Exploring Spain’s Olympic City with Kids and Grandparents
After an incredible time immersing ourselves in the rich history and royal charm of Madrid, it was time to pack up for the next leg of our multi-generational family trip: Barcelona! While Madrid won us over with its majestic plazas, medieval day trips, and football heritage (see details on what we did here – Spain for Every Age: Madrid), Catalonia’s vibrant seaside capital promised a completely different energy — surreal architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and coastal mountain views.
Where we stayed: Eixample
Barcelona has so many unique neighborhoods to explore – from the Gothic Quarter (for the history buff) to Gracia (for a relaxed, bohemian vibe) to La Barceloneta (for beach lovers) – there is a place for any type of traveler. We opted to stay in Eixample for its proximity to shops, food and grand, polished feel. Eixample’s wide, elegant boulevards arranged in a clean grid layout makes it easy to navigate for families and first-timers.
Day 1: Exploring Eixample
Our tours in Barcelona didn’t start until day 2 so we just spent the first day wandering around Eixample. We stopped in the Lego store, which had flagship feature builds that represented landmarks across Barcelona.
We also stumbled upon Casa Batlló in the heart of Eixample. Casa Batlló is an iconic masterpiece designed by visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, famous for its ocean-inspired architecture, surreal interior design, dragon-back rooftop, and colorful mosaic-covered facade. It felt like we were walking through art every step of the way.
While it is not what Spain is known for, we found an amazing Nikkei handroll bar in Eixample. Akiro offers a unique gastronomic culture where Japanese precision meets the expressive flavors of Peru. We loved it so much, we went back twice – even Avery liked it!
Day 2: Beyond Eixample
We began our day exploring the Gothic Quarter. Walking through the historic heart of Barcelona felt like taking a step back in time. Famous for its maze of narrow medieval streets, quiet plazas, and centuries-old Roman and Gothic architecture, this area is filled with charming cafes and hidden local shops. We picked up some snacks at an open air market and passed by beautiful historic buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral.
In the afternoon we headed to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. Park Güell is a whimsical public park system designed by Antoni Gaudí, famous for its vibrant mosaic artwork, organic architectural forms, and panoramic views of Barcelona. Visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to stroll through its colorful gingerbread-style pavilions, admire the iconic serpentine bench, and experience Gaudí’s unique fusion of nature and design.
Sagrada Familia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most iconic basilicas. As the tallest building in Barcelona standing at 566 feet, it is celebrated for its towering spires and organic, nature-inspired design. Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece is not just an architectural marvel, but truly a magnificent work of art with its awe-inspiring interior stained glass, intricate sculptural facades, and singular artistic vision. It is hands down the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen!
Day 3: Beyond Barcelona
On our last full day together in Spain, we ventured outside of Barcelona to Montserrat to see the Black Madonna and visit a local winery. We began our morning boarding a luxury mini-bus on a small group tour to the historic Benedictine monastery roughly 1 hour outside of Barcelona. Dating back to the late 9th century, Montserrat is home to the Black Madonna (or ‘La Moreneta’), the patron saint of Catalan. Aside from the religious significance, the abbey is set atop the Montserrat mountain range, a unique, jagged, multi-peaked rock formation with panoramic views of Catalonia.
After Montserrat, we boarded the bus and headed to a winery in the Bages wine region in Spain. Oller del Mas is an organic winery centered around a restored medieval castle with picturesque views of the Montserrat mountain range. Here, we had lunch and enjoyed a tasting of their most popular wines. They even had grape juice for the kids made from the grapes onsite!
We were dropped off at Estació de França when we returned – right by the beach! We decided to check out La Barceloneta. We learned that the beaches of Barcelona did not exist until the early 1990s. The industrial port city had its coastline turned into sandy beaches for the 1992 Olympic Games. To be honest, living a short plane ride away from the Caribbean islands has made me a bit of a beach snob, but the kids still loved the calm waters!
Day 4: Montjuïc
On the last day, the Tran clan stayed in Barcelona while the rest of our family headed back to Madrid to catch their flight home. We explored Montjuïc, a prominent hill overlooking Barcelona’s harbor that is home to a 17th-century castle. The ride on the Telefèric cable car to get to the top of the peak provided sweeping views of the city. Getting down was just as fun – there were giant slides Avery loved riding down. Between the cable car views and the slide rides, Montjuïc proved to be the perfect high point to end our trip on.
As the season turns, reflecting on our time in Spain brings back the best memories. Madrid’s regal majesty and Barcelona’s coastal magic truly were the perfect combination for our multi-generational adventure. This trip proved that with a little thoughtful planning, a single destination can create lifelong memories for every generation. Until our next family getaway—¡hasta luego, España!
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