We stayed on the edge of El Raval, a neighbourhood in the process of gentrification that still has some sketchy parts, but also boasts a nice mix of immigrants and creative types. We are super close to many of the attractions and are on a pedestrian street. The Gothic Quarter is nearby, where the streets are narrow and pedestrains rule, since many streets cannot fit a car. This means, of course, that it's a racetrack for the Adorable Son, at least in the morning before the crowds begin.
The old, central quarters have an abundance of tiny little play spaces for kids, usually with a slide, swing, bouncy animal and some sand. Perfect for grabbing a lunch or coffee, enjoying the atmosphere, and letting the little one play. They are ofen overtaken by gangs of children running around having water fights or socializing (admittedly, to certain kids the two are one and the same).
A few highlights of our trip included the Sagrada Familia, Montserrat, the old quarters, La Rambla street (dont buy or eat anything there, tourist traps) the Museum of Art of Catalonia (take the escalators all the way up, or walk up if you have calves of steel), the beach, the aquarium. We wish we had been able to see the Zoo and the Casa de Mila at sunset, but it was not in the cards (seeing anything at sunset with a toddler is probably something you shouldn't count on too much, unless it's december I suppose).
The metro system has many elevators and escalators making it easier to get around. They are pretty clean as well.
Streets are stroller friendly. We never used a baby carrier here, but if you plan on going hiking, or castle hunting, you definitey want one.
Nap time is a city wide activity, and one Spanish habit we have quickly adopted. Everything shuts down from 2-4 as the heat peaks. Then things get rolling again around 5:00pm. Dinner begins around 7:00 or 8:00pm. It is totaly normal to see someone pushing a stroller around at 8:00pm and many of the shops stay open until 8:00 or 9:00pm. Sometimes later.
This is possibly my favorite city in the entire world. It has a fabulous creative vibe, nap time for everyone, and is incredibly child friendly. Did I mention nap time? I wish I could stay, but the airport beckons me to another adventure.
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