Make sure to pack most of what you need for the afternoon including a diaper bag, snacks, local currency (euros) and your stroller.
Good to know
The streets through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona are mostly cobblestone, so although taking your stroller around isn’t exactly smooth sailing, it’s not too bad.
Recommended day/time
Anytime from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is great. Otherwise, 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. is also great. The timing in Spain is shifted back about three hours for what you might be used to for meals. For example, dinner is usually served at 9 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. Also, be mindful that most shops close between about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for siesta.
Recommended time of the year
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Barcelona. The summertime is typically the busiest and most touristy and winters can be a little rainier.
About This Day
Stroll through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and end up at the amazing "Mercado de La Boqueria" (La Boqueria Market) on this half-day itinerary. These attractions in Barcelona offer an amazing array of sights, tastes and sounds. Start the day at the Cathedral of Barcelona and watch the locals do the sardana, a traditional dance. Join in! Then, meander west through the narrow alleyways of the town across Las Ramblas and eventually end up at La Boqueria Market. This is Barcelona's premier food market. Parents and kids will be in awe at the wide selection of fantastic food and drinks. This adventure is a half-day, depending upon your pace. Either way, a great day out on your Barcelona family vacation.
During Sundays, the tradition is for locals to do their sardana dancing around noon outside the cathedral. This is a fun experience for your kids to watch and do their own dance to the music. Also, there is usually an art and wine fair going on during the summer that is fun to walk through. In addition, check out the cathedral, it’s an incredible gothic church. It’s usually free during the early mornings and usually after 5 p.m. Otherwise, it's about 7 euros to enter.
DIRECTIONS This cathedral is in the middle of the Gothic Quarter, so getting here by foot is easiest. There’s not much parking around, driving your own car isn’t advisable.
TIP This place can get a little crowded, especially when music and dancing are going on.
La Boqueria Market is a must-see on your Barcelona family vacation. It is an indoor vibrant market that has all sorts of local produce, nuts, candy, meat and anything else you can imagine. It’s a really fun place to explore and look around for anything you want to purchase. The fruit smoothies at the booths are incredible. We also got a half-pound of licorice, which was the best I’ve ever had. It’s a fun place to soak in the Barcelona culture and experience the vibrancy of a local market, plus it is great for families.
DIRECTIONS If you venture west through the Gothic Quarter toward Las Ramblas, you’ll eventually make it to La Boqueria Market. It is right off the busy and touristy Las Ramblas street.
TIP This place gets busy, so make sure to keep your child in the stroller or close at hand. There are so many things to look at and try, your kid will have a fun time trying all the samples.