Cool Things To Do In Barcelona

From classic attractions to unique and original experiences to spice up your trip

By Duncan Rhodes Barcelona Life

Are you a first-time visitor keen to hunt down Barcelona’s must-see attractions? Or maybe you’re searching for an unforgettable experience to share with friends? Here are my most inspiring tips, on and off the beaten track. The highlight of your trip is waiting for you on this very page!

This article was last updated in February 2024. You can reach me on info@barcelona-life.com.

Everyone’s heard of the main attractions in town, like La Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, but what about some of the cool and different things to do in the capital of Catalonia?

In a city as magical and mysterious as Barcelona, there’s plenty to savour that goes beyond the ordinary… experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left

In a city as magical and mysterious as Barcelona, there’s plenty to savour that goes beyond the ordinary… experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left, and which will leave you with plenty of holiday snaps that go beyond the usual photo fodder of greasy paellas and overpriced jars of sangria on Las Ramblas.

From unique experiences, quirky museums and one-of-kind bars, to authentic local tours, secret gardens, nudist beaches, and unusual and thrilling activities, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite original and alternative ways to pass the time in Barcelona.

And to make this a complete list (you can plan your whole trip on this page!) we’ve also rounded up the must-see attractions for first time visitors, and included our advice on how best to experience them.

Fun Things to do in Barcelona

To make this list more manageable, and your trip easier to plan, we’ve divided this list into themes – starting with the unmissable attractions and ending with ideas on how to live life like a local.

In between, we highlight plenty of unique inspiration you won’t find on any other “best things to do” article.

So without further ado, let’s get going…

I. Must See Attractions… With A Twist!

Let’s start with the classic attractions you absolutely MUST SEE on a first time visit to Barcelona. But of course, we like to be original, so let me share my local perspective on how I would visit these sights…

1. Visit Park Guell…

We’re hardly sharing a secret when we say that Gaudi’s landscaped gardens are one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. The garden’s viewing terrace, with its undulating trencadis-decorated benches, must be the city’s most photographed spot, while the elegant columns of the Hypostyle room and the lizard guarding the Dragon Stairway are almost as iconic. Advance tickets are a must, and you can secure them on Get Your Guide.

…With a Twist. Get There via E-bike!

Why faff around with the metro or tourist bus, when you could whizz up to Park Guell on an electric bicycle with Gaudi Bike Tours? Their Gaudi Legacy includes Park Guell tickets and drinks on the rooftop of the 5-star hotel, and costs €69, or you could opt for their more affordable Gaudi UNESCO Highlights Tour that focuses on the architect’s mansions. Both tours call by Sagrada Familia…

2. See La Sagrada Familia…

Sometimes the city’s best attractions are not worth the hype… this is not one of those times! La Sagrada Familia is a truly awe-spiring work of a singular genius, that just gets the more mind-bogglingly impressive the closer you look. The interior is almost Tolkien-esque and the light of the stained glass windows is magical to behold. Advance tickets are essential, and you will need to select a time slot – Get Your Guide makes it easy. They are not cheap, but come with an audio guide at least!

…With a Twist. Climb a Tower!

If you can afford it, I’d strongly recommend upgrading your standard entry ticket to include visiting to one of the church towers, from which you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the whole of the city – whilst also getting up close to some of the incredible architectural details at the top of Gaudi’s basilica. There are two towers that are open to the public, and the option to book them pops up after you select the date of your visit. Otherwise, you could also book a guided tour.

THE BARCELONA PASS

If you are keen to visit both La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell then you can save time and money by purchasing The Barcelona Pass, which also includes tickets for the Hop on / Hop Off Tourist Bus and audio guides to both attractions. Currently priced at €84.

3. Ride the Cable Car to the Castle

barcelona cable car tickets and routeNot every tourist makes it to Montjuic, but every tourist should. This coastal hill is home to a veritable treasure chest of attractions, that include Montjuic Castle, the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and the Joan Miro Foundation, one one side of the hill, and Poble Espanyol, the MNAC museum and Magic Fountain on the other side. If you plan on making it all the way to the castle at the top of the hill, then undoubtedly the Montjuic cable car is the most fun way to arrive, as you can enjoy sensational views over the city as you ascend. Check our full length article on Montjuic for how to explore this area.

