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.
*Advertisement feature*
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I may earn some commission. This is at no extra cost to you but helps me cover the costs of running this website. See my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more information.*
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
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:
- Our seven day Budapest itinerary
- Tips for visiting Venice with kids
- Our guide to visiting in Florence
- Tips for a city break in Paris
- Top things to do in Chania, Crete
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.
We went to Doain when I was 12 but I believe only my parents went into Narcelona. None of these attractions ring a bell though they look amazing. How picturesque is that Ferris wheel #KCACOLS
Nadine recently posted…Garden Update #3 | 10 things I accomplished this week in the garden
The views look amazing, right?! We still have a lot of Barcelona to explore. I’d love to return soon.
We went to Barcelona pre-kids probably almost 20 years ago now. I’d love to visit again with the boys in tow as I’m sure it’s changed lots since our last visit!
Thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS and I hope to see you back again on Sunday
Maria recently posted…Review: National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham
Yes, I think it has. My first trip is almost 20 years ago and the difference in the Sagrada Familia is amazing – just from the outside 🙂
Oh wow, I only saw now that you also wrote about Barcelona. Glad to see Sagrada Familia is also your number one! It’s a wonderful city for kids of all ages 🙂
It’s definitely somewhere I’d like to explore more. We found so much to do with our girls in just a few days.
LOVE Barcelona, so much to do for the whole family. I am overdue a visit, must start hinting at hubby!
A big, fat Lonely Planet guide on the bed side table should do it 😉
All things we plan to do on our trip to Barcelona this summer. So excited. Pinning! #citytripping
I’m so jealous! I’d love to have plans to go back, but it’s sadly not going to be this year. Have an amazing time!!
Excellent list. These are all amazing places that I can’t wait to check out when I visit Barcelona
They are fabulous and this is just the historic attractions list. We can also recommend the beach, the aquarium and a walk down La Ramblas to see the living statues.
These are great suggestions. I’m so pleased to read I’m not the only one who hasn’t stepped inside the Sagrada Familia, but one day I’ll get there! I’d definitely like to take my kids to Park Güell, I think they would love to explore there.
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…The Ultimate Barcelona Tour Guide According To Travel Bloggers
Phew, I’m glad it’s not just me either! Definitely do Park Guell next time and I’ll resolve to do the cathedral 🙂
Stunning stunning city!
Totally agree, we love it there.
Somewhere I’ve never been and always wanted to. It looks amazing and you add to the many wonderful things I have heard. Will get there one day. I just love the theatre, what an absolutely fantastic looking place. Seeing something would surely be amazing #KCACOLS
I can definitely recommend a visit to Barcelona if you get the chance.
I’ve not visited Barcelonia since I was a teenager, it is actually doable by car from our family we visit in the south of France, one day I’d like to drive down with the kids it looks like much more of a family city than I remember. #CityTripping
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Scaling up with Jumbo 4 Connect
My second visit was part of a road trip around Europe. We can over the boarder from France and it is definitely doable. We thought it was really family friendly, rom getting around to the people we spoke to.
I’ve never been to Barcelona but I would love to go. I’m a fan of unique architecture and Barcelona seems like it has just that. #citytripping
Allison recently posted…Disney Wonder Stateroom Tour: Number 1046
Absolutely! Antoni Gaudi made quite an architectural mark on the city.
I’ve never been to Barcelona for some reason – must put it on the list to visit with my toddler! #citytripping
I can really recommend it with small ones. We found it really easy to get around and everyone was so friendly towards the kids
Thanks! And thanks for linking with #citytripping
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…How reading sparked my love of travel
I am hopefully – finally – heading back to Barcelona in a couple of weeks after a rather disastrous first trip (rain, my husband was ill…). It’ll be a rare child-free visit but I’d love to go back with my daughter as well so am going to keep these all in mind. A city that wins me over despite weather and germs deserves more than one trip.
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…February travel essentials – the round-up
Yes, it’s definitely worth planning in a few trips. I’d love to visit again soon. Have a fabulous time!
Ooooh it all looks amazing. I would love to visit some of these one day. #kcacols
There are some love sight in Barcelona. I can’t wait to go back one day.
We love Barcelona! We only spend a few days there and are hoping to return soon.
We’ve only done a few days here and there too. If you combine it with a trip along the Costa Barcelona I think it would make a great week-long or longer holiday
We watched a local ‘water show’ at the weekend that was here as part of an event and we all commented it wasn’t a patch on the fountains of Barcelona – you just can’t beat them.
Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog recently posted…Ouseburn Farm Newcastle | A FREE Place to Take the Kids
They are brilliant, aren’t they. We must take our girls next time we’re in Barcelona. Hopefully they’ll be a bit older and it won’t be such a late night for them.
I love this post – and the fact that a lot of the historic places in Barcelona are flamboyant and fabulous! Gaudi really was a genius. I must take the kids here – they’d love it.
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Exploring Norway in Mountain Warehouse skiwear
Flamboyant is definitely child-friendly 🙂
I also do the same and imagine who had trodden the path before me! I’ve only been to Barcelona with friends and I’ve not taken the girls yet but I really like the look of Parc Guell and the Castell. Did you find it easy to move around and get to all the places?
Yes, the metro system was fab and usually quite quiet. You have to take your time about the walk up to Parc Guell but there are escalators up parts of the hill. I would recommend going out of the main summer season so it’s not so hot for walking around.
I have never been to Barcelona, your pictures have made me want to jump on a plan and head over there. Especially the ceiling photo of Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. I am bookmarking this for a future trip! #kcacols
It is a stunning city. I could return again and again