Barcelona is usually seen as a haven for structure lovers, foodies, and seashore goers, nevertheless it’s additionally a surprisingly toddler-friendly metropolis when you realize 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 must tweak your itinerary a bit.
Listed here are our high suggestions for making your Barcelona journey memorable and manageable with a toddler.
Associated learn: Households on a Funds: Free and Low-cost Issues to Do With Children in Barcelona
Overview:
9 Suggestions for Visiting Barcelona with a Toddler
1. Embrace town’s parks and playgrounds
Barcelona is a metropolis filled with fantastic inexperienced areas and playgrounds which can be good in your toddler to discover and luxuriate in.
Listed here are a couple of highlights that supply 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 presents huge, open areas in your toddler to run round, a gorgeous lake the place you may hire rowboats, and one of many metropolis’s finest playgrounds, which options swings, slides, and climbing constructions. It’s additionally dwelling to a shocking waterfall, so there’s lots to see whilst 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 town. Throughout the summer time months, the gardens remodel right into a mini “seashore,” with shallow water for kids to splash round in. It’s a incredible place for toddlers to chill off and have enjoyable, with loads of area for a soothing picnic or a quiet second within the shade.
- Parc Güell: Well-known for its vibrant mosaics and kooky design by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell is not only a deal with for the eyes but additionally an amazing spot for little ones to discover. Whereas the park itself is beautiful, it’s necessary to plan as there are lots of steps and uneven terrain. Should you’re visiting with a toddler, think about using a service 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 resembling Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de la Concepció are good for choosing up recent fruits, snacks, or reheatable meals.
Associated learn: High Avenue Meals Markets in Barcelona for Inexpensive and Tasty Bites
3. Convey or hire the appropriate pushchair
Barcelona’s sidewalks are huge and pushchair-friendly, significantly within the Eixample district. Nonetheless, areas just like the Gothic Quarter and El Born function cobblestones and narrower streets. A light-weight, foldable pushchair is good, particularly one you may carry with one hand. Should you desire to not journey with one, pushchair leases can be found, with some native providers providing supply on to your lodging.
4. Use public transport properly
Barcelona’s metro and bus methods are glorious and budget-friendly. Kids underneath 4 journey at no cost. Most metro stations now have lifts, although not all, so verify forward should 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) journey? The Montjuïc cable automobile is a good way to take pleasure in views and get to Montjuïc Fortress with out the uphill climb.
5. Go to toddler-friendly points of interest
Whereas toddlers could not absolutely recognize Gaudí’s architectural wonders, Barcelona presents loads of points of interest which can be certain to maintain them entertained:
- Barcelona Aquarium: Situated at Port Vell, this aquarium includes a beautiful shark tunnel the place youngsters can stroll by means 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 manner. Get your ticket right here.
- CosmoCaixa: This science museum presents an thrilling mixture of interactive displays, together with a tropical rainforest and a planetarium. It’s an amazing spot for curious toddlers to discover and uncover the wonders of science by means 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 presents 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 blissful. This might imply returning to your condo for a noon relaxation or planning quiet time at a park or café with out of doors seating, the place your toddler can nap whilst 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 protected to drink, however many locals (and travellers) desire bottled water. Convey a reusable bottle and fill it up earlier than heading out for the day.
Native supermarkets and bakeries are your finest 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. Remember to deliver a hat, sunscreen, and a pushchair shade should you’re visiting in the course of the hotter months (April–October). Should you overlook any child necessities, don’t fear, many pharmacies within the metropolis carry a spread of child merchandise, so you may 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 midst of a restaurant, don’t fear, most individuals round you have got been there too and can probably be understanding.
Travelling with a toddler in Barcelona doesn’t must be annoying. With a couple of tweaks and a few native know-how, your journey may be crammed with magical moments, from first bites of churros to giggles within the park and seaside sunsets with sandy toes. The secret’s to go sluggish, keep versatile, and let town unfold by means of your little one’s eyes. Barcelona is not only a vacation spot, it’s a playground ready to be explored, and seeing it with a toddler provides you a complete new perspective.