4. The Camp Nou Experience

Note: Until Nov 2024, Camp Nou is under refurbishment, but you can still visit the museum and take the Immersive Tour.
Obviously, the best way to experience Camp Nou is to buy tickets for a Barça home fixture (hint: try here!). But if your travel dates don’t align with the fixture list, then you can still revel in the glory of FC Barcelona by signing up for the club’s famous Camp Nou Experience. Your ticket includes a stadium tour that takes you to the stands, players’ tunnel and away dressing room, before you head to the FC Barcelona Museum to see the array of glittering silverware and relive the club’s greatest moments via an array of stunning audiovisual exhibitions. Tickets are just €28.

…With a Twist. Take on Robokeeper!

Think you’re pretty handy in front of goal? Then upgrade your standard Barça Immersive Tour ticket to include the Robokeeper Challenge For just €37, you get 6 chances to take a penalty against a robotic goalie… you can even a prize or two! Just look for this ticket upgrade option after selecting your dates on Get Your Guide.

5. Visit Montserrat Abbey & Mountain…

Time to greet Madonna on a magic mountain! Not the Like A Virgin singer, but the real virgin Mary, or at least her image – The Black Madonna. This medieval statuette is kept safe at the spectacular Montserrat Abbey, up high in the peaks of Montserrat Mountain, where it draws pilgrims from around the world. It’s not just the religious who visit Montserrat though, as the “jagged mountain” is breathtaking to behold and is Barcelona’s most popular day trip destination. You can get there by public transport, or several tour providers will take you. Click the button below for one that costs just €69.95 per person.

…With a Twist. Add on Wine Tasting!

Why not make a full day of it by upgrading with an ecological wine tasting in a family-run vineyard? To reserve head to the standard Montserrat tour on Get Your Guide and then select your preferred dates. You will then get two upgrade options: a 7-hr option with tapas and wine tasting, and a 9-hr option with multi-course lunch and wine tasting. Both are special!

II. Authentic Tours

Now it’s time to go deeper. To discover, to learn and to experience Barcelona and its unique culture with the help of friendly and expert guides. Here’s our list of the most authentic tours in the city…

6. Explore Barcelona by Bike!

Exploring Barcelona by bike has several advantages. 1) You can see a lot more of the city in a short space of time, including getting off the beaten track. 2) It’s an economically friendly and sustainable form of tourism. 3) The city is flat (for the most part) and there are over 300km of cycling paths. Of the many bike tours operating in the city, Steel Donkey Bike Tours are definitely the most authentic. Gaudi and Las Ramblas are off the menu. Instead you’ll ride in a small group (max. 8 people) around the back streets of El Borne, the village district of Gracia, or the resurgent Poblenou, taking in recycled workshops, flea markets and street art en route, as well as stopping off for local snacks. Barcelona’s original alternative tour, this is an action-packed day out on two wheels with rave reviews.

7. Create Your Own Cava

Cava is, of course, the Spanish version of Champagne and during this zany activity you’ll take the train out to a 1,000 year old farm house in the Penedes wine region of Spain and bottle your own brew! You’ll taste three different varieties of the sparkling stuff and then ‘disgorge’ the bottle and apply your own custom made label, whilst learning a lot about Cava production in the process. The activity is great value at just €60 per person, with the option to add a full rustic lunch (€30). This is one of the most popular activities we’ve ever written about on Barcelona Life! Click the button for full details, or keep reading for more wine-related trips and tours, including city-based tastings.

