Barcelona is usually seen as a haven for structure lovers, foodies, and seashore goers, however it’s additionally a surprisingly toddler-friendly metropolis when you already know the place to go and what to anticipate.
Should you’re contemplating visiting Barcelona with a toddler, don’t fear, you received’t have to surrender on enjoyable or flexibility. You’ll simply have to tweak your itinerary a bit.
Listed below are our high suggestions for making your Barcelona journey memorable and manageable with a toddler.
Associated learn: Households on a Finances: Free and Low cost Issues to Do With Youngsters in Barcelona
Overview:
9 Suggestions for Visiting Barcelona with a Toddler
1. Embrace the town’s parks and playgrounds
Barcelona is a metropolis stuffed with great inexperienced areas and playgrounds which might be good on your toddler to discover and luxuriate in.
Listed below are a couple of highlights that supply a mixture of nature, enjoyable, and leisure 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 huge, open areas on your toddler to run round, a gorgeous lake the place you’ll be able to lease rowboats, and one of many metropolis’s finest playgrounds, which options swings, slides, and climbing buildings. It’s additionally residence to a shocking waterfall, so there’s lots 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 trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. Through the summer time months, the gardens remodel right into a mini “seashore,” with shallow water for youngsters to splash round in. It’s a incredible 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 an awesome spot for little ones to discover. Whereas the park itself is gorgeous, it’s necessary to plan as there are numerous steps and uneven terrain. Should 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 usually 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 tough. To make it simpler, plan meals at locations that serve meals repeatedly, open early, or store at native supermarkets to cook dinner at residence.
Markets comparable to Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de la Concepció are good for choosing up contemporary fruits, snacks, or reheatable meals.
Associated learn: High Avenue Meals Markets in Barcelona for Reasonably priced and Tasty Bites
3. Deliver or lease the suitable pushchair
Barcelona’s sidewalks are huge and pushchair-friendly, notably within the Eixample district. Nevertheless, areas just like the Gothic Quarter and El Born characteristic cobblestones and narrower streets. A light-weight, foldable pushchair is right, particularly one you’ll be able to carry with one hand. Should you desire to not journey with one, pushchair leases can be found, with some native companies providing supply on to your lodging.
4. Use public transport properly
Barcelona’s metro and bus techniques are wonderful and budget-friendly. Youngsters beneath 4 journey without spending a dime. Most metro stations now have lifts, although not all, so test forward for those who’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) journey? The Montjuïc cable automobile is a good way to take pleasure in views and get to Montjuïc Citadel with out the uphill climb.
5. Go to toddler-friendly points of interest
Whereas toddlers might not absolutely recognize Gaudí’s architectural wonders, Barcelona affords loads of points of interest which might be certain to maintain them entertained:
- Barcelona Aquarium: Situated at Port Vell, this aquarium contains a gorgeous shark tunnel the place youngsters can stroll by way of and see sharks and different sea creatures up shut. There are additionally interactive zones the place toddlers can study marine life in a enjoyable, hands-on manner. 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 an awesome 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, maintaining little ones entertained and engaged. Get a combo ticket right here.
6. Plan for nap time and breaks
Even when your baby naps on the go, having a versatile schedule is vital to maintaining everybody pleased. 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 stability 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) desire bottled water. Deliver a reusable bottle and fill it up earlier than heading out for the day.
Native supermarkets and bakeries are your finest mates for snacks. Fruits, yoghurt, mini bocadillos (sandwiches), and pastries are simple to search out and toddler-approved.
8. Be sun-smart
Barcelona enjoys sunshine a lot of the 12 months, and toddlers’ pores and skin will be notably delicate. Make sure to convey a hat, sunscreen, and a pushchair shade for those who’re visiting through the hotter months (April–October). Should you overlook any child necessities, don’t fear, many pharmacies within the metropolis carry a variety of child merchandise, so you’ll be able to 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, enjoying 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 will have been there too and can probably be understanding.
Travelling with a toddler in Barcelona doesn’t must be irritating. With a couple of tweaks and a few native know-how, your journey will be stuffed with magical moments, from first bites of churros to giggles within the park and seaside sunsets with sandy toes. The secret is to go sluggish, keep versatile, and let the town unfold by way of your baby’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 a complete new perspective.
