23 Fun Things To Do In Barcelona + Extras

23 Fun Things To Do In Barcelona

Barcelona has its beach, its mountains, its amazing architecture, and of course plenty of fun things to do. If you are looking for some fun experiences around the city, here we created a list of things you can do to enjoy the Mediterranean pearl.

Additionally, we had a deep research and found more activities such as

The list here of fun things to do in Barcelona includes some beach and water sports, as well as meet ups for meeting locals and expats.

No worries, if you are a solo-traveler in Barcelona, a couple, or a bunch of friends.

Key Takeaways:

Prebooking is required for some activities

  • Sagrada Familia: You need to prebook your tickets for a specific time slot (or wait ±1-2 hours in line)
  • Park Güell (“Gaudi Park”): Prebooking Tickets for a specific time slot is required. You cannot show up and enter. (Tickets are typically sold out 7 days ahead)

Barcelona Boat Party Unique Experiences I recommend:

Book tickets to sights or the activities with GetYourGuide.com or Tiqets.com. these are are the best websites to get your sightseeing tickets. Here is our review of Tiqets.com and how to use it.

What do we cover in this article?

Here are fun and COOL things to do in Barcelona.

1. Beach Volleyball

Do you like beach volleyball? All over the beaches in Barcelona you can find public volleyball nets.

If you wanna even meet some locals and expats, just ask some people already playing. Maybe you can join for a match? Don’t be shy!

The best beaches in Barcelona for volleyball are:

  • Playa de la Nova Icària
  • Playa de Bogatell Barcelona

In Barceloneta you will find very few public volleyball nets, and it’s quite packed. So not really recommended.

Beach Volleyball

2. Hop on a Private Sailing Boat

Barcelona has the beach and the sea. For me, one of the coolest things I love to do with my friends is hopping on a sailing boat and enjoy the day – or sunset.

In September 2019, my family and I joined the boat tour from Barcelonasailboats.com. BEAUTIFUL!! They still run their tours now in 2024 (I checked!).

Enjoy an amazing private boat trip with your partner, family, or friends.

Appreciate the full skyline of Barcelona from the sea. You can swim or just enjoy the breeze and the sun. Connect your music to the boat speakers and savor the tasty snacks and drinks.

Book your Sailing Boat here

Sailing Boat Barcelona

Choose the duration of your private sailing trip: from 2 to 8 hours.

Highlights in a nutshell

  • See the amazing views of Barcelona from the sea
  • Jump in the water and swim in the Mediterranean sea
  • Enjoy the sun and the breeze as you listen to your own music
  • Taste delicious snacks and drinks
  • Learn to drive the boat if you like (pretty cool!)

So, how does it work in detail?

You can book your private sailing trip directly on their website (www.Barcelonasailboats.com/en).

Just select the duration of the trip, the number of people in your group, the date and time of departure.

You will receive a confirmation email with the details and meeting point (Port Olimpic harbour in Barcelona ).

After meeting at the harbour, you and your group will chat with the skipper to decide which route to take.

The boat cruise is super flexible.

Let them know what you would like to see, and to do.

The skipper considers the weather, wind, and sea conditions to choose one of several sailing courses. You then board your beautiful sailboat and sail out into the sparkling open sea.

With the option to play your own music on the boat speakers, along with the many drinks and appetizers on board, you will have everything you could want as you enjoy the Spanish sunshine and, if the weather permits, the cooling waves of the sea.

Escape the crowds on this adventure on board a beautiful sailboat, which can be modified to suit your exact needs.

This is suitable for any type of tour including party, business, family, romantic, fishing, or navigation training.

What is included?

  • Boat rental, Skipper, and Fuel
  • Snacks
  • One drink per person – cava, beer or a soft drink

Not included:

  • Additional drinks (you can purchase on board more)

Afterwards I like to go for Tapas in one of the many places in El Born. My tip here? Mi favorite tapas restaurant: La Luna restaurant.

Book your Sailing Boat here

Sailing Boat Barcelona

3. EPIC Boat Party

Now, this one is for the party-traveler among us!! Here you get a crazy party with a bar of beer and Sangria, naughty games and naughty people, fun-loving DJ…….do I need to say more?

You can book these tours only with Stoketravel.com

Good to know: There is limited space on this party boat, and they only run on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Make sure you check the schedule and book asap. They fill up really fast.

You will have met new friends and going home ain’t no option, right? Many of the tipsy travelers will move on to a bar downtown. Good times for sure!

Few more cornerstone info for you:

  • Operation Period for 2024 – Spring to Autumn – check here the schedule
  • Prices start from 45€.
Let’s get the Party started

Party Boat in Barcelona

4. The coolest Bike Tour (with hidden gems)

There is actually many different bike tours in Barcelona – from boring to fun and even budget bike tours.

The best bike tour in Barcelona is Steel Donkey Bike Tour.

We tested it and it is the one we recommend to our friends and family. We wrote a more detailed guide comparing the best bike tours in Barcelona.

