Art & design school trips to Barcelona

Exuding flair in every one of its buildings, galleries and streets, Barcelona is one of our favourite destinations for inspiring art and design students. Surrealist and Modernist art is abundant in the city, sitting alongside traditional Catalan art and the greatest collection of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural style. Alongside Parc Güell, where your group can examine and sketch the multicoloured mosaic structures, a visit to Barcelona’s many art galleries is bound to spark their imagination – helping them thrive in projects once they’re back in the classroom.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES


Day 1
  • Depart the UK
  • Arrive in Barcelona
  • Walking tour of Barcelona
  • Evening meal at local restaurant

Day 2
  • Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Parc Guell
  • Casa Museu Gaudi
  • La Sagrada Familia
  • Evening meal at local restaurant
  • Las Ramblas

Day 3
  • La Pedrera - Casa Milà
  • Casa Batllo
  • Joan Miro Foundation Exhibition
  • Flamenco Show and tapas

Day 4
  • Picasso Museum
  • Depart Barcelona for return to the UK


Day 1
  • Depart the UK and travel to Barcelona
  • Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
  • La Boqueria Market
  • Las Ramblas
  • Evening meal at local restaurant

Day 2
  • Casa Museu Gaudi
  • Parc Guell
  • La Sagrada Familia
  • La Pedrera - Cas Mila
  • Flamenco Show & tapas

Day 3
  • Picasso Museum
  • Depart Barcelona and return to the UK

Features

ACCOMMODATION

Urbany Go

A modern, friendly hostel located close to Plaza Catlunya, Urbany Go is well-equipped for all your group's needs while away. The hostel is also close to several of Barcelona's sights and, for those a little further afield, Universitat metro station is just 300m away.

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Close to public transport
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour reception

TOC Hostel

For sleek rooms and shared dorms in central Barcelona, look no further than TOC Hostel. Days can be spent easily getting around from the hostel's Central Ciutat Vella (Eixample district), while the outdoor pool and screening room will keep your students entertained in the evening.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Luggage lockers
  • Air conditioning

Roma Reial

A well-established hotel in the heart of Barcelona, Roma Reial is an ideal base for school groups looking to explore the city with minimal fuss. The nearest metro station (Liceu) is a 100m walk from the hotel, and there are several bus stops nearby.

  • Central location
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Restaurant

Urbany Go

A modern, friendly hostel located close to Plaza Catlunya, Urbany Go is well-equipped for all your group's needs while away. The hostel is also close to several of Barcelona's sights and, for those a little further afield, Universitat metro station is just 300m away.

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Close to public transport
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour reception

TOC Hostel

For sleek rooms and shared dorms in central Barcelona, look no further than TOC Hostel. Days can be spent easily getting around from the hostel's Central Ciutat Vella (Eixample district), while the outdoor pool and screening room will keep your students entertained in the evening.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Luggage lockers
  • Air conditioning

Roma Reial

A well-established hotel in the heart of Barcelona, Roma Reial is an ideal base for school groups looking to explore the city with minimal fuss. The nearest metro station (Liceu) is a 100m walk from the hotel, and there are several bus stops nearby.

  • Central location
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • Restaurant

Excursions

Gaudi Experience

Barcelona's Gaudi Experience, located close to Parc Guell, offers a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudi. Through interactive displays and audiovisual presentations, the Gaudi Experience brings to life the genius and artistic vision of this renowned Catalan architect. Students will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Gaudi's unique style, that continues to shape Barcelona's skyline today.

Parc Guell

Stroll around the stunning natural area of Parc Güell – a public area full of exquisite mosaic sculptures and buildings – and discover the earlier works of Antoni Gaudi, which are reminiscent of his naturalist phase. An outdoor space where students can enjoy both the architecture, the sun’s rays and a snack, we think the park is a great pitstop between the city’s sights.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Dedicated to works from the second half of the 20th century onwards, The Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA) has more than 5,000 works of art to amaze and astound students during a school group visit. We also recommend taking some downtime to watch the skateboarders outside the museum after your visit – this area is considered one of the most iconic in the world.

Casa Batlló

One of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces, Casa Batlló was designed with the shapes and colours of marine life. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ve seen student groups fascinated by this unique piece of early 20th-century architecture.

La Pedrera - Casa Mila

One of the most photographed buildings in Barcelona, Casa Mila was the final private residential building to be designed by Antoni Gaudi and is regarded as one of his most iconic works of civic architecture. We think this building is a true work of art – every student should be given the opportunity to see this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Picasso Museum

Devoted to the influential Spanish artist, this museum offers students a deeper view into Picasso’s formative years. The Picasso Museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces, inside which more than 4,250 pieces make up the museum’s permanent collection. During your visit, we expect students to be intrigued by the museum’s vast collection of his earliest works, as well as the tale behind his prized Las Meninas series.

