Searching for these Barcelona hidden gems solely the locals find out about? Or perhaps that not even locals don’t know?Searching for extra than simply ticking Sagrada Familia and Park Guell off your bucket checklist? That is it!
I lived in Barcelona for five wonderful years, so truthfully, I’m well beyond the vacationer points of interest by now.
I sigh on the crowds in Sagrada Familia, can’t be bothered to see drunken vacationers in Barceloneta, and I am going out of my strategy to keep away from Las Ramblas. Barcelona is SO far more than this!
Luckily, there are nonetheless hidden gems and distinctive issues to do that enable to peek into native way of life. It was solely after I began exploring these extra genuine spots that I began to like this metropolis and turn into a real Barcelover. 💖
Hidden gems to go to in Barcelona, Spain 💠
I’m now joyful to share a few of my favourite native spots and hidden gems in Barcelona, together with monasteries, parks, museums, bars, and gardens. They’re all additionally on this map.
In the long run, I additionally share some recommendations on planning a Barcelona journey. 100% free ideas right here!
Begin your lodge search with this checklist of the highest-rated locations to remain in one of the best areas of Barcelona.
1Teatre Grec
Whereas everybody flocks to Montjuïc Fort for its views, arguably a few of the most chilled and attention-grabbing spots in Montjuïc usually are not well-known for guests. The very best instance is Teatre Grec.
Virtually solely surrounded by nature, the chirping of the birds echo on this beautiful amphitheater. The place is a bit unkempt and tough across the edges, however for me simply offers it an additional allure. Stunning gardens to discover within the environment too. General that is one in all my favourite locations to disconnect and browse a guide in Barcelona.
2El Jardí Bar
Tucked away within the densely populated Raval, El Jardí (The Backyard) is a hidden gem of a bar excellent for a relaxing out time. The environment are a library and tutorial establishment which look extra like a monastery which provides it an much more distinctive vibe. There’s (actually) a backyard contained in the bar too!
I recommending coming right here just for a drink or two – sadly the meals could be a bit overrated and overpriced.
3Bunkers del Carmel
In all equity, this spot is now not a hidden gem and it’s now a hotspot for each locals and adventurous vacationers. In any case, it’s price it. Bunkers El Carmel – also referred to as Turo de La Rovira – is a set of deserted and distant anti-aircraft defenses with one of the vital scenic eyefuls of town.
The best time to go could be earlier than the solar even begins to rise with just about nobody there, however let’s face it, that’s not prone to occur is it? Time your go to for the sundown as a substitute when the warmth dies down. Convey a bottle of cava and create a memorable second.
The way to get to Bunkers del Carmel
The El Carmel space is comparatively distant. The simplest manner is to get a taxi however if you wish to keep away from it, the buses 24, 92, 114, 119 and V17 will go away you fairly near the point of view. By metro, line 4 (Guinardo i Hospital de Sant Pau) or Line 5 (El Coll / La Teixonera) are possible choices, however bear in mind there’s nonetheless a major stroll uphill concerned.
4CosmoCaixa Museum
CosmoCaixa is a science museum within the outskirts of Barcelona downtown. Fairly frankly, I’m not an enormous fan of museums, however this one stunned me and it stays as among the finest I’ve been. It’s extremely interactive, enjoyable, and also you get to study quite a bit about science, biology, and expertise. The spotlight was the tropical rainforest field, with native species from the Amazon and actual and cute capybaras roaming round.
Each youngsters and grown-ups will like CosmoCaixa as a wet day plan though it can be a well-deserved break from the Spanish warmth throughout hotter months.
5Plaça Sant Felip Neri (Sant Felip Neri Sq.)
All through all districts of Barcelona you’ll probably discover plazas of many alternative types, vibes, and sizes. What I like about Plaça San Felipe Neri is that’s fantastically secluded proper subsequent to the busiest streets of Gótic neighborhood. In entrance of hundreds of vacationer eyes each day, and but so many miss it.
This tiny and serene sq. boasts a fountain within the heart, an outdated church, and a main faculty however the dominating characteristic is the wall lined in shrapnel holes from the Spanish civil conflict and 1938’s bombings. Though it has reside proof of a merciless previous, oddly it could nonetheless a romantic and enjoyable spot. The proper place to reenergize earlier than dealing with the crowds once more.
6Carretera de les Aigües
Considered one of my favourite weekend actions is a stroll in Carretera de les Aigües. This 20-kilometer historical street snakes across the mountains overlooking Barcelona and has a few of the most unimaginable open views of town. Nearly no vacationers right here, simply locals biking, strolling their canine, or finishing their jogging session.
Essentially the most direct strategy to get right here is to hop on the Funicular de Vallvidrera.
7Can Borrell
Can Borrell isn’t simply any restaurant. This huge masiá (outdated rural property) within the coronary heart of Collserola is totally surrounded by nature and is a part of the weekends plans of many Catalan households.
To get right here, most individuals drive, however I believe the enjoyable manner is to stroll all the way in which from Barcelona or from Sant Cugat. Stunning open views over Barcelona await you and belief me, you’ll need to burn some energy earlier than or after you eat there. 🙂
For those who occur to be in Barcelona in winter time, don’t miss the calçots, one of the vital conventional experiences you may have within the metropolis. Ebook prematurely!
