Barcelona is one of Europe’s best cities for families. Highly walkable with many outdoor attractions like the Gothic Quarter, hilly Park Güell and Barceloneta Beach, there’s plenty of room for children to roam while sightseeing.
The city is characterized by the architecture of Antonio Gaudi, a modernist architect known for buildings so whimsical and colorful, the unique and imaginative designs are bound to interest children more than the average cathedral or historical home. Plus, with 300 days of sunshine a year, the Spanish city is drenched in warmth and pleasant weather year-round.
Set in the region of Catalunya, Barcelona is a great place to dive into both Spanish and Catalan culture. Families can enjoy practicing Spanish with locals and sampling cuisine like patatas bravas (fried potatoes) and jamon y queso (ham and cheese), two types of tapas that are definitely kid-approved.
To best enjoy a family trip to this iconic city, you’ll want to make sure your accommodation option is situated somewhere with a great location (think Eixample or Bari Gotic neighborhoods). Here’s a look at the 9 best family-friendly hotels in Barcelona.
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1. Grand Hotel Central
If there’s one hotel that’s the biggest icon in Barcelona, it’s definitely the Grand Hotel Central (as its name aptly implies). The 5-star hotel has one of the most central locations in the city. Situated in El Born neighborhood just across the street from the Barcelona Cathedral, the hotel is less than a five-minute walk to a plethora of must-visit sights, including the Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas Boulevard and winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. For families looking to get out some extra energy, the hotel is also a short walk to the Barcelona Zoo and the sands of Barceloneta Beach.
The hotel is highly welcoming to families. The rooftop contains a large open space and pool that is a great place for kids to unwind after sightseeing. Rooms are spacious and fit four. For larger families, the hotel offers interconnecting rooms or Junior Suites. The breakfast buffet includes many child-friendly options familiar to American travelers like pancakes and scrambled eggs, atypical breakfast choices in Spain.
Why the Grand Hotel Central is a Great Barcelona Family-Friendly Hotel:
- Central location within a 5-minute walk to major attractions including Las Ramblas and Barceloneta Beach
- Heated rooftop infinity pool
- Interconnecting rooms
- Breakfast buffet with child-friendly options
You’ll Love Grand Hotel Central Too!
2. Hotel Arts Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona provides a family-friendly luxury hotel by the sea. The 5-star resort is located on a trendy strip of restaurants and hotels overlooking Barceloneta Beach. With Michelin-starred restaurants, an outdoor pool and an award-winning spa onsite, the resort provides a Mediterranean-style beachside getaway, all while being just a 10-minute walk from the booming city center.
Kids clubs aren’t common in Spain (or most of Europe). That makes the Arts Kids Club an especially great find. Children from ages four to 12 can make new friends while enjoying arts, crafts, movies and more. The club is complimentary for guests between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Rates apply from 1 to 10 p.m. but include lunch and/or dinner.
Why Hotel Arts Barcelona is a Great Barcelona Family-Friendly Hotel:
- Family-friendly location next to Barcelonetta Beach
- Art Kids Club
- Extensive pool and gardens
- Five on-site restaurants offering something for every taste
- Babysitting services can be arranged
You’ll Love Hotel Arts Barcelona Too!
3. Petit Palace Boqueria Garden
Another centrally located hotel that’s family-friendly is Petit Palace Boqueria Garden. Located in the historic Barri Gotic, the hotel is set in a historic building that gives visitors the chance to sink into a storied world just steps from many of the major attractions in Barcelona. With a four-star rating, rooms here come at a more affordable rate.
One of the more affordable kid-friendly hotels, Petite Palace Boqueria Garden offers a number of unique room types that are great for families, including a triple room and quadruple room that includes bunk beds. Suites and duplexes can sleep up to six. In easy walking distance to restaurants and cafes, it’s also one of the best family hotels for foodies looking to explore.
Why Petite Palace Boqueria Garden is a Great Barcelona Family-Friendly Hotel:
- Suites and duplexes sleep up to six
- Historic setting in Gothic Quarter
- Complimentary bikes for guests
- Great location
- Private terrace
You’ll Love Petite Palace Boqueria Garden Too!
4. Citadines Ramblas Aparthotel
Located on the outskirts of the Gothic Quarter, Citadines Ramblas Aparthotel is a 3-star option that provides spacious rooms and city views. A sun terrace provides additional space for children to get their wiggles out. Additional common spaces include a lounge room with a television.
