7 PLACES OUR FAMILY LOVED IN BARCELONA
The city is vibrant. The food is cutting edge. And the people are so passionate. It’s a manageable city to see on your own. Two to three full days allow you to sample the most popular sites, neighborhoods, and flavors of the City of Gaudí.
First, a brief introduction to Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí lived in Barcelona from 1852-1926. His works are iconic and represent the passion and creativity of Spaniards. Seven of them are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The three major works most people see are the Sagrada Família (church), Casa Batlló (redsigned house), and Park Güell.
Here are seven places and things our family liked the most in Barcelona and tips to see them.
#1 LA SAGRADA FAMÍLIA
Every person’s first visit to Barcelona will include a tour of the yet to be finished church. Pope Benedict XVI recently designated this UNESCO World Heritage site as a “minor basilica” in 2010. In 1883, Gaudí was asked to take over the project only a year after it began. Its target for completion is 2026, which will be the centennial of his death. If you like views from above, pay a few extra dollars and take the elevator to the top. Walk down some 400 steps and stop at balconies for beautiful views of the city.
Tip: This may be Barcelona’s most popular tourist spot. Avoid the long lines by buying your ticket online in advance. After your visit, take a break from the crowds at the park across the street. There is a play structure and swings for younger children.
Official website: Sagrada Família
Cost: Entrance + Visit to the Tower 19.50€, children under 11 are free
Map location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Seafood restaurant nearby: La Paradeta at Passatge Simo, 18
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s yet to be completed masterpiece. Take the steps for views of the city!
#2 PARK GÜELL AND GAUDÍ HOUSE MUSEUM
About one mile and a half northwest of Sagrada Família is Park Güell. It was named after Count Eusebi Güell who commissioned Gaudí to design a park and commercial project. Güell dreamed of building and selling houses around this now UNESCO recognized World Heritage site, but the community never bought into it. We can thank them for this because Gaudí’s park has lots of open space and trails for locals and tourists alike. The park has free admission but a paid ticket is required for the most popular section with its views overlooking Barcelona and its iconic, mosaic works.
While visiting Park Güell, I recommend a stop at the Gaudí House Museum. We really enjoyed learning about Gaudí and seeing the house where he lived for nearly 20 years. Here was a man who lived a simple life. He owned few things and decorated this house accordingly. Yet, his artistic projects displayed at Park Güell, Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila show a man with great ambition and creative energies. I left Barcelona inspired by Gaudí to try new things.
Tip: From Sagrada Familia, it’s an uphill walk to Park Güell. Save energy and take a taxi. From elsewhere, you can take the Metro to Lesseps stop. The last mile is still a bit of a steep walk.
Official websites: Park Güell and Gaudí House Museum
Cost: Park Güell – 7.00€ for adults, 4.90€ ages 7-12, children 6 and under are free; Gaudí House Museum – 5.50€ for adults, 4.50€ ages 11-17, children 10 and under are free
Map location: Carrer d’Olot
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - Park Guell
“Nothing is invented, for it’s written in nature first.” – Antoni Gaudi
#3 CASA BATLLÓ
This is a house Antoni Gaudí has remodeled. The multi-story residence was redesigned for a wealthy industrialist family in 1906. On display is Gaudí’s ability to mix art and design ingenuity. When visiting, you will receive an audio device for a self-guided tour. Plan about an hour or more at this inspiring house tour. This was our family’s favorite Gaudí visit in Barcelona.
Official website: Casa Batlló
Cost: Adults 21.5€, Children 7-18 (18.5€), Under 7 Free
Map location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43
Tapas nearby: Cerveceria Catalana (our favorite tapas) at Carrer de Mallorca, 236
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - Casa Batllo
“There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature.” – Antoni Gaudi
#4 OLD TOWN
One of the fun things we did in Barcelona was to explore the labyrinthine streets of the old city. The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) was the center of the old city, and it stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana. Gothic architecture and some Roman buildings dating to the medieval times still stand. Remnants of the Jewish Quarter can also be found where one of the largest Jewish populations in the world once lived and represented up to 15% of the city. While old, there are many new restaurants and shops that are flourishing in this neighborhood. We enjoyed walking through the narrow streets exploring and eating our way around.
