishop’s Bridge – El Pont del Bisbe was built in 1928 by architect Joan Rubio I Bellver, It is one of the Gothic Quarter’s most-photographed spots and rightfully so, this stunning bridge adds charm to the old city. It is a short 2 minute walk from Barcelona Cathedral. Best to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds.

• Ciutadella Park / Arc de Triumpf – Ciutadella Park is a lush oasis in the heart of Barcelona, perfect for a picnic with your little one.. Within the park, you’ll find the majestic Arc de Triomf, a red-brick gateway that was built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. Be sure to grab some famous croissants from Patisserie Hofmann or some specialty cinnamon rolls from Demasie. 

• Palau de la Musica – A beautiful concert hall that is well worth the price of admission. Be sure to book the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace. Elevators are conveniently available for those with strollers.

• Antoni Gaudi Architecture – Enjoy the timeless architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudi at Casa Batlo, Park Guell & Sagrada Familia. Make sure to buy these tickets in advance as they fill up fast!

• Museums – Barcelona offers some incredibly unique museum experiences, ranging from the legendary Picasso to the more modern works of Banksy. 

• Mercat de la Boqueria – A bustling open market located on the busy streets of La Rambla. This market is filled with mouth watering tapas, fruits, snacks, and more. It may be challenging to maneuver a stroller through this busy market, so we suggest opting for the baby carrier.

• L’Aquarium de Barcelona – Another perfect destination with your baby in Barcelona especially if you get stuck with a rainy day!

Family Friendly Places To Eat

Grill Restaurant Steakhouse – As the name suggests, this restaurant focuses on steaks and other charcoal grill dishes, but the expansive menu also includes salads, seafood, and burgers. Unlike many restaurants in Barcelona, this one is extremely spacious with plenty of room for a stroller at your table. They even offered crayons and a coloring book for our little one!

Ziryab Tapas – Ziryab is a cute little Mediterranean fusion tapas restaurants in the backstreets of old town. It is a bit cramped in the front, but more spacious in the back where we were able to fit a stroller comfortably. They also have a huge box of toys to keep kids entertained, a really nice touch!

Bo De B – This one is cheating a bit as there is actually no indoor seating, but if you are anywhere near Gothic Quarter during your stay, this sandwich shop is a must try! Their chicken sandwich was our favorite, and their Patatas Bravas are also worth trying. Just be sure to get here early because the line can get loooooong! 

Churreria Banys Nous – You can’t leave Barcelona without trying some churros! There’s no shortage of options around town, but this was our personal favorite. 

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You might also be interested in: Infant Packing Checklist