When you travel with teenagers, things like boredom, mood swings, sleeping patterns, and social media dependency are some things that can often take the fun out of a trip, but when you visit a destination that’s so culturally rich, diverse, and exciting, you rarely go a day worrying about these things.
Barcelona was one of those destinations. This incredibly dynamic city is so rich in culture, diverse attractions, photo spots, and unique places to explore, that our teens were the ones waking us up asking us to go out and do things.
There are so many things to do in Barcelona with teenagers, that you’ll never run out of options. In fact, it can be a challenge narrowing down what to add to your itinerary, so we teamed up with our teens to list some of our favorite places and attractions that they enjoyed, so you can make planning easy.
Why Do Teenagers Love Barcelona?
Barcelona is a captivating city known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. It feels very youthful and is always crowded with students and young people, which I think makes teenagers feel more at home and settled when they visit here.
In terms of attractions, Barcelona has a lot to see and do for all ages. From visiting iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to exploring the bustling streets of La Rambla, there’s no way your teenagers will feel bored in this energizing city.
What makes Barcelona unique is that it has a beautiful city beach – by far the most beautiful city beach I’ve seen. The beach is always busy with young people playing beach volleyball, games of football (soccer to you yanks!) or relaxing on the golden sand.
Whether you want relaxation, sports, or cultural immersion, Barcelona has something to offer everyone no matter their age or taste.
Things to Do in Barcelona With Teens
1. Explore Park Güell
Our teenagers love a good backdrop for photography, and nothing says “I’ve been to Barcelona” better than a selfie at Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exceptional urban park designed by the renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí, known for its distinctive style characterized by vibrant mosaics, organic shapes, and whimsical structures.
Originally conceived as a residential project in the early 20th century, Park Güell was transformed into a public park after its completion in 1926.
Gaudí’s vision was to combine nature with architectural innovation, reflecting his belief in the harmony between the two.
Our teens were captivated by Gaudí’s imaginative structures, especially the famous dragon staircase with its colorful mosaic dragon, and the serpentine bench that winds through the park.
As well as the whimsical structures, the park is also located on Carmel Hill, which has breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. If your teens love photo ops, they won’t be able to put their phones away in this park – in a good way! Get your entry ticket in advance here.
2. Visit La Sagrada Família
Another architectural gem by Antoni Gaudi not to be missed is La Sagrada Família, a basilica known for its breathtaking facades and intricate interior, where colorful stained glass windows create a mesmerizing play of light.
Again, it’s another backdrop for photography and an icon of Barcelona, but it’s more than that. The detailed sculptures and unique architectural features, such as the towering spires and organic shapes that represent the bond between man and nature, are truly inspiring.
La Sagrada Família is unique in that even though construction began in 1882, it is still ongoing to this day! This ongoing project, which is due to be finally completed in 2026, is the last chronicle of Gaudí’s vision.
As we walked around this basilica, we talked with our teens about his passion for art, the genius of his creativity, and the perseverance of the Catalonians in undertaking this enormous project. Make sure you get a skip the line ticket to visit this popular attraction in Barcelona.
3. Have a Beach Day at Barceloneta
Our girls will never say no to a beach day, so be sure to spend a day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing, or trying out water sports like paddleboarding or beach volleyball.
Barceloneta is Barcelona’s beach neighborhood and is known for its golden sandy beach. As far as city beaches go, Barceloneta is pretty good and is always busy with people.
Despite its popularity, it’s reasonably clean and is perfect for beach sports like volleyball or football.
The promenade is a great place to stroll along, go for a bike ride, or rent one of the city’s E-scooters which are dotted all over the city.
4. Take a Bike Tour
Speaking of bike rides, one of the coolest ways to explore the city is by bike. Our daughters love going for bike rides, so in Barcelona, a bike tour of the city is high up there on their to-do list.
On a bike tour, you are led through Barcelona’s quieter and safer streets, away from the traffic and the bustling pedestrians, and taken to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the stunning Sagrada Família, the historic Gothic Quarter, and the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella.
The city has relatively flat terrain and extensive bike lanes which makes cycling accessible and safe for all skill levels.
Plus, when you are following a knowledgeable guide who can share stories about Barcelona’s history, architecture, and local traditions, it becomes both an educational and fun way to explore the city!
Check availability for this bike tour in Barcelona
5. Visit the Gothic Quarter
A great way to get to know a city is to wander through the neighborhoods and take in the pulse of a city.
Head to Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter and you’ll find the modern city is transformed into labyrinths of narrow streets, hidden squares, unique shops, and quirky cafes.
The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest parts of the city and is steeped in fascinating stories, from its Roman origins to its role in the Middle Ages.
The combination of history and whimsical, medieval charm, makes it a fun place for teens to explore. Not even just teens, for everyone, really!
6. Check out Camp Nou
When it comes to sports, Barcelona is most widely recognized for football (soccer for you yanks!).
If you’re into sports, head to Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium. While our teen daughters aren’t big on football, even they were impressed with the size and enormity of the stadium.
It’s one of the largest and most famous stadiums in the world and is also home to the FC Barcelona Museum, which has exhibits showcasing the club’s rich history, its trophies, and facts about its legendary players.
You can also walk through the players’ tunnel, sit in the stands, and even step onto the pitch! If you have teens who are mad about sports, this is an exhilarating behind-the-scenes tour that will give them a deeper appreciation for the sport.
7. Explore the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
When the sun goes down, a great place to spend the evening is around the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which has a daily display of water, light, and music.
The fountain was designed for the 1929 International Exposition and features a stunning array of choreographed water shows. The shows last for 20 minutes and happen every 30 minutes.
To save energy, the city of Barcelona only has shows from June to September. You can see the show times here.
