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,

Beginning at Placa de Catalunya and walking towards the Harbor, walk down the Ramblas, stopping to check out all the new sights. There's a fountain, stands selling pets (my son's favorite part), human statues and flower stands. Along the way, you will detour to the Boqueria and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). At the end of the street you will find yourself at the Christopher Columbus monument and the waterfront.

Mercado de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

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

Start your day at La Boqueria (as early as 5am). This bustling market filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products, meats, and seafood is the perfect place to pick up breakfast. 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. Look for the fresh squeezed juices by the entrace.

Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA)

Address Plaça dels Angels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, 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

MACBA is a very kid-frienly museum, with an open-plan, ramps everywhere, and enough buzz to cover minor baby or kid noises. Exhibits tend to be engaging for kids, but if the toddlers are bored, they'll enjoy walking up and down the ramps, while older kids will enjoy watching through the window as (local and pro) skateboarders make use of MACBA's outside ramp. Bring an inflatable ball (our favorite is the Gertie Ball) and let the kids run in the big open plaza in front of the museum before you enter.

Cafe Viena

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

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. Depending on your timing, this fast food-like sandwich place is a great place to pick up sandwiches for a picnic outside MACBA or grab a quick bite before you contunue down the Rambla. There is both a bar and a sit down area. Picky eaters will appreciate the grilled cheese sandwich and hamburgers.

Art Nouveau Escriba Cafe

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

If you'd like to have your breakfast sitting down (rather than while wandering through the market), 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.

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