When it comes to the best things to do in Barcelona, one’s mind usually flutters to thoughts of dazzling Gaudi architecture, fresh colourful markets, and (if you’re anything like me) a slow motion montage of tapas hoarding and cava showers…

And while these are all indeed wonderful Barcelona activities to spoil yourself with, there’s a lot more to Barcelona than what top ten lists or guidebooks let on… incredibly unique things like wine spas, hidden terraces, chocolate massages and even the world’s largest marijuana museum 😉

And so, because I’m determined to help you experience the best of your time in the stunning Catalan capital, here’s a master list of fun and uniuqe things to do in Barcelona, from touristy musts to more offbeat secrets. I hope you find it helpful!

My Free Map of Things to Do in Barcelona

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!

1. Drool over the Sagrada Familia

Click here to buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance

There’s no attraction more synonymous with Barcelona than the illustrious Sagrada Familia, a Gaudi creation that has been in the works for over 140 years. With three intricate facades and 18 towers, there’s truly no church like it in the world – with distinctive elements including a lack of right angles anywhere in the design, and very few straight lines.

And while it’s still not finished, what currently stands is (in my opinion) a jaw-dropping sight, both inside and out.

Out of Gaudí’s many impressive and expensive works in Barcelona, this is the one I find most worth visiting on the inside. Even though it’s unfinished, I consider it one of the most spectacular churches in the world, with intricate details inspired by both religion and the natural world, combining to create a maximalist and colourful church unlike any of you’ve seen before.

NOTE: Make sure you buy a skip-the-line ticket because the line-ups here are truly ridiculous. You can get one online here that gives you instant confirmation and a scannable mobile ticket.

Or, book a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket here.

This was one of my favourite finds during my recent Barcelona visit, and one of the most stunning concert halls I’ve ever seen.

Built in the iconic Catalan moderniste style of architecture, it’s an opulent UNESCO-recognized masterpiece created by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Best of all, they control the amount of people allowed to enter through tours and timed tickets, so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.

NOTE: Because there are limited spaces per time slot, and limited time slots each day, you should make sure you book online beforehand if you want to see this gorgeous place. Click here to book a guided tour online in advance or click here to buy a self-guided ticket so you can explore in the morning before the tours begin.

3. … Then drool the most on an indulgent food tour

Barcelona may be a delicious city, but it’s also one laden with tourist traps around every corner.

That’s why you should trust the experts and book yourself on a food tour!

This was one of the best things I did during my first visit to Barcelona because I got to learn all about local Catalan cuisine (it’s really not about paella and sangria here!) while getting great recommendations for the rest of my trip. If you’re looking for one of the best foodie things to do in Barcelona, taking a food tour is it!

I had a great time on my Devour Barcelona food tour and would highly recommend it. The following tours also have excellent reviews:

• This four hour tapas tour at hidden local gems
• This private pinxto and wine tour
• This market tour with tastings

4. Indulge in traditional Catalan cuisine

Speaking of trying traditional goodies, one of the top things you can do in Barcelona is indulge in a tasting involving the best of Barcelona cuisine.

While most restaurants will try to sell you on tapas, paella and sangria, Catalonia has way more traditional dishes to offer, many of which are ones you’ve probably never heard of. 

Some tasty must-tries I can recommend include…

• Fideuà – like a paella with noodles instead of rice, and trust me, it’s life-changing. Typically served with a healthy dollop of garlic aioli.
• Bombas – an invention of the Barceloneta neighbourhood, like a fried potato croquette thats stuffed with a tasty meat filling, then topped with sauce. Your arteries will cry, but your taste buds will thank you.
• Calçots – a special type of Catalan green onion and a beloved food during the winter time, especially when there are calçotadas, annual celebrations typically held between November and April where they char calçots with grills and consume them as part of a big feast with romesco sauce, bread, meat and plenty of wine flowing.
• Cava – a sparkling Catalan wine that goes well with… well, anything, so make sure to grab yourself a few glasses while you’re in town. Or a barrel. I don’t judge.

