Hi! I’m Helena, a Belgian mom exploring Europe with my kids (and sometimes just with my partner — even parents need a break!). On this trip, we spent three amazing days in Barcelona. If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona beyond the usual tourist traps, here’s our tried-and-tested itinerary full of unique places to eat, walk, dance, and explore. Let’s go!
Day 1: Tapas, the Old Town &… Tango?!
After landing at Barcelona Airport, we skipped the expensive taxis and took the Aerobus to the city center — an easy and affordable ride. We arrived smoothly at our hotel: Hotel Barcelona Catedral (more about that at the end).
Once checked in, we headed out to admire some stunning architecture and wander through the Gothic Quarter. Hungry from our travels, we grabbed an early dinner at Fàbrica Moritz — a gorgeous brewery with fantastic tapas (including delicious vegan and vegetarian options). Don’t miss a quick detour to the bathrooms — trust me, the building is worth exploring.
And then: tango!
We booked a tango class on a rooftop with the warm and witty Paula and her husband. The tango may be Argentine, but the setting — a rooftop in Barcelona’s historic center — was pure magic.
We joined a small group of couples, friends, and families from all over the world. Paula taught us the basic steps with endless patience. The evening ended with each couple showing off their new skills in a mini performance. It was hilarious, memorable, and a must-do experience — even if you have two left feet!
➡️ You can book this experience via Airbnb.
Day 2: Montjuïc, Gardens & Great Food
Tip: wear your comfiest shoes today.
We started the day by taking the bus up Montjuïc hill (don’t hike it — save your energy for the way down!). The Montjuïc Castle is worth a visit, but the highlight was the peaceful walk back down, passing through shady gardens, cooling off under the trees, and stopping at the occasional kiosk for drinks and snacks. It’s one of the most beautiful walks in the city.
We lunched at Federal Café Gothic, a stylish (and yes, pretty young) spot where I enjoyed a tofu noodle salad that hit the spot.
Dinner that night was at Flax & Kale Passage, a colorful flexitarian restaurant with plenty of vegan options. The meat and fish dishes are small but beautifully balanced with fresh vegetables. We loved the atmosphere — and the food.
Evening plan: we headed to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc — but full honesty? It was a bit underwhelming. The crowds were heavy and the show less magical than we’d hoped. Still, the evening stroll among the lights of the city was lovely.
Day 3: Total Tourists (And Loving It)
It was our last day, so we went full-on tourist mode and visited La Sagrada Familia. We didn’t go inside (a bit too pricey for our mood that day), but the best photo spot is across the street in Parc de Gaudí.
Next, we wandered along the coastline, hopped on an eco-boat tour, and had lunch at The Green Spot — the most upscale restaurant of our trip. Beautiful interior, excellent service, and totally worth the price. Try the mushroom starter. I’d go back to Barcelona for that dish alone!
To end the day, we booked a photoshoot in Parc Güell (via Airbnb again). It was a little awkward at first, but once we let go of our self-consciousness, it was pure fun. We explored the park from a new angle and came away with gorgeous photos. Bonus: this tour let us skip the long entrance line and gave us tips for places to eat in the neighborhood. A great final memory of the trip!
Where We Stayed: Hotel Barcelona Catedral
Hotel Barcelona Catedral turned out to be a hidden gem. We booked it out of necessity (most hotels were full due to a festival), but we were so glad we did.
The location is perfect — walking distance to many sights and public transport. The rooms are modern and quiet. But the breakfast? Outstanding. No buffet — instead, you get a basket of fresh pastries and bread, plus a full à la carte menu with eggs, yogurt, fruit, and more. You can eat as much as you like, and they cater to dietary needs with advance notice. I really appreciated their no-waste approach.
Oh, and there’s a rooftop pool. Enough said.
Planning a trip to Barcelona?
I hope this post gave you some fresh ideas! If you have your own favorite spots in the city, I’d love to hear them. And if you’re looking for more family-friendly or foodie travel tips, check out my latest posts right here.
✈️🌞 Happy travels!