Barcelona has long been a top destination for families traveling to Europe. Oftentimes, families discover this European gem as a port of call in their Mediterranean cruise. They quickly discover Barcelona's charm, with many hoteliers getting requests to add on hotel stays following a cruise for "just a little more time" in this cosmopolitan seaside city.
Streets lined with palm trees and the views of the Mediterranean's turquoise blue sea provide that beachside tranquility many families seek for vacations, but Barcelona is so very much more than its coastline. Its hills are filled with fanciful and ornate architecture, history is around every corner, and the city's beauty has served as inspiration to many an artist, including Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and the city's famed architect, Antoni Gaudi, who led the Catalan Modernism revolution. His influence appears in residential buildings to city parks and, of course, the city's landmark Sagrada Familia, his opus. Outdoor cafes and restaurant patios beckon locals and visitors alike to sit back and enjoy the day over tapas (small plates). Spain's laidback culture is especially evident during mealtimes, with lunches beginning in the late afternoon and lasting hours, and dinners occurring far past the bedtimes of your youngest children.
Children, however, have plenty to love about Barcelona. Montjuic's museums, castles, Olympic heritage and magic fountain are a great introduction to the city, followed by exploration and play in Gaudi's famed park, Parc Guell, and a trip to the port for an aquarium and beach visit. Kids -- and you -- will love the sky trams the city offers as an alternative form of transportation; you can catch them at Montjuic, Port Vell or Tibidabo. Sprinkle in some chocolate, a dash of Futbol (soccer) and a ton of history, and your family has a jam-packed vacation in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Barcelona Family Vacations
Barcelona Family Vacations
Families will love:
- Whimsical parks and fountains
- A grand Olympic and European football presence
- Mediterranean port city
Written by Lissa Poirot
Read more about Barcelona AttractionsBest Barcelona Family Hotels
© Copyright 2012. The Independent Traveler, Inc.
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All rights reserved. This file may be downloaded for personal
use only. Other copying or reproduction is expressly prohibited.
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