A Romantic and Cosmopolitan Barcelona Honeymoon

For art, architecture and tapas galore, head to this sophisticated Spanish city.
The must-see Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Tanatat | Getty
Dina Cheney - The Knot Contributor.
by
Dina Cheney
Dina Cheney - The Knot Contributor.
Dina Cheney
The Knot Contributor
  • Dina writes for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in food, travel and relationships.
  • With more than 20 years of experience in service journalism, she also pens articles and recipes for publications, such as Good Housekeeping, Parents, SELF, Health, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Prevention, Fine Cooking, Weight Watchers and Diabetic Living.
  • Dina graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University and The Institute of Cul...
Updated Apr 16, 2024
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Spirited, artsy and fun, a Barcelona honeymoon is ideal for active, city-loving couples. Located on the coast of northeastern Spain, this top honeymoon destination is the capital city of the Catalonia (Catalunya) region.

After days spent feasting on tapas, sipping wine, exploring bustling neighborhoods and visiting art galleries, newlyweds can head outside the city to relax at a beach resort in the Costa Brava region. Sound perfect? We thought so.

When it comes to planning your Barcelona honeymoon, let us be your guide. From the best months to visit Spain to the top hotels to stay at, use our travel tips to plan your exciting and romantic getaway.

Barcelona Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

    Barcelona at sunrise viewed from park Guell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
    Photo: Pol Albarran | Getty

    Best Time to Honeymoon in Barcelona

    Although Barcelona is a year-round destination, September to October and May to June are the best times to visit, says Joan Roca, CEO and founder of The Essentialist. Music-, theater- and dance-loving newlyweds might want to come in June and July, when the Festival Grec de Barcelona takes place. Avoid August since the city gets very hot and empties out for the summer holidays.

    Best weather: May to June, September, October.
    Festival highlights: Holi Festival of Colors Barcelona, Sala Montjuïc outdoor movie festival, Música als Parcs, Pride Barcelona, Barcelona Carnival.

    Barcelona Honeymoon Planning Tips

    Cosmopolitan couples (and foodie couples) will appreciate Barcelona's dynamic dining and cultural scene. The city's stunning setting on the Mediterranean Sea provides the beautiful scenery and beach experience many couples seek out for their romantic getaway.

    This colorful and vibrant city on the coast offers a wealth of museums, architectural masterpieces and acclaimed restaurants. Fortunately, it's also easy to reach, especially from the East Coast of the US, says Roca. Travelers can catch direct flights to Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) from New York, Miami, Boston, Washington, DC and more. If traveling from Madrid or another European destination, couples can take the high-speed AVE train.

    Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least 3 months. Starting in 2025, US citizens will need to have an ETIAS for Spain.
    Language:
    Catalan, Spanish (also known as Castilian).
    Location: Barcelona is located on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean Sea.
    Currency: The Euro (EUR).
    Flight time to Destination: From New York City, direct flights are usually 7 to 8 hours.
    Getting around: Barcelona has a great public transportation system, including metros, buses and trams. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available, and renting bikes or exploring on foot are great options, too.

    Pro tip: Add a professional touch to your Barcelona honeymoon planning by hiring an expert. Explore options for travel agents on The Knot Marketplace, where you can find reviews and testimonials.

    Places to Visit in Barcelona

    Barcelona has so many places to explore. Here are some of our favorite spots in the city. P.S. Post some pics of your adventures on Instagram along with these fun Spain captions.

    Interior of the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, Spain
    Photo: Trabantos | Shutterstock

    The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

    Meander through this neighborhood's narrow streets with no schedule or destination in mind, suggests Roca. Couples can soak up the medieval architecture, including the Barcelona Cathedral.

    El Born

    For trendy and unique boutiques, amble through this similarly historic and charming part of the city. Hit the Mercat de Santa Caterina food market during the day and the cocktail bars and tapas restaurants at night.

    La Boqueria

    For colorful displays of produce, meat and other food items, stop by this famed public market on your Barcelona honeymoon. Enter from Las Ramblas, the large boulevard running through the center of the city.

    The Erotic Museum of Barcelona

    Newlyweds can explore the history of sex through this museum's 800 paintings, photographs, sculptures and inventions.