Instead of hopping on a boring and overfilled sightseeing bike tour, here you can actually experience Barcelona as a real local. Obviously they cover as well sights. But more importantly, they take you the places only locals go.

For me, it was really the perfect mix between sights and looking behind the touristic facade.

For instance?

They bring you to a local food market and a second hand flea market.

  • Price: 35€ on a normal city bike, 45€ on an e-bike
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Regular Departures: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10.00am (and flexible)
Book Steel Donkeys Bike here

It is a perfect way to get more hints and tips on the city by the guides Edu, Mari and Milos.

The tour is by bike so you obviously need to know to handle a bike.

It is not super physically challenging, more easy-going riding.

Traveling on a shoe-string budget?

There is a small budget bike tours for backpackers for instance, that take you all the way to Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Eixample district, Parc de la Ciutadella – for 22€ only. This one is a more classic sightseeing tour only.

Book Steel Donkey Bike Tour here
Bike-Tour-Barcelona
Bike-Tour-Barcelona

Bike Tour in Barcelona

5. Pub Crawl (paaaaaartey!)

This one is for the party people out there.

The nightlife in Barcelona is legendary and so is the Pub Crawl.

Tickets start from only 15€ and covers:

  • Free drinks and drink specials during the pub crawl
  • Skip the lines at a top club with VIP admission
  • an epic night to remember
Get your Tickets to Pub Crawl here

Compare pub crawls with: Airbnb Experiences | GetYourGuide

Here you can find another full guide to nightlife in Barcelona.

Pub Crawl
Pub Crawl

6. Paella Cooking Classes

How about food? Barcelona is a serious foodie-paradise, perfect for some cooking classes. No wonder we recommend joining an awesome cooking class!

The best way to do it is joining a combo of visiting a market and cooking class. It is the best way to impress your friends at home with a delicious Paella or Tapas.

Stoke Travel for a three-hour culinary adventure where you’ll explore renowned food markets like La Boquería or the Santa Caterina Market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you select fresh, locally sourced ingredients for your traditional Spanish dishes.

You’ll learn to create mouthwatering treats such as paella, tapas, and sangria. Roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and get ready to cook up a storm while indulging in our delicious sangria.

To top off the experience, why not continue the night with drinks in the lively Gothic Quarter bars or venture into one of Barcelona’s hottest nightclubs?

Book your Cooking Class here

Touch down: The Homemade Paella!

You can also check cooking classes on GetYourGuide or Helina from PaellaBarcelona.com @paella.BCN Cooking School. It’s really worth it the money.

You visit a local market and learn to cook Paella like a boss!

Here’s what you’ll learn to cook:

  • Gazpacho
  • Spanish tortilla
  • Seafood Paella, the authentic taste of Spain (vegetarian options available!)
  • Crema Catalana (delicious desert)
  • Pa amb tomàquet (simple but delicious Catalan way of eating bread)

Prices start from 55€.

Bon profit and Bon appetit!=)

Book your Cooking Class here

BCN Kitchen

7. Rent a RED VESPA (like in the movies!)

This one is actually an absolute must! Barcelona is the perfect city to discover by scooter.

Read: big guide on scooter rental in Barcelona (safety and companies compared)

A scooter is the best and a Vespa most stylish way to get around the city. You can relax at the beach, drive your way to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell – all that in no time! (More info on Park Güell here)

You can rent the scooters in Barcelona per hour or per day. This is perfect for cool couples, hipster and friends!

Where to rent a red Vespa? You can find deals with Get Your Guide here as well as Airbnb Experiences.

Check Airbnb Experiences for Scooters

8. Be a Local in Barcelona (5 Secrets)

It always feels good to discover hidden spots in Barcelona, and to feel the local vibes. You can only download our Secret & Local Tips for Barcelona. It’s completely free!

Here we share our absolute best tips and only via this email.

We include:

  • 1 best place for paella (besides the cooking class)
  • 1 local bar and
  • 3 more unique tips for Barcelona – by friends for friends
  • + basic tips on how to stay safe and what NOT to miss

This guide is for free and includes secrets we only share with friends! Enjoy 🙂

Not sure if you can trust us? Have a look on what’s included in the guide.

No pressure, but once thing is certain:

You will love our secrets!

Anyhow, keep scrolling!

Secret Tips for Barcelona

9. Tour the Costa Brava – by Boat

Just a 1 1/2 hour from Barcelona you have the stunning coastline of Costa Brava with gorgeous small coast villages.

Discover some of the most important villages of the Costa Brava like Tossa de Mar on a half-day tour from Barcelona.

Visit the large tourist resort of Lloret de Mar and the charming village of Tossa de Mar, considered the “Pearl of the Costa Brava.”

This half-day tour from Barcelona explores the Girona coast, christened as the Costa Brava 100 years ago, due to its rugged coastline of small coves, pine forests, and crystal clear water.

Its superb natural beauty is apparent in several territories and protected areas, such as:

  • Cap de Creus,
  • the Emporda Marshes, and
  • the Marine Reserve of the Medes islands.

The area has also historically been a point of entry and settlement for different civilizations.

Each spot has left a footprint, evidenced by the Greek and Roman sites in Èmpuries.

Book Costa Brava Half-Day Trip here

Read: 33 best day trips from Barcelona

You could also rent a car and visit the Costa Brava on your own.

Costa Brava Half Day Trip
Costa Brava Half Day Trip
Costa Brava Half Day Trip
Costa Brava Half Day Trip

10. Learn Photography (with a pro photographer!)

Have you ever been disappointed with your travel photos?

Are there features on your camera, or your camera phone, that you have no idea how to use!?

Do you want to come home from Barcelona with sensational shots of its city streets, beaches, graffiti and stunning medieval and modern architecture?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then don’t hesitate to sign up for a photo tour with Shutter Kings Barcelona.

In the company of one of their international, professional photographers, you’ll explore some of the most scenic places in the city, as your guide explains everything you need to know about the art of photography, whether you’re a beginner or experienced shutterbug.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can improve your photos, in just 3 or 4 hours, thanks to their expert advice.

The tips you learn will stay with you, not just on your Barcelona trip, but for all your future travels.

In other words, this is a great investment of your time.

Check out their website for more details on Barcelona photo tours or find Photography Sessions on Airbnb Experience.

Prefer to be in front of the camera, than behind it?

Then sign up for a photo shoot instead!

This time you’ll let the professionals do the hard work behind the lens, while you pose in front of some of Barcelona’s most stylish locations.

This experience is perfect if you need some stunning new portraits of yourself for your Instagram, or dating profiles.

It’s also great for couples celebrating an engagement, recent marriage or a new addition to the family.

11. Become a kid again at Montjuic’s hidden parks

Montjuic offers way more than just its castle and Plaza España with the magic fountains. There are plenty of gardens and parks to discover on the way up or down the castle.

Some parks even have their own “musical games/ instruments” like a human-sized whistle.

A popular and picturesque way to get up the Montjuic Cable Car.

I recommend getting your ticket beforehand, it can be quite busy in summer.

Fun for kids and grown-ups!

Book the Montjuic Cable Car here
Cable Car Montjuic
Cable Car Montjuic

12. Barcelona Pillow Fight

How about punching your friends and strangers with a pillow at a public square?

The Barcelona Pillow fight is a flash mob event, attracting thousands of people every year to smash a s

ft pillow in any faces close.

Read about Barcelona Pillow Fight here at pankchophoto.com (plus photos).

Pllow Fights
Pllow Fights

13. Helicopter Ride – Barcelona from above

See the spectacular sights of Barcelona from the air!

You can charter a private helicopter ride in Barcelona starting from 79€.

During this 6 minute flight you will explore thousands of details, which you could never see from the ground:

  • World Trade Center,
  • Statue of Columbus,
  • Maremagnum,
  • antique quarter of fishers in Barceloneta,
  • whole coastline till the Puerto Olimpico,
  • beach of Marbella and the Forum of the cultures.

Is it worth it? Yes, it really is!

Flying a helicopter along the Mediterranean coast for 79€ only is a bargain and one of the unusual things to do in Barcelona. We know, 6 Minutes sounds like it’s a short time, but actually it’s all you need for a good experience.

Book your Heli-Ride here

For booking the helicopter ride, we recommend using BCN.Travel, a local travel agency.

They even have an office downtown.

Super helpful, reliable and quick in replying.

14. Casa Batllo and its video guide

The famous Casa Batlló is highly recommended to visit. The art of architecture by Antoni Gaudi is simply remarkable.

A true highlight to experience the genius work from the inside.

Good to know: Get the ticket beforehand to skip the ticket line.

There is no “skip the line” ticket available, but this way you skip the ticket desk at least.

If you don’t wanna buy online, just go to Casa Batllo and queue up.

Best time to visit is in the early morning.

Skip The Line Ticket for Casa Batllo here

Compare prices at: Get Your Guide | Tiqets.com

Admire Casa Batlló in Barcelona
Admire Casa Batlló in Barcelona

15. Celebrate Football at Camp Nou

This is for every football and soccer lovers and fans.

You can visit the world famous Camp Nou, walk through it to see it from the inside, and admire the holy temple of European football.

The museum is included when visiting the Camp Nou Experience. There is not shortage of trophies, history to learn.

There are even the 6 Ballon d’Or Messi won over the years.

Entrance time and rates for Camp Nou Experience here

Compare rates at: Get Your Guide | Tiqets

Lift the trophy at your Camp Nou Experience
Lift the trophy at your Camp Nou Experience
See the famous Camp Nou from the inside
See the famous Camp Nou from the inside

16. City Slide Barcelona

Update: City Slide Barcelona wanted to open its slides in 2019….it did not happen.

I could not find any official information for a schedule. I will keep this page up to date to let you know.

17. Portaventura and Ferrari Land

Of course we want to cover as well more things to do for families and couples.

And this is by far the COOLEST thing to do: Portaventura!

The biggest theme park in Spain is located South of Barcelona.

You can come here easily via coach or train.

The park is amazing for:

  • friends
  • couples
  • families with kids

They have the biggest roller coaster in Spain and a numerous parks for kids-only as well as many shows. For instance, the Ferrari Land.

It’s a small inside park where kids can drive tiny Ferrari-looking cars and more.

Port Aventura features six different zones.

Highlights include:

  • Shambhala roller coaster (the fastest and tallest hypercoaster in Europe),
  • mirror maze El Secreto de los Mayas,
  • and Sea Odyssey 4D.

For the under-5s there’s a Sesame Street section that is also surprisingly enjoyable for adults.

And don’t forget your swimsuit!

There are a ton of rides with water fights, splashes, and general wetness.

Luckily, this is the Costa Dorada and that Spanish sun will have you all dry in no time!

The park opens for Easter until Halloween.

Get your Portaventura + Ferrari Land Tickets here
Portaventura Experience for Kids
Portaventura Experience for Kids

Have a splash at Portaventura

18. Cruise around in a Go Car

For me personally, a scooter is the best option for Barcelona.

However, you can also cruise around in the tiny, fun GoCars.

It feels like racing as Mario Kart through the city. I tried them once – SUPER FUN!

Besides the feeling of Mario Kart, you also have an electronic tour guide with you. You will be lead through the city + get some info on buildings. The GoCar team proposes different kinds of tours and the most popular are the 3 tours of 3 hours, which is 45€ per person.

Book your Go Car Experience here

Important: The driver’s age has to be minimum 21 and you have to bring your driving license.

(Please check always prices directly with Get Your Guide as they can change depending on season.)

19. Eat, Drink, and repeat

This is pure fun and absolutely famous for students and expats.

The Can Paixano La Xampanyeria is a tiny, hidden bar serving delicious and authentic tapas and finger-food.

Important: For every food you are ordering you have to order at least on Cava as well.

My personal tip: come here before 6pm. Order a cava (white or rosé) along with something to eat. I am usually here for max 30 min and move on to El Born.

Can Paixano tasty cava in Barcelona

20. Wake Boarding and Cable Ski

Just outside the city, in Montgat, you can improve (or try for the firs time) your Wakeboarding skills!

A short 15 minutes ride with the train from Plaza Catalunya to Malgrat you can find a nice and cozy beach bar where you can enjoy Cable Ski.

And by the way:  This place is directly located next to the train station Malgrat, and the beach.

It’s worth it to spend your beach day here as well!

Check out Malamar Restaurant & Lounge for more info the wake boarding.

Wakeboar near Barcelona MalaMar Montgat

Photo by Ezeof

21. Yummy! Cooking experience

We’ve already covered the cooking classes and the market tour above, but here is even more.

Why?

Seriously, cooking and eating is a must-do here. We joined our very first cooking class in the city with Stoke Travel – it was amazing! We cooked Paella, made some handmade Sangria and more.

Here is a list of cooking networks and classes:

Book your Cooking Class here

Foodie Experience Barcelona

22. Picnic Electronic Barcelona

Another great outdoor activity during summer is the Piknik Electronic, as well taken place at Montjuic.

This small festival is a traditional picnic combined with electronic music.

You see, Montjuic is quite busy!

Piknik Electronic in Barcelona

23. Move your hips and Swing!

If you feel like dancing some Swing, head over to Parc de la Ciutadella.

Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:00 until 14:30 you can join BCNSwing and its Swing classes.

It is completely for free and they meet up at the Pavillon right in front of the fountain.

Even better: Rooftop Tango Lesson & drinks!

Imagine you could join some local tango lesson on a roof top terrace?

On Airbnb Experience I have found this unique experience in the old town, the Gothic Quarter.

Discover the magic of embraces while you enjoy drinks in a great rooftop in the heart of Gothic Quarter. It is a unique way of meeting locals, having fun and experience a local life-style.

Book Rooftop Tango Lesson & drinks here

24. Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery

One of the best day trips from Barcelona is visiting the majestic Montserrat.

The Montserrat mountain played and still plays an important role for the Catalan culture.

Here was the only place the Catalan language was allowed during the dictatorship of Franco.

Montserrat always symbolized hope.

Besides the historic side, the Mountain of Montserrat is an incredible experience. You take a super steep cable car up the mountain.

Here you have a restaurant, a museum and monastery to visit.

Inside the monastery, there is the famous black Madonna!

After the museum you can go for hiking.

The views are breathtaking up here.

Every time we went, we came here with the public train from Placa Espanya.

There are tours you can join. This is actually recommended.

The tours start from 55€ and take away the hassle of finding the right train.