La Sagrada Familia

The symbol of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a must-visit when staying in this Catalan city. Arguably one of the most spectacular basilicas in the world, Gaudi’s original design is still unfinished to this day. Though breathtaking from the outside, the inside of the church doesn’t disappoint either – we’ve seen students gaze in awe at the colourful stained glass windows and towering columns.

Joan Miro Foundation Perm & Temp Exhibitions

Explore the artwork of Spanish artist Joan Miró at one of the largest art museums in Barcelona. Completely dedicated to the Barcelona native, students can delve into some of the finest pieces of artwork, sculptures and ceramics that led Miró to achieve global fame.

Las Ramblas

One of the best-known features of Barcelona, this magnificent mile-long boulevard was originally a mountain stream that ran alongside the 13th century second wall of the city. Now, flower stalls and street art line the pavement, between dozens of shops, restaurants and human statues that we know your students will love exploring.

Flamenco Show & Tapas

It may take years to perfect the dance form of flamenco, the folkloric music tradition of southern Spain, but students can learn the basics with an evening of culture in a welcoming Barcelona dance centre. We’ve seen student groups immerse themselves in the spirit of the dance, encouraged by friendly flamenco musicians and their atmospheric guitar accompaniment.

Barceloneta

A seaside neighbourhood favoured by locals and punctuated by its huge glass W hotel building, La Barceloneta offers an idyllic spot where students can watch surfers ride the waves on Sant Sebastià Beach, dine al fresco in its many seafood and tapas restaurants, and explore the glitzy marina. We recommend pairing this excursion with visits to Montjuïc, which you can get to directly using the port’s cable car.

Cosmo Caixa Museum

Students can delve into learning about the environment, nature and science around the world at this amazing science museum, which also features a planetarium alongside its plentiful permanent and temporary exhibitions. With interactive elements based around all five senses, your school group will be captivated as they journey through the Amazon rainforest, geological formations, and even the Big Bang.

Casa Museu Gaudi

With its intricately framed windows and bright green shutters, Casa Museu Gaudi is instantly recognisable as the architect’s home for 20 years. Located in Park Güell, the house is full of furniture designed by Gaudi, as well as objects and documents relating to him and his life.

Caixaforum Barcelona

One of the most important collections of contemporary art in Europe is housed within this huge Montjuïc gallery, marking it as an essential stop on any school art trip to Barcelona. Here, your group can study more than 800 works by outstanding artists from Anish Kapoor to Tony Cragg, as well as learn about the gallery’s Modernist style – a common feature in Barcelona’s architecture.

La Boqueria Market

Spend an afternoon exploring the various food stalls at La Boqueria Market, considered to be one of the largest food markets in the world. Here, you can sample local cured meats, fresh fruit juice or mouthwatering churros as you make your way around. We’ve found this excursion is really popular with school groups, and an excellent chance for students to try out their Spanish language skills.

Poble Espanyol

Give your students a feel for Spain’s many contrasting locales in the ‘Spanish Village’ – an outdoor open-air architectural museum. Combining the main characteristics of all the towns and villages in the Iberian Peninsula, the village offers an “ideal model” of a Spanish urban area, complete with streets, squares and facades of different areas across the country.

Barcelona Seafront

There’s no end of things to do on Barcelona’s vast waterfront, which stretches across more than five kilometres of the eastern Spanish coast. Join the local joggers as you stroll along this beautiful palm lined promenade, taking in the street art, sculptures, and laid back atmosphere along the way.

Gaudi Experience

Barcelona's Gaudi Experience, located close to Parc Guell, offers a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudi. Through interactive displays and audiovisual presentations, the Gaudi Experience brings to life the genius and artistic vision of this renowned Catalan architect. Students will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Gaudi's unique style, that continues to shape Barcelona's skyline today.

Parc Guell

Stroll around the stunning natural area of Parc Güell – a public area full of exquisite mosaic sculptures and buildings – and discover the earlier works of Antoni Gaudi, which are reminiscent of his naturalist phase. An outdoor space where students can enjoy both the architecture, the sun’s rays and a snack, we think the park is a great pitstop between the city’s sights.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Dedicated to works from the second half of the 20th century onwards, The Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA) has more than 5,000 works of art to amaze and astound students during a school group visit. We also recommend taking some downtime to watch the skateboarders outside the museum after your visit – this area is considered one of the most iconic in the world.

Casa Batlló

One of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s greatest masterpieces, Casa Batlló was designed with the shapes and colours of marine life. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ve seen student groups fascinated by this unique piece of early 20th-century architecture.

