Three for the kids: Barcelona

Park Guell, Barcelona. Photo / Getty Images

Catalonia's cultural capital has plenty to entertain the youngsters, says Eli Orzessek.

1 L'Aquarium Barcelona

Featuring Europe's longest sea tunnel, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained at Barcelona's aquarium. With 35 aquariums housing 11,000 marine animals from 450 different species, you can see everything from alligators to piranhas and living fossils to penguins. It also includes Explora! a hands-on exhibit with interactive displays to explore the underwater world. There's also a "Sleeping with Sharks" experience, where 8-12-year olds can spend the night at L'Aquarium.

2 Ride the cable car

Barcelona is flanked by two mountains, with Montjuic overlooking the sea. You can take two cable car rides from here, with stunning views over the city. One ride will take you over the sea to Barceloneta and the beach, while the other takes you up to the old castle on the hill. It's bound to be a hit with the kids and you can have fun trying to spot the great monuments of Barcelona that you may have already visited.

Montjuic cable car gives great views over Barcelona. Photo / Getty Images

3 Park Guell
One of Barcelona's nine Unesco World Heritage sites, Park Guell is a great place to get the kids acquainted with architect Antoni Gaudi. One of his major works in the city, it's like something out of a fairytale — and one of the most impressive public parks in the world. They'll love the Hansel and Gretel houses and ornamental dragons that adorn the park, with plenty of leafy plazas to take a break in — as well as the world's longest bench. There is an entry fee, but if you book tickets online in advance you can get in without waiting.