25 Hidden Gems and Fun Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona

If you’re a hidden gem lover like me, you’ll love these unusual things to do in Barcelona.

This Catalan city is one of the most visited places in Spain, but how could it not be? It is home to exceptional architecture, medieval fairytale streets, and exquisite food, and that’s the tip of the iceberg!

It is also a great base for a Spanish road trip, an amazing girls’ trip destination, and a city rich with activities that fill up your 4-5 day or weekend itinerary, leaving you wishing for just ‘one more day.’

There are so many touristy things to do in Barcelona, but I think that what makes a trip epic, are the unique experiences most people skip out on.

*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may show pop-ups.

*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

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Planning a last-minute trip to Barcelona? Check out:

Top alternative tours:

– FREE Gaudi and modernism tour

– Ghosts and legends tour in the Gothic Quarter or dark history tour in El Born and La Ribera

– La Pedrera (an iconic Gaudi building) by night

– The Shadow of the Wind tour

– Medieval Barcelona tour

– Estrella Damm Brewery tour with tasting

– Jewish heritage tour

Top day tours from Barcelona:

– Girona and Figueres full-day tour: Visit the historic city of Girona and be amazed by the Dalí Museum in Figueres, designed by the artist himself.

– Medieval villages of Catalunya day tour: Step back in time in the villages of Besalú, Rupit, and Tavertet.

– Montserrat Abbey day tour with lunch

– Hot air balloon flight

Top activities in Barcelona:

– FREE walking tour of Barcelona

– Sagrada Familia ticket

– Tapas and wine tour

– Park Güell ticket (you can even take a free walking tour of the park)

– Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum ticket

Highly-rated, central accommodations:

– Rodamon Barcelona Hostel (budget)

– Hotel BESTPRICE Diagonal (mid-range – I had a great stay there)

– Eco Boutique Hostal Grau (mid-range+).

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Alternative, Unique, and Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona

Visit Gaudi’s Casa Vicens

Antoni Gaudi is probably Spain’s most famous architect as he is the genius behind Barcelona’s most beautiful, quirky, and artistic buildings.

Although most people usually only visit Park Güell, La Pedrera (Casa Mila), and the Sagrada Familia, he designed more than ten buildings in the city.

One of my favorites is Casa Vicens, the first house ever designed by him.

Gaudi was a master in combining different materials and architectural styles, and Casa Vicens is an excellent example of that.

The astonishing artistic details along with the color combination make it a work of art in Barcelona you cannot miss!

Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20. Opening hours: Every day, 10 AM-8 PM.

Book your ticket to Casa Vicens here.

For another unique experience, also check out this FREE Gaudi and modernism tour!

Visit Gaudi’s ‘La Pedrera’ by Night

Speaking of La Pedrera (also called Casa Mila) – it is one of Gaudi’s most astonishing creations and one of the best places to visit in Barcelona.

Unfortunately, people usually appreciate it only on the outside, so my recommendation for you is to take the tour of ‘La Pedrera by Night.’

It is a wonderful evening tour combining historical facts, architectural discoveries, and an unforgettable audiovisual on the roof terrace, and I can guarantee that it will take your visit to La Pedrera to a whole new level.

Address: Provença, 261-265. Opening hours: Every day, 10 AM-8:30 PM and 9 PM-11 PM.

To skip the lines, my biggest Barcelona travel tip would be to purchase attraction tickets in advance.

You can read more reviews and book your ticket to ‘La Pedrera by Night’ here.

You can also learn more about La Pedreda on this FREE Gaudi and modernism tour!

Take Some off the Beaten Path Barcelona Tours

If you are looking for alternative things to do in Barcelona, why not take an alternative tour?

Sure, the usual walking tours are fun, but you’re surely looking for some unique experiences to add to your Barcelona itinerary.

Here are a few highly-rated tours (that are still on my bucket list) you might find interesting:

Ghosts and Legends Tour / Dark History Tour

If you’re like me and you love hearing local myths and legends, and if you want to get to know the darker side of Barcelona, these tours might be right up your alley.

Check out this ghost and legends tour taking place in the Gothic Quarter or this dark history tour taking place in the El Born and La Ribera districts.

‘The Shadow of the Wind’ Literary Walking Tour

If you haven’t read the AMAZING novel ‘The Shadow of the Wind,’ please do it now!