Map location: Gothic Quarter
Good Eats: You will find a plethora of family owned restaurants and cafés where you can eat their specialties. It’s easy on the budget and a family favorite.
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - Plaça Reial
Enjoy the new in the old city where medieval architecture can still be found – Plaça Reial.
#5 MERCADO DE LA BOQUERIA AT LA RAMBLA
Everyone who visits Barcelona comes to this fantastic market. It is a fun place for the family to walk around. While the bar-type restaurants may not work for families with younger children, there are plenty of food vendors and stalls to please everyone. You can find all kinds of different goodies like fruits, vegetables, seafood, spices and candy.
Tip: You may want to just pick up snacks and small bites. There is no seating at the market except when dining at a bar-style restaurant.
Market on La Rambla: Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Map location: La Rambla, 91
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - La Boqueria
Visit La Boqueria, Barcelona’s most famous market where locals and tourist shop.
#6 LA BARCELONETA
Another old neighborhood we enjoyed exploring was La Barceloneta. This small, triangular area was built in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are so close to one another that you can have conversations with people across your balcony. On a different visit, my wife and I rented an apartment. It was all of 400 square feet, and we could hear neighbors in five different directions. Trash trucks could be heard at 2 am. It reminded me of living on-campus in college minus the couple above us yelling at each other in Catalan in the middle of the night. Have a meal there. Get some gelato. Walk along the beach. For families traveling with children, though, keep in mind that some Europeans don’t always keep their tops on.
Map location: La Barceloneta
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - La Barceloneta
Explore the narrow streets of La Barceloneta.
#7 SEAFOOD, TAPAS, BAKERIES, CAFES
Barcelona offers fresh seafood, traditional Catalan dishes, bakeries, and tapas! Tapas are small plates. They are appetizers and snacks, which can be ordered in larger portions at many places. Traditionally, you go to a tapas restaurant/bar to drink and eat from small plates and socialize before dinner. When we visited, we enjoyed an entire lunch or dinner at the same place. My son’s most memorable and favorite food in Barcelona was the Paella Negra (squid ink rice). It’s fun for the kids and definitely one for your social media post.
Our favorite restaurant for tapas was Cerveceria Catalana (Carrer de Mallorca, 236) about seven minutes walk from Casa Batlló. It is centrally located off Passeig de Gracia. I highly recommend it.
Tip: There’s something you need to know when visiting Spain for the first time. Meal times are later than you would like. Lunch is between 1-4 pm, and Dinner between 8-11 pm. I spent a fortune at bakeries during “dinner time” to tide us over for the real dinner around 8 pm. Adjust accordingly.
Top things to do in Barcelona Spain - Bakery
Adjust your meal times in Barcelona or visit these delicious bakeries to tide you over.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO BARCELONA WITH KIDS
Airport Transportation
El Prat (BCN) is the international airport in Barcelona. It’s about 14 km from city center. There are two affordable options. The blue colored AeroBus comes every 10 minutes. The 45-minute ride stops at five central locations in the city. You can buy tickets at the ticket machine found outside the terminal for about $6 each way per person. Save money and buy a round trip ticket. For a family of four, you might consider taking a taxi, which is what we did both ways. It’s about $25 each way.
Where to Stay
Hilton Barcelona is well-located on Barcelona’s main avenue, Avenida Diagonal, and is within about 3 miles/5 km of most of the attractions listed here. Hilton Barcelona Diagonal Mar is only a 10-minute walk to the beach and still within about 5 miles of most major things to do in Barcelona.
Safety
Some of my friends have asked me if Barcelona is safe. It’s a reasonable concern. Pick pocketing and bag snatching are common in popular tourist areas like La Rambla. This is true of many destinations around the world. I have been to Barcelona twice without incident, but I do notice even the local women clutching their purses near the front of their bodies. Like visiting other major cities, be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Having said this, I have no reservations taking my children again, and I highly recommend Barcelona to you.