8. Learn Street Photography

original things to do barcelonaIf you’re a fan of “creative tourism” one great option that combines sightseeing with learning and creativity is to take a photo tour. Shutter Kings Barcelona organise tailor-made photographic walks for budding shutterbugs, and their professional team will lead you through some of the city’s fascinating, labyrinthine backstreets where you can capture the soul of the city with your lens. No matter whether you shoot with a state-of-the-art DSLR, a point-and-shoot, or just your camera phone, their team have plenty of tips for making your shots stand out from the crowd. For just €95 per person you advance a lot in this fantastic life skill… and have fun at the same time.

9. Sign up for a Paella Cooking Class!

Learning how to prepare the perfect paella and mix the tastiest sangria by taking this cooking class with a Spanish chef – which is just €65 per person, food and drink included. The paella of course is one of Spain’s signature dishes – a vast platter of rice and meat / seafood / vegetables (or all three!) made to share. Fun, friendly and a little bit messy, this is a great activity to do alone or with friends and learn a skill that will definitely make you popular back home. Definitely one of the city’s most popular food and drink activities, you can book it via Get Your Guide.

10. Take A (Free) Walking Tour

A free walking tour is a great way for first-time visitors to Barcelona to get their bearings and to explore districts such as the Gothic Quarter (one of the medieval districts that make up the Old Town). Barcelona has a rich history that stretches back to Roman times and beyond, and this is a great opportunity to hear some of the many legends and stories of the Catalan capital. While labelled ‘free’ most walking tours work on the basis of tipping the guide €5-10 per person, and places need to be reserved. Guru Walks compares all the best tours.

III. Magical Evenings

Barcelona comes alive at night (full article here!), with flamenco shows, rooftop concerts, boat parties and VIP nightlife tours amongst your options for evening entertainment.

11. Eat Tapas… And Dance Flamenco!

Ok you don’t actually dance flamenco. That’s best left to the professionals! But you do get to see a first class show by some of Spain’s foremost musicians and dancers, and then enjoy some traditional Spanish cuisine in the form of tapas. This night is great way to combine two of Spain’s most famous traditions into one evening at an unbeatable price – it’s just €52 all included. For more options read our article on all the best flamenco shows in town.

12. Visit Gaudi’s Casa Mila by Night

No need to queue up with all the tourists during the day, Gaudi’s curvy little number, La Casa Mila, throws its doors open at night for it’s La Pedrera: The Origins show. The evening starts with a night tour of the premises, and you can wonder at the architect’s flair for epic interiors, before you slowly make your way up to the mansion’s rooftop. Here you’ll be treated to a mesmerising audiovisual show projected onto the terrace’s undulating forms and magnificent chimneys. Included in the price is a glass of sparkling Catalan champagne and snacks. Tickets available via Get Your Guide.

13. Party On The Mediterranean!

That’s right m’hearties, get as drunk as a sailor with a horde of other wild young things during an epic Barcelona booze cruise, which sets sail several times a week during the warmer months, with most of the parties taking place during weekends (both during the day and at night). There are four different parties to choose from, typically featuring BBQ, DJs, games and a shipload of beer, cocktails and sangria. Definitely one of the best things to do in BCN for party animals!

14. Chill Out In A Sub-Zero Beach Bar

It’s not often you need a fur-lined Arctic coat to enter a bar in Spain, but at Barcelona’s Ice Bar you’ll be grateful for it – and the gloves as well. Drink vodka from a frozen glass, admire Gaudi-esque ice statues and then ask the cutie next to you if they’d like to share body warmth – just for survival purposes of course! Click on the link above to read more, find location map and see reviews, or click the button below to head straight to Ice Bar website and reserve your tickets.

15. Experience The Legendary Nightlife

This is a city that knows how to party, and you can hardly say you’ve visited if you didn’t spend at least one night drinking and dancing until dawn. Our guide to going out recommends a range of great bar and clubs where you can spend the evening, or check out this VIP Nightlife Tour for an unforgettable night in the city’s most glamorous venues. For just €54.95 you will tour three amazing bars (free drinks in each) and finish the night with VIP entry to the hottest club on the beach. Click the button for full details.

