Logo

Luxury Homes & Apartments in Barcelona

Barcelona Holidays

Welcome to Barcelona, a city that seamlessly blends a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere with a rich cultural heritage. Home to stunning architecture, world-class art, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant street life.

As you wander through its enchanting streets, you’ll encounter a unique fusion of Gothic and modernist masterpieces, from the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia to the lush Park Güell.

The city’s captivating energy is palpable as you explore the lively neighbourhoods, indulge in delectable tapas, and immerse yourself in interacting with the delightful locals.

Check out our fabulous luxury homes and apartments in Barcelona and head off to the Catalonian capital for a city break like no other.

Why visit?

  • Barcelona’s mix of breathtaking Gothic, modernist, and contemporary architecture creates a visually captivating experience throughout the city.
  • The city with a deep-rooted cultural heritage. From the enchanting Gothic Quarter to the vibrant street life on La Rambla, there is an abundance of history, art, and cultural experiences to explore. Don’t miss a Flamenco show!
  • Barcelona enjoys a privileged location on the Mediterranean coast, providing a vibrant and laid-back lifestyle. The city’s beautiful beaches offer a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities when you need a breather from the bustle of the city.
View of Barcelona from Parc Guell
Barcelona Travel Guide

Why stay with us?

Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in Barcelona. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.

Once you book a holiday, the service doesn’t stop there. Our Concierge Service means you’ll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.

Why visit Barcelona?

Barcelona is a city that never fails to impress with its vibrant cultural scene and lively events. La Mercè Festival is held annually in September and is Barcelona’s largest street festival, celebrating the city’s patron saint. This week-long extravaganza features a range of events, including processions, live music performances, castellers (human towers), fireworks, and dazzling parades. Here you can truly immerse yourself in Catalan traditions and experience the city’s lively spirit.

For electronic music enthusiasts, Sonar Festival is a must-attend event. Held in June, this internationally renowned festival showcases cutting-edge electronic music, multimedia art, and technology. With a lineup of top international DJs and artists, as well as innovative audiovisual installations, Sonar Festival attracts music lovers from all over the world.

The neighbourhood of Gràcia hosts an annual street festival – Festes de Gràcia – in August, where its streets are transformed into a vibrant and colourful display. Each street competes for the best-decorated theme, resulting in a delightful spectacle of creativity. Enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, street food, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this neighbourhood celebration.

Things to do

Barcelona is a city brimming with iconic attractions that captivate visitors from around the world. The icon of every postcard is the magnificent Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an enduring symbol of Barcelona that displays Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, with its intricate facades and soaring towers. Step inside to be mesmerized by the stunning stained glass windows and the unique interplay of light.

Another Gaudí gem is Park Güell, a whimsical city park dotted with colourful architectural features, that offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the vibrant mosaic structures and meandering pathways and enjoy the colourful tile work.

Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, is a bustling pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and street performers. Stroll along this vibrant promenade and soak in the lively atmosphere. It’s also where you’ll find the food stalls of the Boqueria Market, where you can indulge in fresh fruits, local delicacies, and vibrant food stalls.

Rising above the city, Montjuïc Hill offers breathtaking views and a wealth of attractions. Explore the Montjuïc Castle, visit the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, and wander through the enchanting gardens of the Montjuïc Park. Don’t miss the stunning Magic Fountain, where a captivating light and water show takes place in the evenings.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s works. Admire the masterpieces that revolutionized modern art and gain a deeper understanding of Picasso’s genius.

Castelers at La Merce. Castellers – or human towers – are a riveting Catalan tradition and a part of La Mercè festival that you cannot miss!

Food and drink

With its rich culinary heritage and a fusion of flavours from Mediterranean and Catalan traditions, Barcelona offers a gastronomic experience that is truly unforgettable. Kicking off with tapas, the iconic small plates that are perfect for sharing such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) and jamón ibérico (cured ham) to innovative creations by talented chefs, tapas bars are abundant and offer something for every palate.

Seafood lovers will delight in the abundance of fresh catches available in Barcelona. The city’s coastal location ensures a steady supply of the finest seafood, such as succulent prawns, grilled octopus, and plump mussels. Head to the iconic Boqueria Market or explore the waterfront restaurants for a true taste of the sea. Barcelona is also renowned for its paella, a dish that originated in the nearby region of Valencia with saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, and shellfish.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without indulging in the city’s sweet treats. From the world-famous churros dipped in rich hot chocolate to the delicate cream-filled pastries known as xuixos (pronounced chu-chos), Barcelona’s bakeries and patisseries will satisfy any sweet tooth. Be sure to try the Catalan speciality of crema catalana, a creamy custard dessert topped with a caramelised sugar crust.

The city is also known for its production of Cava, a sparkling wine that rivals its French counterpart. Enjoy a chilled glass of Cava as you soak in the lively atmosphere of Barcelona’s bars and terraces.