DAY TRIP TO EXOTIC, ADVENTUROUS, MYSTICAL TANGIER, MOROCCO
The very mention of Tangier evokes images of exotic mystery, fascinating history, dream-like vistas and unspoiled beaches. This Gateway to Africa offers a dazzling mix of cultures from North Africa, Spain, Portugal and France.
And for the kids…where else but Tangier can they “rock the Kasbah,” ride a camel, wrap a snake around their necks, feast like little princes and princesses…all in one adventure-packed day? Excited about the intrigue and temptations, the six of us (my husband, our two girls then ages 8 and 11, my parents and I) hopped the modern ferry from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco, and our unforgettable day trip began!
BEFORE YOU GO
Big recommendation: Before you arrive in Tangier, I strongly recommend contacting a reputable tour guide. We found one of the best, Said’s Private Tours. We were sold once we learned that Said: (1) Spent time in New Jersey, and (2) Has provided tours of Tangier to David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen! If he’s good enough for “the Boss,” he’s good enough for us! A tour guide will help you efficiently and safely navigate the city and enhance the local experience.
Tip: I also recommend telling your guide if you plan to shop or prefer to skip it. Said respected our wishes and at no point were we asked to consider buying anything.
OUR FAMILY’S TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ON A DAY TRIP TO TANGIER, MOROCCO
#1 NOW THAT’S CHARMING – WATCH A REAL SNAKE CHARMER DO HIS THING!
We felt like actors in a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, standing in amazement just feet from the mystical snake charmer! The girls watched with eyes and mouths wide open as the charmer (and his two tambourine-tapping assistants) worked his magic, and sure enough, his skills and the hypnotic rhythms magically coaxed the snake up and out of its basket!
We knew we would never forget this snake-perience, but to be sure, we each actually posed for pictures with a snake wrapped around our necks! (Shh! – don’t tell anyone – but the snake in our photos was not really alive.) Your guide will find you a charmer of your own just outside the walls of the Kasbah.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Snake Charmer
Get charmed by a day trip to Tangier, Morocco.
#2 EXPLORE THE CAVES OF HERCULES!
Kids and caves are a natural match. But this cave in Tangier is not just any cave, the Grottes d’Hercule, according to legend, is where the mythical figure, Hercules, used to rest after finishing his 12 labors!
The cave is set among a picturesque beachfront and with a stunningly dramatic opening unlike any we have ever seen. The girls loved this place almost as much as my dad/photographer did. We all learned a fascinating fact: the shape of the cave’s opening is uncannily similar to the map of Africa (if you were looking at the cave from the ocean).
We all delighted in seeing and hearing the crashing waves and being covered in the surf’s mist. It was a true multi-sensory experience. Another surprising treat for the kids was being able to casually shop inside the cave where local artists sell their wares and souvenirs.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Caves of Hercules
Explore the beautiful beaches near the Caves of Hercules.
#3 HUMP DAY – RIDE CAMELS ALONG THE BEACH!
Imagine in your mind an African scene, and you’ll probably conjure up romantic images of locals riding camels along the sand. Well, when in Tangier, you can put yourself as star of that scene. We did!
After mounting our camels (perhaps the scariest part of the experience), we formed our own caravan along the sandy beach, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean as the picturesque backdrop. While it may not have been a true camel trek, using a little imagination, my girls thrilled in the exotic feeling of their journey and so did I!
Tip: Keep in mind that the there are no safety harnesses. Be sure your child is able to hold on tightly during the bumpy and jerky ride. My younger daughter was 8 and she was fine, smiling the entire time.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Camel ride
Taking an exotic camel ride is one of the top things to do in Morocco on a day trip to Tangier.
#4 ROCK THE KASBAH – VISIT THE EXOTIC WALLED CITY!
