no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 May, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Barcelona’s waterfront is two-mile sweep of sandy beaches, esplanades, boardwalks and marinas, seafood eateries, trendy clubs, and chilled-out cafés. Amongst locals, it’s a popular spot for a walk, cycling or rollerblading; start facing the sea at the Christopher Columbus statue on Las Ramblas, then head left.

Watch for world-renowned public sculpture along the way, including Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘Barcelona Head’ and Frank Gehry’s ‘Flying Fish’.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

If you’re exercising, it’s crowded and very hot in July and August, so go early. Mornings are fantastic; locals sleep late, so you’ll have it to yourself. Go at dusk for beachside sundowners in trendy bars. If you want to cycle, there are hire shops all over the city, or alternatively, Bike Rental Barcelona delivers bikes to the place of your choice.

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Bike Rental Barcelona

Bike Rental Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Delivers rental bikes to the place of your choice across the city.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Serras Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1 miles]

Exceptional boutique hotel with beautiful sea views and roof terrace, a short walk from Barcelona’s historic sights.

Official star rating:

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.1 miles]

Magnificent views, destination restaurants and chic bars, and a panoramic spa, set in a 44-floor architectural landmark by the beach.

Official star rating:

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]

A thoughtfully-designed, modern boutique hotel in a striking building with historic features, hidden away in the heart of old Barcelona.

Official star rating:

W Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]

This sceney, architectural waterfront hotel comes with edgy design, a party-feel pool terrace and sweeping Mediterranean views.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Picasso Museum Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]

Absorbing collection of early and late works by Picasso, in a beautiful Gothic palace. The collection includes Picasso’s 58 paintings inspired by Velazquez’s Las Meninas.

Best for ages: 18+ | £11

Casa Batllo

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[2.7 miles]

The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.

Best for ages: 8+ | £32

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Children looking at fish from the Underwater tunnel
Experience

Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.7 miles]

Barcelona’s aquarium, one of Europe’s biggest, has 11,000 sea creatures, plenty of sharks and an underwater tunnel.

Best for ages: Any | £20

Website >
Overview >
Front facade of the church
Experience

Church of Santa Maria del Mar

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1 miles]

Barcelona’s Gothic jewel was built in the 14th century by the sea-faring community in only 50 years – hence its rare stylistic harmony. During the Spanish Civil War, its accumulated Baroque decorations burned, leaving behind the bare bones of its sublime interior.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Beautiful gold and red long boat housed in a large warehouse room
Experience

Maritime Museum

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]

Barcelona’s seafaring past comes to life in this venue set in the city’s 14th-century shipyards, starring a life-size model of Don Juan’s flagship at Lepanto.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

Website >
Overview >
External view of the Santa Eulalia Cathedral
Experience

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]

This massive pile is Catalan Gothic at its most grandiose, full of wonders: lavishly ornate chapels, Renaissance sculpted choir stalls, and crypt of patron saint Eulalia. The cloister is especially charming.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >