Barcelona is both fashionable and family-friendly. As a mama to two young boys, I felt well cared for because our little ones were so well cared for. Most hotels offer kid-centric activities and many restaurants have kids menus and areas. We were never concerned with being too loud at a restaurant because tables of sangria-fueled adults were much rowdier than our little gang. If we got tired or sight-seeing boredom set in, an urban park was never too far away. Ubers are easy to come by and taxis even simpler to hail (as long as they aren’t on strike). But the city has a palpable energy, it’s impossible to keep pace. Thankfully, to combat sensory overload, we split our time between two distinct but equally incredible properties that made all the difference in making our stay memorable.

El Palauet

Arguably one of Barcelona’s chicest addresses, El Palauet is a former single-family residence. This art nouveau beauty has been lovingly restored into a collection of tricked-out suites with fancy frescos (there are 45 original ceilings, each listed as treasures by the town hall of Barcelona) and stained glass windows beautiful enough to inspire endless photo shoots. Each suite comes complete with an assigned concierge who will help to arrange anything and everything a traveling family may require or desire. There were even a bunch of wonderful surprises we didn’t imagine asking for!

Primero Primera

Set in a tree-lined residential neighborhood a 10-minute drive outside the main center, Primero Primera was a welcome respite from a busy few days of sightseeing. We felt like clued-in locals living our best Barcelona life. The magical grounds with a pretty pool and excellent garden restaurant made it hard to justify leaving the property, but there is a lovely local restaurant just down the block that we’ll have to try on the next trip.

Devour Tours

The whole family will enjoy discovering and tasting Barcelona like locals with Devour Tours. Their philosophy that great food doesn’t just happen feels particularly relevant in an age of chain restaurants and factory farming. Behind great food are hard-working families whose passion keeps traditions alive. The guides are all food-industry experts. Our fearless leader, Lior, a chef and sommelier, shared her passion for Spanish food by highlighting the city’s history through its cuisine and people. The private kids walking tour was a definite trip highlight for our whole fam.

Market + Picnic

With so many markets to choose from (almost every barrio has at least one), it is the perfect place to compose a mouth-watering selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, seasonal produce and a bottle of Spain’s finest vino. Take it to a park or city beach and while away an afternoon in a haze of contentment. Mercat de la Llibertat is a local favorite in the center of Gràcia and much less crowded than tourist favorite La Boqueria with its endless crowds.

Park Guell

Go to Park Guell at magic hour, when the sun is less intense and the monk parakeets are happily chirping their evening tunes. Be sure to seek out the busker who plays the Spanish guitar under Gaudi’s sand-colored leaning columns in the Jardins de Salvador Espriu. If you have the foresight, book a session with Flytographer to capture some sweet memories of your crew and the iconic city views.

El Born

Walk around the El Born neighborhood, one of our favorite barrios. It bordered the gothic quarter but was less busy and touristy. The incredible buildings housed lovely local shops and some well-curated Spanish brands. The kids loved running around the little piazzas that were mostly shaded and traffic-free.

Gaudí safari

Barcelona has 17 examples of architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical dreamlike structures. Compile a google map with pins and set out to explore—stopping along the way for coffee, snacks and shade. There’s a handy Wikipedia map which contains all names and coordinates so you can start dropping pins.

Giant Museum

Kids will fall for the Giant (Gegants) Museum full of larger-than-life papier-mâché figures who come to life during various celebrations, processions and festivities annually, just as they have for the past 600 years.

Le Pepita

First, grab a drink and some pintxos (small appetizers individually portioned on skewers) at La Cava while you wait for a table next door at La Pepita. At La Pepita, a loud, bustling tapas bar, the writing is on the wall, literally. Ask for some markers and keep your littles occupied by scrawling their names and doodles on the restaurant walls. This should give you a chance to pour over the extensive list of tasty tapas and wine—although ordering one of everything isn’t a bad idea.