IV. Unforgettable Experiences

The Catalan capital has more than its fair share of extraordinary activities, magical moments and Instagram opportunities for travellers ready to spoil themselves…

16. Go Sea Kayaking on the Costa Brava

From late April to October, you can grab a minibus from Barcelona city centre and within a couple of hours be kayaking on the sparkling emerald waters of the Costa Brava, paddling across breathtakingly beautiful coves and bays. The water here is crystal clear and you’ll be able to see all manner of marine life below, and if you need a closer look at the fishes this day trip also includes swimming and snorkelling in caves. If you love nature and a bit of exercise this is the activity for you! There are a few different options, including a 6 hour day trip and an 8 hour version – check our best kayak tours for full comparison.

17. Sail Away On An Ocean Breeze…

When in Barcelona, you would be crazy not to take the opportunity to set sail on the glittering Mediterranean sea, and enjoy sensational views of the city’s coastline with the sun warming your skin and the wind blowing in your hair. We have listed all of the best boat tours in the city right here, where your options include 2 hours on a sailing yacht, with a glass of vermouth, a 3-hr sunset cruise with Cava and live music, plus several private experiences like this Chill Out Sailing Tour, which is perfect for couples or small groups of friends.

18. Take a Helicopter Flight!

See Barcelona from a completely different perspective during a breathtaking helicopter flight over the city’s coastline. With the Mediterranean below and the Collserola mountain range to the North West, Barcelona looks stunning from the air, and you’ll be able to appreciate the scale of epic architecture like the Olympic Port, the Torre Glories, Parc del Forum and of course La Sagrada Familia (which is even bigger than you think!). Get Your Guide offer a highly-rated helicopter flight, boat trip and walking tour in one, which works out at insanely good value at just €134.99 per person. Or just book a helicopter flight only for €109.99.

19. Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight

Soar through the skies in a hot air balloon over the spectacular Catalan countryside during this unforgettable activity. You’ll need to set your alarm for the crack of dawn, but it will be worth it when you’re floating over forest, field and mountain, with the Pyrenees in the distance and the blue blanket of the Mediterranean to your east. The activity takes place in the Natural Park of Montseny, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, just an hour or so’s drive from Barcelona. Available on Get Your Guide for €200 per person. Just be sure to select the Barcelona transport option – or go private and get hotel pick up!

20. Cruise Around Town in a Ferrari

It’s not every day you get to sit behind the wheel of a Ferrari, let alone drive one around the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A ride in a California convertible starts at just €98, whilst those with a bit more time and money can choose to motor along the winding roads of the Catalan countryside, where you can pretend you’re James Bond on the way to Monte Carlo. Click on the button below for more details about these luxury supercar experiences.

V. Museums, Art & Culture

Barcelona isn’t all about beaches and tapas you know… here are some unmissable museums and other cultural attractions.

21. Visit The Picasso Museum

picasso museum tickets barcelonaTake a deep dive into the world of the 20th century’s greatest artist, Pablo Picasso, at Barcelona’s very own museum dedicated to the maestro. Picasso was born in Malaga, but came of age here in Catalonia, staging his first ever exhibit in Els Quatre Gats cafe. This huge palace holds over 4,000 of his works, with a focus on his earlier Blue and Rose periods, but going right the way to Cubism and also his later forays into sculpture. Given this is the city’s most popular art museum, it’s best to reserve advance tickets or even take a guided tour with an expert.

22. Head to the Dali Theatre Museum

If I just called Picasso the 20th century’s greatest artist, then Salvador Dali must run him close. Amazingly, the world-famous surrealist also has his own vast museum (and mausoleum!) in Catalonia. Located in Dali’s home town of Figueres, the museum is actually a converted theatre decorated in typical fantastical style and chockfull of hundreds of his legendary works, such as Rainy Cadillac, Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and Mae West Lips Sculpture. An absolute must visit for art lovers, you can take the train to Figueres, but probably the best option is to jump on this day tour that also goes to the gorgeous medieval town of Girona (a major shooting location for Game of Thrones!).

