Barcelona is an eclectic and vibrant city with a captivating culture. Travelers from around the world flock here for a taste of that savory Spanish cuisine, to admire the city’s history and architecture, and of course for the opportunity to bump to Barcelona’s rhythmic musical beats once the sun goes down.
Given all there is to do in and around town, it’s easy for first-time visitors to feel overwhelmed. To help you plan your itinerary, check out these offbeat things to do in Barcelona, each of which will give you a real taste of the city.
The Best Barcelona Offbeat Sights and Activities
These offbeat Barcelona destinations offer a unique glimpse of Barcelona, both during daylight hours and after dark.
Visit The Gothic Quarter
Barri Gotic is a well-known Barcelona neighborhood and consistently remains popular with tourists. It is one of the must-visit places for Barcelona first-timers. Find a quaint café and enjoy some people-watching while basking in the culture and history of this unique neighborhood.
Experience The Nightlife
Although this might not be the most “offbeat” item on the list, it is nonetheless a mandatory experience for anyone who has never shaken their stuff in Barcelona. Razzmatazz is a monstrous club and arguably the most popular in town, both with locals and visitors. It has five separate areas, each boasting different themes and musical genres, ensuring that no matter your tastes, you’ll find something to like at this club.
Hot Air Balloon Over The City
One of the best ways to truly appreciate the city is to see Barcelona from a hot air balloon 3,000 feet up in the sky. Needless to say, this is a must for any photographer. The flight times vary depending upon which package guests choose, but expect to spend a minimum of two hours up in the air, admiring the city far below.
Visit An Erotic Museum
La Ramblas cuts right through the heart of Barcelona and is another well-known spot among foreign visitors. However one place that many overlook is the Museu De L’Eròtica (Museum of Erotica). While this is obviously not a family-friendly destination, it is still a very interesting (and occasionally laughable) trip through the adult history of the world. It also comes with a free glass of champagne.
Enjoy a Drink at -5° C
Ever since I had my first bout of alcohol-induced fun below zero at the Ice Bar Tokyo, I’ve been hooked on these venues. After donning a jacket and gloves, Icebarcelona guests are led inside of the main chamber. Everything inside is made of ice — the walls and sculptures, chairs, cups, and even the bar itself. All the ice is imported from Belgium and freshly carved once a year. As the bar itself is kept at around -5° C to preserve this ice, most stays inside last less than one hour. That is still long enough to rack up quite a bill, though, as drinks are expensive but well worth it for anyone who has never experienced an ice bar.
The Ghost Walking Tour
Everyone loves a good ghost story and this tour features two solid hours of them. A Ghost Walking Tour guides you through several different neighborhoods as you listen to tales of strange and unexplained events that have occurred — or still continue to occur — in each quarter.
Are you ready to visit yet?