La Pedrera - Casa Mila

One of the most photographed buildings in Barcelona, Casa Mila was the final private residential building to be designed by Antoni Gaudi and is regarded as one of his most iconic works of civic architecture. We think this building is a true work of art – every student should be given the opportunity to see this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Picasso Museum

Devoted to the influential Spanish artist, this museum offers students a deeper view into Picasso’s formative years. The Picasso Museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces, inside which more than 4,250 pieces make up the museum’s permanent collection. During your visit, we expect students to be intrigued by the museum’s vast collection of his earliest works, as well as the tale behind his prized Las Meninas series.

La Sagrada Familia

The symbol of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is a must-visit when staying in this Catalan city. Arguably one of the most spectacular basilicas in the world, Gaudi’s original design is still unfinished to this day. Though breathtaking from the outside, the inside of the church doesn’t disappoint either – we’ve seen students gaze in awe at the colourful stained glass windows and towering columns.

Joan Miro Foundation Perm & Temp Exhibitions

Explore the artwork of Spanish artist Joan Miró at one of the largest art museums in Barcelona. Completely dedicated to the Barcelona native, students can delve into some of the finest pieces of artwork, sculptures and ceramics that led Miró to achieve global fame.

Las Ramblas

One of the best-known features of Barcelona, this magnificent mile-long boulevard was originally a mountain stream that ran alongside the 13th century second wall of the city. Now, flower stalls and street art line the pavement, between dozens of shops, restaurants and human statues that we know your students will love exploring.

Flamenco Show & Tapas

It may take years to perfect the dance form of flamenco, the folkloric music tradition of southern Spain, but students can learn the basics with an evening of culture in a welcoming Barcelona dance centre. We’ve seen student groups immerse themselves in the spirit of the dance, encouraged by friendly flamenco musicians and their atmospheric guitar accompaniment.

Barceloneta

A seaside neighbourhood favoured by locals and punctuated by its huge glass W hotel building, La Barceloneta offers an idyllic spot where students can watch surfers ride the waves on Sant Sebastià Beach, dine al fresco in its many seafood and tapas restaurants, and explore the glitzy marina. We recommend pairing this excursion with visits to Montjuïc, which you can get to directly using the port’s cable car.

Cosmo Caixa Museum

Students can delve into learning about the environment, nature and science around the world at this amazing science museum, which also features a planetarium alongside its plentiful permanent and temporary exhibitions. With interactive elements based around all five senses, your school group will be captivated as they journey through the Amazon rainforest, geological formations, and even the Big Bang.

Casa Museu Gaudi

With its intricately framed windows and bright green shutters, Casa Museu Gaudi is instantly recognisable as the architect’s home for 20 years. Located in Park Güell, the house is full of furniture designed by Gaudi, as well as objects and documents relating to him and his life.

Caixaforum Barcelona

One of the most important collections of contemporary art in Europe is housed within this huge Montjuïc gallery, marking it as an essential stop on any school art trip to Barcelona. Here, your group can study more than 800 works by outstanding artists from Anish Kapoor to Tony Cragg, as well as learn about the gallery’s Modernist style – a common feature in Barcelona’s architecture.

La Boqueria Market

Spend an afternoon exploring the various food stalls at La Boqueria Market, considered to be one of the largest food markets in the world. Here, you can sample local cured meats, fresh fruit juice or mouthwatering churros as you make your way around. We’ve found this excursion is really popular with school groups, and an excellent chance for students to try out their Spanish language skills.

Poble Espanyol

Give your students a feel for Spain’s many contrasting locales in the ‘Spanish Village’ – an outdoor open-air architectural museum. Combining the main characteristics of all the towns and villages in the Iberian Peninsula, the village offers an “ideal model” of a Spanish urban area, complete with streets, squares and facades of different areas across the country.

Barcelona Seafront

There’s no end of things to do on Barcelona’s vast waterfront, which stretches across more than five kilometres of the eastern Spanish coast. Join the local joggers as you stroll along this beautiful palm lined promenade, taking in the street art, sculptures, and laid back atmosphere along the way.

Trip details

All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:

  • Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
  • All security charges, airport and local taxes
  • 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
  • Half-board accommodation
  • Excursions
  • Full use of your coach in resort (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
  • 24-hour emergency service support
  • All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
  • Lunches 
  • Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
  • Air passenger duty. Any paying passengers over the age of 16 at time of travel will be charged a small tax fee
  • Tourist tax 
  • Damage deposit

Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.

Travel by: Coach / air

Nearest airport: Barcelona El Prat (BCN) 

Transfer time from airport: 30mins

Coach transfer time from Calais: Around 19.5hrs by coach

Best times to travel: April – October

Suggested tour length: 4 days, 3 nights / 3 days, 2 nights