Las Ramblas, the Boqueria and MACBA Art Museum with Kids, Barcelona, Spain

This half day outing exposes the kids to different kinds of art (high and low), gives them a chance to run, and fills their bellies with tasty treats. Even young babies will enjoy all the varied sights. This day is easily adapted for a rainy day, just spend less time on Las Ramblas and more in the (covered) market and musuem.

Las Ramblas

Address Placa de Catalunya 1, 08002 Barcelona Map,

While the Rambla might seem to touristy if you were travelling without the kids, it's lots of colorful fun for them. Start from the Placa de Catalunya and walk towards the Harbor. You'll first see the Canaletes Fountain. Next you'll see stands selling pets (my son's favorite part) including baby turtles, ducklings, chicks, and all kinds of birds. Swing into La Boqueria next or pick up a sandwich at Cafe Vienna, and then continue on your way. You'll also pass people all dressed up as human statues, and stands selling flowers before you find yourself at waterfront. more

Mercado de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

Address Rambla 91, 08001 - Barcelona, Spain. Map, Tel 93.318.25.84 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 8am-8:30pm Website

La Boqueria, officially named Mercat Sant Josep, is a bustling market filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products, meats, and seafood. There are also a few inexpensive places to grab a bite to eat. Kids (if they're not too squeamish) will enjoy wandering the market and seeing everything. This is also an excellent place to pick up what you need for a picnic lunch. more

Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA)

Address Plaça dels Angels, 1, 08001 Barcelona Map, Tel 34 93 412 08 10 Call, Cost 4€ for the permanent collection; 7.5€ for whole museum, Hours (Winter) M,W,Th,F 11am-7.30pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 10am-3pm Website

MACBA is a very kid-frienly museum, with an open-plan, ramps everywhere, and enough buzz to cover minor baby or kid noises. Some of the artwork is especially engaging, on our visit the kids were enthralled by an exhibit featuring light projectors and shadows. more

Cafe Viena

Address La Rambla del Estudis 115, Barcelona Spain Map, Tel (34-933) 171-492 Call, Notes Takeaway, bar and seated dining Website

Mark Bittman of the New York Times calls the "Ibiric" sandwich at Viena the best sandwich he's ever eaten, and many of the other choices are also delicious. This quick, fast food-like sandwich place is a great place to pick up sandwiches for a picnic or grab a quick bite while touring the Rambla. There is both a bar and a sit down area. Picky eaters will appreciate the grilled cheese sandwich and hamburgers. more

Art Nouveau Escriba Cafe

Address C/ La Rambla 83, 08002 Barcelona, Spain Map, Tel 933-016-027 Call, Hours daily 8:30am–9pm

Escriba, practically next door to the Boqueria, serves delicious croissant and fresh pastery as well as hot coffee drinks. This is also a great place to pick up a sweet in the afternoon. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. more