Barcelona City Breaks 2026/2027

There are many airlines that fly to Barcelona from the UK, including both scheduled and low-cost airlines. It's important to understand that there are two airports classed as Barcelona, Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) and Girona (GRO) airports. Be sure to check which airport you are flying into as Girona Airport is a good 80 minute journey to Barcelona city centre, while El Prat Airport is about 30 minutes and connected by the city's Metro system.

The Barcelona Metro is a great way to travel around the city. Single journey, day and multiple day passes can be purchased. The latter is great for a city break over a couple of days in which you want to explore the city. These cards are known as the 'Hola BCN!' cards which can be bought for 2, 3, 4 or 5 day durations. The two day ticket costs €15 if bought online in advance, however, you can also buy these at Metro stations.

Of course, another great way to get around the city if you are fit and active is to walk. Exploring Barcelona by foot, allows you to discover some of Barcelona's hidden gems, particularly if you are walking through areas such as the Gothic Quarter. On a nice day, a walk along the promenade by the city's beaches is another great way to see a different side of the city.

A holiday in Barcelona is ideal for couples and groups. With so much to do, there is plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Once you've taken the train from Barcelona airport into the city, the possibilities are endless.

For museum lovers, there are so many to enjoy in Barcelona. The Museum of History of Barcelona is ideal for those who want to learn more about the past of this historic city. On Sundays after 3pm, many museums also offer free entry, which is great when you want a cheap holiday in Barcelona.

The Sagrada Familia church is an iconic part of Barcelona and designed by Antoni Gaudi, a true master of architecture. As an expiatory church, it relies on donations for it's construction, a reason why it is still being built having started construction in 1882.

Simply meandering through the streets of Barcelona is a wonderful activity in itself. Take a walking tour or hire Segways for a funky trip around the city, taking in other sights such as the unusual Casa Mila and Park Guell.

The Montjuic is another iconic part of Barcelona city. The area is sat upon a hill, overlooking the main area of Barcelona, and offers attractions such as The Magic Fountain and Spanish Village.

Of course, if it's sunshine you are heading to Barcelona for, the beaches should definitely not be missed. With miles upon miles of beautiful sandy beaches, you'll be able to enjoy the sunshine and the warm Mediterranean water.

Staying in Barcelona doesn't have to break the bank as there are plenty of budget hotels and hostels to choose from.

Barcelona is spread out a little, however the Metro makes it easy to get around and walking in Barcelona is another great way to explore. You'll find that accommodation around the popular tourist spots like the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla will tend to be a bit higher in price than the suburbs but that means easy access to all the sightseeing attractions.

Head out a little, even just as far as Sant Marti or Poble Nou and you will find some good quality, inexpensive hotels to stay at. Plus if you're buying a Hola! BCN travel pass, you'll find that staying a little further out won't cause a faff when travelling into the city centre..

Staying in the popular Barceloneta area of the city, close to the beach will also mean a slight premium on the cost of your hotel. If you want to be near the beach but don't want to spent a fortune on your accommodation, try staying a little bit further along the coast in Poble Nou by Playa Llevant.

For a more active city break in Barcelona, head out of the city. Just over an hours train journey outside of Barcelona is the Monserrat mountain range. Hike up from the bottom once you arrive at the train station or take the cable car to the monastery which perched within the mountains. If you're feeling really adventurous, head up higher still to the highest peak of Sant Jeroni at 1,236m above sea level.

If that sounds too much like hard work but you still fancy something active, a visit to the Park Guell is a lovely walk with great views, as is the trip up to Tibidabo Amusement Park in the north of Barcelona.

One of the biggest highlights of a Barcelona city break is the food and drink scene, which effortlessly blends traditional Catalan flavours with modern creativity. From bustling food markets to relaxed wine bars and Michelin-starred dining, the city offers something for every taste and budget.

A great place to start is La Boqueria, Barcelona's most famous food market, just off La Rambla. Inside, you'll find everything from fresh fruit juices and jamón ibérico to seafood tapas and sweet pastries. It's ideal for a casual lunch, grazing your way from stall to stall while soaking up the lively atmosphere, although it's best visited earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.

For classic tapas and local dining, neighbourhoods like El Born and Gothic Quarter are packed with small bars serving patatas bravas, croquettes and pan con tomate. These areas are perfect for an evening of bar-hopping, where it's common to order a few small plates and a drink before moving on to the next spot. Many bars here specialise in vermouth, a popular pre-dinner drink with locals.

If you're looking for a more relaxed, local feel, head towards Gracia. This neighbourhood is known for its independent cafes, bakeries and wine bars, making it a favourite with residents rather than tourists. You'll find plenty of cosy terraces where you can enjoy a glass of Spanish wine or a craft beer alongside simple but excellent food, especially in the small squares dotted around the area.