Sun and sea? Or culture and cuisine? Barcelona does both, brilliantly.
Spain’s second-largest city is home to Gaudí’s magnificent architecture, Catalonian culture, bustling nightlife and one of the world’s most famous football stadiums. It’s an enchanting coastal destination that really does have it all.
Flying to Barcelona from London City
Flying direct to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) from London City Airport (LCY) takes just over 2 hours and you land around 9 miles (15km) from the Catalonian capital. For a speedy journey into the centre, jump on an Aerobus or take the metro. Barcelona’s extensive public transport network makes it easy to get around the city and its suburban areas. In fact, the city’s metro and suburban rail service are among the most accessible transport systems in Europe. You can also hire taxis (look out for the distinctive yellow and black!), bikes and cars, depending on where you’re planning to explore.
There can be several direct flights between London City Airport (LCY) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN) Airport each week, so whatever your travel plans, here's what you need to know about getting there.
Key Stats
Language
Spanish
Time Difference
1 hr ahead of GMT
Currency
Euro
Barcelona Travel Guide
¡Hola Barcelona! The perfect introduction to Catalonia’s rich cultural ancestry, unique customs and food heritage. Whether you're after cosmopolitan vibes or the simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand, Barcelona delivers it all. Browse our Barcelona travel guide to discover the essential sights to see, the city’s vibrant nightlife, food and drink scene, plus events worth checking out.
Essential Sights
Gothic Quarter
The city’s oldest most atmospheric part is home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalonian government, and the 14th-century Gothic masterpiece Barcelona Cathedral. This delightful area is filled with small alleyways, historic buildings and hidden plazas scattered with century-old shops, bars and cafes. Conveniently, the distance from Barcelona’s El Prat Airport to the Gothic Quarter is 15 miles.
El Born
Formerly a craftsmen’s district, El Born is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Its narrow medieval streets are lined with designer stores, ancient shops and cafes, giving it an international vibe.
You’ll find some of the city’s most important landmarks here, including the 14th-century Gothic Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar and Palau de la Música, a music hall.
Gràcia
Gràcia is a district with an arty, laid-back personality. Alongside local designer’s workshops, vegan restaurants, Japanese patisseries and yoga studios, traditional markets still thrive here. The neighbourhood also hosts popular events such as the Festa Major de Gràcia, a free street festival held in summer.
Basilica de la Sagrada Família
If there’s one Barcelona attraction you cannot miss, Gaudi’s magnificent Catholic church must be seen to be believed. In construction since 1882 – and nearly complete – it features two external grand facades with intricate stone carvings and multiple gleaming tiled towers.
Inside, tree-like columns soar towards a canopy ceiling and huge stained-glass windows drench the space in bright colour. Brave the climb up one of the towers to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Barceloneta
A year-round vacation spot, Barceloneta (‘Little Barcelona’ in Catalan) is the best neighbourhood for the beach. Sunbathe by day, party in the clubs by night – Barceloneta has everything, including plenty of places for families to enjoy. Take a stroll around Port Vell and the lively promenade or visit the Museu d’Història de Catalunya to learn more about the region.
Montjuïc
This green hill to the south of the city is home to the Olympic Park, as well as many museums and gardens. As you come up from Plaça d'Espanya, you’re greeted by the sight of the grand stairs and cascading fountains descending from the magnificent palace that houses the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC).
La Rambla
Easily the most famous street in Barcelona, this 1.2km boulevard starts at Plaça de Catalunya and ends at the statue of Christopher Columbus down by the port. It’s nicely busy in the early evenings with street performers and market stalls – perfect for strolling.
Gaudí Architecture Walk
L'Eixample (‘expansion district’ in Catalan) neighbourhood follows a grid pattern with long streets crossed by wide avenues. Stroll around and you’ll find Gaudí-designed buildings including the legendary Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, the most elegant avenue in Barcelona.
Nightlife
This Barcelona tourist guide wouldn’t be complete without a look at the city’s vibrant nightlife. And There’s there’s plenty to entertain you in a city as large and creative as Barcelona – including modern dance, traditional flamenco shows, live gigs, jazz, opera and cabaret, while the outdoors buzz with street art and performers.
Most of Barcelona’s nightlife happens across the main central neighbourhoods and there’s enough going on to keep everyone entertained. Be prepared to shift your body clock, as the locals tend to eat late (from 9pm) so bars stay open till the small hours – and clubs until the sun comes up!
You’ll find all kinds of interesting little bars within the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter, or party with the cool kids in the more sophisticated, less touristy cafes and bars of El Born. On the other side of the Ramblas, the edgier El Raval district is popular for its electronic music clubs. And over in the very Catalan quarter Gràcia, join arty locals in bars set around the charming squares across the neighbourhood.
Food & Drink
Centuries of Mediterranean tradition feed into the Catalonian cuisine you’ll find in Barcelona. And the city’s coastal location means you can expect succulent seafood, plus all the Mediterranean cuisine a palate could desire! Try out the food markets too – each neighbourhood has its own worth a visit.
Local specialities
Paella, that iconic Spanish rice dish originally from Valencia, is a must-try in its home country. Usually topped with juicy seafood, you can also sample versions with meat or veggies – or try fideuà, the Catalan version made with pasta noodles instead of rice. Better still, take a class and learn to make top-notch paella once you’re back home.
On a hot summer’s day, refresh yourself with a glass of orxata, a Spanish drink made from ground tiger nuts, water and sugar served over ice.
Tapas
Barcelona is the place to sample some of the best tapas on the planet – from light savoury appetisers paired with a drink to a full-tasting menu of small plates.
There’s nowhere better to enjoy traditional jamon iberico, croquetas (fried savoury croquettes with creamy filling flavoured with meat, fish or vegetables), Padrón peppers or the ever-popular patatas bravas (cubed potato in spicy sauce). Prepare to discover all kinds of delicious small dishes made with ingredients ranging from sausage to seafood and fresh beans to cheeses.
Markets
There are several excellent food markets to choose from in Barcelona – each neighbourhood has its own.
The atmospheric La Boqueria is the oldest and most famous, with a vast mix of produce and nationalities, dotted with bars selling quality snacks. The modern-meets-authentic Santa Caterina offers a huge gastronomic variety under its multi-coloured ceramic roof, and the giant Mercat de Sant Antoni sells almost everything from local arts and crafts to housewares.
Events
Barcelona CarnivalEarly Spring
The timing of this week-long street festival is decided by the lunar calendar, so it varies each year. The event is filled with plenty of communal eating, float parades, dancing, fancy dress, masked balls, fireworks and all round revelry – the whole community gets involved!
Barcelona PrideJune/July
Barcelona Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ festivals in Spain, transforming the city for two weeks with an incredible line-up of entertainment to celebrate diversity and the fight for freedom, dignity, respect and acceptance.
Fiesta Mayor de Barceloneta (La Mercè)September
A spectacular festival to celebrate this district which sits on land reclaimed from the sea and to honour its saint, San Miguel. Look out for giant papier-mâché figures, sculptures, dancing devils, drummers and fireworks throughout the streets.
Fira de Sagrada Família
This popular traditional Christmas fair has appeared annually since the 1960s. You can buy all things Christmassy, from gifts to decorations, from the 100-odd stalls clustered in front of the picture-perfect Sagrada Família.