Wine Tasting: You can also book the Montserrat tour with a Wine Tasting and Tapas Tours.

These tours are great! We always recommend them to our friends and family!

Get on the Montserrat Tour here

If you would like to go by your own, check out how to get to Montserrat Mountain.

Read: 31 more day trips from Barcelona.

Montserrat, a day trip from Barcelona

Photo by jenndfrancis

25. The most romantic retreat

There is a super beautiful Arabic Spa located in the city center.

The spa has several different spa areas like the hot tub, the cold one, the salty one. You can as well book massages, hop into the sauna.

All that in a beautiful medieval-style spa under the ground of the old town. The place is called AIRE SPA and we recommend it for couples as well as friends to unwind.

Find schedules, more info and prices for Aire Spa.

And here’s the kicker: It even opens at spot midnight!

Good to know: There is only 20 people at a time in the 2 hour slot. A super romantic retreat.

Fully booked?

Here is a list of the best spas in Barcelona.

Read: a list of 53 more romantic ideas for couples in the city.

26. Neighbourhood festivals

Barcelona neighbourhoods have their own street festivals throughout the year.

You can have a beer at a street concert in Poble Nou, or get lost in the stunning street decorations of Gracias fest “Fiestas de Gracia”.

Find the full calendar of all the different street festivals in Barcelona on the website here.

La Gracia Festival in Barcelona, a major neighborhood festival

27. Join the biggest Festivals in Barcelona

There is not enough space to list all cool festivals, but these two are certainly the most important and biggest once:

There is always something going on, whether it is winter, spring, summer or autumn.

keep your eyes open for those special events.

La Merce Festival, the traditional Sardana Dance in front of La Catedral

28. Yoga in Barcelona – the unique way

Sunrise & Sunset Yoga Session

Yoga, Beach, Sunrise (or Sunset), Barcelona – Yes, that sounds about right!

You can enjoy a budget-friendly yoga session on Barcelona beach with Macarena, owner and an experienced yoga instructor and Laia, the other owner.

It is a 60 min multilevel vinyasa flow yoga practice. You will practice on a concrete platform so you won’t get sandy! Yoga mats are provided (but please always check this beforehand as this can change).

There are even more unique experiences such as Sunrise Paddle Surf and Full Moon Live Music. Find more yoga retreats in Barcelona here.

Book Sunset Beach Yoga here

Sunrise Paddle Surf

If you want to add an extra level of fitness to your list of fun things to do in Barcelona, then this is your master piece.

Stand Up Paddle Surf combined with some yoga lessons can be really challenging. For the Yoga-Paddle-Surfer, you can join again Macarena and Laia. Check their website for more information.

You can also join the popular sunrise paddle surf. You do not need to be experienced with paddle surf here!

  1. You will do a little warm up!
  2. Laia will teach you how to paddle from the beach.
  3. You will learn how to stand up!
  4. You get a few tips to manage the paddle, its super easy! You dont need previous experience at all.
  5. While you are in the water, Laia will take you some cool pictures with sun rising and Barcelona’s skyline for free, is the best view!
Book Sunrise Paddle Surf here

Sunrise/Sunset Paddlesurf & Photography

29. Have a romantic Picnic organized

Oh oh ohh, this is one of the unique things to do in Barcelona for families and couples.

Imagine a romantic and fun picnic at sunset with stunning views over the city — with friends, the whole family or as a romantic gesture for your partner.

There was a company that offered those unique experiences.

You could get your picnic basket loaded with local culinary delights and get it delivered to the picnic spot of your choice.

They could even help you pinpoint unique spots, dotted over the city.

This way you discovered a real hidden gem in Barcelona and definitely a unique dinner or lunch.

Now this company does not exist anymore, but you can create the picnic yourself.

Go to the supermarket and pick an “Aperitivo selection”:

  • cheese
  • wine
  • chips
  • fruit…

And don’t forget to bring cups to drink!

The Picnic Spot?

There are plenty of places where you can do a romantic picnic around the city. One of the best in the city is at “Carmel Bunker ” so you can get a panorama view.

Read: More 54 Romantic things to do in Barcelona

Romantic Things to do for Couples: A picnic overlooking the city Romantic Things to do in Barcelona: A Picnic wherever you want

30. Perfect for Families: Aquarium

We covered a lot of fun and party for young adults and adults.

What about awesome things to do in Barcelona with kids and for families?

Here you go:

The Barcelona Aquarium is located in Port Vell, the city’s old harbor area, and is the world’s most important marine leisure and education center dedicated to Mediterranean undersea life.

Most spectacular of all is the immense Oceanarium, 5 meters deep and 36 meters in diameter.

A transparent 80-meter-long tunnel runs through the Oceanarium, making it possible for you to walk among sharks, gilt heads, morays, ocean sunfish, and many other species.