23. Dive Inside One (Or All) of Gaudi’s Mansions

Whereas I’d put Sagrada Familia and Park Guell as the two essential Gaudi sights for first time visitors, there are actually four more spectacular UNESCO-listed works by the architect in the city, all of them well worth visiting of their own accord. Casa Mila is famous for being built with no straight lines, Casa Batllo has a stunning marine-themed facade, Casa Vicens is ripe with whimsical Arabic influence and Palau Guell has a magnificent rooftop and interior. Pick them off one by one, or purchase a Gaudi Houses Pass.

24. Explore El Palau de la Musica

This stunning UNESCO-listed art nouveau building has finally started getting the recognition is deserves amongst travellers, who now flock to take the very reasonably price self-guided tour of the ‘Palace of Catalan Music’. The highlight of course is the main auditorium, with its stained glass ceiling and incredible inverted golden dome (representing the sun and the sky). However, both the interior and exterior, designed by the legendary Domenech i Montaner, are an absolute treasure, and its balcony is one of the city’s most Instagramable spots!

25. Mosey Around the Moco Museum

Located just around the corner from the Picasso Museum, in El Born District, Moco has made quite a splash since opening its Barcelona branch. A permanent exhibition of “Modern Masters” features works by some of the world’s most influential artists, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama, while Marina Abramovic herself arrived in the city to inaugurate her exhibit “Miracle 3” earlier in the year. There’s also works by Banksy, KAWS and David LaChapelle.

VI. Delicious Food & Drink!

Ok, we’ve already mentioned a few cooking and tasting tours, but you’re in Barcelona… a city where Spanish and Catalan traditions mix with the creative legacy of Ferran Adria’s ‘molecular cuisine’. Let’s delve in…

26. Visit the Local Vineyards

Catalonia has 12 denominacion de origen wine regions, the nearest of which is Alella just up the coast, while the most famous is the Penedes, just a short way away by train or private transport, and the home of Cava (aka Spanish Champagne). Further afield is Priorat, which is actually considered the second best wine region in the whole of Spain (after Rioja). There are a number of great tours that leave from Barcelona on a daily basis, which allow you to tour the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process and of course taste plenty of the good stuff! For connoisseurs you can even embark on a private wine tour with a sommelier, who will pick you up from your hotel.

27. Take a Tapas Tour of El Born

tapas tour barcelonaAvailable at both midday (11am) and also evenings (6pm), this 3+ hour tour winds through the Old Town districts of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, as you drop by a total of four authentic tapas bars and sample 9 different Spanish and Catalan tapas, accompanied by a glass of local wine in each venue. A great way to satisfy both your cultural and gastronomical curiosity at the same time. The activity takes place in a small group only, and if you select the evening tour you can choose to visit a flamenco show afterwards. Reserve via Get Your Guide. Just €99 p.p., with food, wine and guide included. For more options check our post on Barcelona’s best food tours!

28. Sneak off for a Crafty Beer

Like most of the world, Barcelona has experienced a craft beer revolution with scores of boutique breweries, beer bars and festivals appearing from nowhere to wet our whistles with delicious artisan ales. You’ll find great bars dotted all around the city, with a concentration of cool venues above Plaça Universitat in what is unofficially known as ‘the beer mile’. You can even take a tour of some of them in the company of a local expert and brewer.

VI. Keeping The Kids Entertained!

The dreaded ‘M’ word (museum!) needn’t be a drag when there’s a whole village to explore. Or planetariums to discover…

29. See Sharks at the Aquarium

Teach your kids about marine life with a trip to one of Europe’s biggest and best aquariums. Home to over 450 species of underwater animals, the Barcelona Aquarium is in fact located in the centre of town, at Port Vell (the Old Port), not too far from the bottom of Las Ramblas. The cynosure of the aquarium is its huge ‘Oceanarium’ display, a 5 metre deep tank, with a long winding tunnel through it for close up views of sharks, gilt heads and morays. Skip the line tickets available on Get Your Guide.