Most typical of all though might be to “fer el Vermut”, a pre-meal ritual that usually involves having a drink with some bar snacks like olives and jamón while mixing and mingling… kind of like a local take on the Italian aperitivo. There are many bars that offer this experience, so don’t miss it!

5. Wander around the Gothic Quarter

This postcard-perfect piece of Barcelona is where many say the city’s history began, when Romans first established a settlement here thousands of years ago.

Today, the neighbourhood is known for its network of narrow winding streets that link a variety of squares and monuments, the most famous of which is the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral, which costs a few euro for entry, but is open for free during set worship and prayer times each day.

The inside is well worth seeing, with a dramatic Gothic interior, as well as a nice rooftop that you can visit for amazing views of the city.

Elsewhere in this neighbourhood, there’s also the lively Placa Reial, filled with palm trees and arched galleries crammed with restaurants and bars. Granted, the prices here are a bit inflated, but there’s still quite a nice vibe.

Another popular spot is Carrer del Bisbe, where you’ll find the most photographed bridge in the city.

And while the Gothic Quarter is notoriously crowded with tourists most of the time, there are still some cool hidden gems scattered around the, including some Roman artifacts and landmarks, like the Temple of Augustus, where you’ll see tall Roman columns dating back to 1st century BC.

Overall, this is a beautiful part of Barcelona to explore, but if you can, I’d recommend visiting in the early morning before it gets too crowded.

6. Explore El Born and La Ribera

Located close to the beach and overflowing with cafes and restaurants, walking around these conjoined neighbourhoods is another fun Barcelona activity I can highly recommend.

One highlight is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a beautiful Gothic church, which has the crest of FC Barcelona hidden in one of its stained glass windows.

There’s a logical reason for this though – when funds were running low for the church’s restoration back in the 60s, FC Barcelona stepped in with a contribution, under the condition that they could have their coat of arms added to one of the new stained glass windows, which is where it is today.

Outside of here, you’ll find the Fossar de les Moreres, a plaza with an eternal flame memorializing the Catalan soldiers fallen during the War of the Spanish Succession.

There’s also several museums here including the Picasso Museum and Moco Museum dedicated to modern art, as well as some of the spots I mentioned before like Santa Catarina Market, plus plenty of cool shops and boutiques. 

Plus one of my personal favourites – the El Born Cultural Centre, where you can scope out cool archaeological ruins.  Once upon a time, this massive wrought iron market was Barcelona’s main food market and when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair, eventually plans were made to convert it into a library.

During construction however, they uncovered 18th century ruins of buildings, and so they decided to scrap the library plans and open up the market as a cultural center.

Today, you can come here to stalk the various archaeological finds and learn about pieces of Barcelona’s history like the war of the Spanish succession and the siege of Barcelona.

7. Swoon over the views from the Bunkers del Carmel

Read my full Bunkers del Carmel guide for more info

I know this is a grand sweeping statement, but I honestly believe that the Bunkers del Carmel offer one of the best views in any European city ever.

From this vantage point high above the city, you can get a 360 degree view over Barcelona, including iconic parts of the skyline like the Sagrada Familia and the beach. It was here that I witnessed one of the most incredible sunsets of my life, so bring yourself a bottle of wine (and maybe a Tinder date?)

NOTE: It’s hardly the hidden gem it once was, so get here early. I promise the view is worth it!

8. Or enjoy another epic viewpoint

One Barcelona experience you can’t miss out on is finding a stunning view over the city… best of all when it’s free 😉 I’ve already mentioned my favourite free viewpoint in Barcelona, the Bunkers del Carmel, but here are a few others for you to check out:

Las Arenas de Barcelona: A bullring-turned-shopping mall that is now home to a free 360 degree viewing platform overlooking Plaça d’Espanya. Access is totally free via escalator, but it’s 1 euro extra to take the elevator up.