I’m sure that after reading this compelling book you’ll want to take this themed tour that explores the locations mentioned in it. Read reviews and book the tour here.

Estrella Damm Brewery Tour

Located near Barcelona’s airport, this family-owned brewery was established in the 19th century.

On this guided tour, you’ll get to visit the brewery, learn about its beer-making process, and have a few tastings.

Jewish Heritage Tour

I love exploring my Jewish heritage when I’m traveling, so I wish this tour was available during my trip to Barcelona. Read more about it here.

Medieval Barcelona Tour

Taking you through some of the city’s undiscovered streets, squares, and sites, this tour seems like a great way to learn about the medieval history of Barcelona. Read more about it and book it here.

Grab a Drink in a Magical Forest

Maybe it’s not the most authentic cultural experience (far from it), but it is undoubtedly one of the most off-the-beaten-path things to do in Barcelona.

The bar ‘Bosc de las Fades’ brings you to a magical world of fairies, gnomes, and quirky trees, thanks to a unique design.

If you want to feel like a kid for a while, grab a drink or a cup of coffee and soak up the vibe of ‘The Fairies’ Forest.’

Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM-1 AM. Saturday-Sunday 11 AM-1 AM.

Take a Unique Tour of El Raval

By Wendy of Empty Nesters Hit the Road | Facebook | Instagram

The city of Barcelona is full of historic and beautiful sites as well as amazing restaurants and markets, most of which are well-publicized in guidebooks and included in every tour.

After several days in this charming Spanish city, we were eager to experience something a bit different and get off the usual tourist path.

We chose to explore the El Raval neighborhood with the help of an audio tour from the Detour app. El Raval, or the Raval, used to be the “red-light” district of Barcelona famous for brothels and bars.

It was also a common destination for immigrants who were unwanted in more well-off parts of the city. However, because this was the least expensive section of town, it was also popular with artists and authors.

In fact, creatives as well known as Hemingway, Picasso, and Gaudi were regulars at the Raval’s Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in Barcelona. One of Gaudi’s first commissions, Palau Guell is located here.

In recent years, the city has tried to clean up the Raval, and slowly, it’s becoming more attractive to new residents and tourists alike. It’s even considered one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona.

Explore Some Lesser-Known Gardens and Parks

There’s no shortage of green spaces in Barcelona, so if you only have a few days in the city, it’s easy to miss out on beautiful spots that don’t always get their deserved recognition.

These include Jardins de la Tamarita, the small yet enchanting Muñoz Ramonet gardens, and Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, which are actually one of Europe’s most incredible cacti and succulent gardens.

Visit Casa de Les Punxes

By Teresa from Brogan Abroad

Barcelona is a paradise for architecture lovers, particularly for fans of modernist architecture.

Everyone knows the works of Gaudi, but there are a few other modernist buildings in Barcelona that are definitely worth visiting.

Casa de les Punxes, translated as the House of Spikes, is one of the most underrated buildings to visit in the city. Commissioned by famous modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch, it resembles a medieval fortress.

Once inside, you won’t only enjoy the architectural side of things, but you will find a multi-sensory interactive exhibition dedicated to the patron saint of Catalunya – St George.

Make sure you visit the terrace, from where you can appreciate the punxes (spikes) that give the building its name, and from where you can enjoy a great view of the city.

In the summer, the terrace is open to the public every Friday night with drinks and live music.

Photograph the City’s Quirkiest Sculptures

Scattered around the city, you’ll find quite a few unusual sculptures you might enjoy photographing.

From La Cara de Barcelona (its English title is The Head) to La Gamba de Mariscal (The Shrimp) to El Gat de Botero (The Cat) to Dona i Ocell, there are more than enough quirky photo spots in Barcelona.

Create Your Own Craft Beer Crawl

By Amber from Best Spain Food Tours

There’s always been a lot of great food to eat in Barcelona, but there’s also a burgeoning craft beer scene too. It’s a lot of fun to organize your own craft beer crawl to try as many craft beers in one day.

Start with BlackLab Brewhouse, which brews all its own beers. They have plenty of outdoor seating in Barceloneta to enjoy an afternoon of people-watching.

Then head to Kælderkold or Ølgod for a great collection of Spanish and international beers in the Barrio Gòtic at a Danish-inspired bar.

After, head to Abirradero in Poble Sec, which also brews all its own beers and even offers to make your own beer sessions on a regular basis. There are also locations of international craft beer bars like BrewDog and Mikkeller.

This only scratches the surface of all of the craft beer in the city, but it’s a great way to drink beer and explore the different neighborhoods in Barcelona.

Visit the Monestir de Pedralbes (Monastery of Pedralbes)

Away from the city center, you’ll find the stunning 14th-century Monastery of Pedralbes, founded by King Jaime II of Aragón and Queen Elisenda de Montcada.

The royal monastery is especially known for its astonishing cloister, but there’s a lot more to discover in this amazing Gothic-style historic building.

At the moment, it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance (you’ll see that admission is free at certain times, but you should still reserve your spot).

Discover an Enchanting Flower Shop

By Jyoti from Story at Every Corner

We stayed in the fascinating L’ Eixample neighborhood, and there was a massive flower shop on our block called Floristerías Navarro.

As we got off the cab, it immediately caught my attention because it was absolutely enormous and exploding with colors. It was larger than any flower shop I’d seen.

It turns out that Barcelona has a strong culture for locally owned and operated shops, as we learned in our food tours of Barcelona.

Floristerías Navarro is a beautiful example of a thriving shop owned and operated by the original owners for over 65 years. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it’s open 24/7.

It has flowers and arrangements of every kind and for every occasion. Judging by the traffic at all times of the day and night, it seems quite popular. It was lovely to see that patrons care for the quality and keep coming back.

Learn How to Make Paella With Two Local Sisters

By Alice of Teacake Travels

Do you want to experience a slice of local life in Barcelona? What better way to do this than to book yourself a cookery class with Foodie Experience Barcelona?

Taking place in the apartment of two warm and welcoming Spanish sisters, they will show you how to rustle up a classic seafood paella, a Catalan dessert, and other delicious local specialties

This setting, together with some refreshing sangria (generously included!), creates a relaxing atmosphere in which to chat with and get to know the true people of Barcelona up close.

The love of good food truly does bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together. Enjoy!

Update: Foodie Experience Barcelona is currently not operating, so for more options, browse other cooking classes in Barcelona.

Check out Alice’s Mediterranean cruise itinerary!

Visit a Unique Shopping Center

By Laura from Travelers Universe

Las Arenas in Barcelona is the first and the only bullring converted into a shopping center.

It was designed by British architect Richard Rogers, known also for the Pompidou Center in Paris and the third tower of the New York World Trade.

Las Arenas, a closed building for more than 10 years and in progressive deterioration, has been transformed into a new urban icon.

The Central Square symbolizes the heart of the building. It is where all the shows are concentrated. With more than 200 square meters, this space hosts artistic, cultural, and social manifestations.

Thanks to its perfect location, it is the reference point where all eyes are focused, which makes it ideal to include in your Barcelona itinerary.

This unique area has welcomed leisure, gastronomic activities, product presentations, corporate events, filming, and exhibitions.

The Exterior Viewpoint offers a 360º view overlooking the city of Barcelona. It’s perfect for taking Instagram shots of Barcelona.

The Dome offers a multipurpose space, 27m high, and with 2,600m² for events in the heart of Barcelona. It is the largest wooden dome in Europe.

Its unique circular shape and all its attached services, together with its strategic location, make it an exceptional venue.

Visit the City Museum of Barcelona

By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

The City Museum is a fascinating place for anyone interested in the history of Barcelona, which actually dates back to Roman times more than 2,000 years ago.

In fact, many of the artifacts displayed here were discovered accidentally, right on the very site where the museum is located.

The Palau Padellàs palace that houses the museum was relocated stone by stone to make way for a road construction project.

When it was being reassembled at its current location, ancient Roman remains were discovered underneath the foundation.

Visit in the late morning or early afternoon to admire the ruins of Barcino, as the city was known in Roman times, and then enjoy lunch at nearby Cat Bar, one of the best vegan restaurants in Barcelona.

See the Torre Bellesguard

Another lesser-known building by Gaudi is the Bellesguard.

The grounds were originally home to a royal residence of King Martin of Aragon back at the beginning of the 15th century, and Gaudi’s creation was erected half a millennium later.

With a mix of neogothic and modernist elements and the architect’s unmatched creativity, this offbeat landmark should not be missed (even though it’s quite modest compared to other Gaudi buildings).

To visit the magnificent Bellesguard, you need to book a guided tour (operated in either Catalan, Spanish, or English).

Fun fact: Gaudi also designed a few buildings in northern Spain, including El Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas and the Bishops’ Palace in Astorga.

Stroll Around Parc Del Laberint D’Horta

By Vicki from Vicki Viaja

Did you know that there is a labyrinth in the middle of Barcelona?

One of the lesser-known sights in Barcelona is the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. At the center of this unique park, you can find a maze, which consists of two-meter-high hedges.

Make sure to walk around inside of it and get lost. As soon as you reach the middle of the labyrinth, you can rest a bit and enjoy the Greek-oriented style of this section of the park.

However, the rest of the park is also beautiful and well worth a visit. The romantic garden was created in the 18th century to expand the labyrinth and covers around 54 hectares today.

For us, this park is one of the most beautiful places in the city if you are looking for a little bit of green and want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Its location outside the center in the Barcelona neighborhood of Horta-Guinardó is therefore perfect.

Go Street Art Hunting

Whether it’s a big colorful mural or a tiny hidden figure, I love discovering any city’s street art scene.

And while Barcelona is not as known for its street art as other European destinations like Budapest or Lisbon, it’s still fun to explore this side of the Catalan city.

Here are a few famous spots you should check out on your own, but you can also book a free guided walking tour.

Watch Castellers at a Local Festival

By Claire of This Travel Lover

One of my favorite quirky things to do in Barcelona is to watch the Castellers build human towers.

Castellers are teams of people of all sizes and ages who come together to create huge human towers, starting with a strong, supportive base & gradually decreasing in size as they grow taller.

The Castellers all work together to make sure the tower is strong and safe before they quickly and carefully add another level.

A young child (wearing protective headgear!) is the last to climb up to the top of the tower before they all descend and deconstruct the tower.

Castellers usually perform at every festival in Barcelona, and regularly at various events throughout the year and they are absolutely mesmerizing to watch!

At major festivals, teams from different areas of Barcelona and Catalunya compete to create the highest and most complex towers. At other times, you may find one group practicing in front of the Cathedral.

Popular festivals where you can see Castellers include the Gracia Festival in August, La Merced in September, and Santa Eulalia in February, and you can go to see them practicing throughout the year.

Visit Some Unusual Museums

Traveling off the beaten path can mean discovering enchanting hidden gems that most people just don’t know, as well as finding unconventional spots that don’t appeal to the average traveler.

Bizarre museums are those kinds of spots, and if you’re looking for weird things to do in Barcelona, you can visit the Perfume Museum, the Hemp Museum, and even the Museum of Funeral Carriages.

Visit an Old Synagogue

Visiting a synagogue is definitely one of the best ways to experience Barcelona off the beaten track.

With many cathedrals around, it’s easy to forget that Spain has long been home to an active Jewish community. A reminder of that is ‘Sinagoga Major,’ one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.

After centuries of being used for other purposes, it’s now functioning as a museum and a synagogue (during festive occasions).

Even though not much has remained of it, I’m always happy and excited to find a connection to my Jewish heritage.

Address: Carrer de Marlet, 5.

Opening hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM.

For a unique experience in Barcelona, check out this Jewish heritage tour.

Visit an Ancient Roman Temple

By Mar of Once in a Lifetime Journey

One of the best non touristy things to do in Barcelona is to visit the ancient Roman temple built in honor of Emperor Augustus.

The ruins of the ancient temple date back to the first century BC and all that remains today are several 9m high Corinthian columns.

Unlike other Roman buildings that were torn down and built on top of, these columns remained intact and were incorporated into other medieval buildings.

After being purchased by the “Centre Excursionista de Catalunya” (Hiking Club of Catalonia), Catalan architect Lluís Domènech restored the columns and built a courtyard around them for public perusal.

The columns are located at 10 Carrer Paradis in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter near the Catedral de Barcelona. They are maintained and managed by the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) which is also a brief 1-minute walk away.

Check out Mar’s one-day guide to Barcelona!

