Travel & tourism school trips to Barcelona

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.

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.

Europe’s most important recreational and educational marine centre, the Barcelona Aquarium is home to more than 11,000 animals of 450 different species across 21 large aquariums. We know students will love learning about Mediterranean aquatic life in this colourful and sensory visit.

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.

One of Europe’s most exciting theme parks, Port Aventura captures the culture and atmosphere of regions around the world, with themed areas based on the Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Wild West. A fun and relaxing excursion one hour outside of Barcelona, we know students recharge during a day spent here, readying them for more sights back in the city.

Immerse your students in the atmosphere of the phenomenal Camp Nou football stadium – home of Barcelona Football Club since its construction in 1957. With a capacity of 98,787, making it the largest stadium in Europe, we’ve seen school groups amazed by both its size and energy.

With a diverse collection of more than 2,000 animals from around the world, Barcelona Zoo offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique characteristics and behaviours of incredible creatures such as the pygmy hippopotamus and red panda. The zoo’s attractions also include a primate house, a ‘Land of Dragons’ which features Komodo dragons and more large reptiles, and an Aquarama where they can watch dolphin shows.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful medieval city, Girona was once the capital of Catalunya (Catalonia) before Barcelona took its place. A city with enormous historical and cultural prowess, Girona’s highlights include its Jewish Quarter, the Cathedral and the twice-weekly market with typical Spanish produce.

One of the oldest districts in Barcelona, we recommend exploring the city’s charming Gothic Quarter – where narrow, cobbled streets are filled with trendy shops, artisan market stalls and Catalan restaurants. Don’t miss the Plaça Reial – one of the city’s most beautiful squares – as you explore the quarter’s architectural and retail wonders. We know your students will love experiencing this side of Barcelona.

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.

The perfect excursion after a long day of exploring, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a spectacle that should be experienced by all of your students. Through its 3,620 jets, the fountain sprays an impressive 700 gallons of water each second, accompanied by an extravagant light and music show for the breathtaking full effect.

Stand amid the colossal size of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on this excursion, where Olympic greats once competed in the Summer Olympics of 1992. Now a site for European football matches and large music concerts, the stadium remains a key part of Barcelona’s culture, and offers a nice quick stop for students on any journey around Montjuïc.

Boasting a vast history dating back several thousand years, the 213-metre hill of Montjuic features several attractions, from its Spanish Village and Magic Fountain to the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya) – one of the city's most important museums. Explore the beauty of the local botanical gardens or exhibition rooms – excursions we know have been popular with student groups.

One of Barcelona’s leading tourist attractions, Port Vell has several activities for your students’ entertainment, including the Maremàgnum shopping mall, IMAX cinema and Europe’s largest aquarium. The old harbour’s history dates back to around the 4th century BC, when it was occupied by the Laietani.

One of the best water parks in Western Europe, Water World is a sprawling leisure complex of pools which include wave machines, waterslides and chutes – perfect for cooling off in the Spanish summer heat. With several restaurants and pancake houses to re-energise, we know your students will love a day to let loose here.

One of the most impressive natural sights across Spain, the Montserrat mountain range is famous for its 9th-century Benedictine monastery, which enshrines the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. Students will be inspired by the dramatic location of this tour, which reflects the spiritual heart of Catalonia. We recommend taking the cable car for spectacular views across the entire range.

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.