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Name: Highlights of France and Barcelona
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 56 ZAR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4

Travel guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Barcelona in a way like no other. The sunny Catalan capital will delight your every sense, from the artistic wonders and delicious cuisine, to the golden beaches along the deep blue Mediterranean sea. With so many iconic things to do in Barcelona, we’ll take you straight to the heart of this dazzling city, with days spent travelling through the city’s two-thousand-year-old history. Start with the ancient Roman-era walls and fortresses, then move into the medieval plazas and cathedrals, before marvelling at the Modernist masterpieces and creative genius of Gaudí, Picasso, Miró and more. By night, our Barcelona holidays will have you kicking up your heels in the city’s buzzing nightlife, and it’s all about sunset drinks by the beach, endless Catalan tapas and local cava, soulful flamenco and sultry jazz bars. If you’re looking for the best of Spain, you’ll find it in Barcelona. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Barcelona Casa Batllo on sunny spring day in Spain

Barcelona at a glance

Wander the medieval plazas, marvel at the masterpieces of Gaudí, relax on the golden beaches and discover the two-thousand-year-old history of Barcelona. As night falls, live it up with your expert Trafalgar Travel Director with sunset cocktails by the sea, lively tapas bars, soulful flamenco shows and sultry jazz bars.

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish, Catalan

Winter avg

10°C

Good morning

Buenos días

Summer avg

25°C

Good evening

Buenas noches

Time Zone

GMT+1

"You'll find it all in Barcelona, whether you love the ancient history, the unmatched artworks, the gorgeous beaches, or the rich Catalan culture. Be sure to spend at least one night on the town here, soaking up the amazing nightlife and a few local cavas!"

Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in Barcelona

When you travel Barcelona with Trafalgar, we’ll show you around all the best places to visit in Barcelona, from the beautiful Parc Güell to the historic Gothic Quarter.

See the buzzing Las Ramblas

You can’t miss strolling down Las Ramblas, the most famous street set in the centre of the city. You’ll get to soak up the sights and sounds of this incredible boulevard with a Local Specialist on your Barcelona trip, wandering beneath the shady trees as you marvel at all the murals, markets, museums, bars, boutiques and street performers.

Walk around Plaça de Catalunya

In Barcelona, all roads lead to Plaça de Catalunya, a massive square and the beating heart of the city. You’ll walk with your Local Specialist to the end of Las Ramblas into Plaça de Catalunya and be amazed by all the sculptures, fountains, cafés, shopping centres, and green spaces that spread across five hectares of this pulsing plaza.

Admire the whimsical architecture of Gaudí

La Sagrada Familia may be one of the most iconic Barcelona attractions, but you’ll discover so much more Gaudí genius on a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. From the fairytale landscapes of Parc Güell to the Modernist masterpiece of Casa Milà, you’ll find the magic touch of 'God's architect' at every turn in Barcelona.

Learn about the history of Catalonia

As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is brimming with historic treasures. You’ll get to discover it all, starting with a trip to the top of Montjuïc, the birthplace of Barcelona that dates back to Roman and Iberian times. You can still the remains of 17th-century fortresses here, and marvel at the panoramic views over the city.

Wander around the old Gothic Quarter

The old heart of Barcelona is the gorgeous Gothic Quarter, filled with old Roman walls, medieval treasures and a maze of laneways. If you want to get to know this charming neighbourhood, you can take a walking tour with a Local Specialist, admiring centuries-old architecture and enjoying local Mediterranean food by Port Olímpic marina.

Best museums in Barcelona

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover or science geek, you’ll find a Barcelona museum to suit you. Here are a few of the best to get you started…

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

You’ll discover the incredible world of Catalan art in this national museum, housed in a beautiful Italian-style building that’s almost a century old. With stunning rooms lined with Romanesque and Gothic paintings, Renaissance and Baroque artworks, and even a collection of the finest modern Catalan art, this is not to be missed.

Casa Milà

As the last building designed by the ingenious Antoni Gaudí, before he dedicated himself to La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà is a must-see in Barcelona. Originally built as a private residence, it’s now a UNESCO-listed site, museum and one of Gaudí's most famous works, renowned for its whimsical stone facade and curving wrought-iron balconies.

La Sagrada Familia

There are few buildings as impressive as La Sagrada Familia and you can’t visit Barcelona without setting eyes on this astonishing church that’s been under construction since 1982. Watch the fantasy world of Gaudí come to life as you marvel at the sheer size, mind-boggling architecture and amazing history in the company of your Local Specialist.

Best food in Barcelona

Our Barcelona tours don’t hold back when it comes to the incredible Catalan cuisine, and you’ll get to dive into tapas bars, seaside restaurants and food markets galore.

Arròs negre

With a deep back colour and a beautiful rich taste, arròs negre is a traditional Catalonian dish that certainly packs a punch. It’s made from white rice, squid or cuttlefish, and squid ink, which gives it that distinct black colour, and it’s infused with garlic, onions, sweet paprika, fish stock and cubanelle peppers for that magical Catalan flavour.

Cold cured meats

Charcuterie is serious business in Barcelona and you’ll be spoiled for choice with all kinds of delicious cured meats, or ‘embutidos’. From chorizo and fuet. to botifarra and the famous Jamón Iberico, all paired with fresh bread, tomato and fine cheeses, you’ll be in cured meat bliss on your Barcelona holiday.

Turrón

This delicious nougat is one of the most beloved treats in Catalonia, especially at Christmas time, and you’ve got to try a piece or two in Barcelona. It’s made with almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites and it’s got a soft crumbly texture that is simply irresistible. Taste the classic or try all the flavours like chocolate, coconut and crème brûlée.

What to pack for Barcelona

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Espadrilles

Do as the locals and pick up a pair of espadrilles for strolling around the beaches and streets of Barcelona. It’s all about comfort and style combined!

Catalan phrasebook

As the capital of Catalonia, Catalan is the local dialect of Barcelona. Try swapping your Spanish phrases for the mother tongue and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of smiles.

A scarf or pashmina

A scarf will come in handy on cooler evenings, air-conditioned transport, and when visiting churches and religious sites when bare shoulders must be covered.

Insect repellent

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its mosquitoes - including Bosnia & Herzegovina. Pack some good insect repellent and itch cream to soothe any mosquito bites.

Day bag

With so many incredible markets and malls, a day bag is perfect for holding all the souvenirs and treats you find on your Barcelona tours.

Digital maps

You’ll love taking time to explore this wonderful city on your own, and a digital map of Barcelona on your phone will help keep you on the right track.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.