Book your Aquarium Ticket here

Compare prices at: Tiqets.com | Get Your Guide

Kids Things to do in Barcelona

31. Admire a Flamenco Show

There are many flamenco shows all around the city. And they are really entertaining.

The one we like is the Tablao Flamenco in Palacio del Flamenco, downtown.

Find prices and schedules right here.

However, there are many around the city.

Update: Tablao del Carmen is the MOST popular show for Flamenco; highly recommended as it is really the best one!

I recommend this to everyone looking for a tranquil night out, enjoying local culture. It is really worth it.

Book the Flamenco Show

Flamenco Show

32. Hop on a Tapas Tour

Earlier we mentioned the cooking class. Of course you can also just eat out!

Eating tapas is synonymous with a visit to Barcelona, and a Tapas & Beers food tour will take you to some of the most authentic tapas bars in the hip district of Gracia, to try classic Spanish and Catalan dishes like razor clams, patatas bravas and Iberian ham.

If you are crazy about cerveza they also have a dedicated craft beer tour, where you get to try some of the latest regional beers with a master brewer.

I recommend the guys from www.foodtoursbarcelona.com or this Tapas Hopping Tour from Airbnb Experience.

For Food Tours BCN you can find rates and schedules on their website. Their food tours take you on a journey of local tapas bars (that are actually more for the locals!)

Book your Tapas Tour here

More the party-kind of person? Then hop on the famous pub crawl.

Best Food Tour in Barcelona Best Food Tour in Barcelona

33. Couchsurfing Meetings

Like every other big city in Europe, couchsurfing meetings in Barcelona are quite common.

Just check out all traveler meetings in Barcelona such as:

  • Tuesday – Weekly Language & Tapas Meeting
  • Monday – Gràcia Meeting with Couchsurfing, just to name a few.

Check out Couchsurfing events in Barcelona.

34. Segway and its Alternative

A Segway Tour is pretty fun, especially next to the beaches in Barceloneta.

Make sure you actually know how to handle the Segway.

The tour guide will give you a prior training obviously, so you are safe.

Prices start from 29€.

Fancy more some skating? Be a local and hit the boardwalk with your skates. You won’t be the only one skating there – promised!

Check out the SkateClub.

Hop on the Segway here

Segway Barcelona

35. Champagne Sunset Boats (our recent discovery for summer time 2024)

Oh boy, this one is FUNtastic!

The one and only Champagne Sunset Tour by Stoke Travel.

This is the #1 tip for everyone who wants to experience Barcelona at its best on a classy party cruise.

Get glammed up and treat yourself to an evening of champagne cocktails, delicious Spanish specialties, great company, waitress service and superb views of the Mediterranean.

Oh, and there is live music like chilled, jazz, bossa nova styles.

Pretty epic!

Here’s the info in a nutshell.

  • Tour: 2 and a half hour cruise on a double story stunning white catamaran
  • Drinks Consumption card: 4 drink stamps per person
  • Food: Traditional Spanish Paella, with a side salad
  • Views: Stunning coastal views of Barcelona
  • Style: glamorous crowd with a great vibe
  • After-Party: Free VIP club entry at a top Barcelona beach club

For prices and schedules, check out stoketravel.com/champagnesunset

Prices start from 65€ for this tour.

Few more cornerstone info for you:

  • Operation Period: Friday 8:30pm (29th May- 7th August)
  • Departure times: 29/05 – 07/08 Fridays 8:30pm – 11pm
Get on the Party Boat here

Good to know: Champagne Sunset VIP Sunset Cruises are running every Friday at 8:30pm from the Port Vell harbour location during the season.

Make sure you check Stoke Travel for their schedule.

Barcelona- Hostels

36. Montjuic Cinema (summer special!)

Open-Air Film festival under the Barcelona Sky right at the Castle of Montjuic – do we need to say anything more?

Hardly.

Check out Sala Montjuic for specific dates.

This event only takes place from July to August. Also, there is usually live music before the actual movie starts.

Come here beforehand, bring a picnic blanket and some snacks. This is one of my favorite activities with friends in Barcelona!

To secure your ticket, get your ticket directly with Sala Montjuic.

Enjoy the open air cinema in Barcelona

37. LandSailing, Parasailing and BBQ Boats

Do you like GoKarting? Then you will love even more Land Sailing!

A land-sailing mini-yacht is a kart with three wheels and a sail. You can start a race against your friends next to the beach.

There is even an official race, just check out Land Sailing Barcelona.

This is for the Adrenalin-junky around us – obviously! It starts in the harbor and brings you around the coast line.

Land Sailing in Barcelona Experience Funny Friends

38. Beach Cinema

There is also a beach-version of the open-air film festival.

Feel the sand on your feet and watch movies from classic to alternative.

Check all the dates of beach cinema Lliure here.

You do NOT need a ticket here, it is free!

Make sure you come early as it is usually very busy here.

This is why I actually prefer the Montjuic Cinema, mentioned before.