Probably the most exotic experience of our entire two-week, adventure-filled trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco was immersing ourselves in the medina, the old walled city. Upon entering the 15th century fortress walls, we were immediately transported into a world so very different than our own!
My girls were fascinated and delighted as they wandered the narrow alleys of the medina, discovering thrills and surprises at every turn. We were able to truly see and feel how the locals work, shop and live in the medina. We peeked into the spectacularly colorful thread stores. We watched the bakers preparing the daily bread. We admired the sparkling silver designs in the jewelry stores. We saw seamstresses hard at work, creating intricate garments right before our eyes. All of this activity was going on amidst the sights, sounds and smells of a world we never knew.
To top it all off, we visited the medieval Kasbah, the walled fortress of the Sultan, which is surrounded by absolutely stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. The entire visit was a priceless, eye-opening educational experience for our children.
#5 NOT YOUR LOCAL GROCERY – EXPERIENCE THE MARVELOUS MARKETS OF MOROCCO!
Food shopping on vacation? Really? Oh yeah! In Tangier it’s an experience not to be missed! The Moroccan markets are called souks, and they are jam-packed with local shoppers and sellers in colorful costumes with exotic offerings beyond the imagination. Spices, seafood, meats, cheeses, native handicrafts and anything, and everything, else you can imagine are all available for sale.
Our family market adventure started in the bustling fish market where the noisy bargaining, the sights of unusual sea life, and especially the odors of the seafood literally stunned my girls into silence. Then the kids’ eyes widened as they ventured through the narrow stalls of the meat market with entire slabs and sides of beef, whole chickens hanging from stalls, baskets of mysterious animal organs and, the most precious of Moroccan delicacies, cows’ heads!
Finally, our senses were rewarded as we strolled through the fragrant exotic spice and vegetable market, stopping to examine the goat cheese being sold by the indigenous Berber women in traditional garb. Our girls couldn’t believe this is how Tangier families do their daily grocery shopping, a far cry from a trip to our local grocery store!
Tips: For the ultimate Moroccan shopping experience, start with a coffee in the bustling Grand Socco (Big Square), the gorgeous iconic entrance to the medina. Channel your inner Jason Bourne or conjure up visitors of the past such as Tennessee Williams, Henri Matisse and Jack Kerouac. Soak in the palm trees and beautiful fountain. Then explore the bustling square filled with vendors selling second-hand goods, fruits and spices. For a stunning view, hang out on La Terasse, a balcony across from the police station.
And remember to wear sneakers as the ground in the markets may be wet and dirty.
Top things do to in Morocco, Day trip to Tangier - Market
Wander the aisles of the many different tempting markets in Tangier.
THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT LUNCH – FEAST LIKE MOROCCAN ROYALTY!
After our trip to the fascinating, but unusual souk market, I must admit I was fearful of eating in Tangier and told our tour guide, Said, that I was packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to play it safe.
Said laughed and assured me that the Restaurant Hamadi would be more than safe; it would be a delicious and luxurious experience. Boy, was he right! Hamadi is an other-worldly oasis in the middle of the wild hubbub of the city. As we were ushered into a palace-like atmosphere, our senses were immediately absorbed in the inviting smells of spices and the hypnotic melodies of a quartet playing traditional Moroccan music. We were shown to a sumptuous red booth, where we royally reclined on plush pillows and soaked in the ultra-rich atmosphere.
And then the feast began, course after course after course of delectable Moroccan cuisine. Seems my girls were totally into Moroccan food! They dove into every dish and even begged for seconds of the harira soup. My girls discovered tremendous flavorful dishes of couscous with vegetables, tagine meats, piles of olives and tapenades. We ended it all with a cup of mint tea and honey soaked pastries. Mmm…Mmm…Morocco! Lunch was more than a meal; it was truly a royal experience which turned out to be one of my girls’ favorite meals anywhere they have traveled!
WHERE TO STAY
With flights around one hour, Tangier is a manageable day trip from Madrid, Spain. The Tangier airport is just 20 minutes from the center of the city. Consider staying at the conveniently located and delightful Hilton Madrid Airport. Tangier can also be reached via a short high-speed ferry from Tarifa, Spain.