Enjoy the View of Bunkers Del Carmel

By Greta of Greta’s Travels

If you’re looking for the best views and photo spots in Barcelona you have to visit Bunkers del Carmel. Bunkers del Carmel is a park located just a short metro ride out of the center, with stunning views over Barcelona.

The closest metro stations to Bunkers del Carmel are El Carmel and Alfons X. From there you have to either take a short bus or walk up a hill for 20-30 minutes.

Bunkers del Carmel is still off the main tourist radar, mostly because it’s pretty far from all the main tourist attractions and if you are only visiting Barcelona on a brief trip, most people don’t want to take away too much time from their sightseeing.

Bunkers del Carmel is therefore still a local secret.

If you go there on a weekend you will find all the locals sitting on the edge of the rocks with bottles of wine and picnic baskets in hand, eating and drinking while enjoying the view.

So if you’re looking to get away from the tourist crowds and do something unique and alternative in Barcelona you have to add Bunkers del Carmel to your Barcelona bucket list.

Eat a 30-Course Meal

By Efia of Effy Talks Life

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences I had, when I visited Barcelona, was my trip to the two-Michelin-star restaurant Disfrutar.

While the experience is not cheap, it is something you’ll be talking about for years to come. The 30-course tasting menu we chose saw us spending over four hours marveling over dish after dish.

I don’t want to give too much away, but prepare to forget everything you thought you knew about food.

Whether it’s your first trip to Barcelona or you’re an old-timer looking for a day to remember you’d be crazy to pass this one by.

Reservations: We got lucky and our hotel receptionist got us a same-day cancellation! But I’d recommend booking in advance. You can find out more details on the restaurant’s official website.

Need more help planning your trip? Check out this Barcelona cost guide and my 55 Spain travel tips!

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Bonus: Unique Things to Do Near Barcelona

Attend a Music Festival

By Lauren from Faramagan

If you are searching for unique things to do near Barcelona, we’re going to share an epic idea for music lovers.

Hop on a train to the sleepy seaside town of Benicassim – the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on the ticket you choose and around the same by car, so it is perfect for a day trip.

Book your train ticket on Omio (formerly GoEuro)!

This picturesque seaside town welcomes visitors all year round. However, for a handful of days, each July, the town transforms into a music lover’s haven thanks to the Benicassim music festival (also known as FIB).

Renowned as one of the best music festivals in Europe, headline acts of recent years have included Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers.

The festival takes place just 15 minutes from the beach so you can sunbathe on the shore all day and dance from sunset until sunrise all night.

The train station is also a short walk from the festival, so you can easily purchase a day ticket instead of the full weekend and enjoy your favorite act in the sunshine!

Take a Day Trip to Sant Cugat

By Denny from Lazy Road Trips

Sant Cugat del Vallès, simply called Sant Cugat, is a small, delightful town nestled just 40 minutes away from Barcelona’s city center. If you want to spend some quality time outside the big city, this is a great one-day escape.

Strolling down the narrow, paved streets, surrounded by beautifully decorated buildings, numerous small shops, charming cafes, and restaurants, you can dive into the captivating and easy-going Sant Cugat.

One of the highlights and symbols of the little town is the medieval Monastery of Sant Cugat. It dates back to the 9th century and you can visit its museum, cloister, or church.

Another interesting thing to do in Sant Cugat is to visit the only museum of Merilyn Monroe in Europe. You can see a variety of her personal belongings or witness some recreations of her most popular films.

If you happen to be in Sant Cugat on a weekend, I would suggest visiting the vibrant Mercantic market. It is spread over 15,000m2 and is full of vintage treasures and unique decorations.

You can also visit the biggest second-hand bookshop in Spain (El Siglo) or enjoy some art performances or live music concerts.

You might also like:

• Spain themed gifts
• Spain travel quotes
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• Long weekend breaks in Spain

Were you inspired by these unique things to do in Barcelona? Related posts:

• Hidden gems in Madrid
• Hidden gems in Valencia
• Hidden gems in Mallorca
• Hidden gems in Portugal
• Hidden gems in Kefalonia
• Hidden gems in Budapest
• Hidden gems in Krakow
• Hidden gems in southern Italy
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Hidden gems in Milan
• Hidden gems in Puglia

Do you know other hidden gems in Barcelona? Tell me in the comments 🙂