Getting Oriented
Barcelona is one of Spain's most popular cities to visit, attracting over 30 million travelers each year. It's the capital of Spain's Catalonia region in its northwest, bordering Andorra and France. Barcelona attracts so many visitors because of its reputation in art, history, gastronomy, and architecture. You may already be aware of the influences of Antoni Gaudí throughout the city, in parks, museums, streets, and churches. You'll also find a delicious food scene with some of the country's largest markets and a beloved cultural ritual around sipping afternoon vermouth.
Many travelers choose between Madrid and Barcelona, but it's important to know that the cities are very different. If you can squeeze in both, it's worth it! But if you can only visit one and are set on Barcelona, you won't be disappointed. Besides stunning architecture and delicious cuisine, the city hosts an idyllic Gothic Quarter, a sprawling beachfront, and gorgeous countryside filled with mountains and vineyards.
Taste of Barcelona
One way to explore the city is through your tastebuds. Although you'll find plenty of tapas bars in Barcelona, the city is also known for its vermouth, wine tasting, and bustling market halls.
Vermouth Tasting
Partake in one of Barcelona's most beloved traditions: fer el vermut, or "having the vermouth." In the 14th century, a tradition emerged as wineries began producing vermouth. Every Sunday, city dwellers would mingle with friends and neighbors over a glass or two of vermouth. You'll enjoy this ritual and learn about its history in the same way: a few glasses of this coveted drink paired with delicacies such as salted anchovies, a tin of mussels, local cheeses, and patatas bravas seasoned with romesco. Read More
Cooking Class & Visit to Boqueria Market
Visit the epicenter of gastronomy in Barcelona: Boqueria Market. The Boqueria opened its doors in 1835 and today is the most popular covered market in the city, home to over 200 stalls perused by roughly 40,000 visitors per day. A local expert will guide you to the best stalls in the market, stopping to taste produce, fish, meats, spices, cheeses, and more, plus tapas bars featuring Catalan cuisine. Then head to your cooking class and enjoy the traditional dishes you'll prepare. Read More
Day Trip to Montserrat & Wine Tasting in Penedès
Get out of the city and enjoy a day trip into Barcelona's countryside by visiting the impressive town of Montserrat and tasting wine in Penedès, one of Spain's most popular wine regions. You'll start at the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Montserrat, which sits at 4,055 feet (1,266 meters). Other highlights include the Virgin of Montserrat, Santa Cova, and the Museum of Montserrat. End the day sipping reds, whites, and cavas at a local winery in the Penedès Wine Region. Read More
Tour the Gothic Quarter & Enjoy a Tapas Dinner
Discover one of Barcelona's most popular neighborhoods while tasting some of the best tapas in the city. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and trendy El Born neighborhood host sites such as the grand Plaça Reial, the 13th-century gothic Barcelona Cathedral, and several Roman ruins. As you stroll and learn about the area's history and culture, stop into several authentic tapas bars to tapear like a true Catalan! Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Cultural Experiences
Barcelona oozes with interesting and unique experiences that let you dive deep into the Spanish culture. Sail along the city's coastline while listening to Spanish guitar or explore the architecture of the only-and-only Antoni Gaudí.
Sunset Sail & Spanish Guitar Experience
Combine a relaxing sunset sail with an exciting Spanish guitar concert. As the sun starts to go down, you'll hop aboard a sailboat at the city's port and cruise along the coast. Enjoy the colors of the sky and watch the city start to shimmer while sipping on cava and snacking on local delicacies. As you make your way back to port, you'll listen to a private Spanish guitar concert aboard the boat. Read More
Gaudí Architecture Walk
Discover the impact of Antoni Gaudí's architectural work on Barcelona with a walking tour. You'll quickly learn that Gaudí isn't just a part of the city, but, rather, that his work is the city itself. Your expert guide will point out street lamps, parks, fountains, museums, and more that feature the famous architect's work. Then, enjoy a few of the main sites along the Passeig de Grácia, including the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. End the tour at the one-and-only La Sagrada Família. Read More
Visit La Sagrada Família
Dive deep into Antoni Gaudí's most famous and visited masterpiece with a tour of La Sagrada Família. With a local expert leading the way, you'll explore this 19th-century Gothic/Art Nouveau church, from its exterior to interior, plus climb to the top of the Torre de la Pasión. Learn about the life of Gaudí, the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Barcelona Itinerary
With so much to see and do, many travelers wonder how many days to spend in Barcelona. The truth is that you could spend an entire week or more in this vibrant city and its intriguing surroundings. But if you'd like to see more of the country, you can easily combine Barcelona with many other regions in Spain. Thanks to an extensive highway network, fast trains, and plenty of regional airports, Spain makes cross-country travel a breeze.
Some popular travel combinations include Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid; Barcelona, Madrid, and Northern Spain; and Barcelona, Valencia, Costa del Sol, and Andalucía. Spain also makes a great partner to trips in Morocco, Andorra, or Southern France.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in Barcelona: