Unique Things To Do In Barcelona This Summer
There’s few destinations which top Barcelona’s ability to have everything. Beach? Check. Constantly buzzing atmosphere? Check. Unbeatable city life? Check. Everything else? Check, Check, Check. However, what do you do when you’ve already made your way around the popular landmarks or only have half a day in Barcelona? You venture outside and experience life a bit more like a local. Things which imply this isn’t your first rodeo, or whatever that saying is. Regardless, this post on unique things to do in Barcelona will help make your summer trip even more memorable. Bet on it.
Want more of the type of content which grips you into a friendly headlock? You’ll love my printable checklist with 22 cool things to do in Barcelona, or if you’re fairly new to the city you’ll find my e-book useful. It’s full of food spots and the savvy little tips only a local will tell you about. Going further? My blog post on what to pack for 3 days in Lanzarote will sort you out, for some casual reading. Wanting to re-vamp your future outfit ideas completely? Run to my breakdown of a travel capsule wardrobe for a week away. No over-packing on this travel blog!
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The Activities You Need To Tick Off Your Barcelona Bucket-list
If you’re ready for a good time, want that Barcelona aesthetic to pop OFF, and don’t mind heading towards the outskirts, this post will be right up your alley for unique things to do. However, to help you with navigating around, it’s key to mention that the easiest way to move is with a ‘T-Casual’ ticket. Annoyingly, it’s not inter-changeable, so you can’t pass it on to your travel companion, but for just over 11 euros you’ve got ten bus and metro journeys which will sort you out. Don’t get put off by the slight transport sacrifice you’ll have to make to reach some of these places!
*You may see reference to FC Barcelona in the cover photo, I mean how could I not, but it’s worth adding the actual stadium grounds are under construction right now. You should still be able to enter the flagship store, and sip on a visually-pleasing drink. I’ll give no spoilers.
Run To What Feels Like The Middle Of The Desert:
Okay partially, anyway. Did you know that there’s a botanical garden specialising in cactus-type plants close to the shoreline in Barcelona? The nicest part of ‘Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera’ though, is the sea view which peeks out whilst you’re wandering around. You already know the pictures will turn out sensational.
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera Address: Ctra. de Miramar, 38, 08038 Barcelona, Spain.
Try Horchata At Least Once In Your Lifetime:
You might be thinking, what the hell is that? Which is fine. However, I’m here to tell you that you NEED to try this milky tiger nut drink. You might hate it, but there’s nothing which will scream ‘I have somewhat of an understanding of Spanish culture’ more than sipping on this drink. You’ll be able to find a glass in most dessert places, specifically gelato stores or milkshake stands, for under 5 euros.
After a suggestion? Locals rave about ‘Horchatería Sirvent’.
Eat From A Coconut At Every Chance You Get:
Well, not every chance, but definitely every moment you’re by the beach. For an inexpensive brunch spot, you’ll adore ‘Coco House – Cocadas & Brunch Barceloneta’. It’s a healthy little place with fun interior, serving up endless options for yogurt and smoothie bowls to make any influencer jealous. You might be wondering, what’s so special about another location which serves up smoothie bowls? However, Coco House has food which is actually worth talking about. This brunch café isn’t style over substance, and the prices? Very reasonable.
Coco House – Cocadas & Brunch Barceloneta Address: C/ de Meer, 52, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
*Require fully-gluten free suggestions? You’ll adore my post on being gluten-free in Barcelona, as I’ve featured some of the very best coeliac-friendly spots.
Picnic At Sites Which Aren’t Your Typical Tourist Hotspots:
Now, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a picnic in the midst of the hustle and bustle, but we can do one better. How about a situation which brings you hiking options, a panoramic view of Barcelona, complete privacy AND the option to participate in group tours? Sure, ‘Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola’ might be slightly out the way, but if you’re renting a car you’re looking at less than a 30 minute drive from Plaça d’Espanya.
A Mini Village In Central Barcelona? You Heard That Right:
The magic fountain show at Montjuïc might be bust due to the temporary water shortage across Catalunya, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on a trek up the hill. Here, you’ll find ‘Poble Espanyol’, an open-space home to, pretty much everything. Art, music, history, culture, the lot. My suggestions? Sign up to one of the many creative mosaic workshops, and snap up a ticket for a live-music event. Don’t forget to look up for some of the prettiest views of Montjuïc while you’re at it!
Purposely Lose Yourself In Grass:
For an affordable, yet unique, thing to do in Barcelona, I’ll always shout about ‘Parc del Laberint d’Horta’. Who wouldn’t want to run around tall grass in sheer panic like in the movies? Okay, so it’s not that difficult to escape but this maze isn’t your basic 1-minute mission. The gardens themselves are beautiful, so even if you’re reaching dead-end after dead-end, you won’t be mad about it. For a handful of euros, it’s worth checking out.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
Get Entertained By An Impressive Indoor Rainforest:
CosmoCaixa Museum is the type of place where even someone who isn’t remotely interested in science ends up experiencing pure enjoyment. A bold statement, but one I am confident in. The interactive floors, indoor rainforest and high-tech photo opportunities will make for the perfect activity if the rain ruins your beach plans.
CosmoCaixa Address: C/ d’Isaac Newton, 26, 08022 Barcelona, Spain.
Evening Photoshoots On Rooftops With A 360 View Of Barcelona:
There’s quite a few observation decks in Barcelona. A search of ‘things to do’ will raise popular options like ‘Bunkers del Carmel’, but it’s not the easiest place to reach. Instead, let me point you towards a place which gets overlooked – Las Arenas rooftop, an ex bull-fighting spot. Yes, that leisure/shopping mall bang in the middle of Plaça d’Espanya. To put it simply, Las Arenas rooftops is one of the best views you can get in the city. After all, Montjuïc is directly in front of you.
Note: I’d suggest skipping the glass elevator option to go up/down, as it’s not worth even paying one euro for. The glass is steamy, the whole journey takes 2 seconds, and if the pod is busy you can’t see anything. Just go up/down via the elevators inside the shopping mall.
And that’s a wrap! Unique things to do in Barcelona when you’ve exhausted everything listed on TripAdvisor. If you’re going to drive outside of the city though, I think you’re going to love a bubble dome experience. Thank me later! In the mood to start planning a trip? You’ll find my experiment on doing Barcelona on a budget interesting. Whilst I wouldn’t put myself into the budget travel category, I set out to prove that it’s completely do-able to travel for less than 150 euros without missing out. Exact details are waiting for you on that post…
Before you head out though, you might want to join our community AND check out a post on cool things to do in the UK this summer, if you’re after a staycation.
If you’re after more Barcelona visuals, I think you’ll like my vibe-y inspo videos on Instagram. Let’s connect.
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