Barcelona
For those studying Spanish, Barcelona’s culture and historical architecture offers the ideal choice for a residential visit. Greatly influenced by its sporting and artistic residents, this vibrant city provides a rare chance to mix the old with the new.
Curriculum Links:
Linked to Culture, Languages, Art and Geography
PLACES TO VISIT
Las Ramblas
Barcelona’s famous avenue in the heart of its shopping district offers cafes, street artists and a pleasant way to take in the truly Spanish atmosphere.
Guided tour of Barcelona
Start at the Cathedral (entrance not included) and explore key sights like the Gothic Quarter, Sant Jaume Square, the Port and the Olympic Stadium. Afternoon options include Park Güell, the Monumental Bullring and the Picasso Museum (ticket included).
Picasso Museum
Hosting many of Picasso’s works, alongside his contemporaries, this museum is dedicated to the man who spent his formative years living in Barcelona.
Olympic Stadium and Gallery
The Olympics came to Barcelona in 1992 and left its legacy including a stadium, Olympic Museum and Gallery. Various tours are available on request.
Sagrada Familia
Discover the story behind Antoni Gaudi’s uniquely designed cathedral, its history and stunning design. No visit to Barcelona is complete without witnessing first hand this truly spectacular architectural delight.
Gaudi’s architecture
Gaudi’s influence on Barcelona ripples through the city. Visit Casa Mila – La Pedera or Parc Guell an urban park full of Gaudi’s striking architecture.
Nou Camp
Take in a tour of the world famous home of FC Barcelona. The tour includes a chance to walk out onto the pitch and visit the museum. If you’re really lucky, the team may just be training.
Itinerary Example
4-Day Barcelona Express: Art, Architecture & Catalan Culture
Discover Spain’s vibrant Mediterranean capital, famous for Modernist architecture, rich Catalan culture, and world-class sports heritage. Designed for MFL (Spanish), Art & Design, and PE / Sports Studies groups, this 4-day flight residential offers a perfect balance of iconic sight-seeing, language immersion, and artistic exploration.
Day 1: UK Flight to Barcelona & Gothic Quarter Walk (Arrival & Language)
Day 1
Morning/Afternoon: Fly from your local UK airport directly to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Transfer by private coach to your central accommodation.
Late Afternoon: Check in, unpack, and enjoy an introductory walking tour through the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), exploring narrow medieval streets and Roman wall ruins.
Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant followed by an evening stroll down the vibrant Las Ramblas promenade to practice Spanish language skills.
Day 2: Guided City Walking Tour, Gaudí & Camp Nou Stadium (Architecture & Sports)
Day 2
Morning: Depart after breakfast for an expert-guided walking tour of Barcelona, focusing on Modernist architecture, city history, and the famous grid layout of Eixample.
Afternoon: Tour the world-famous Spotify Camp Nou (FC Barcelona Stadium & Museum) to study sports management and marketing, or visit the historic Poble Espanyol open-air architectural museum.
Evening: Traditional Spanish tapas group dinner followed by an evening debrief session.
Day 3: Sagrada Família, Park Güell & Picasso Museum (Art & Design Focus)
Day 3
Morning: Visit Antoni Gaudí’s masterwork, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, to study architectural geometry and light, followed by a walk through the colourful, mosaic-filled Park Güell.
Afternoon: Explore the Picasso Museum in El Born or the Fundació Joan Miró on Montjuïc to analyze Spanish 20th-century art collections for student portfolios.
Evening: Group dinner at a seaside restaurant in Barceloneta, followed by an evening view across the city from Montjuïc.
Day 4: Montjuïc Castle Walk & Return Flight (Homeward Journey)
Day 4
Morning: Check out after breakfast. Take a walk around Montjuïc Castle or explore the historic La Boqueria Market for final souvenir shopping and local fruit tastings.
Afternoon: Private coach transfer to Barcelona El Prat Airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Optional En Route Visits & Extensions
Depending on your your organisation's flight schedule, budget, and subject syllabus, popular add on stops for Barcelona routes include:
CosmoCaixa Science Museum: Interactive science and environment exhibits featuring a flooded Amazon rainforest ecosystem, ideal for STEM groups.
Dalí Theatre-Museum (Figueres): A fantastic day trip extension for Art groups exploring Surrealism and Salvador Dalí’s eccentric collections.
PortAventura Theme Park: An exciting reward option near Salou for end-of-term enrichment trips.
Note on Flight Schedules: Available visit time on Day 1 and Day 4 depends on airline timetables and airport transfer schedules.
PLACES TO STAY
Urbany Barcelona
Urbany Hostel Barcelona is a highly-rated, modern, and affordable hostel near the Sagrada Familia, popular with groups, solo travelers, and students. It offers a "Biosphere" certified sustainable stay with amenities including a rooftop bar, shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security.
Pere Tarrés Youth Hostel
The Pere Tarrés Barcelona Youth Hostel facilities are modern and comfortable with very good underground and bus connections to Barcelona city centre. All the rooms have a private bathroom.