What a day! What an experience! Let Tangier tempt you — you won’t regret it!
And for the kids…where else but Tangier can they “rock the Kasbah,” ride a camel, wrap a snake around their necks, feast like little princes and princesses…all in one adventure-packed day? Excited about the intrigue and temptations, the six of us (my husband, our two girls then ages 8 and 11, my parents and I) hopped the modern ferry from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco, and our unforgettable day trip began!
BEFORE YOU GO
Big recommendation: Before you arrive in Tangier, I strongly recommend contacting a reputable tour guide. We found one of the best, Said’s Private Tours. We were sold once we learned that Said: (1) Spent time in New Jersey, and (2) Has provided tours of Tangier to David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen! If he’s good enough for “the Boss,” he’s good enough for us! A tour guide will help you efficiently and safely navigate the city and enhance the local experience.
Tip: I also recommend telling your guide if you plan to shop or prefer to skip it. Said respected our wishes and at no point were we asked to consider buying anything.
OUR FAMILY’S TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ON A DAY TRIP TO TANGIER, MOROCCO
#1 NOW THAT’S CHARMING – WATCH A REAL SNAKE CHARMER DO HIS THING!
We felt like actors in a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, standing in amazement just feet from the mystical snake charmer! The girls watched with eyes and mouths wide open as the charmer (and his two tambourine-tapping assistants) worked his magic, and sure enough, his skills and the hypnotic rhythms magically coaxed the snake up and out of its basket!
We knew we would never forget this snake-perience, but to be sure, we each actually posed for pictures with a snake wrapped around our necks! (Shh! – don’t tell anyone – but the snake in our photos was not really alive.) Your guide will find you a charmer of your own just outside the walls of the Kasbah.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Snake Charmer
Get charmed by a day trip to Tangier, Morocco.
#2 EXPLORE THE CAVES OF HERCULES!
Kids and caves are a natural match. But this cave in Tangier is not just any cave, the Grottes d’Hercule, according to legend, is where the mythical figure, Hercules, used to rest after finishing his 12 labors!
The cave is set among a picturesque beachfront and with a stunningly dramatic opening unlike any we have ever seen. The girls loved this place almost as much as my dad/photographer did. We all learned a fascinating fact: the shape of the cave’s opening is uncannily similar to the map of Africa (if you were looking at the cave from the ocean).
We all delighted in seeing and hearing the crashing waves and being covered in the surf’s mist. It was a true multi-sensory experience. Another surprising treat for the kids was being able to casually shop inside the cave where local artists sell their wares and souvenirs.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Caves of Hercules
Explore the beautiful beaches near the Caves of Hercules.
#3 HUMP DAY – RIDE CAMELS ALONG THE BEACH!
Imagine in your mind an African scene, and you’ll probably conjure up romantic images of locals riding camels along the sand. Well, when in Tangier, you can put yourself as star of that scene. We did!
After mounting our camels (perhaps the scariest part of the experience), we formed our own caravan along the sandy beach, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean as the picturesque backdrop. While it may not have been a true camel trek, using a little imagination, my girls thrilled in the exotic feeling of their journey and so did I!
Tip: Keep in mind that the there are no safety harnesses. Be sure your child is able to hold on tightly during the bumpy and jerky ride. My younger daughter was 8 and she was fine, smiling the entire time.
Top things to do in Morocco, Day Trip to Tangier - Camel ride
Taking an exotic camel ride is one of the top things to do in Morocco on a day trip to Tangier.
#4 ROCK THE KASBAH – VISIT THE EXOTIC WALLED CITY!
Probably the most exotic experience of our entire two-week, adventure-filled trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco was immersing ourselves in the medina, the old walled city. Upon entering the 15th century fortress walls, we were immediately transported into a world so very different than our own!