El Corte Inglés: One of the most popular shopping centers in Barcelona, with an epic view over Plaça de Catalunya from its top floor. You could probably come in just for a peek, but why not grab a cheap coffee and enjoy the view?

Tibidabo: The highest viewpoint in Barcelona, which means amazing views. Getting there is a bit of a trek, but once you do, it’s free!

9. Explore dreamy Park Güell

Book a skip-the-line guided tour

If you’re a fan of architecture, Park Güell is a non-negotiable thing to do in Barcelona. If you are not, come here and you will become one – I promise.

This whimsical park perched on Carmel Hill offers not just wonderful views over the city, but some of the most imaginative and colourful spaces in Barcelona. Walking into Park Güell is like stepping into the fanciful imagination of Gaudi himself, and it’s well worth a visit when you’re in town.

Because of how popular it gets though, I highly highly hiiiiiighly recommend you book your tickets in advance. You can click here to book a skip-the-line guided tour or you can also buy a regular admission ticket in advance here.

10. Admire more of Gaudí’s best facades

Given the truly stalkerish number of times I’ve already mentioned him, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I’d recommend seeing more of Gaudí’s work when you’re in town.

After all, the name Antoni Gaudí is one that’s synonymous with Barcelona itself, and while visiting the interior of every single building is not only costly, but time-consuming, one of the best free things to do in Barcelona is admire their incredible beauty from the outside.

If you are planning on staying in the city center, make sure you stop by…

• The Sagrada Familia: Carrer de Mallorca, 401
• La Pedrera (Casa Milá): Provença, 261-265
• Casa Batlló: Passeig de Gràcia, 43
• Casa Vincens: Carrer de les Carolines, 20
• BONUS: The Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella: Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso, 21

If you prefer a guide, you can book a Gaudi & modernisme tour here.

NOTE: If you are prioritizing which ones to visit on the inside, I would honestly pick the Sagrada Familia over any of the other options. I’ve been to them all now, and while they are beautiful, the houses themselves are so small and busy that you really can’t appreciate them when they’re packed with people (which is sadly most of the time now). Especially with their astronomical price tags, I feel like your money is better spent elsewhere.

11. Ogle more modernist gems around the city

Of course, while Gaudí is the most famous name linked to Catalan modernism, he is far from the only notable architect whose work you can admire in Barcelona.

The block occupied by Casa Battló for instance is known as the Manzana de la Discordia, or Block of Discord, thanks to the presence of three Modernist facades by three differnet architects, all fighting for our attention. Gaudí’s Casa Battló is of course the most crowded and popular, but right next door is the Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and down the block also Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

I did Casa Battló and Casa Amattler back to back, and let me tell you the difference was astounding. I practically had a private tour at Casa Amattler, which was gorgeous on the inside, and I can definitely recommend paying them a visit.

Speaking of i Montaner, he is responsible for two of my other favourite Modernist structures in Barcelona – firstly the Palau de la Musica Catalana as mentioned above, as well as this next one.

12. Visit the most beautiful hospital in the world

Click here to buy your ticket in advance

The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is honestly one of my favourite attractions in Barcelona, and the best part? It’s located a short walk from the Sagrada Familia, with considerably fewer crowds.

This UNESCO Heritage sight was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (who you might remember also designed the stunning Palau de la Musica Catalana).

And hey, if touring a hospital sounds a little morbid to you, know that while it was a fully functioning hospital up until 2009, it is now a museum and cultural center… and a stunning one at that.

Be sure to grab a map so you don’t miss any of the spaces in this complex!

13. Absorb some culture at a world class museum

Barcelona is a city of incredible museums. In fact, there are almost 60 of them scattered throughout the city.

From impressive art museums like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró to choices that are a bit more offbeat like museums featuring funeral carriages, chocolate and marijuana, you definitely need to stop by at least one Barcelona museum to make the most of your visit!

