Barcelona
Our family has visited Barcelona twice together. The first time we visited (2018), our son was only 5 years old and my husband was there for work. That trip lit a spark for me—not only because of how it expanded my own understanding of the world—but because I saw travel opened up something for my son. On our second trip (2025), we visited old favorites, found new favorite spots, and overlapped with my sister!
2018
2025
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Basilica de la Sagrada Família: You can’t miss Gaudi’s masterpiece. Nothing could prepare me for the first time I visited. The colors and light are astounding. You need tickets so don’t wait until the last minute!
Park Güell: UNESCO World Heritage Site and public park, this is a beautiful spot to spend the day. I recommend packing a picnic and a book (no restuarants inside the park) and staying all day. There are musicians, picnic tables and other little spots to hang out, and incredible views of the city. You do need a ticket for entry and they do sell out. Plan ahead!
Picasso Museum: We visited in June 2018 and it wasn’t busy and we were able to really enjoy seeing the collection.
El Museu de la Xocolata de Barcelona: The Chocolate Museum was really fun to visit with my son. Anytime you can learn something and eat chocolate, we are in! It is a very short walk from the Picasso Museum. I don’t think it is worth seeking it out unless you are nearby.
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Meeting Locals
Two of my fondest memories were experiences we had withlocals.
We met a lovely artist in Park Güell and made mosaic boxes while overlooking the park. She spoke Catalan and we speak English but we did our best and it was an incredible time.
We also spent an evening with a local who took us out for tapas, created a scavenger hunt in a local market for our son, and took us to a place for churros.
I felt so much more connected to Barcelona because we interacted with people who live there and were willing to give us insights into their daily lives!
Tickets
Many of the popular sightseeing spots require tickets. Once you book your flights to go, it is worth mapping out your days around the places you are most excited to see.
Language
People in Barcelona speak Catalan, not Spanish.
Overall Vibe
After living in Chicago for so long, we reallly liked the fact that Barcelona is a big city but also is by the water. It feels like you can really enjoy “the best of both worlds” .
