Weekend getaway Barcelona
City break to Barcelona by train
- Sustainable and comfortable to the heart of Barcelona
- Without the stress of checking in at an airport and no traffic jams
- Travel time Amsterdam - Barcelona from 11.10 hours
Tips for a city trip to Barcelona
Nice that you are planning an (extended) weekend away. Or perhaps you want to spend your holidays in and around the city? Barcelona has a rich history and architecture, plenty of delicious tapas bars and nice hotels. Culture lovers often have no idea what to visit first. One thing is certain: it will likely be something by architect Antoni Gaudí. Be it a church, park or house.
But there is so much more to discover during your city break, as Barcelona is also home to famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. We will gladly help shape your must-see list.
Admire Gaudí's architecture
Sagrada Familia is, of course, the most famous and eye-catching. This basilica is the symbol of Barcelona and is still under construction. What many people do not realise is that the cathedral is as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. So, be sure to take a look inside.
Parque Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are also his designs and are also worth a look or even visit. Parque Güell is a beautiful park with colourful mosaics and stunning views over the city. One of the highlights of Casa Milà is its roof and definitely worth a visit. Casa Batlló is another building designed by Gaudí and can be recognised by its characteristic organic shapes and colourful mosaics.
Stroll along Las Ramblas and through Barri Gòtic
Marvel at the many creative street performers on Las Ramblas in the centre of the old town. A visit to the Ramblas can easily be combined with a stroll through the narrow streets in the Barri Gòtic district. And while you are in the area, take a stroll through the most famous fresh food market La Boqueria.
Enjoy the beach, water and fish
Barcelona is on the coast, so they also have lovely beaches. Perfect for cooling off or for a nice walk. Platja de Barceloneta is one of the beaches not to be missed during your city break in Barcelona. And definitely visit the old fishing district of the same name, La Barceloneta.
Even more places of interest during a Barcelona weekend
This is all just the tip of the iceberg. We have not even mentioned Plaça de Catalunya and Parque la Ciutadella. And if you love football, you can take a tour of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's football stadium. With a seating capacity of 115,000, Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe. Barcelona's tiki-tala football has now been elevated to art and, according to some, is on a par with the artworks of Pablo Picasso.
If you want to treat your eyes even more, visit the Picasso Museum. The museum has an extensive collection from his earliest to his last works.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while? Then climb up to Montserrat. A monastery high in the mountains outside the city, with beautiful views and a famous boys' choir. You can get there by train and cable car.
Font Magica is a spectacle of music, water and light and takes place several days a week at the foot of Montjuïc. Highly recommended for an evening activity, fun for children or as a romantic getaway before dinner.
Food and drink
Barcelona is a city full of culinary highlights, with a wide range of local and international dishes to taste. Tapas are an important part of the food culture in Barcelona. They are small dishes that are often shared and often served with a glass of wine, cava or beer.
Another typical Catalan dish is paella, a rice dish with seafood, chicken or rabbit and vegetables. If you still have room for dessert, we have another great tip on our page on food and drink in Barcelona.
Dining out in Barcelona is the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation
Barcelona has a wide range of hotels. From luxury hotels to budget and average to child-friendly. There is something for everyone. Naturally, some hotels are better than others. So read which hotels we recommend based on good guest reviews.
With Eurostar and TGV to Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region, is Spain's second-largest city and easily reached by train from the Netherlands. From Amsterdam Central you only need to change trains in Paris. Travel time from Amsterdam Centraal to Barcelona Sants is 11.10 hours.
Advantages of travelling by train
Board the train without any hassle, enjoy a spacious seat, speed past traffic jams and travel to Barcelona in a sustainable way. And while travelling by train you can enjoy stunning views.
Leave in the morning so that you will be on time to enjoy a paella in the evening.
General tips for low-cost travel
Do you want to and can you book far in advance? Choose a Non-flex ticket for the lowest fare. If you want more flexibility, choose another rate.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets
- Tickets for Eurostar and TGV can be booked 122 days in advance
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee
Weekend Barcelona
Museums in Barcelona
We have listed the 8 best museums: Football, chocolate and art.
Restaurants Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of great restaurants. Find out where the city's best tapas, paella and seafood restaurants are.
Train to Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the second largest city in Spain. By train you will get from Amsterdam to the beautiful coastal city in just 11 hours and 10 minutes.
Holiday Barcelona
Explore the city, visit the stadium and go camping near the sea. Read our tips for a great holiday in Barcelona!
Hotels Barcelona
Naturally, some hotels are better than others. Read which hotels we recommend based on good reviews from their guests.
Cycling in Barcelona
Barcelona is a great city to discover by bike!