Some quirkier ones include…

• Erotic Museum of Barcelona: Showcases the history and culture of eroticism over the years with collections on pin-up culture, phallic tradition, erotic Picasso (yup) and more
• The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum: The largest museum dedicated to cannabis in the world, housed in the gorgeous Palau Mornau (a gem of Modernist architecture), with a collection featuring over 8000 cannabis related objects
• Museum of Funeral Carriages: Located at the famous Montjuic Cemetery, with 13 ornate carriages on display, along with 3 motor hearses and 6 special coaches.

NOTE: Many of Barcelona’s museums have free days that you can take advantage of, especially on Sunday afternoons and all day on the first Sunday of every month. Click here for a list of Barcelona museum free days.

14. Relax in the Parc de la Ciutadella

After the non-stop sightseeing and dodging crowds, I think one of the best things to do in Barcelona in relaxing (with a treat in hand) in one of the city’s many parks.

My favourite of these parks by far is the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tranquil green oasis in the city, with a stunning fountain (Cascada Monumental) and an ornate entrance way, Barcelona’s own Arc de Triomf.

15. Explore Montjuïc

Get tickets in advance

This hill is packed with attractions, and makes for a great half-day outing during your stay in the city.

Getting there through the famous Montjuic cable car takes you on a 750m journey suspended above Barcelona… and once at the top, you can do everything, like visit a 17th century castle and fortress, soak up amazing views, visit unique museums like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Fundació Joan Miró and the Poble Espanyol.

Or explore cool green spaces like the botanical gardens and Anella Olímpica, the park built for the 1992 Olympics.

Another highlight here the Magic Montjuic Fountains. Constructed during the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, these fountains are now one of the most well-known attractions in Barcelona, with a dazzling light, music and water show that wows millions of visitors each year.

From here, you can also see the impressive Venetian Towers in Plaça d’Espanya, which are modelled after the Campanile of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

16. Eat your way through a fresh food market

Besides wolfing down endless plates of tapas and churros, one of the best experiences in Barcelona for foodies is exploring the bright flavours and colours of a fresh food market.

One of the most well-known in the world is La Boqueria, and while it’s great, I find it so incredibly crowded and popular to the point that I don’t enjoy it that much anymore.

I prefer stopping by the Santa Catarina Market instead – it’s much less congested and the shopkeepers don’t act persistently annoyed at you… which is a huge plus!

PS: If you want to have a really unforgettable experience, you can book some really unique market experiences like this one which combines a market tour with a cooking class.

17. Check las Ramblas off your list

Known as the main promenade in Barcelona, Las Ramblas is a 1.2km stretch that extends from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. Along the way, you’ll encounter well-known sights like La Boqueria, and a lot of street performers, tourist trap restaurants and… crowds.

Honestly, Las Ramblas is alright, but in my opinion, it’s far from the best thing to do in Barcelona. It’s crowded and riddled with a lot of opportunistic criminals like pickpockets and street scammers, plus the restaurants along here are notorious for being bad and especially at night, it becomes a seedier place teeming with prostitutes. Have I sold it well yet? 😛

That said, if you do find yourself on Las Ramblas, there are some cool sights along the way that many miss. Be sure to keep an eye open for some noteworthy buildings, including…

• Casa Bruno Cuadros (AKA the Umbrella House) | La Rambla 82: A cool and eclectic building with colourful umbrellas adorning the facade and a dragon too!
• Antigua Casa Figuera | La Rambla 83: A beautifully decorated patisserie complete with wrought iron, mosaics, stained glass and all sorts of Moderniste goodness.

18. Pass through Plaça de Catalunya

This is Barcelona’s main square and is often touted as a Barcelona must-see.

In my opinion, it’s alright, and odds are you’ll pass through it thanks to its central location, but it’s definitely not my favourite place.

While it is a huge central square (and some might consider it the heart of the city), these days it’s just a very busy place over-run with traffic, pigeons, street vendors selling knock-off designer goods, and of course, pickpockets.

19. See Barceloneta Beach

For a lot of eager vacationers, time in Barcelona is synonymous with tanning time. While Barcelona does have a lot of great beaches to offer, the most popular one among tourists is Barceloneta Beach.

