Overview
Barcelona holidays are a fusion of laid-back beach days and vibrant city life. Set on Spain’s northeast coast with a balmy Mediterranean climate, you're guaranteed sunshine too, making it the perfect setting for sightseeing or relaxing on its golden sands. It’s also home to centuries of history, so when you’re not exploring Gaudi’s modernist spectacles you could be getting lost in the medieval streets of its Gothic Quarter. Now throw in tasty Catalan dishes, one of the world’s most famous football stadiums and amazing green spaces, and you’ve got a city that ticks all the boxes.
Last minute Barcelona breaks
Desperate for a dose of Spanish sunshine? Our last minute Barcelona city breaks combine architectural marvels with sunbathing stints.
The airport is just a short drive to the centre which means you can start exploring as soon as you land. Spontaneous couples will love jetting off at short notice, while families waiting to whisk the whole clan away can take full advantage of our amazing late deals.
Weekend breaks to Barcelona
Barcelona has everything you need for a short break. Just over two hours’ flight time from London, you can be in this Spanish hotspot on Friday evening and back home by Monday morning.
Barcelona weekend breaks should give you enough time to see the best of what the city has to offer, whether you’ve come here to shop in its high street boutiques, tick-off its must-see architecture, or top up your tan from its sprawling sands. And if you’re holidaying as a family, you’re just a short train journey from PortAventura, one of Europe’s biggest theme parks.
Things to do
Barcelona is the ultimate city break destination, surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea on the other. And there’s more than enough attractions to fill a long weekend. Walk streets perfect for shoppers and sightseers, where trendy boutiques sit close to Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces and century-old churches. It’s right by the Med too, so you can tick off the capital’s biggest sights in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon. Then, when you’ve had enough sun for one day, there’s plenty of waterside restaurants serving tasty Catalan seafood. Whatever it is you want from your next city break, Barcelona has it by the bucketload.
A vibrant beach scene
Cool off in the sea from one of Barcelona’s stunning beaches, which you can enjoy from March to November. La Barceloneta is the city’s answer to Miami’s South Beach. There’s always something going on along this four-kilometre-long stretch and its buzzing boardwalk is the perfect place to take it all in with restaurants, cafes and chiringuitos overlooking its sands.
If you want to try some watersports on your Barcelona city break, look no further than Nova Icària. Windsurfing is a must on breezy Med days, while a SUP adventure is a great way to take in the city’s skyline from the water. Prefer your beach days a little bit more peaceful? Then, hop on the metro to Bogatell. This Blue Flag beauty is great for relaxing dips and games of volleyball. Once your batteries are recharged, wind down with a drink in La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter.
Cultural treasures
Barcelona’s culture starts with its architecture. From modernist to medieval, the city is the perfect blend of old and new. Fans of Gaudi shouldn't miss a chance to see the skeleton balconies of Casa Batlló and his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. But the hillside Park Güell is like stepping inside the artist’s weird but wonderful imagination. From a dragon fountain to an elephant cave and his former home, this iconic green space is one of a kind. For more art-filled attractions, make sure you squeeze in a trip to the Contemporary Art and Picasso Museum. Over in Ciutat Vella (Old City) you’ll find some of Europe’s best-preserved landmarks. Standing high above the ancient streets, you can’t miss Barcelona Cathedral - the centerpiece of the Gothic Quarter. Besides its well-known buildings, there’s no better way to see the city like a local than a shopping trip at at the Mercat de la Boqueria food market, or watching a home game at the 100,000-seater Camp Nou Stadium.
Catalan roots
Barcelona’s Catalonian origins are an important part of the city. From its own history, language and cuisine, there are so many ways to absorb this unique culture. Festivals are big here, with celebrations across just about every neighbourhood. Plan your Barcelona holidays in autumn and attend two of its biggest events; National Day of Catalonia (11th September) and La Mercè (24th September). Alternatively, food is another great way to get a taste of the city’s Catalan traditions. Look out for popular dishes like Escalivada (roasted red peppers, eggplant and onions) or Botifarra (a spiced sausage) for the most authentic dining experience
More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca
Manage booking
Wishlist
Contact us
Email sign up
