All About Barcelona With Kids: Important Information To Know

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A mom holds the hand of her young son while they walk through a stone hallway in Barcelona.

If you want to know all about Barcelona with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Barcelona, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Barcelona with kids and the best hotels in Barcelona for families. Keep reading for all about Barcelona for families!

At a Glance

A mom holds her young son while exploring Barcelona, Spain, with La Sagrada Familia in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Kaye Enriquez

Before you visit Barcelona with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Barcelona with kids.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Barcelona local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Barcelona is the Euro. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are also accepted. Barcelona operates 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +2. Click here to see Barcelona’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain Autonomous Communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country and part of Navarre. If you’re planning an extended trip to Barcelona or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Barcelona for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Spain, there are two associated plug types: types C and F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins. Plug type F is the plug that has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Spain operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Barcelona climate will be helpful before you depart. Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean Sea and has what’s called a Mediterranean climate. This means that autumn, spring, and winter can be wet, although temperatures stay fairly mild. The summers are hot and occasionally humid. Most of the year, the weather is simply perfect. Check the current forecast on Accuweather. Then, if you need more help planning your Barcelona vacation with kids, feel free to check out Barcelona’s official tourism website for more information.

Health Information

Three kids sit on the beach in Barcelona, Spain, with the water in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Chelsey Knealing

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Barcelona with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind. Firstly, it is worth noting that Spain has many restaurants with special menus for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions including Celiac, gluten-sensitive, lactose intolerant, etc.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Barcelona with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Barcelona with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Barcelona include the Clinical and Provincial Hospital of Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, and Hospital Clínic de Barcelona Maternitat.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona soon, you’re probably wondering about Barcelona’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, Barcelona has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Barcelona’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Barcelona with kids. Finally, for vaccination information, click here. You can also visit this website for additional useful information about local COVID-19 regulations.

Emergency Services

A family of four stands in a historic street within the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. — Photo Courtesy: Alyce Marie

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Barcelona with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Barcelona with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Barcelona, dial 112.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Barcelona safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Barcelona is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Spain. Barcelona is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people on the street may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

Additionally, you can review the current U.S. Department’s Spain Travel Advisory here.

Barcelona for Kids

Mom and dad holding two kids while exploring La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Alyce Marie, Amanda Donnelly

A young boy holds his hands out wide in front of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Alyce Marie, Amanda Donnelly

Visiting Barcelona with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Barcelona? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Barcelona with kids. We suggest BCN Babysitter or Nannies Barcelona. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Barcelona. Firstly, take a look at Backpack Baby, Strollaround, and Wallyboo.

Transportation

A dad and his young son explore a museum together with large stone walls. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kaleena Jaquez, Natalie España

Little boy and girl in a train in Barcelona. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kaleena Jaquez, Natalie España

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Barcelona with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Barcelona for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your Barcelona vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information and all about Barcelona with kids. According to the Spanish law about passenger safety, everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times. Children also have to be in the correct safety seat for their age and height. In Spain, children need to be over 135cms tall and over 12 years before they can travel without a car seat. You can find great graphics from the Spanish Department of Traffic here.

Transportation Services

To get around Barcelona, families can walk or take public transportation. Navigating the city is easy as a result of an ever-more sustainable public transport network – metro, trams, buses, and the Catalan government’s city and suburban rail service (FGC). The city also has a public bike hire scheme and more than 200 km of bike lanes; a fleet of taxis that include hybrid and electric vehicles, and cabs running on natural gas. It also provides environmentally-friendly electric vehicles for hire. You’re sure to find the means of transport that best suits your family’s needs in Barcelona.

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

For more information on transportation in Barcelona, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona with Kids

Two young boys look up at a painting, while exploring a museum in Barcelona. — Photo Courtesy: Edith Arteaga-Medina, Amanda Donnelly

A young boy plays in a Barcelona park, with La Sagrada Familia in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Edith Arteaga-Medina, Amanda Donnelly

Searching for more tips all about Barcelona with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Barcelona with kids!

Want more local tips and personalized advice for your trip to Barcelona? Connect with Dolça from Go Ask A Local! She’s a local guide based in Barcelona who works all over the region and offers trip planning consultations on Zoom.

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Barcelona can save families a lot of hassle. In Barcelona, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping in Barcelona is somewhat uncommon, depending on the industry. Similar to the USA, expect to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally, the rule of 10% of the total bill is applicable. Additionally, hotel staff (like porters and house cleaners) and tour guides greatly appreciate tips. Consider 1 to 5 euros for hotel staff (more if you require a lot of support), and about 5 euros for great tour guides.

However, at restaurants, tipping is very rare (even for table service). Typically, one or two euros is the maximum, and only if you received exceptional service. Normally, service is already included, so a bill should say “SERVICIO INCLUÍDO”.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Barcelona, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Barcelona. Check the Barcelona National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids

The outdoor entrance to Parc Guell, featuring its iconic stairs, Gaudi art, and palms.

Once you’ve read our Barcelona important information and all about Barcelona with kids, look up what to do. Barcelona has something for all ages, whether you’re interested in great museums, wonderful parks, or delicious food. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine in the city’s many parks, from Parc de la Ciutadella to Parc Guell, home to some beautiful works of art by Antoni Gaudi.

Then, don’t miss strolling around Barcelona’s charming neighborhoods too, from the cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter to the cool architecture in Eixample. Families can sample tasty food at the Boqueria Market, stroll down La Rambla, and spend a day at the beach. Near Barcelona, families can also spend the day at PortAventura Park. Finally, you can also make yourself at home in the city’s various museums, including the Picasso Museum!

Looking for a tour to learn more about Barcelona? There are several family-friendly options through Viator!

Then, don’t forget to check GetYourGuide for tickets to fantastic kid-friendly sights + attractions throughout the city too.

For more things to do in Barcelona with kids, check out our list of the Best Things To Do In Barcelona With Kids!

Where to Stay in Barcelona with Kids

The rooftop pool at Hotel Arts on a sunny day. — Photo Courtesy: Hotel Arts

Looking for the best places to stay in Barcelona with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Barcelona with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. Families love the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, located in the heart of Eixample. Alternatively, if you want to stay near the beach, try Hotel Arts Barcelona, which has a pool for kids. Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas has family rooms for 5 and 6 guests and an outdoor pool. Catalonia Ramblas also has a pool and rooms with a full bed plus bunk beds, ideal for a family of 4.

Then, other great hotels in Barcelona with kids are H10 Metropolitan, Mercer Barcelona, Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, and El Palace Hotel.

Find more places to stay in Barcelona on this list of the Best Family Hotels In Barcelona By Neighborhood!

Book your next stay in Barcelona using Hotels.com now!

Get a discount on your next Barcelona family vacation by using Expedia today!

Happy Travels!

A mom and her young son touch a large stone wall while exploring Spain.

We hope you liked this article All About Barcelona With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Barcelona with your kids!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.