As most locals will tell you however, it’s far from the best. 

Thanks to its popularity with tourists, Barceloneta is now teeming with litter, people and guys selling watered down mojitos and beach towels. I wouldn’t plan to spend a day here tanning and swimming, but I must admit it is nice for sunset.

NOTE: If it’s some beach time you’re after, Barcelona has a lot more beaches to offer than just Barceloneta. Click here for a great guide to the different beaches around the city.

20. Seek out Barcelona’s Roman ruins

While it may not immediately come to mind as a must do in Barcelona, there are actually a series of Roman ruins that are scattered around the city, free for you to visit.

After all, Barcelona was part of the Roman Empire for over 400 years back when it was called Barcino, a lengthy enough time to leave behind some cool Roman artifacts and landmarks.

You’ll find most of these (publicly viewable) sights around the Gothic Quarter, including the Temple of Augustus, my favourite hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet street near the Barcelona Cathedral.

Here, in this quiet courtyard, you’ll see tall Roman columns dating back to 1st century BC.

If you’re interested in finding more Roman ruins and sights around Barelona, this guide is an awesome resource.

21. Book a unique guided tour

With so many things to see and do in Barcelona, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. My solution to this first world problem?

I usually like to take the guesswork out of my first few days by booking a guided tour. This helps me get acquainted with the city, and provides me with a local brain to pick while I scheme out the rest of my trip.

So, if you’re looking to book a guided tour with a twist, consider some of these options:

Gaudi and modernisme themed tour: This is a must if you’re in Barcelona to stalk the incredible architecture. This walk bings you to many of the most famous modernist buildings in the city, and provides some cool facts and insights into each. Click here for tickets.

Bike tour: Not interested in a walking tour? Why not try a cycling tour instead? This one brings you to some of the city’s highlights, and even throws in a free drink at a beach cafe for good measure. Click here for tickets

Segway tour: Last but not least, if you want to whizz by all the other tourists smugly, a segway tour ft. the best of Barcelona might be for you. Click here for tickets

22. Take a tour of the Camp Nou Stadium

Click here to get your tickets online for cheaper

In Barcelona, football (or soccer for my fellow North Americans) is practically a religion, so I bet it’s no surprise that Barcelona is home to the largest stadium in both Spain and Europe, with a capacity of almost 100,000.

Since 1957, Camp Nou has been the home stadium of FC Barcelona, hosting countless historic games over the years. If you’re a fan of football, you can’t miss a visit to this epic stadium.

23. Go for a spin at Tibidabo

Click here to get your tickets in advance

At 512 meters, this is Barcelona’s tallest hill, and is home to Spain’s oldest amusement park, with many of its original rides in tact. 

A highlight here besides rides is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Atonement, a beautiful church topped with a monumental statue of Jesus that you can see up close with an elevator ride.

24. Explore a dreamy labryinth at Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1

Alright, so not only is the Parc del Laberint d’Horta one of the prettiest parks in Barcelona, it’s also the oldest!

The starring attraction of this perfectly manicured park is of course, its sculpted labrinyth. If you’re after a fairytale escape from the crowds, then this off-the-beaten-path park is well worth a trip.

Riding solo? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of attractive Greek statues to keep you company.

25. Explore Barcelona with a Vespa

Because sometimes, you just wanna ‘Lizzie McGuire’ your way across Europe.

If renting a vespa sounds like your idea of fun, there are a lot of possibilities! You can combine your day with food for a Vespa Tapas Tour or if you want to go self-guided, you can also book a 24 hour Vespa rental with GPS for relatively cheap here.

26. Take a cooking class

Looking for a fun souvenir to bring home to your friends besides blurry Instagram selfies?

Why not take a cooking class so you can bring home some delicious Catalan specialties? This might make your overly detailed stories more bearable. You can even book a cooking class with a grandma here!

Learning how to cook? Yup, definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

27. Party away at a street festival

If you’re looking for a fun and local Barcelona experience, check to see if your visit coincides with any of the city’s countless festivals.

