Gothic Quarter
Prepare to be enchanted as you stroll through Barcelona’s beautiful, labyrinthine gothic quarter in the heart of the old city. Gaze up at the array of fascinating buildings that date back to medieval times, before reaching the striking cathedral, La Seu, at the centre. It is easy to get lost in the winding streets, but you will never be far from a picturesque, peaceful square where you can stop for a refreshing drink, before browsing the delightful independent shops.
Gaudí's Architecture
No trip to Barcelona is complete without discovering the stunning work of Antoni Gaudí, world-renowned modernist architect whose colourful mosaics and rejection of uniformity constitute a large part of the city’s unique identity. Arguably the most famous attraction in the city, the intricate Sagrada Familia has remained a work in progress since 1882, whilst stunning Park Güell combines fascinating architecture with panoramic views of the city. Another famous and striking example of Gaudí’s work, Casa Batlló sits in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia, boasting a fairytale-like façade of unique colour combinations.
Beach
Take a break from the fast-paced city life and the glorious summer heat with an afternoon of relaxation at Barceloneta Beach, a stretch of golden sand on the edge of the shimmering Mediterranean, lined by quirky beach bars and seafood restaurants. Get involved in a game of volleyball or take a dip in the waves, before strolling along to the Olympic Port for some yacht-spotting and a glimpse of Frank Gehry’s sparkling gold fish sculpture. If you don’t mind venturing a little further out of the city, Ocata Beach is pristine, calm and is dotted with quaint, beachside eateries.
Sport
Sports fanatics should not miss famous Camp Nou, the iconic stadium of FC Barcelona and the largest in Europe. The amazing Camp Nou Experience offers a behind the scenes tour and access to the museum displaying numerous trophies and football memorabilia. To soak up Camp Nou’s incredible, unrivalled atmosphere, plan your trip to coincide with a home game at the stadium.
Cuisine
Barcelona is a food lover’s heaven, boasting many upmarket restaurants serving innovative combinations. For a more rustic experience, don’t miss the traditional covered markets of La Bocqueria and Sant Antoni, which offer a feast for the senses. Visitors can purchase fresh fruits, honey-infused cheeses and an array of cured pork products, or stop for a bite to eat in the small tapas bars. Although Spanish classics - such as paella and meatballs - are not hard to come by, it is also worth trying Catalan specialities including spiced botifarra sausages and ‘pa amb tomàquet’ – toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomato, salt, garlic and olive oil.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Barcelona. UK regional departures and charter flights are also available.
Flight Time
From London Gatwick to Barcelona: 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.