30. The Whole of Spain in One Village

tickets for poble espanyol barcelonaThe so-called Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) is one of Montjuic and Barcelona’s top attractions. It was built for the 1929 International Fair and encompasses reconstructions of emblematic architecture from all corners of Spain. It’s the only place in the world where you can see all of the country’s architectural styles in one place. Not only that but the village contains art museums, audiovisual shows, workshops, flamenco tablaos, souvenir shops, restaurants and even nightclubs. Head to our article for more on attractions, opening times and getting there, or go ahead and get your tickets right away on Get Your Guide.

31. Go Swimming In An Olympic Pool

For amazing views over the city and a great place to escape the heat, it’s worth climbing up the hill to the Piscina Municipal de Montjuic. Despite the awesome location, the pool doesn’t tend to get too crowded and you should find a spot to lay down a towel and sunbath, as well as of course swim and enjoy the vistas. Open July and August only.

32. Book a Family Photoshoot

The same company that offers to teach you the art of street photography, also offers to make you and your family the star of the show… well for one glorious afternoon at least. During the Shutter Kings photoshoot experience you get your own private modelling session, with some of Barcelona’s most Instagram-friendly locations as a backdrop. By the end of the day, you’ll have a portfolio of incredible portraits that you’ll want to share with friends, family and followers, which also double as visual souvenirs of your time in the Catalan capital.

VIII. Going Local

If you’re in town for longer, or just far too hip to see the mainstream sights, the following suggestions should keep you busy…

33. Espadrilles Workshop

Recommended by the New York Times, in this top-rated experience you will make your very own pair of Spanish espadrilles. These elegant sandals were first popularised by Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, and are still worn by the likes of Vincent Cassel, Nathalie Portman and Kate Middleton today. After choosing your preferred base, you can select from different regional styles and colours from around Spain, before sewing the material to fit, and adorning it with your choice of flourishes. The class takes place at 10am and 4pm every day, lasts 2 hours, and costs just €99.90 per person (or just €84.90 with a Barcelona Life discount!). That’s actually less than you pay for a new pair of espadrilles, so you’re actually saving money – and dressing like a stylish local at the same time! You can book direct via their website. When go to check out a €15 BARCELONALIFE discount will be automatically applied to your shopping cart!

Barcelona Life readers get a special discount, when you check out!

34. Get Lost In A Labyrinth

Few locals ever make it as far as the Parc del Labirint in Horta (nearest metro is Mundet), making this green space a great place to lose both yourself and the crowds. As you have guessed by the park’s name the centrepiece is its wonderfully intricate maze, designed in the 18th Century by the architect Domenico Bagutti. There’s a token entry fee of around 2 euros, although if you’re really feeling the squeeze there’s free entry on Wednesdays and Sundays. All in all a great option if you’re travelling with kids. More on Barcelona’s beautiful parks here.

35. Skateboard At MACBA

That’s right grandpa, Barcelona has been considered the skateboarding capital of the world for well over a decade now, and the hobby is all the rage with the Catalan cool kids who take their boards wherever they go. You can catch them practicing their tricks every evening on the Plaça del Angels by MACBA, and soak up some of the alternative vibe with 1 euro beer from a friendly Pakistani vendor. If you want to join in check out FTC Barcelona Skate Shop just round the corner to pick up a board.

36. Go To A Nudist Beach

weird things to do in barcelonaBarcelona’s residents are not shy, as anyone who’s visited the city’s beaches will testify. Half-naked is standard, but if you really want to let it all hang out then head down to either Mar Bella beach, or the southern stretch of Barceloneta (called San Sebastien) towards the W-Hotel. On both these stretches of sand you’ll likely to find some liberal folk bronzing their bits and you’re more than welcome to join in! At Mar Bella you’ll also find some cool gay-friendly chiringuitos for post-tanning mojitos. For more on the city’s beach scene, keep reading.

37. Learn To Speak The Lingo

If you’re in town for longer than a few days you might want to consider signing up for an intensive Spanish course – in which case check out our page on language schools in Barcelona. Speaking a foreign language is certainly an exhilarating experience, and at the same time it’s a great way to meet other students and make some new friends with whom to explore the city. If you don’t have time for that you can always check out our pages on Spanish and Catalan language tips.

