Barcelona is commonly seen as a haven for structure lovers, foodies, and seashore goers, however it’s additionally a surprisingly toddler-friendly metropolis when the place to go and what to anticipate.
When you’re contemplating visiting Barcelona with a toddler, don’t fear, you gained’t have to surrender on enjoyable or flexibility. You’ll simply have to tweak your itinerary a bit.
Listed here are our prime suggestions for making your Barcelona journey memorable and manageable with a toddler.
Associated learn: Households on a Price range: Free and Low cost Issues to Do With Children in Barcelona
Overview:
9 Ideas for Visiting Barcelona with a Toddler
1. Embrace town’s parks and playgrounds
Barcelona is a metropolis filled with great inexperienced areas and playgrounds which are good on your toddler to discover and luxuriate in.
Listed here are a couple of highlights that provide a mixture of nature, enjoyable, and rest for households:
- Parc de la Ciutadella: One of many metropolis’s largest and hottest parks, Parc de la Ciutadella is a must-visit for households. It affords vast, open areas on your toddler to run round, a wonderful lake the place you possibly can hire rowboats, and one of many metropolis’s greatest playgrounds, which options swings, slides, and climbing constructions. It’s additionally dwelling to a surprising waterfall, so there’s loads to see when you take a stroll.
- Jardins de la Torre de les Aigües: A hidden gem within the Eixample district, these tranquil gardens are an ideal spot for households seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of town. Through the summer season months, the gardens remodel right into a mini “seashore,” with shallow water for kids to splash round in. It’s a implausible place for toddlers to chill off and have enjoyable, with loads of area for a calming picnic or a quiet second within the shade.
- Parc Güell: Well-known for its vibrant mosaics and kooky design by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell isn’t just a deal with for the eyes but additionally a fantastic spot for little ones to discover. Whereas the park itself is beautiful, it’s essential to plan as there are lots of steps and uneven terrain. When you’re visiting with a toddler, think about using a provider or a pushchair to make navigating the park simpler.
Associated learn: The Finest Parks in Barcelona
2. Time your day across the native rhythm
In Spain, lunch sometimes runs from 1:30 pm to three:30 pm, and dinner can begin as late as 8:30 pm. For toddlers used to earlier meals, it may be difficult. To make it simpler, plan meals at locations that serve meals repeatedly, open early, or store at native supermarkets to prepare dinner at dwelling.
Markets corresponding to Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de la Concepció are good for selecting up recent fruits, snacks, or reheatable meals.
Associated learn: Prime Avenue Meals Markets in Barcelona for Reasonably priced and Tasty Bites
3. Convey or hire the fitting pushchair
Barcelona’s sidewalks are vast and pushchair-friendly, significantly within the Eixample district. Nonetheless, areas just like the Gothic Quarter and El Born characteristic cobblestones and narrower streets. A light-weight, foldable pushchair is good, particularly one you possibly can carry with one hand. When you choose to not journey with one, pushchair leases can be found, with some native providers providing supply on to your lodging.
4. Use public transport correctly
Barcelona’s metro and bus programs are glorious and budget-friendly. Youngsters underneath 4 journey totally free. Most metro stations now have lifts, although not all, so examine forward when you’re utilizing a pushchair. Buses are simpler to handle with a toddler in tow, and most are air-conditioned.
One other enjoyable (and toddler-friendly) trip? The Montjuïc cable automotive is a good way to get pleasure from views and get to Montjuïc Citadel with out the uphill climb.
5. Go to toddler-friendly points of interest
Whereas toddlers might not absolutely admire Gaudí’s architectural wonders, Barcelona affords loads of points of interest which are certain to maintain them entertained:
- Barcelona Aquarium: Positioned at Port Vell, this aquarium includes a beautiful shark tunnel the place children can stroll by way of and see sharks and different sea creatures up shut. There are additionally interactive zones the place toddlers can find out about marine life in a enjoyable, hands-on means. Get your ticket right here.
- CosmoCaixa: This science museum affords an thrilling mixture of interactive displays, together with a tropical rainforest and a planetarium. It’s a fantastic spot for curious toddlers to discover and uncover the wonders of science by way of play.
- L’Aquàrium de Barcelona & Barcelona Zoo: Each situated close to Parc de la Ciutadella, these points of interest are good for a half-day outing. The aquarium showcases marine life, whereas the zoo affords an opportunity to see all kinds of animals, retaining little ones entertained and engaged. Get a combo ticket right here.
6. Plan for nap time and breaks
Even when your little one naps on the go, having a versatile schedule is vital to retaining everybody completely happy. This might imply returning to your residence for a noon relaxation or planning quiet time at a park or café with out of doors seating, the place your toddler can nap when you loosen up. Flexibility helps steadiness sightseeing and relaxation, making for a smoother day for the entire household.
7. At all times have snacks and water helpful
Faucet water in Barcelona is secure to drink, however many locals (and travellers) choose bottled water. Convey a reusable bottle and fill it up earlier than heading out for the day.
Native supermarkets and bakeries are your greatest pals for snacks. Fruits, yoghurt, mini bocadillos (sandwiches), and pastries are straightforward to seek out and toddler-approved.
8. Be sun-smart
Barcelona enjoys sunshine many of the 12 months, and toddlers’ pores and skin may be significantly delicate. Make sure you carry a hat, sunscreen, and a pushchair shade when you’re visiting through the hotter months (April–October). When you neglect any child necessities, don’t fear, many pharmacies within the metropolis carry a variety of child merchandise, so you possibly can simply choose up what you want.
9. Embrace the native household tradition
Barcelona is a child-friendly metropolis the place toddlers are a typical sight, whether or not eating out with their households at 10 pm, taking part in in plazas late into the night, or being helped by locals with pushchairs. It’s not simply accepted, it’s anticipated.
So in case your toddler has a mini meltdown in the course of a restaurant, don’t fear, most individuals round you’ve been there too and can seemingly be understanding.
Travelling with a toddler in Barcelona doesn’t need to be traumatic. With a couple of tweaks and a few native know-how, your journey may be stuffed with magical moments, from first bites of churros to giggles within the park and seaside sunsets with sandy toes. The bottom line is to go sluggish, keep versatile, and let town unfold by way of your little one’s eyes. Barcelona isn’t just a vacation spot, it’s a playground ready to be explored, and seeing it with a toddler provides you an entire new perspective.