The grand entrance to the Boqueria Market
The grand entrance to the Boqueria Market, established in the 1200s

Why it's perfect for a getaway

Great for babies

The city has numerous parks and green spaces where parents can relax with their little ones, such as Park Guell and Parc de la Ciutadella.

Great for kids

Barcelona boasts several attractions that will captivate children. The Barcelona Aquarium is a popular choice, offering an impressive collection of marine life or the CosmoCaixa Science Museum provides interactive exhibits, making learning fun for kids.

Great for teens

Teens can participate in water sports at the beach or try their hand at skateboarding at the famous Skatepark of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and unique shops, is ideal for teenagers to explore and experience the city’s rich history.

Great for couples

Barcelona is one of the most romantic cities in the world! Take a sunset cruise from Port Vell and see the city from the water as night descends. It’s really special to experience with your partner.

Great for large groups

The city is full of awesome attractions and monuments, but lines can get pretty long. As a group you’ll find many discounts and skip-the-line priorities!

Top Tips

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try delicious tapas at the local bars and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighbourhood.

  • Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of Gaudí’s extraordinary residential buildings on the famous Passeig de Gràcia.

  • Be sure to visit the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a bustling food market with a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and vibrant colours.

What Oliver Loves

Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its vibrant atmosphere and diverse population. The city embraces its Catalan heritage while welcoming influences from all over the world. From the lively street performances on La Rambla to the eclectic art scene in the trendy El Raval neighbourhood, Barcelona offers a rich cultural tapestry that appeals to visitors of all interests.

Towns and villages near Barcelona

Beyond the bustling streets of Barcelona lie enchanting towns and picturesque villages that offer a delightful escape from the city’s vibrant energy. Nestled in the beautiful countryside or along the captivating coastline, these charming towns showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Sitges

Sitges is a beautiful coastal town located just 40 minutes away from Barcelona. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and colourful houses. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike and is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community.

Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
Montserrat

Montserrat is a tiny mountain village located about an hour outside of Barcelona. It’s known for its stunning views, beautiful hiking trails, and the famous Montserrat Monastery. It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy some nature.

Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava
Girona

The historic city of Girona is about an hour north of Barcelona. It’s known for its beautiful old town, colourful houses, and the iconic Onyar River. It’s a great place to explore and learn about Catalan history and culture.

Tarragona
Tarragona

Tarragona is a beautiful coastal city located about an hour south of Barcelona. It’s known for its ancient Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming old town. It’s a great place to explore and relax.

White houses and boats in Cadaques
Cadaqués

Cadaqués is a beautiful coastal village known for its stunning beaches, beautiful views, and charming streets. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Vic cathedral
Vic

For a taste of rustic charm, venture inland to the town of Vic. It’s known for its beautiful old town, historic market, and stunning cathedral. It’s a great place to explore and learn about Catalan history and culture.

Top tips

  • Take advantage of the metro, buses, and trams to navigate between attractions. Purchase a T-10 ticket, which offers ten journeys on public transportation at a discounted rate.

  • Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia to save time. Additionally, be aware of the opening hours of museums, as they may have specific days or times when they are closed or offer discounted admission.

  • Engage with the locals, learn a few basic phrases in Catalan or Spanish, and embrace the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Barcelona travel: Getting there and around

Flights to Barcelona are frequent and affordable, with a direct flight time of just 2 hours 10 minutes. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Barcelona from various UK airports including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Vueling among others.

By car

While driving is an option in Barcelona, it’s not recommended for visitors due to the city’s narrow streets, heavy traffic, and limited parking options. If you do choose to drive, be aware that parking can be difficult to find, and many areas of the city are restricted to residents only.

By metro

Barcelona’s metro system is fast, efficient, and affordable, making it a popular mode of transportation for both locals and visitors. It has 8 lines that connect to most areas of the city, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or at metro stations.

By bus

Barcelona has an extensive bus network operated by TMB, which runs throughout the city and suburbs. The buses are affordable and convenient, with many routes running frequently throughout the day and night. Bus stops are clearly marked, and schedules can be found at each stop or on the TMB website.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available in Barcelona and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app like MyTaxi or Cabify. Taxis in Barcelona are metered, and rates are posted inside the cab – it’s a convenient and reliable option for getting around the city.

By foot

Barcelona is a very walkable city, with many of its main attractions located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s charming streets and hidden corners. Barcelona is also very bike-friendly, with many bike rental companies throughout the city.

By foot

Barcelona is a very walkable city, with many of its main attractions located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s charming streets and hidden corners. Barcelona is also very bike-friendly, with many bike rental companies throughout the city.

By bike

Barcelona has an extensive network of bike lanes, making it easy and safe to cycle around the city. There are many bike rental companies throughout the city, and bikes can also be rented through the city’s public bike-sharing program, Bicing.

Loading reviews...