Known as festes majors, these are huge parties that bring entire neighbourhoods together through concerts, partying, craft fairs, food and more.

If your goal is to get some authentic Catalan culture in you, this is the best way to do it.

Different neighbourhoods host their festas majores throughout the year, with most taking place in the summer.  Click here for a detailed list and roundup.

28. Watch people build human towers

There is no doubt a lot of wild stuff to do in Barcelona, but these human towers are (literally) next-level.

Building human towers has been a Catalan tradition for centuries. Known as castellers, these superhumans pop up around town usually during large festivals and parties, with the most dazzling and impressive party trick of all time: making a tall tower entirely out of humans.

In Barcelona, these spectacles are put on by the Coordinadora de Colles Castelleres de Catalunya, which was established in 1989. You can learn more about their public appearances and future performance dates on their official website and schedule.

29. Book a sailing tour

If you want to experience Barcelona from the water, I’m happy to inform you that yes, it’s easy to book a sailing trip when you’re in town!

May I suggest something adequately baller, such as this 5* rated tour which takes you sailing and feeds you frozen vermouth at the same time? 😉

30. Go on a photography tour

Barcelona is hands down one of the most photogenic cities in the world, so if you’re at all interested in photography (or perhaps just securing a very, very likeable new profile pic), consider booking a photography tour while you’re in town.

For instance, you can book a photowalk with a professional who takes your photos. This on has over 100 5 star reviews!

Orrrr you can embrace your inner hipster and take on this bike and vintage polaroid tour.

31. Get a unique view from the Columbus Monument

Get your ticket in advance here (and get a glass of wine for free)

Standing 60m high next to Port Vell is the Columbus Monument, marking one end of Las Ramblas, which means most visitors are bound to pass it at some point.

The tower hides a secret though – it has an elevator that you can ride up to a viewing platform, with gorgeous views over Barcelona and Port Vell. You can get a ticket here (which comes with a glass of free wine)

32. Find street art

Of all the things to see and do in Barcelona, street art seems to be one that often falls to the wayside, paling in comparison to the city’s other main attractions.

But make no mistake, if you know where to look, there are bold, provocative and interesting murals to be found all around the city.

As it always is with street art, locations are constantly changing, but this site is a great resource.

You can book also book a street art tour on bamboo bikes here.

33. Say hi to Barcelona’s Statue of Liberty

Yes, it’s random, but one of the most offbeat things to do in Barcelona is paying a quick visit to the city’s own Statue of Liberty.

To do this, stop by the entrance of Arús Library, the oldest public library in town, where you’ll find a lovely dark bronze (almost black) mini-Statue of Liberty standing at the entrance. 

34. Rummage through Barcelona’s largest flea market

Address: Carrer de los Castillejos, 158

There are a lot of flea markets you can visit in Barcelona, but none are more popular than Els Encants Vells, the city’s largest flea markets and actually one of the oldest in Europe.

With 100,000 visitors flocking here every week in search of the perfect steal, it does get busy, but you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of goodies, whether you have a penchant for vintage clothes or weird, old timey lamps (I won’t judge).

35. Stop by Plaça San Felipe Neri

This tiny, charming square is a sliver of peace in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, with nothing more than a small fountain and the baroque church of Sant Felip Neri.

If you look carefully, you can still spot some marks from the bombings which took 42 lives on January 1938, a tragic history that seems impossible given the tranquility of the square today.

36. Head to a breathtaking monastery

If you’re looking for a Barcelona attraction that’s well off the beaten path, then head over to the Reial Monastir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes, a stunning complex with a lot to brag about, including a gorgeous medieval garden, the largest Gothic cloister in the world and numerous collections featuring paintings, furniture, textiles and more.

37. Soak in a wine spa

Of all the weird and wonderful activities to do in Barcelona, I can think of nothing more unnecessarily indulgent than soaking in a bath of wine.

That’s right, apparently the antioxidant properties of grapes are wonderful for your skin… who knew?