Rooms are spacious and include kitchens and cookware, allowing families to make their own kid-approved meals and dine on their own timeline. Reviews often comment on the quiet nature of the hotel (despite the central location), thanks to soundproof windows.
Why Citadines Ramblas Barcelona is a Great Family-Friendly Hotel:
- Central location near Gothic Quarter
- Spacious rooms with kitchens and cookware
- Ample outdoor public space with a sun terrace
- Soundproof windows
You’ll Love Citadines Ramblas Aparthotel Too!
5. Apartments Sixty Four
Sometimes, while traveling as a family you just want to be able to spread out and have as much space as possible to explore a new city. That’s where Apartments Sixty Four comes in, providing spacious and luxe one, two and three-bedroom apartment units in a central location near Passeig de Gràcia, one of the major shopping boulevards.
This is probably the best option for a large family. In addition to ample space, living rooms and kitchens, Apartments Sixty Four provides a full range of services that include breakfast delivery and housekeeping. From the well-suited location, visitors can walk to two different homes by the architectural master Antoni Gaudi, including Casa Batlló.
Why Apartments Sixty Four is a Great Family-Friendly Barcelona Option:
- Spacious apartment-style accommodations featuring multiple bedrooms
- Kitchens and living room spaces
- Prime location near Passeig de Gracia
- Full services including breakfast delivery
You’ll Love Apartments Sixty Four Too!
6. Hotel Praktik Rambla
In Barcelona, there’s truly no reason to sacrifice on location or architectural details when it comes to finding a family-friendly hotel. Hotel Praktik Rambla is evidence of this, situated on a tree-lined street and set in a 19th-century palace. Architectural features such as balconies and green tiles lend to the dreamy vibe of the city’s storied history.
This is a boutique hotel and rooms are not as large as other properties. However, the rooms are bright and full of natural light, and most include balconies, providing extra space and warmth. There’s a large outdoor terrace with tables and chairs. Additional perks for families (and all guests) include free breakfast, complimentary beach towels, and a pillow menu.
Why Hotel Praktik Rambla is a Great Family-Friendly Hotel:
- Boutique hotel that welcomes families
- Historical setting in a central location
- Free breakfast
- Most rooms have balconies
You’ll Love Hotel Praktik Rambla Too!
7. Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel Barcelona
One of the top things to see in Barcelona is la Sagrada Familia, the beloved and quirky yet-to-be-finished cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudi. Children and adults alike will love visiting to admire the unique architectural elements, from the nature-inspired Nativity Facade to the sea of light from looming stained glass windows. The best family-friendly option near this icon is Radisson Blu 1882.
The hotel boasts a modern decor. It also offers a special family room type that includes a double bed and double sofa bed. There’s a rooftop terrace and outdoor pool with free space and epic views. A free guided walking tour is available to guests every Saturday to help explorers learn about Barcelona city.
Why Radisson Blu is a Great Family-Friendly Barcelona Hotel
- Close location to Sagrada Familia
- Family rooms with double bed and double sofa
- Rooftop pool
- Free weekly walking tour
You’ll Love Radisson Blu 1882 Too!
8. Hotel Catalonia Park Güell
With ample trails to soak up the famous Barcelona sunshine and modernist architecture galore designed by the one and only Antoni Gaudi, Park Güell is one of the highest-rated attractions in the city, and for good reason. It’s one of the best places for children to run around and explore with hands-on activities and experiences. Hotel Catalonia Park Güell is the closest family-friendly option nearby.
The location of this hotel, while near the park, is further from the city center, making it a great option for visitors who want to gain a different perspective while still being near a metro station. For families, quadruple and family rooms sleep up to four and a buffet breakfast is offered. The hotel has a rooftop pool and solarium to provide warmth and outdoor space. There’s also a supermarket right around the corner for families to get easy access to snacks.
Why Hotel Catalonia Park Güell is a Great Family-Friendly Barcelona Hotel
- Closest option to Park Güell
- Different room types sleep up to four
- Rooftop Pool
- Supermarket nearby
You’ll love Hotel Catalonia Park Güell too!
Family-Friendly Hotels in Barcelona
It’s time to hop on a plane bound for BCN! From well-respected international brands and boutique gems to spacious apartment-style accommodations and suites, Barcelona is swirling with family-friendly hotels. Thanks to the wide range of options, families can find a comfortable and welcoming place to stay to explore the city’s fantastic history, architecture and cultural gems in one of Spain’s most iconic destinations. Get your street map out and get ready to snap great family photos at la Sagrada Familia, Poblenou, Plaça de Catalunya and more!