So after you’ve ticked off the big sights, done the tours, wandered the museums, and checked the “must-see” boxes in Barcelona, it’s time to look for the other kind of fun. The stuff that makes you feel like you’re really living here, not just visiting. Over the years I’ve tried a lot (sometimes for work, sometimes just for the hell of it), and everything on this list has earned its spot. I’ve done them all myself, and I’d happily do them again, which is why I can say with confidence this is a great list of 20 fun things to do in Barcelona.
1. The Paella Club
The first rule of the Paella Club? Talk about the Paella Club! In a tourist town lousy with cooking classes, Paella Club is more like cooking dinner with friends. The owner, Alex, is as passionate as they get about his love of food, cooking, music, and creating that familiar space where delicious food meets friendly company. Alex’s infectious energy will pull you into having a good time from the minute you walk in the door and are handed a glass of Cava. Hands down one of my favorite things we did with a group of friends.
Carrer del Dr. Dou, 5, Gothic
2. Quilombo Guitar Bar
Your shower isn’t the only place where you can boldly sing off-key. This little cave of a music bar encourages boisterous singing at your table, dancing in your seat, and getting the lyrics wrong (because it’s just loud enough that nobody can hear you anyway). Reserve your table, bring cash, and leave your performance anxiety at the door.
Carrer d’Aribau, 149, Eixample
3. IDEAL Barcelona
IDEAL Barcelona is a space where art and technology meet, bringing iconic works and stories to life through immersive experiences. The exhibitions change regularly, but each one surrounds you with large-scale projections, sound, and interactivity that make you feel part of the art itself.
Carrer del Dr. Trueta, 196, 198, Poblenou
4. Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer
One of my favorite places to escape the city is the Jardins de Mossèn on Montjuïc. Between the wide ponds and the sprawling grassy areas, it feels like you’ve stepped out of Barcelona and into a page of a storybook. I love it so much I wrote a full post about this spot, including the exact route I take to get here and all the other things worth seeing along the way.
Avinguda Miramar, 30, Montjuïc
5. Bescuit Pinta Ceràmica
Bescuit is a beautiful new ceramic painting studio in Barcelona where kids and adults can get creative. It’s a calm, light-filled space with plenty of pottery pieces to choose from, making it the perfect rainy-day activity, though honestly fun any day of the week.
Carrer de Girona, 121, Eixample
6. Paral-lelo Gelato
If you want a vanilla gelato, go to DelaCrem. But if you love to take delicious risks, head to Paral-lelo Gelato. Their seasonal savory and sweet gelato varieties will make fans out of skeptics. Right now you can try the panettone, sorbet de yuzu, or lychees. There are also a handful of options to make vegans happy. And, yes, you can still get the vanilla, if you want.
Carrer de Seneca, 18, Gracia
7. Mercantic in San Cugat
Mercantic in Sant Cugat is a lively vintage market just outside the city, packed with antiques, furniture, lighting, and unique Barcelona home decor from independent vendors. There are a few outdoor restaurants as well, making it the perfect weekend activity. Shop for treasures, then relax in the sun with a beer and a burger or some tapas.
Website: https://mercantic.com/
8. Orient Express Cocktail Bar
At Orient Express Cocktail Bar, every detail plays into the theme! Drinks arrive by miniature train, the menu looks like a passport, and the staff are dressed as conductors. Not to mention, some of the most creative drinkware you’ll ever see, and it’s easily one of the most fun cocktail bars in Barcelona.
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 134
9. Moco Museum
In Moco Museum we trust. The Amsterdam transplant to Barcelona just opened in October 2021, bringing another important addition to the contemporary and modern art scene in the city. With street art works by Banksy and modern heavyweights like Basquiat, KAWS, and Kusama, you can quickly spend a half-day here and forget the world outside for a while. That’s just the start of it; as any good modern art museum, Moco also tests the fringe through immersive art and technology experiences.
Carrer de Montcada, 25, El Born
10. Frizzant
If Gwenyth Paltrow were in town, she would be spotted here. Frizzant cooks up more than just daily healthy food and a great cup of coffee. With a yoga studio inside, it’s more like a mini-wellness retreat just off Gran Via. With a menu that changes daily, Frizzant serves up fresh, healthy meals right from their counter. Diners can mix-and-match everything from tasty vegetable dishes to perfectly roasted chicken and a variety of healthy side dishes and salads. Treat yourself to one of their all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free chocolate muffins afterwards (or before—no judgment).
Gran Via, 692
11. Montjuïc Cemetery
There is no better place to contemplate our fleeting existence on this lonely blue planet than a historic cemetery with outstanding sculptures and statues sitting in silent witness above the Mediterranean. The permanent residents of Montjuïc read like a Who’s Who list of Catalans, so taking a tour is a perfectly reasonable way to spend an afternoon here. But, losing your way walking through the countless little paths and roads through the hillside is even better (as long as it’s during the daytime, of course). While you can take a bus here, we recommend booking a taxi instead.
Carrer de la Mare de Déu de Port, 56, 58, Montjuïc
12. SUPRA Georgian Restaurant
SUPRA is part restaurant, part non-stop show, and if the crowd is in the mood, the center floor turns into a dance party between performances. The food is outstanding — don’t miss the authentic khachapuri, Georgia’s famous cheese-filled bread boat (or as my friends call it, the “cheese canoe”).
Carrer de València, 246, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
13. La Confiteria
The shelves at La Confiteria that were once lined with confectionary sweets now are lined with all of the ingredients needed for their flirty cocktails. This El Raval mainstay might be one of the most beautiful places to grab a drink in Barcelona, if architecture, history, and design is your thing (they are your thing, trust us). The cozy space is mostly true to its 19th century beginning and serves as the perfect setting for close conversations with your book club friends, visitors you want to impress with some old school Barcelona charm, or a nice start to a date night.
Carrer de Sant Pau, 128, El Raval
14. Curtis Audiophile Cafe
Curtis is a modern, laid-back bar in Barcelona with a DJ playing easygoing beats most nights. It’s enough to set the vibe, but you can still actually have a conversation with your friends. There is no dance floor per se, but later in the evening, the middle floor space does fill up, so if you want to settle in for the music, it’s best to book a table.
Carrer de Mallorca, 196, L’Eixample
15. Monastery de Pedrables
The ordered and peaceful space at the Pedralbes monastery gives your brain the perfect respite from a tumultuous world. Spend an hour at this medieval monastery walking through the inner courtyard and slow life (and your mind) down for a moment. You can also appreciate a small art gallery with changing exhibits. Free entry on Sundays. Five euros other days.
Baixada del Monestir, 9, Pedralbes
16. Paradox Museum
Here’s a great place to take the kids if you’re over the usual tours or it’s one of those rainy days when you just need them off the screens. The Paradox Museum is full of optical illusions and interactive rooms that feels like a modern fun house. You’ll laugh, get silly, and probably have just as much fun as the kids!
Pl. d’Urquinaona, 3, L’Eixample
17. Parc del Laberint d’Hort
We (mostly) guarantee that you will not come across Jack Nicholson wielding an ax in this well-tended hedge maze high above the city. Parc del Laberint has plenty to offer for the whole family, besides the maze. Walking paths wind their way through, with occasional water features like ponds and waterfalls. Neoclassical buildings with climbing vines and statues also may be found throughout. Their overall gentle disrepair just lends to a sense that you have left Barcelona far behind and entered a Jane Austen novel. It all makes for the perfect setting for an easy, slow Sunday stroll. Take a picnic lunch or enjoy some chips and a caña at the food kiosk in front of the entrance. Ticketed entry.
Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Horta
18. SLVJ / Restaurant Salvaje
SLVJ might just be the best dinner escape in Barcelona. From the decor to the live DJ, dancers, and impressively presented and delicious Japanese fusion dishes, this place is definitely a Scene. Take their Google and TripAdvisor reviews with a drop of soy sauce. You’re here with your closest friends for an evening of macro-dosing on kitsch and that sparkly Vegas-style magic that has you forgetting about the pandemic that must not be named, even if only for an evening.
Carrer d’Enric Granados, 86, Eixample
19. AIRE Spa
One of my favorite escapes in Barcelona is AIRE Ancient Baths. Between the thermal pools, steam room, saunas, jacuzzis, and the floatation pool, you lose all sense of time. If you book a massage, you get access to everything, and it is honestly the best way to regroup and come back to life. I feel like a new person every time.
20. Bunkers del Carmel
The Bunkers del Carmel were once an anti-aircraft base during the Spanish Civil War, and today they’re one of the best lookout points in the city. It’s especially popular at sunset, but if you’re with kids, go in the morning, pack some water and snacks, and enjoy the incredible 360-degree views of Barcelona.
