Barcelona is first and foremost the capital of Catalonia, a proudly autonomous region that periodically attempts to break up with Spain. You’ll hear Catalan in the streets, and find the work of hometown icons like Miró and Gaudí in museums and along the Passeig de Gràcia. It can be a late-night party town, but Barcelona still nails a tranquil sort of time travel, as you walk the lanes of its Gothic quarter or sip a cava with a saucer of anchovies in an old-school pintxos bar.
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Barcelona Travel Guide
33 Best Hotels in Barcelona
Here's where to stay in the Catalan capital.
Editor Recommendations
Hotel Boutique Mirlo$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Avenida Tibidabo 32A 16-room retreat better known as the inspiration behind the fictitious Aldaya residence in The Shadow of the Wind.Read full review
Primero Primera$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer del Dr. Carulla, 25A boutique Barcelona spot that feels like staying in a distant relative’s fabulous mansion.Read full review.jpg)
Casa Llimona$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 42An authentically restored 1890s palace that coaxes creativity back to life.Read full review
Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670Enjoy luxe accommodations at this beautifully restored hotel set in a former private palace.Read full review
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona$$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40There's a reason the Mandarin Oriental is so expensive—it's simply one of the best hotels in Barcelona, in every way.Read full review
Almanac Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 619-621Topped off with a secluded skyline pool, Almanac has all the trappings to go with its five-star status.Read full review
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia 68-70This grande dame on the Passeig de Gràcia recently turned 106—and she's looking great for her age.Read full review
El Palace Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668A lavish, mini Versailles, set right in the heart of BarcelonaRead full review.jpg)
SLS Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Port Forum, Carrer de la Pau, 2The first European outpost from the SLS brand promises everything, and it delivers.Read full review
The Edition Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14The location of Barcelona's hottest 2019 opening is ideal: easy stumbling distance of the city’s buzzing bar and restaurant scene, and with four excellent in-house bars and restaurants, you won't regret staying here.Read full review
Grand Hotel Central$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Via Laietana, 30A sexy new look adds to the appeal of this chic hotel, best known for the sweeping, panoramic views from its top-rated rooftop terrace.Read full review
Monument Hotel$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 75Find one of the only three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona at this chic hotel.Read full review-Teddy-Iborra.jpg)
Hotel Brummell$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 174This comfortable, affordable, activity-packed oasis is the ideal stay for fit, yoga types.Read full review
The One Barcelona$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Provença, 277The Cosy rooms here are much more spacious than they sound, and probably Barcelona's best deal.Read full review
Casa Bonay$ | Spain, Barcelona, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700Locals and travelers mix together seamlessly in the beautifully renovated public spaces at Casa Bonay, right in the heart of the city.Read full review
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Top Activities in Barcelona
Brought to you by GetYourGuide
Sagrada Familia
Park Güell
Picasso Museum
Montjuïc Cable Car
FC Barcelona Museum
The Best Things to Do in Barcelona
15 Best Beaches in BarcelonaOur favorite stretches of sand and surf in and around the Catalonian capital.
Best Things to Do With Kids in BarcelonaThere’s loads to keep kids engaged and off the iPad, whether they’re into soccer, science, animals or ice cream.
14 Best Museums in BarcelonaThe Catalan capital is overflowing with cultural attractions.
Where to Shop in BarcelonaThis rundown of the retail scene will guide you through the must-dos, from the locals’ favorite deli to discounted designer labels
6 Best Day Trips from BarcelonaFrom the new El Bulli outpost to the region's hidden wine cathedrals.
Plan Your Barcelona Trip
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Editor Recommendations
Palau MartorellSpain, Barcelona, Carrer Ample, 11An unexpected, arty addition to a beach day in BarcelonaRead full review
KBr Fundación MAPFRE – Barcelona Photo CenterSpain, Barcelona, Av. del Litoral, 30,A niche arts treasure wedged in a corner of Port OlímpicRead full review
White RabbitSpain, Barcelona, Pg. de Gràcia, 55, L'EixampleA museum focused on a hilarious and authentic Catalan experienceRead full review
Sant Pau Art Nouveau SiteSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 67This former hospital is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, and now functions as a famous museum and arts venue.Read full review
Picasso MuseumSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Montcada, 15-23Set in five palaces in Barcelona's El Born neighborhood, this is a great place for discovering the artist's earlier works and seeing how his style developed.Read full review
La Sagrada FamíliaSpain, Barcelona, Carrer de Mallorca, 401Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, aka the world's largest churchRead full review
BadalonaSpain, Barcelona, BadalonaImproved facilities and a dynamic foodie scene have nudged Badalona out from under Barcelona’s shadow.Read full review
Fundación Foto ColectaniaSpain, Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 14The perfect drive-by culture stop in Barcelona for anyone susceptible to FOMORead full review
Casa de Padellàs (Barcelona History Museum)Spain, Barcelona, Pl. del Rei, s/nA chronological explainer to help you wrap your head around Barcelona's fascinating backstoryRead full review
Museu d’Art Contemporani de BarcelonaSpain, Barcelona, Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Ciutat VellaThere is a lot to take in—6,000 works to be exact.Read full review
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Barcelona
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34 Best Restaurants in BarcelonaFew cities in the world can rival this dining scene, where even humble tapas bars have Michelin stars.
