large family logistics in Barcelona

Hi Bookishtraveler

Regular taxis take up to four passengers, so you can simply grab two at the airport. There’s no need to book in advance. When you exit the terminal, you’ll find a taxi rank with dozens of cars waiting. Just walk to the front of the line and, when it’s your turn, ask the marshal for two taxis. You can also ask if there’s a larger vehicle available; some taxis have 7 or even 9 seats. Taxis are inexpensive, clean and safe, and when travelling with large parties, are probably the most convenient choice -rather than bus or metro.

Across Europe, it’s becoming harder to find triple rooms and even true single rooms. They still exist, but most hotels mainly offer doubles. If only one person stays, it just feels like a spacious single. Sometimes, if there’s a child, they’ll add an extra fold-out bed to a double room. That’s pretty common practice.

And if you’d like to arrive with a bit more cultural awareness, I warmly encourage you to read up on our region. Catalonia, with its capital Barcelona, is a small nation with its own history, traditions, culture and language, that, for historical reasons, now simply happens to be ruled by Spain. We’re not the cliché of bulls and flamenco that many visitors imagine. We don't dance flamenco here; our traditional dance is the sardana, danced hand in hand in town squares. Bullfighting is banned in Catalonia under animal welfare laws passed by the Catalan Parliament, as it’s considered cruel. The Spanish language is co-official, but Catalan is our own language and a core part of who we are. You’ll see it everywhere, on street signs, in schools, in daily life. Understanding that adds another layer to your visit. Barcelona is not just a beautiful Mediterranean city; it’s the capital of a nation with a strong identity, proud of its heritage and very much alive today.

Enjoy!

Dear Enric, thank you very much for this helpful context. We are looking forward to learning about Catalonia and enjoying the culture. I appreciate the information about the taxis- this will save me a headache!

Hi there!

We will also be in Spain for a cruise in July. We have used the Aerobus in the past. It’s safe, easy and reliable. Plus all of you can travel together for a reasonable round trip rate.

https://aerobusbarcelona.es/?lang=en

What cruise will you be on?

But the Aerobus does not drop you at your hotel, does it?

The Hilton is not in the best location, but if you are set on that, it's not in a terrible location, either....just not so central for sights...you are 7 people, so how many rooms do you need??? Three?? Could a hotel add extra beds/cots to a suite that has a sofa bed included? (I really don't know at all, just asking..)

We need two rooms, but many of the hotel sites wouldn’t let me book because of the room capacities. I could modify to say there are less people but that seems like we might carry the risk of getting turned away. (Ultimate nightmare haha)

When you say the Hilton Barcelona is not in a good location, do you mean that purely because of its proximity to the sites, or is it in a less desirable location in terms of safety?

It has been a couple of years, but we had a wonderful stay at Hotel Praktik Rambla. Location is excellent — within walking to Sagrada Familia, many other sights and public transportation if needed. Our room was lovely. The staff were kind and helpful. It looks as though there are double-double, triple and family rooms available. Highly recommend.

I could modify to say there are less people but that seems like we might carry the risk of getting turned away. (Ultimate nightmare haha)

Not just being turned away at the hotel, you could also risk "not being allowed into the country" in the first place. When you're entering EU countries as a tourist, you need to comply with certain requirements, including having a return ticket, demonstrating you have enough funds, and stating where you're staying.

While this is the Law (on paper), you are rarely asked at the airport all of those questions, but you could be. If you don't have a reservation for some of your kids, legally speaking, they wouldn't comply with the law, and they could, hypothetically, be prevented from going into the country. Yes, if you have a reservation for an apartment, this wouldn't apply. But if you have a reservation for a hotel with a confirmation saying "4 pax: two double rooms" and you are a party of six, that wouldn't add up :)

I mean, this situation is very highly unlikely... and I know I am being very nerdy and philosophical here, but it's good to know what the rules say (again, on paper!).

Thank you Enric- that’s the also a nightmare, so we definitely won’t be booking smaller hotel rooms. We need two rooms because none of the children will be staying alone in a hotel room, not because of cost. Thankfully our current reservation does have our entire family listed- and I’m looking into some of the options above. Thank you!