Barcelona is a city that’s packed full of fun things to do. But you’ll also want to take some time out from the action to relax and enjoy your trip with family or friends.
Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill seeker, there’s something for everyone here! Here are 10 of the best things to do in Barcelona with friends or family.
Go on a Gaudi Tour
There are many things to do in Barcelona with friends or family, but if you want to experience the city at its most beautiful, there’s no better way than to go on a Gaudi Tour. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been there before, a Gaudi Tour will give you an insight into the life and works of the man whose ostentatious, larger-than-life architecture defines Barcelona’s aesthetic.
The world-famous sites of La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are must-sees in the city, but lines can be long. To get the most out of your visit, you should book a Gaudi Tour in advance to ensure you don’t have to wait for long.
With this 4.5-hour private tour, you’ll cover all of the best sites in a time-efficient manner with your own personal guide. You’ll see Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, before heading to Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia.
Go on a Night Tour
If you’re looking for a fun way to see Barcelona, book a Night Tour. This private tour will take you bar hopping through the Gothic Quarter, drinking vermouth in a taverna, sipping absinthe in one of Picasso’s favorite haunts, and ending with a glass of Catalan sangria. You can reserve with the best team in pub crawl Barcelona party nights.
During the day, Las Ramblas is packed with street performers and souvenir vendors, but the streets are quieter at night. The wide tree-lined avenue is full of shops and cafes, and it’s a great place to watch a show or enjoy a drink.
On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic puts on a light, sound, and water show that’s sure to impress everyone. Guests gather on nearby streets and steps to watch the jets of water dance to the music.
Go on a Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour is a great way to take in the scenery. This is especially true when you’re flying over a coastal city like Barcelona.
You can take a 12-minute flight over the iconic Sagrada Familia, the shimmering coastline and more. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.
Helicopter tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they’re a fantastic option for tourists who want to see the best of their destination from above. Just make sure to follow the rules and check with your airline before you book.
Go on a Boat Tour
Taking a boat tour in Barcelona is one of the best ways to spend a day with friends or family. You can get out on the water and soak up some sun while seeing some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Another great option for kids is the Park Guell, a modernista-style park designed by Antoni Gaudi. It’s a fun, interactive and colorful experience for the whole family!
If you’re looking for a more low-key and relaxing way to see the city, then consider this 2-hour sunset cruise. This tour is a great value for money and you can choose to swim, paddle board or simply relax on deck with a drink and listen to music.
Go on a Cruise
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a day with friends or family in Barcelona, a cruise is one of the best ways to do it. You can explore the city’s top attractions, savor exceptional cuisine and visit religious sites.
You can also take a tour of a gorgeous Gaudi home and see some of his famous works in 4D. Or you can go on a family-friendly walking tour that lets you learn about the city’s history in an interactive way.
This tour also includes skip-the-line admission to Park Guell and other famous landmarks, making it a hassle-free way to see Barcelona’s highlights. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or cruise port and your guide will help you avoid the long lines, so you can spend more time enjoying your trip.
Go on a Walking Tour
If you’re a fan of art and architecture, there are plenty of great walking tours to choose from in Barcelona. Some focus on the Gothic Quarter, while others explore Gaudi’s modernist buildings.
If your budget is tight and you want to see as much as possible without breaking the bank, consider booking a tour that covers both areas. For example, this 2-hour morning tour combines the Gothic Quarter with a Gaudi tour and takes you up to Montjuic Hill for panoramic city views.
You’ll also find plenty of other free tours to choose from, including one that covers street art and a free bike tour. However, it’s important to note that a lot of things in Barcelona are closed during certain public holidays. So check your dates carefully before you go. They have some carnivals like the carnival in Madrid on July, ideal to take a tour while seeing all of this.
Go on a Double-Decker Bus Tour
Embark on an open-top double-decker bus to see all of the major sites in Barcelona. Hop on and off as many times as you like throughout your trip and visit at your own pace!
This tour is one of the Best Things to do in Barcelona with friends or family. It offers 2 routes with 40 stops, audio commentary in 16 languages and a guide map to help you plan your itinerary.
It also includes a discount voucher book with savings across restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in the city.
The buses are comfortable, and the drivers speak a variety of languages. It’s a great way to get around Barcelona and is suitable for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Go on a Food Tour
If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Barcelona, one of the best things to do is go on a food tour. These tours offer a fantastic way to experience Catalonian cuisine in a small group with an expert guide.
This three-hour tour will take you to family-run tapas bars that will make sure you get enough food for a full dinner. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the chance to try some incredible homemade food paired with more than eight Spanish wines!
You’ll also have the chance to visit a bodega and a trendy wine bar. You’ll get a taste of the gastronomic scene in Barcelona and learn some new tips from your expert local tour guide!
Go on a Beer Tour
Beer is a popular drink in Spain, and there are plenty of places in Barcelona where you can try it. You can also go on a tour to learn about the history of beer and how to identify different varieties.
A great option for groups of friends, this tour will take you to a local independent brewery and three craft beer bars, where you will taste several new brews from Catalonia. You will be accompanied by an expert guide who will show you the ropes and help you to choose your favourite beer.
Another fun activity that is ideal for groups of friends is a Segway tour. This is an exhilarating way to explore the city and it’s a lot of fun for kids too.
Go on a Music Tour
Music tours are an excellent way to experience Barcelona’s rich musical culture. Taking you to performances by local and international artists, these tours often include workshops, dinners and other musical experiences.
Barcelona’s classical music scene is centred around three iconic concert venues: the opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Palau de la Musica Catalana. They host orchestras and performers of international repute, as well as prestigious music competitions.
For something a little different, consider attending one of Barcelona’s many jazz festivals. These events are held all over the city, but it’s best to pick the ones that interest you and book tickets accordingly.
Another option is to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palau de la Musica Catalana, which is located in the quaint La Ribera district on El Born. The building has a unique look that makes it perfect for enjoying a live performance. As well you can do activities like the top 10 in Dubai.