You can try this experience at the AIRE Ancient Baths. Click here for more info.

PS: According to the package description, yes you of course get to enjoy a glass of wine during your treatment, along with nuts and hard cheese apparently? Mmmmgh.

38. Say hello to some giants

Yes, giants! Or in Catalan, gegants.

Gegants are wearable puppets that are often seen in parades, feast days and local festivals.

When they’re not out bringing joy to the people however, you can spot the most popular among them in the beautiful Santa Maria del Pi Church, where they chill and relax in a large glass case right to the right of the main entrance.

39. Dig for bargains at a stunning train station

The Lost & Found Market is a quarterly market held in one of Barcelona’s most famous train stations,  Estació de França, which was home to the city’s first railway connections with France once upon a time.

Today, the station is substantially quieter and is best known for this second hand market which happens once every three months, a busy but exciting place to stock up on all the preloved goods of your dreams.

If you’re lucky enough that your stay in Barcelona coincides with one of these, be sure to check it out.

You can find more information on their official website here.

40. Go on a helicopter ride

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable and romantic Barcelona experience, why not book a helicopter ride over the city?

There’s nothing quite like seeing the city from a bird’s POV, and in Barcelona, you can do it cheaper than in a lot of other major touristy cities.

In fact, if you’re feeling especially baller, you can actually combine a helicopter ride with a yacht trip together for less than 150 euros, which is um… pretty affordable as far as helicopter-yacht rides go.

Click here to check reviews and availability.

41. Ride a hot air balloon

Click here to read reviews and book

Okay, so I know I started big with HELICOPTERS and YACHTS, but if you’re really looking for the ultimate romantic experience, you can go on a hot air balloon ride from Barcelona for surprisingly cheap…

I’m talking cava, a picnic lunch, transport from the city and all that for around 150 euros per person. Imagine gliding across the Catalan landscape, revelling in ALL the brownie points you would win with this one. 

Click here to read reviews and book.

42. Enjoy a chocolate massage

Yes, lathering yourself in chocolate is apparently a socially acceptable thing to do in Barcelona in the name of beauty and health… best of all, you can pay someone to do it for you 😉

Known as chocolaterapia (a bit of a mouthful, but we’ll roll with it), many spas in the city offer it, but the one at Roc Nature has great reviews.

Click here for more info on this sweet treatment.

43. Down some unique shots

If it’s cheap drinks and a party atmosphere you’re after, then look no further than Chupitos, a bar known for its outrageous menu of shots (with over 200 varieties).

Note: this bar is definitely not for the faint of heart – some of the shots are fairly…erm… interactive and grotesque, so if that doesn’t sound like your jam, you should probably head somewhere else.

You can google “Monica Lewinsky” shot if you want to know what I mean.

44. Enjoy a cool day trip

Finally, don’t forget about the many, many amazing day trips you can enjoy from Barcelona. There’s options for every preference, whether you want mountains, seaside, or more cities.

Some ideas include…

• A visit to dreamy Montserrat is a must, with striking mountains, verdant greenery and an epic monastery wedged between its peaks. Easily doable on your own with public transport or through a tour. Click here to check out the different options and prices.
• The idyllic Costa Brava, with beautiful beach towns like Tossa de Mar
• A trip to Girona, a historic Catalan city with a beautifully preserved artistic heritage, known for its photogenic streets, porticos and glitzy photogenic appeal. For ease of mind, you can book a half-day trip which includes transport from Barcelona here
• Visiting three countries in one day through a day tour to Andorra with a stop in France. Click here to check reviews and availability.
• See Tarragona, which is home to cool Roman ruins, glossy gold beaches and fresh seafood, all with a fraction of Barcelona’s crowds
• Go for a ride on Europe’s tallest and fastest vertical accelerator. Click here to check tickets and availability.

Any more questions about things to do in Barcelona?

Let me know in the comments too if I’ve missed any of your Barcelona must-dos. Have an amazing trip!