Festival

39. Spanish Guitar Concert

Once we were wandering around the old town and saw this big sign:

Spanish guitar concert tonight in a former monastery!

We bought the ticket at the entrance, entered, and loved it!

It was simply amazing.

If you are into live music, you will enjoy a beautiful Spanish guitar concert – no doubt about it.

The one we visited was also entertaining as three musicians started to play simultaneously on one single guitar.

Guitar Concerts

40. Are you up for Stand-Up (Paddle Surf)?

Barcelona’s beach is actually perfect for Stand-Up Paddle Surf as the wind is not that strong like in the Atlantic coast, and the sea is calm.

Rent a paddle board and get started.

It will be plenty of fun so more people you are.

41. Enter Gaudi World: Casa Batllo

After the Sagrada Familia, the world famous Casa Batllo is a must-visit.

Visit Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí­’s most impressive works, with an insightful video guide to explain the distinctive features and elements.

You can actually enter the building, located on the prestige Passeig de Gracia.

Inside you will be walking around with a video guide with Augmented Reality in your hand (check the video below).

The colorful windows, the shapes and the stories behind; Casa Batllo is really interesting.

Even for the non-architects lovers.

For children, the playful house is also a curious visit.

The best part, kids under 7 get in free and don’t need a ticket.

You will need to purchase a ticket to enter.

Best recommendation I can give you, get the Skip The Line Ticket!

The queues are really long.

You will notice a long line every time you walk-pass the building.

Book Casa Batllo Tickets here

Compare rates at: Get Your Guide | Tiqets

42. Drive a kick-ass Ferrari (for only 88€!!!)

UPDATE: Since 2019, this is no longer possible.

Have we ever told you about the time we drove a Ferrari through Barcelona?

You can seriously rent a Ferrari. The best part: Prices start from only 88€.

Enjoy the speed of the beast, going from 0-100 in 3.8s.

You can choose to drive it on one of 3 routes, our favorite being the drive up to Montjuic and making a lap of the old Urban F1 circuit.

Sebastian Vettel watch out!

Make sure you bring your own camera, you will want evidence to prove to your friends that you actually did it.

You can also place your own GoPro on the car to get some cool video footage to make your friends even more jealous.

My recommendation: This is a perfect gift for your partner or friend.

If your friend or partner is into fast cars, I recommend this as a surprise gift.

Just make sure she/ he brings the driving license. You need it to rent the car.

Drive a kick-ass Ferrari in Barcelona

UPDATE: Park Güell and Sagrada Familia

As so many asked, we wanted to include this here as well.

There are only 2 things you have to prepare BEFORE coming here:

  1. Park Güell
  2. Sagrada Familia

1. Visit Park Güell – preo-booking required!

Since 2015 there is an entrance fee for the main part (the beautiful one).

You need to buy a ticket at least 1 day before for the main part of Park Güell.

I highly recommend to buy it as soon as you know your travel plans.

Otherwise you will be stuck with a ticket for 7am in the morning as everything else is sold out.

Check available time slots here. Just enter your travel dates.

 

You might read Park Güell is free. There is actually one part of the park which is free, but it is not the one you wanna see.

The most beautiful  part, with the salamander, the main monumental area, and the trencadís artwork (famous chopped ceramics) requires a ticket. And it cannot be purchased at the moment.

Again: You HAVE to get your ticket to Park Güell beforehand (to actually enter).

Get your Park Güell ticket here (required)

Compare prices: Tiqets.com | Get Your Guide

Park Güell

2. Same goes for Sagrada Familia

Get your tickets as soon as you can! You can skip the line and also go up the tower. If you are queuing up, you cannot enter any tower.

Make sure you purchase your ticket before to skip the line at Sagrada Familia.

I also recommend getting the audio guide. It  will give you an insight of Gaudis intention and what different symbols mean.

It is quite fascinating, especially the different animals on the windows inside.

Smart tip: Go before 10am in the morning, it’s less busy!

Skip The Line Ticket for Sagrada Familia

Compare rates at: Get Your Guide | Tiqets

Here you can instantly check for free time slots visiting Sagrada Familiy with Fast Track.

 

Sagrada Familia

Printed guides for Barcelona

Fan of printed city guides?

Have a look as well at Fodor’s insider Guide and Rick Steves Pocket Guide.

Or click directly on the images to get your copy.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

Alright, now that you have the coolest activities, you want to know where you get your rest at night.

I found this useful guide to where to stay in Barcelona – as first time visitors.

Of course, I do also have my top recommendations

I divided them into different traveler types:

  • solo
  • couples
  • families
  • groups

Just pick the one you need, I handpicked an accommodation for every traveler type. Easy peasy! 🙂

Alternatively, you could also check out the best Party Hostels in Barcelona.

1) Solo-Traveler and Backpacker

We summed up the 3 best hostels in Barcelona.