    Montjuïc

    Ascend this hilly neighborhood for majestic views of the city and ocean. While there, stop by Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc), an old military fortress, as well as El Jardí Botànic (Botanical Garden).

    Bunkers del Carmel

    Visit this hidden spot that's less known to tourists, recommends Ana Calvera, a Reco trip designer. Situated above the city, the site of historic military bunkers provides breathtaking views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

    Barceloneta Beach

    Among the city's many beaches, this one offers a lively scene, with seafood and tapas restaurants, nightclubs and a boardwalk.

    Best Barcelona Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

    Honeymooners in Barcelona can find a range of accommodations, whether you'd prefer luxury hotels or charming boutique hotels in historic buildings. Many hotels will offer special honeymoon packages including welcome amenities, romantic dinners and spa treatments. Popular areas for couples include the Gothic Quarter, Eixample and Gracia for their proximity to major attractions and fabulous restaurants.

    A couple in front of the sagrada familia in Barcelona
    Photo: Diamond Dogs | Getty

    The Cotton House

    The Cotton House is a funky, contemporary hotel that is, "a mansion in the grand and gloomy style beloved by the Catalan upper classes," Roca says.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

    Located on the Passeig de Gràcia (the main shopping thoroughfare), Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a former bank headquarters with Art Deco design that offers Michelin-starred dining and a spa.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Soho House Barcelona

    Facing the Port Vell Marina in the Gothic quarter, Soho House Barcelona boasts elegant and bright interiors, as well as a heated rooftop swimming pool.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Grand Hotel Central

    Situated between El Born and the Gothic Quarter, the elegant Grand Hotel Central features a wellness center and a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Hotel 1898

    Located in a historic building that's within walking distance of the Gothic Quarter, Hotel 1898 features a rooftop terrace and several top-notch dining options.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Pro tip: If you're looking for Barcelona honeymoon accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, you might also want to consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

    Barcelona Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

    Barcelona is so filled with romantic activities for couples, you'll never be bored. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Make sure to book major attractions early (like the Sagrada Famila or the Picasso Museum), tickets can sell out if you try to book last minute.

    Parc Guell in Barcelona
    Photo: Peter Unger | Getty

    Eat Your Heart Out

    Barcelona is home to countless casual cafés and tapas joints, along with many Michelin-starred restaurants. For classic Spanish dishes, couples should try seafood paella (saffron rice with seafood), patatas bravas (fried potatoes), croquetas (croquettes), tortilla de patatas (potato omelet) and jamón Ibérico (ham). Wash it all down with cava (sparkling wine).

    See Famed Art and Architecture

    Visit Modernist Catalan structures designed by the famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Many—including his most famous work, La Sagrada Familia—have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Climb up the massive church in the Eixample district for bird's-eye views of the city.

    For more Gaudí appreciation (and a little bit of exercise), stroll through Parc Güell and by Casa Mila and Casa Batlló (both on the elegant avenue, Passeig de Gràcia). Art hounds will want to spend time at the Picasso Museum, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Picasso Museum, and Museu Europeu d'Art Modern. You could also take a guided Gaudi tour, if that's more your style.

    Go to a Concert

    For a classy nightlife experience, couples can buy tickets to a flamenco, jazz or classical music performance at The Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music). This concert hall has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth visiting for its architecture alone.

    Venture Outside of Barcelona

    For a break from the city, couples can take various romantic day trips. Visit wineries in the Penedès or Priorat regions, or go on a hike along the coves of the Costa Brava. Roca suggests spending time in charming seaside villages like Sitges and Cadaqués, or devoting time to exploring the Empordà region, home to medieval villages and bucolic landscapes. While there, stop by Figueres, the birthplace of the famed artist Salvador Dali and home to the Dali Museum.

    Pro tip: Add Barcelona honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you a fun couple's activity to enjoy abroad. Make sure to post a few photos to your wedding website—this way all of your guests (including those without social media accounts) can see what you're up to.

    What to Pack for a Barcelona Honeymoon

    Street in Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain
    Photo: Alexander Spatari | Getty

    Roca recommends dressing in layers and bringing a bathing suit in your honeymoon luggage for a dip in the sea. Since Barcelona is ideally experienced on foot, don't forget to include comfortable walking shoes on your packing checklist.

    Brittany Barber contributed to this article.

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