As well as watching the fountain show, the surrounding Montjuïc area is always busy with people, from street performers and artists to college kids socializing. It has a youthful atmosphere and makes for a great spot for an evening picnic while watching the sunset.
8. Try Local Food on a Food Tour
Our teens are big foodies, so we’re always looking for culinary experiences when we travel. In Spain, particularly in the Catalonia region, they are big on tapas – a selection of appetizers or snacks, as opposed to a full meal.
Being new to the city and not wanting to fall into any tourist traps, we like to opt for a local food tour to get an immersive look at the city’s rich culinary heritage.
During the tour, you are whisked around the city by a local guide and allowed to sample a variety of traditional Catalan dishes, such as tapas, paella, and churros, while learning about the history and cultural significance of each dish.
You will visit local markets like La Boqueria, and may even get the chance to engage with local chefs and vendors.
Come hungry, as you’ll want to save room for samples on this food tour!
9. Visit the Museu Picasso
We’re not big museum people, but who would pass up a chance to see a collection of over 4,000 works by the world’s most famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso?
Not only do you get to see original paintings by this iconic artist, but the museum itself is housed in a series of stunning medieval buildings, which is a marvel to see in itself.
You can also enjoy interactive exhibits that provide insight into Picasso’s creative process, his life and legacy, and his deep connections to Barcelona.
There’s no telling that Picasso is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and one that your teens no doubt have heard about in school, and a visit to this museum is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for him.
10. Take a Street Art Tour
Another thing our teenagers love is street art, so of course we would look at a street art tour in Barcelona!
These tours take you to explore neighborhoods like El Raval and Poblenou, which are known for their marvelous murals, graffiti, and art installations created by both local and international artists.
Many of these pieces highlight the city’s roots in political activism and can spark meaningful conversations about freedom of expression and creativity.
11. Attend Festa Major de Gracia
There’s always a festival or event going on in Barcelona, but the biggest one of the year is Festa Major de Gracia, a week-long celebration filled with lively activities and entertainment.
Held every August, this festival is basically like a street festival and takes place in the Gracia district, which comes alive with beautifully decorated streets, each adorned with creative themes crafted by local residents, as well as live music performances, dance shows, workshops, and traditional Catalan games.
This festival has been going on for 200+ years and has expanded to about 17 streets, each with its own theme. There’s even a competition to pick the best decorated one!
There’s no better way to experience the fun-loving, lively, and community spirit of Barcelona than attending a street festival, so if you happen to be visiting in August, be sure to check it out!
12. Go to PortAventura, Spain’s Largest Theme Park
PortAventura, which is located just outside Barcelona, is the largest theme park in Spain and is also one of Europe’s largest theme parks.
It has a whole host of exciting attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Shambhala to family-friendly rides and water parks.
The park is also divided into several themed zones, including the Mediterranean, Polynesia, and Far West, each offering unique experiences, shows, and dining options that transport visitors to different cultures and eras.
If you’re ever stuck for things to do in Barcelona with your teens, PortAventura is always a winner.
Get your tickets to the Barcelona theme park in advance.
13. Go Shopping at El Corte Inglés
If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, Barcelona is a prime city for shopping. It’s home to one of the largest department stores in Spain, El Corte Inglés, which offers a wide range of products, from fashion and electronics to cosmetics and gourmet food.
The flagship store is on Plaça de Catalunya and features multiple floors filled with both international and local brands, making it a one-stop shopping destination.
If you prefer to shop for boutiques or artisan items, head to Portal De L’Angel Street in the Gothic Quarter, where you will find more traditional Spanish items.
14. Go snorkeling in Costa Brava
If the city starts to get overwhelming, the perfect day trip from Barcelona is to Costa Brava, where you can explore its crystal-clear waters and discover a thriving colony of marine life below the ocean surface.
Costa Brava has numerous snorkeling spots, and even underwater caves, making it an exciting adventure for ocean lovers to explore.
As well as being a great place to go snorkeling, Costa Brava also has charming small towns with ancient ruins dotting the shoreline, which are lovely to stroll around when snorkeling gets too tiresome.
15. Check out Casa Batlló
The last stop of Gaudi’s work that you should check out is Casa Batlló, a residential home designed for the Batlló family.
The building was constructed between 1904 and 1906 and is often referred to as the “House of Bones” because of its skeletal-like appearance and flowing forms, which are both fascinating and visually striking.
Its façade, adorned with colorful mosaics, the whimsical light-filled atrium, the stunning staircase resembling a dragon’s spine, and the unique window shapes, all spark a sense of curiosity and wonder.
It’s another one of those “I’ve been to Barcelona” monuments that teenagers can show off on their social channels.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a huge city, so if it’s your first time visiting, I recommend you stay as close to the center as possible so you can be within easy reach of the main attractions.
Staying around the Eixample area is ideal, as this is where you’ll find many of the key landmarks such as Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Familia. It has plenty of shops, and restaurants, and is centrally located, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
Teenagers will enjoy staying in Gràcia because it has a vibrant, bohemian vibe, and is filled with charming squares, local shops, and a youthful atmosphere.
The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is a historic area that is full of narrow medieval streets, shops, and attractions like the Barcelona Cathedral. It’s probably the most touristy area, so you’ll find hotel prices are higher here, but it’s safe and close to top attractions.
Alternatively, head to El Born, which is next to the Gothic Quarter, and is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s a lively area with plenty of dining options and cultural sites.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, those are some exciting places and attractions to visit with teens in Barcelona, and as you can see, there are a lot of great and diverse choices to choose from.
We hope this guide helped you plan your trip and gave you some examples of things to do with your teens.
Do you have a favorite spot? Let us know in the comments.
