Get the Most Out of Your Layover at Barcelona Airport

Stuck at Barcelona–El Prat Airport for a few hours between flights? No need to be frustrated. BCN Airport is modern, spacious, and packed with things to do. With the right planning, your layover can easily turn into quality time.

Things to Do at Barcelona Airport

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is a recently renovated aviation hub offering high-quality services and a wide range of amenities. Here’s how to make the most of your waiting time:

Shop, Shop Until You Drop

BCN Airport offers an excellent shopping experience, featuring duty-free stores, local Spanish brands, international fashion labels, and luxury products. Whether you plan to shop seriously or simply browse, there’s plenty to explore.

Our Tip: Terminal 1 has a significantly larger shopping area than Terminal 2. If needed, you can use the free airport shuttle to move between terminals (approx. 10 minutes from T1 to T2 and 14 minutes the other way around).

Eat and Drink at BCN Airport

Unlike many airports, Barcelona Airport boasts an impressive food and beverage scene. From full-service restaurants to cafés and cocktail bars, options are plentiful.

Not feeling very hungry? Enjoy a beer or a glass of Spanish wine paired with classic tapas and soak in the Mediterranean vibe.

Let Technology Entertain You

Use the free airport Wi-Fi to catch up on emails, organize your tasks, finish pending work, or simply stream your favorite shows. A layover is the perfect opportunity to get digitally productive.

Do You Want to Pray?

A chapel and prayer room are available at Terminal 1, located in the La Plaza area. They are open daily from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm and welcome passengers of all faiths.

Rejuvenate Yourself

Want to feel refreshed before your next flight? Relax in one of BCN’s airport lounges, many of which offer showers and quiet rest areas. Alternatively, treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment at one of the airport spas.

Children’s Quality Time

Traveling with kids? Barcelona Airport features 12 children’s play areas spread across both terminals. Your children stay entertained, and you get some peace and quiet.

Why Not Sleep During Your Layover?

If rest is what you need, you have options. You can book a room at the airport hotel (Sleep & Fly air rooms) or take a nap on airport seating.

Terminal 1 usually accommodates many overnight sleepers. At Terminal 2, Gate U is particularly popular thanks to its comfortable seats without armrests.

Leave Barcelona Airport and Head to the City

If your layover is long enough, don’t miss the chance to visit Barcelona itself. Ideally, you should have at least 7–8 hours between flights to explore the city without stress, allowing enough time to return for check-in and security.

Before leaving the airport, check visa requirements and consider storing your luggage at the airport’s luggage storage facilities.

Visit the Exquisite Barcelona City Center

With limited time, smart planning is essential. If you enjoy walking, you can combine several major attractions into one efficient city tour:

  • Picasso Museum – Home to more than 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso
  • Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudí’s iconic and still-unfinished masterpiece
  • Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – A striking modernist building hosting the Espai Gaudí exhibition
  • Casa Batlló – One of Gaudí’s most imaginative architectural creations

Our Tip: Guided city tours can help you see more in less time. Compare options and choose the best value-for-money experience.

Head to Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most famous beach and a vibrant seaside district. Take a walk, enjoy the sea breeze, or even go for a swim if the weather allows.

Wander Around La Rambla

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most iconic boulevard, lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and street performers. Nearby, you’ll also find La Boqueria, one of Europe’s oldest food markets, dating back to 1217.

For You: Camp Nou

Football fans shouldn’t miss Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona and the largest football stadium in Europe. Even non-fans often appreciate its scale and architecture.

Don’t Miss Park Güell

Park Güell is one of Gaudí’s most unique creations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colorful mosaics, unusual structures, and panoramic city views make it a must-see attraction in Barcelona.