Barcelona With Autistic Children

Visiting Barcelona with autistic children is a real treat! We have done two trips to Barcelona – flying in and also as a cruise ship stop, and we head back in November 2024. Here is my guide to Barcelona with autistic children so you can make the best of your trip to this beautiful city.

Getting To Barcelona

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is well-connected to the city centre by various transport options. Whether you prefer convenience, speed, or cost-effectiveness, there’s a suitable choice for everyone. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best way to get from Barcelona Airport to the city centre.

• Aerobus: The Aerobus is a convenient and popular option for many travelers. It runs between the airport and the city centre, stopping at major locations such as Plaça Catalunya, Plaça Espanya, and Gran Via. It comes every 5-10 minutes, and takes about 35 minutes to get to the city.
• Metro: Barcelona’s Metro Line L9 Sud connects the airport to the city’s metro network. While it doesn’t go directly to the city centre, you can transfer to other lines at various stations. You can expect it to come every 7-10 minutes and it should take between 30 to 40 minutes to Barcelona.
• Train (Rodalies RENFE): The R2 Nord Line of the Rodalies RENFE train service runs from Terminal 2 to the city centre, stopping at major stations such as Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and Clot-Aragó. It comes every 30 minutes and takes about 25 mins.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals and provide a door-to-door service, making them a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group. You can expect a taxi from El Prat to take about 30 minutes.
• Private Transfers: Private transfer services can be booked in advance and provide a personalized and comfortable journey from the airport to your destination in the city. As with a taxi, it should take about 30 minutes.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in Barcelona and can be a convenient option for getting to the city centre. Again, about 30 minutes is what you should expect of the journey.
• Buses: Several public bus lines connect the airport to various parts of the city. These buses are a cost-effective option and provide access to different areas that might not be directly accessible by train or metro.

Where To Stay

I stayed outside of Barcelona when I visited, in both Calella and Gava Beach. I chose to do this because I was on more of an all-inclusive trip with my Mum at the time and we would travel into Barcelona when we wanted to explore.

Family-friendly things to do in Barcelona

CosmoCaixa Science Museum

The CosmoCaixa Science Museum offers interactive exhibits that engage children’s senses through touch, sight, and sound. The tactile exhibits, planetarium, and indoor rainforest provide a multi-sensory learning experience.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is a beautiful park where families can enjoy a relaxing day. The park features a large fountain, a lake with rowboats, and plenty of open space for children to run and play. The gentle sounds of water and nature create a calming environment.

Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium is a great place for sensory stimulation. The large tanks filled with colourful marine life, the touch pool where kids can feel different sea creatures, and the gentle lighting and sounds of the underwater world make it an engaging experience. Book your tickets online here.

Park Güell

Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, offers a visually stimulating experience with its colourful mosaics and unique architectural features. The park’s open spaces and natural surroundings provide a calming environment, perfect for sensory exploration. Be prepared and buy your tickets before your trip here.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc offers an impressive display of light, water, and music. The evening shows are especially captivating, with synchronized music and colourful water displays that can be mesmerizing for children and adults alike.

Casa Batllo

This building from Gaudi offers augmented reality experiences, and so much more. It is a really integrative experience that the whole family is bound to enjoy. You can book your tickets ahead of your visit with GetYourGuide here.

Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol is an open-air architectural museum that showcases different styles of Spanish architecture. It features hands-on workshops and craft activities where children can engage in tactile experiences, such as pottery and glass blowing. Be prepared and book your Poble Espanyol tickets with GetYourGuide.

Laberint d’Horta Park

Laberint d’Horta Park is a historic garden with a maze that children can navigate. The labyrinth provides a fun and stimulating sensory experience as children use their sense of direction and touch to find their way through the hedges.

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo Amusement Park offers rides and attractions that cater to various sensory preferences. The park’s gentle rides and beautiful views of Barcelona from the mountain provide a mix of excitement and calm.

Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum)

The Chocolate Museum offers a sweet sensory experience where children can see, touch, and taste different types of chocolate. The museum’s interactive exhibits and chocolate-making workshops provide a multi-sensory learning experience. Book your tickets here.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Barcelona

Barcelona Gothic Quarters

We did a walking tour of Barcelona Gothic Quarters. We really enjoyed this because the tour guide took us to so many quiet and beautiful spots which allowed us to do a tour of a super busy area of Barcelona with plenty of quite breaks which worked really well for our autistic son.

How To Get Around Barcelona With Autistic Children

In Barcelona as a cruise stop, we did nothing but walk and take the little bus that goes to the cruise port for passengers. When I stayed in nearby towns I took public transport only. Public transport in Spain is easy to figure out as long as you have some patience and can use Google and Google Maps you’ll be able to navigate Costa Brava with public transport.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
• Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
• Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Barcelona PECS and Spain PECS to add to your experience.
• Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Is Barcelona Autism-Friendly?

Barcelona is a fairly autism-friendly city, with a range of services, attractions, and resources designed to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum. The city’s focus on accessibility, coupled with its cultural sensitivity and public awareness, makes it a welcoming destination for families and individuals with autism. However, like any large city, planning ahead and making use of available resources can greatly enhance the experience.

Things That Make Barcelona Stand Out

• Barcelona’s public transportation system, including buses, metro, and trams, is generally accessible and can accommodate passengers with special needs. The metro system is particularly well-equipped with elevators, ramps, and other accessibility features. Some transport services offer assistance for travelers with disabilities, and planning routes in advance can help ensure a smoother experience.
• The city is relatively easy to navigate, with clearly marked streets and public spaces that are well-maintained. For those who prefer quieter travel options, taxis or private transport can provide a more controlled environment.
• Despite being a bustling city, Barcelona has plenty of quiet parks, gardens, and beachfront areas where individuals can relax and escape the hustle and bustle. Parc de la Ciutadella and the Montjuïc Hill area are examples of places where families can find a bit of tranquility.
• Barcelona is home to several autism-friendly attractions and services. Many museums, parks, and cultural institutions offer sensory-friendly hours, quiet spaces, and staff trained to assist visitors with special needs. For example, the CosmoCaixa Science Museum and the Aquarium of Barcelona are known for being accommodating to visitors with autism.

Even a short trip to Barcelona can be really enjoyable and exciting for autistic children. There are a number of family-friendly and sensory-friendly experiences in Barcelona and plenty of open spaces, too. Using our guide to Barcelona should help you make your trip there more organised and enjoyable for autistic kids.

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