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Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has flair to spare and it is not shy about strutting its stuff. It’s packed with color and great design, from architecture to food to fashion. Even Barcelona’s sports are done in style! On a family trip to Barcelona, Spain our kids were thrilled to discover Barcelona’s love of soccer – the original football. Part religion, part performance and all parts passion, it’s the city’s north star and Camp Nou is the stadium where the devoted flock to experience the hometown team.

After taking our kids to numerous museums and churches in other European cities, a visit to the FC Barcelona field was a welcome adventure. The stadium is part business empire and part homage to the beloved team of a most beloved sport. Entire walls host exciting videos of the team in action, display cases show off golden shoes and mementos, and, of course, an expansive gift shop to inspires “I-want’s” from the kids.

There is a business to soccer and tourism plays a key role, so the stadium is built for the curious and uber-fans of all ages. Did I mention it’s also air-conditioned? Quite a welcome respite from the Spanish summer heat, one that definitely made me a fan right away! Touring is self-guided with staff members in rooms to happily answer questions and impressive interactive displays with options in many languages. Interactive exhibits are always great for the kids who quickly engage.

While my husband and I were awed walking through the empty stadium and sitting in the wide press box, the kids delighted in seeing the locker room. “Look at the size of this bathroom!” said Brady, our 9 year old.

The tour includes a museum that spans great moments and milestones from the sport itself. As we nudged him along, 12-year-old Zack didn’t want to move on from a room showing videos. “It’s history here, guys!” he said…spoken like a true fan.

 

Speaking of history, we went from the house of soccer to the house of Gaudi. Even after hearing how spectacular the Sagrada Familia church was, we were still completely awe-struck when we arrived outside this staggering spectacle. The history stretches back to the 1800s: The first brick was laid in 1882 and the architect/artist Antoni Gaudi took over the design a year later. It was his labor of love until his death 43 years later.

Work is still being done and will likely take another couple of decades to complete. In addition to being a religious temple, the heavy elements of nature make it unique. Pillars stretch and twist upwards like trees while stained glass paints the air with mesmerizing hues of blues, greens and yellows. It feels like walking through a sacred forest where whimsy and piety come to play.

While I went to kneel in the pews, the kids roamed around. After discovering an intricately carved ladybug on a door panel, Brady said, “Around every corner, you see something different.” Having seen so many churches during our travels through Europe, it was telling when the kids, and my Jewish husband, all declared the Sagrada Familia as their favorite.

Tip: To save time, we ordered tickets online while at lunch just before our visit. To keep lines flowing, the Sagrada Familia website sells tickets in 15-minute increments. Buying tickets on-line allows you to bypass the first winding line for the ticket office. Your e-ticket gets you in the security line and then you have an option to get an audio headset (including a more kid-friendly version with less details).

Speaking of lunch, I wish we had more time to sample the fantastic Spanish food in Barcelona, but we made the most of our tapas lunch with crisp potatoes dipped in a creamy sauce, plump sausages, and a plate of fresh shrimp, which arrived with legs, antennas and heads still attached. Wiggling them out while drenched in garlic butter was a culinary tango and well worth it.

A day in Barcelona is like entering the home of an old friend. The city is warm and welcoming and the relaxed atmosphere and unhurried pace makes it ideal for families who want to take it all in or sit back and savor a little at a time.

About the Author:

After eight years as an executive at online travel giant Expedia, Kristin Graham set off this summer for a travel sabbatical with her family. Kristin has been telling stories since she borrowed a typewriter in elementary school. After 20 years writing for companies, she took a sabbatical from corporate life to travel with her husband and their two boys. You can follow Kristin’s adventures on her My Year of Life blog or on Twitter at @kristingraham.

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