21 Best Bars in BarcelonaWhatever your mood, this city has a bar for you.
16 Best Tapas Bars in BarcelonaFrom old-school neighborhood dives to concepts from Michelin-star chefs—these tapas spots are a must..jpg)
14 Best Wine Bars in BarcelonaEssential information, really, in a city at the crossroads of twelve designated wine regions.
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Featured
23 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Our to-do list for this city is as plentiful as its sunny days.
13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Barcelona
Gaudí and beyond.
14 Beautiful Spanish Beach Towns to Dream About this Summer
They have fortresses, pintxos, and beaches for days.
Editor Restaurant Recommendations
Fronda Pasaje$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer dels Banys Vells, 20We challenge anyone not to leave here with a newfound passion for plant-based food.
Sartoria Panatieri$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Provença, 330Catering to every point along the pizza spectrum
Bardeni el Meatbar$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de València, 454A veritable temple to all things meaty
Akiro Hand Roll Bar$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Mallorca, 237 bisThe best of the best Japanese-Peruvian food in Barcelona
Agreste Mar$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Pg. de Colom, 9Just the kind of Italian spot we'd happily cross Barcelona for, but with a centralized location so you don't have to.
Jiribilla$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer del Comte Borrell, 85When you've had enough tapas to last a lifetime, try Barcelona's (maybe the world's?) only Mexican-Catalan fusion restaurant.
L'Anxova Divina$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de la Pau, 2A fun new addition to the culinary scene of an overlooked neighborhood.jpg)
Can Bo$ | Spain, Barcelona, Via Laietana, 30A rare gem of a tapas bar in one of Barcelona's busiest neighborhoods
Bar Canyí$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de Sepúlveda, 107Could this be Barcelona's hottest new tapas bar?- Eldiset$$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3
- Zim$ | Barcelona,A hearty, happy pit stop that feels like home away from home, this bar is a completely unique gem.
Viblioteca$ | Spain, Barcelona, Carrer de les Guilleries, 10It's abiding goal is to educate guests about wine, but this bright, buzzy library-inspired bar is anything but stuffy.
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The Best Airbnbs in Barcelona
From hip Sant Antoni to the historic Gothic Quarter.
More from Barcelona
Food & Drink
The World's Best Bar for 2025 Is in Hong Kong
Plus, this year's full ranking of bars around the world.
Inspiration
4 Parents Share Their Tips for Enjoying Barcelona as a Family
From Gaudí's quirky imprint on the city to stroller-friendly public transportation, here's what makes Barcelona one of Europe's most family-friendly cities.
Women Who Travel
Women Who Travel Podcast: I Went to Barcelona to Freeze My Eggs
Host Lale Arikoglu chats with Esther Yu McElroy about taking her fertility journey overseas.
Food & Drink
Where Chefs Eat on Vacation: Gregory Gourdet's Seafood-Filled Week in Barcelona
There was a seafood tower, anchovies galore, and dim sum.
Destinations
What's on the Menu at the World's Best Cocktail Bar
Recently named the best cocktail bar in the world by 'The World's 50 Best Bars', Sips led by Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez in Barcelona's Eixample is an experience full of technique, creativity and no barriers between the service and the customer.
Destinations
Ask a Local: The Coolest Places in Barcelona According to Nuria Val
Born and raised in the Catalonian capital, the co-founder and creative director of Rowse lets us in on where to find the best shared plates, natural wines, and creative nourishment.
Food & Drink
7 Barcelona Ice Cream Shops to Bookmark for Your Next Trip
Get ready for some unforgettable flavors, from parmesan to Catalan cream.
Food & Drink
In Barcelona, a New Wave of Businesses Is Drawing Visitors Beyond the City Center
A buzz has returned to this cool coastal city, percolating through progressive eateries and stylish boutiques in its emerging enclaves.
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: An Airy Barcelona Apartment With Double Balconies and Lots of Light
Located in central Barcelona, the rental is a perfect launch pad for sightseeing and tapas tasting.
The Latest
In Barcelona, the Applause Starts at 8 p.m.
Quarantined in Barcelona, one writer shares the new daily ritual that gives her hope.
The Latest
12 Days of Deals: U.S. to Barcelona from $230 Round-Trip
Fares to Europe are almost never this low—don't miss out.
The Latest
You Can't Use Uber in Barcelona Right Now
Both the ride-hailing giant and Cabify have suspended service after protests by taxi drivers turned violent.
Family Travel
The Loneliness of the American Soccer Fan
The World Cup makes us all global citizens—but for this father and his son, it all starts with Messi.
News & Advice
We Planned Your Next Trip to Barcelona: Travelogue Podcast
There's so much more to the city than the Sagrada Família—but you should totally still go there, too.
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Rome Travel GuideThe world's greatest outdoor museum
Madrid Travel GuideBarcelona’s big rival has its mojo back
Lisbon Travel GuideTiles, tiles, tiles
Florence Travel GuideGet to know your Davids
Edinburgh Travel GuideMore than just Fringe
Dublin Travel GuideThe Irish capital is calling
Copenhagen Travel GuideA Michelin-starred fairytale
Berlin Travel GuideWho needs sleep anyway?
Amsterdam Travel GuideThe other canal city