The quick overview is:

  1. The Central House Barcelona Gracia
  2. Casa Gracia
  3. YEAH Barcelona

Those are the best options for solo-travelers and they are even recommended for couples. Here you can mingle with more travelers and stay in style.

3 BEST Hostels in Barcelona unboxed

Seriously, the hostels we cover here are true design treasures. At Hostelz.com you can compare all prices for the hostels in Barcelona. It makes it a convenient way actually to find best rates. Have a look on what hostels you can expect:

Casa Gracia
Casa Gracia Hostel

2) Families

An apartment is the best option for families. Here we recommend the BAI81 Apartments.

Located in Eixample, you are in walking distance to main modernist Gaudí attractions like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.

Their kitchen is well equipped and it’s a safe area The apartments are always clean. If my friends cannot stay with me, this is where I send them when visiting.

Find rates for the Apartment

BA81 Apartments in Barcelona

3) Couples

For the romantic city break, I recommend Hotel Mercer Barcelona.

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter (really downtown!), Hotel Mercer Barcelona is set in one of the city’s ancient buildings, next to the Roman walls.

Chic decor, high ceilings with exposed brick walls, and an interior country yard with orange trees.

There is a even a super big roof top terrace with restaurant and bar!

This is my #1 tip for the romantic couple coming over for a few days.

Check rates for Mercer Hotel Barcelona here

Hotel Mercer in Barcelona, perfect for couples

4) Groups of friends

When heading over with a group of friends, you want to have your own space. And it should be a cool one, preferably with a nice terrace.

My best tip: Inside Barcelona Apartments Mercat!

The apartment has everything you need from dish washer to terrace.

They have more than 1 apartment here in Barcelona.

I really like that every apartment has a small terrace. This adds some extra quality time to your Barcelona adventure. Therefore, this is my #1 recommendation.

I mean, everybody loves terraces!

Book Inside Barcelona Apartments Mercat

Inside Barcelona Apartments, a great recommendation for friends visiting Barcelona

Oh, you are still here?

We thought you would be hitting the road already having some fun in Barcelona!

We keep this article always up to date.

Barcelona is our home and there is always something new and cool coming up.

Do you have any questions?

Then please please bother us and write it in the comments.

We want to keep this article as useful and cool as possible.

Your questions helps us to understand on what things and activities I missed to mention.

Therefore, drop a comment with your question below.

I am looking forward to hear from you!

Looking for more ideas?

No problem! Here you have plenty of ideas for Barcelona:

Looking for something specific?

How to get around Barcelona?

The old town is really walk-able, the rest not that much.

So you need to get some sort of transport.

1. Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus

The easiest way to get to all major tourist sights is without a doubt the Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus.

Buy the ticket with Get Your Guide. It is our go-to wbsite for getting tickets all over Europe. Here is a review of Get Your Guide.

2. Public Transport

However, the Public Transport here is almost perfect.

The bus is well-connected and there is a metro every 2-3 minutes.

We recommend to get the HOLA BCN Ticket.

Choose a 2,3,4 or 5-day pass to use the public transport for a fix price.

Smart tip: NEVER buy a single ticket for the metro in Barcelona. Why? A single ticket will cost you  almost 3€.

The HOLA BCN Ticket is 6,50€ per day.

When using public transport a lot, it really pays off.

Have a look on the offers at the vending machine.

3. Get a Vespa.

We mentioned this in point #3. Get a Red Vespa like in the movies.

Epic Day Trips from Barcelona

There are plenty of trips you can take from Barcelona.

Here is a collection of 33 day trips from Barcelona.

Here is our video of Canyoning we did:

Amsterdam, London and Rome

You liked these recommendations.

Oh, you will love these ones even more!

We also found

If you would love any more info, please drop us an email.

We are super keen about helping you.

As you see, we could talk about BARCELONA all day long 🙂

Don’t forget to download our exclusive guide for Barcelona here.

Over to you: Questions?

Do you have questions, doubts, something not clear? Please please please bother me and drop me a comment.

I want to have this article for you as useful and informative as possible. Your question actually helps me to see what I’ve missed.

Therefore, your questions helps you, me and all the other readers.

Just leave a comment below =)

– – –
Pinterest is your friend!

23 Fun Things To Do In Barcelona + Extras

We are 100% Independent: Some links on Hostelgeeks are so-called affiliate links. If you decide to book through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support allows us to keep producing high-quality, independent content free of influence from hostels or external advertisers. Learn more here. 🙏

✏️ Read our Editorial Guidelines

Our Favorite Travel Resources 2024

👏 Booking Hostels: Always find better deals for Hostels on Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com.

✈️ Cheap Flights: The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.

🤒 Travel Insurance Simplified: We always go either with Safetywing and Hey Mondo.

🤓 Smart Travel Tools you need to know: Find a list of our favorite travel tools.

Get your Smart Packing List (Free Printable): Knowing what to pack and what not to pack is key. Get our ultimate list of smart items to bring on your trip.

Download your Free PDF Packing List

Best Hostel Packing List