My girls were fascinated and delighted as they wandered the narrow alleys of the medina, discovering thrills and surprises at every turn. We were able to truly see and feel how the locals work, shop and live in the medina. We peeked into the spectacularly colorful thread stores. We watched the bakers preparing the daily bread. We admired the sparkling silver designs in the jewelry stores. We saw seamstresses hard at work, creating intricate garments right before our eyes. All of this activity was going on amidst the sights, sounds and smells of a world we never knew.
To top it all off, we visited the medieval Kasbah, the walled fortress of the Sultan, which is surrounded by absolutely stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. The entire visit was a priceless, eye-opening educational experience for our children.
#5 NOT YOUR LOCAL GROCERY – EXPERIENCE THE MARVELOUS MARKETS OF MOROCCO!
Food shopping on vacation? Really? Oh yeah! In Tangier it’s an experience not to be missed! The Moroccan markets are called souks, and they are jam-packed with local shoppers and sellers in colorful costumes with exotic offerings beyond the imagination. Spices, seafood, meats, cheeses, native handicrafts and anything, and everything, else you can imagine are all available for sale.
Our family market adventure started in the bustling fish market where the noisy bargaining, the sights of unusual sea life, and especially the odors of the seafood literally stunned my girls into silence. Then the kids’ eyes widened as they ventured through the narrow stalls of the meat market with entire slabs and sides of beef, whole chickens hanging from stalls, baskets of mysterious animal organs and, the most precious of Moroccan delicacies, cows’ heads!
Finally, our senses were rewarded as we strolled through the fragrant exotic spice and vegetable market, stopping to examine the goat cheese being sold by the indigenous Berber women in traditional garb. Our girls couldn’t believe this is how Tangier families do their daily grocery shopping, a far cry from a trip to our local grocery store!
Tips: For the ultimate Moroccan shopping experience, start with a coffee in the bustling Grand Socco (Big Square), the gorgeous iconic entrance to the medina. Channel your inner Jason Bourne or conjure up visitors of the past such as Tennessee Williams, Henri Matisse and Jack Kerouac. Soak in the palm trees and beautiful fountain. Then explore the bustling square filled with vendors selling second-hand goods, fruits and spices. For a stunning view, hang out on La Terasse, a balcony across from the police station.
And remember to wear sneakers as the ground in the markets may be wet and dirty.
Top things do to in Morocco, Day trip to Tangier - Market
Wander the aisles of the many different tempting markets in Tangier.
THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT LUNCH – FEAST LIKE MOROCCAN ROYALTY!
After our trip to the fascinating, but unusual souk market, I must admit I was fearful of eating in Tangier and told our tour guide, Said, that I was packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to play it safe.
Said laughed and assured me that the Restaurant Hamadi would be more than safe; it would be a delicious and luxurious experience. Boy, was he right! Hamadi is an other-worldly oasis in the middle of the wild hubbub of the city. As we were ushered into a palace-like atmosphere, our senses were immediately absorbed in the inviting smells of spices and the hypnotic melodies of a quartet playing traditional Moroccan music. We were shown to a sumptuous red booth, where we royally reclined on plush pillows and soaked in the ultra-rich atmosphere.
And then the feast began, course after course after course of delectable Moroccan cuisine. Seems my girls were totally into Moroccan food! They dove into every dish and even begged for seconds of the harira soup. My girls discovered tremendous flavorful dishes of couscous with vegetables, tagine meats, piles of olives and tapenades. We ended it all with a cup of mint tea and honey soaked pastries. Mmm…Mmm…Morocco! Lunch was more than a meal; it was truly a royal experience which turned out to be one of my girls’ favorite meals anywhere they have traveled!
WHERE TO STAY
With flights around one hour, Tangier is a manageable day trip from Madrid, Spain. The Tangier airport is just 20 minutes from the center of the city. Consider staying at the conveniently located and delightful Hilton Madrid Airport. Tangier can also be reached via a short high-speed ferry from Tarifa, Spain.
What a day! What an experience! Let Tangier tempt you — you won’t regret it!
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