Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in the world, and in 2030 it will host World Cup matches at a rebuilt Camp Nou, set to become one of the largest stadiums in Europe. The Catalan capital combines football, food, architecture and the Mediterranean sea in a way no other host city can match, and for many fans a trip to Barcelona will be the highlight of the tournament. This guide covers the stadium, the city and how to make the most of a World Cup matchday in Barcelona.

The new Camp Nou

The Camp Nou is being rebuilt into a modern, covered stadium that will keep its famous identity while adding comfort, capacity and world-class facilities. When it reopens fully, it will be one of the biggest stadiums in Europe, and in 2030 it will host some of the tournament's most important matches. A World Cup game at the Camp Nou is a chance to see football in one of the sport's great cathedrals.

The stadium sits in the Les Corts district, west of the city centre, and is reached by metro Lines 3 and 5, with Collblanc and Badal stations both a short walk away. The area around the ground is residential, so the best pre-match atmosphere is found in the city centre, with fans taking the metro out to the stadium an hour or two before kick-off. After the match, expect long queues at the metro — walking to a quieter station is often the smarter move.

The city: Gaudí, the sea and the old town

Barcelona rewards fans who arrive early and stay late. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the houses of Gaudí are unmissable, the Gothic Quarter is perfect for wandering, and the beach at Barceloneta is a short metro ride from the centre. The city is compact and walkable, and its squares and boulevards will be full of fans throughout the tournament.

The best time to explore is the morning of a matchday or the day after a game, when the city is quieter. Book tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell in advance, because they sell out quickly in summer, and be aware that pickpockets operate in the busiest tourist areas — keep your bag in front of you on the Ramblas and the metro, especially on matchdays.

Food, drink and where to stay

Barcelona's food scene is one of the best in Europe, from traditional Catalan restaurants in Gràcia to the tapas bars of the old town and the seafood restaurants along the beach. Try the paella, the pan con tomate and the local cava, and remember that Catalans eat late — dinner rarely starts before 9pm. The city's markets, especially La Boqueria, are perfect for a pre-match lunch.

For accommodation, the Eixample district is the best all-rounder: central, well connected and full of hotels and apartments. Gràcia is quieter and more local, while the beach area suits fans who want the sea. Prices will be high during the tournament, so book early and consider staying a little outside the centre, where the metro makes everywhere accessible within twenty minutes.

Matchday tips for Barcelona

Barcelona in June and July is warm and humid, with sea breezes that make the evenings pleasant. Daytime matches will be hot, so carry water and sunscreen, and take advantage of the city's fountains and shaded squares between the stadium and the centre. The metro is the best way to move around, and a multi-day pass will save money and time.

One warning: Barcelona is a city that parties, and on matchdays the celebrations run late. If you have an early flight the next morning, stay somewhere quiet or accept that sleep will be short. And as with every host city, buy your tickets only through FIFA.com and ignore anyone offering World Cup tickets on the street or online. Barcelona in 2030 will be magical — plan it well.

Barcelona in 2030 offers a World Cup like no other: a rebuilt Camp Nou, a city of Gaudí and the sea, and matchdays that blend football with one of the great urban experiences in Europe. Arrive early, stay late, and let the city do the rest.