38. Go Vintage Shopping

vintage shopping in barcelonaBarcelona is big on the Bohemian style and you’re much more likely to score style points in the Catalan capital with faded Americana shirts and 80s leather jacket than the latest labels from the high street. Carrer Tallers is the best place to hunt for hand selected and hard to find items from yesteryear, or read more on our feature article. If you simply can’t do without your Prada, Diesel and Zara check out our guide to shopping in the city.

39. Chase The Shadow Of The Wind

If you haven’t heard of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s The Shadow of the Wind head straight to our Barcelona books section now! This magical masterpiece has inspired more than one paperback lover to descend on BCN and retrace the footsteps of the young protagonist Daniel Sempere. Take a literary tour with Get Your Guide and you’ll mingle fiction with reality as you step into the very streets and visit the actual buildings that form the backdrop of the book.

IX. Group Activities

Whether you’re here for a hen do, stag weekend, wedding, team building event or birthday celebration, you can find plenty of ways to keep your crew entertained…

Embark On A Treasure Hunt

In this group activity (min. 8 players), you race against both the opposing teams, and the clock, as you navigate the winding streets of the Barri Gotic and beyond in a bid to find the (proverbial) treasure in this interactive urban game. You’ll have to solve cryptic clues, consult your compass and move sharpish to claim the winner’s bottle of Spanish champagne.

Challenge Yourself in an Escape Room

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes, or even Indiana Jones, then pit your wits against the puzzles and challenges of one of Barcelona’s great escape rooms. There are several companies operating in the city and each has one or more interactive games where you have to frantically search for keys, crack codes and solve conundrums to progress and eventually leave the room! Some of the storylines are a lot of fun, and if you’re looking for something different to do in a small group of friends this might just be perfect for you.

Shake Up Your Drinking Habits

If you’ve been ordering the same thing behind the bar for too long now, then how about enrolling for some cocktail classes in Barcelona… under expert guidance you’ll learn how to mix some of the tastiest concoctions known to man and serve them up with panache. Mark our words, once you’ve mastered the simple art of putting together the perfect caipirinha you’ll be the most important guest at any party. Organising by partners of Barcelona Life, the experience is perfect for stag dos or hen parties, or any party-minded group of friends. There’s also a regular Cocktail Masterclass & Tapas session for smaller groups can join. Click the button below to learn more.

Keep Reading…

Still not sure what to do in BCN? Are you crazy??? Try swinging by our guide section for the essential attractions and a break down of the best districts. Or read up on our recommended tour providers for more original (as well as tried and tested) activity ideas…

For a different take on things consult this nearly-as-awesome-as-ours list by Time Out.

About the Author

Duncan the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

7 Comments

  • Dinyar H. Sidhva

    Hi Duncan, My wife and I are in Barcelona for 3.5 days. Kindly, provide your valuable inputs on the following:
    1) Once I book the Go All-inclusive Pass, is my booking at the attractions in Barcelona automatically confirmed?
    2) Is the tourist bus transport available for only one of the days or for all days of the stay?
    3) If you were my age (70+) would you recommend Montjuic or Montserrat, if you had to choose between the two?
    4) I assume Montserrat would not be part of the All-inclusive Pass and if that is suggested by you, I would be better-off take the Explorer Pass instead of the All-inclusive Pass.
    Look forward to getting your suggestions. Thanks & Regards

    24.02.2023
  • soundos

    thanks for sharing such a nice information

    09.05.2022
  • Ellen

    Cool round-up of the city. The fun stuff is doing things and you’ve listed so many besides the usual touristy things. Great site.

    26.02.2022
  • adison

    I also enjoyed these fabulous things during my last journey and have a joyful time with my mates.

    08.07.2019
  • Aurore

    Nice activities !! I like it 🙂
    I loved the Escape game and the Ice bar, all tested !

    Aurore

    17.10.2018

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