Barcelona

Hop on the Barcelona City Tour Bus and discover all the highlights that make this Mediterranean city so special. From the modernist buildings and the great cuisine to the Olympic City and the Mediterranean Sea: it's all Barcelona. The air-conditioned double-decker open coaches travel all around the city, stopping at the most famous attractions including the Sagrada Familia and the Arc de Triomf. There is a multilingual audio guide system and individual headphones as well as free Wi-Fi onboard. Hop on or off wherever you choose from one route to another. Because it can be very busy at the ticket offices, buy your ticket online now and hop on at the location of your choice.

Two of Barcelona's most popular beaches, Mar Bella & Bogatell are just a few minutes apart. Mar Bella is a naturist and gay-friendly beach, while Bogatell is known for volleyball and sunbathing. Both are located within walking distance of trendy bars and restaurants. However, the most popular beach in Barcelona is Barceloneta, mainly for its proximity to the city centre. Stretching approximately 1.1 kilometres from the iconic W Hotel (Hotel Vela) to Port Olímpic, Barceloneta Beach attracts both tourists and locals, especially after work. The fine sands and beach promenade are particularly inviting for cyclists, joggers, and inline skaters. For a more laid-back beach experience, Nova Icària near Port Olímpic is a top choice. Known for its calm waters and excellent facilities, it’s a popular spot for families and those looking to relax without the crowds of Barceloneta. If you’re seeking an even quieter escape, head to Ocata Beach in El Masnou, just a 20-minute train ride north of the city. With its expansive golden sands and tranquil atmosphere, Ocata provides the perfect setting to unwind away from the urban buzz.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is one of the city’s most visited cultural gems, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early years of one of the world’s most influential artists. With a permanent collection of over 4,000 works, the museum highlights Picasso’s deep connection to Barcelona, a city that played a key role in shaping his artistic evolution. The collection spans his formative years, showcasing a variety of styles and periods that reveal the development of his unique creative vision.

Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona's 'green lung', is not only the most central park in the city but also a park that includes a zoo, a lake, a large fountain, and a couple of museums. In the centre of the park, you will even find the building where the Catalan Parliament is seated. So take a walk, have a picnic, and enjoy this very lusciously green and well-maintained park.

Just 35 km south of Barcelona, Sitges is a favourite day-trip destination that offers a perfect mix of relaxation and charm. Known for its golden beaches and laid-back atmosphere, the town invites visitors to spend a leisurely day soaking up the sun or wandering its narrow, cobblestone streets. Along the way, you'll discover trendy boutiques, historic sights like the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, and a tempting array of seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood. For those staying overnight, Sitges’ well-reputed nightlife is not to be missed.

The sharks are the stars at this Mediterranean-themed aquarium, but you'll be able to see almost all different kinds of marine species here. The aquarium is situated at the end of Las Ramblas and is very close to the city centre. When here, make sure not to miss the tunnel where you can spot stingrays, sharks and many kinds of fish swimming around and above you.

Perched atop Turó de la Rovira in the Carmel neighbourhood, the Bunkers del Carmel remains one of the few “secret” places in Barcelona, not overtaken by tourists yet. These are the remnants of a 1937 air-raid bunker from the Spanish Civil War, now a peaceful spot to enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city. It’s an especially magical place to visit at sunset, as the golden light fades and Barcelona transforms into a sparkling sea of lights.

Designed in 1792, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is Barcelona’s oldest garden and a hidden gem for those seeking tranquillity away from the city's bustling centre. It surrounds Torre Soberana, a 14th-century country house later redesigned in the Arabesque style. The park’s highlight is its cypress hedge maze, where visitors can get lost in a whimsical journey while encountering sculptures of mythological figures like Eros.

Cardona, a charming medieval village just an hour from Barcelona, is steeped in history and natural beauty. A highlight of any visit is the iconic Salt Mountain, a one-of-a-kind geological formation that offers guided tours into its shimmering salt caves. The imposing Castell de Cardona, perched on a hill, once served as the residence of the influential Cardona family, among Catalonia’s wealthiest lineages. Today, the castle houses a parador (luxury hotel) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss exploring the Medieval Centre, where cobbled streets and historic buildings transport you back in time.

El Born Centre for Culture and Memory is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century market and offers a glimpse into the history of Barcelona. The centre’s focus is on the significant events of 11 September 1714, when Barcelona fell to the Bourbon forces of King Philip V, marking the end of Catalonia’s independence and the loss of its liberties. Through the lens of the War of the Spanish Succession, the centre brings to life the vibrant Barcelona of the early 1700s. The archaeological site beneath the building reveals the remains of the neighbourhood that was demolished by King Philip V after the siege, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the city's past.

CosmoCaixa is a must-visit for science enthusiasts of all ages. This hands-on museum in Barcelona combines education with curiosity, featuring interactive exhibits on physics, geology, biology, and more. Permanent highlights include the 'Flooded Forest', a living recreation of the Amazon rainforest complete with 30-metre-tall trees and tropical wildlife, and the 'Geological Wall', showcasing massive rock samples that tell Earth’s story. There’s also the 'Room of Matter', which delves into the origins of the universe, and a Planetarium for stargazers.

Sant Pau, formerly the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, is one of Barcelona’s architectural treasures and the world’s largest Art Nouveau complex. Designed by the renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this stunning site was built between 1901 and 1930 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The complex feels like a city within a city, with 12 beautifully restored pavilions surrounded by lush gardens. A visit to Sant Pau offers a unique blend of history, art, and architecture, inviting you to explore one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.