8Parc de Laberint d’Horta (Horta’s Labyrinth Park)
Courting again to the 18th century and lately renovated, this park on the northern fringe of Barcelona is among the metropolis’s best-kept secrets and techniques. The primary characteristic is a real-sized labyrinth with two-metre-high hedges that makes each youngsters and grown-ups go on just a little journey.
Other than nearly mythological ingredient, there’s extra to discover within the park, together with wonderful fountains and open-air busts scattered via the gardens.
9Antic Teatre
Picture credit: AnticTeatre.com
Barcelona is full of terrazas however the factor is – and perhaps I’m too choosy right here – it’s onerous to seek out one that’s inexpensive and nice. In reality, most terrazas within the metropolis are cramped proper subsequent to a busy road with visitors (who desires that?!); or they’re loopy costly.
Antic Teatre ticks each bins for me. Tucked away in a facet road in Born district, there’s this tiny door which provides entry to a stunning backyard bar. And similar to Alice getting into a parallel world, you in a vigorous, joyful, and bohemian bar. Don’t anticipate luxurious – it even could also be a bit tough across the edges for some – however being in good firm surrounded by lush bushes, quaint backyards of native buildings, and intense laughter makes me more than pleased.
The place can also be a cultural heart and continuously has exhibits of up-and-coming unbiased artists and creatives which provides to the hipster ambiance. Oh and at last the drinks are low-cost (beer for two euros, vermut is just 3).
10Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobrera (Cactus Backyard)
One other of Montjuïc’s hidden gems. Only a brief stroll from Miramar Resort and the cable automobile station, these curious gardens don’t have any lush bushes or colourful flowers.
As a substitute, they boast an unimaginable number of succulents and cacti from desert and semi-desert areas of the world. The views over Barcelona’s port and downtown space as a backdrop are excellent. Extraordinarily underrated place!
11Gràcia’s plazas
Out of all of the neighborhoods in Barcelona, Gràcia is my favourite. I prefer it a lot I’ve written a full information about Grácia. It was once an unbiased municipality till the nineteenth century earlier than being annexed by Barcelona and in some way their independence nonetheless exhibits because the vibe right here is solely from the remainder of town.
Delight your self with charming streets closed off to visitors, bright-facade buildings, and hipster outlets promoting all the things from vegan cosmetics to sustainable clothes. It’s additionally the place to go hopping its lovely chilled plazas the place neighbors change the most recent gossip.
Order a cortado and see life go by in one in all Grácia’s foremost squares, like Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, or my private favourite Plaça de la Virreina.
12Monestir de Pedralbes (Pedralbes Monastery)
Positioned in a leafy residential space northwest of Barcelona’s downtown, this Gothic monastery is among the metropolis’s best-hidden gems. This historic monument served as a house to the Poor Clare group who lived there for hundreds of years, since its basis on the 14th century.
Other than internet hosting spiritual artwork displays, meditation programs, and different occasions, the true showstopper is the third-story cloister and interior gardens. Wonderful structure!
13Mirador Mediterráneo W
Now for one thing solely completely different. Excellent to high up your vitamin sea, this mirador is situated proper subsequent to the biggest icon of contemporary structure in Barcelona: the sail-shaped W Resort.
The uncrowded space is ideal for locals to go for jogging, rollerblading, skating, or just ponder the Mediterranean. Excellent spot for sundown too!
14Mercat de Santa Caterina (Santa Caterina Market)
Going to a market and admire the native produce, bustling ambiance, and scrumptious meals stalls is undoubtedly a should in Spain. That’s why I believe it’s a disgrace many come to Barcelona and simply go to La Boquería and its limitless touristy traps.
For those who remotely take into account your self a foodie, ensure you discover different extra native markets. Mercat de Sant Caterina on the sting of Born district and its colourful wavy roof it’s already a greater choice. Learn extra about different markets in Barcelona right here.
15Casa Vicens
The work of Gaudí might be discovered in all places within the metropolis and Grácia is not any exception.
Park Guell , within the outskirts of the district, could be very busy within the paid Monumental Space however the surrounding free gardens might be enjoyable. In Grácia, you can even discover the primary home he designed and that few individuals find out about. Courting again to 1889, Casa Vicens is a cultural heritage and museum and an important instance of his delicate and complex structure.
Additional!
Lastly, only a small tip for an additional cool spot in Barcelona. It’s the small sq. the place the hero picture of this text is, tucked away within the hidden streets of Gótic. This pin on the map might help you discover it!
The place to remain in Barcelona
Finest areas to remain in Barcelona
Initially, I counsel AVOID staying at Raval (probably unsafe at night time) and Poble Sec (too many loud bars).
Now, the largest vacationer points of interest are in Eixample. For one of the best choices when it comes to logistics and when you like to remain within the heart of the motion, Resort Lleó is an efficient choice.
Wonderful location, clear rooms, useful workers and a swimming pool within the terrace. What can go unsuitable?
Poblenou (subsequent to the seashore, however removed from downtown) or Born (cool and hip district, probably loud at night time) can be good choices.
Finest native space to remain in Barcelona
Then again, when you search a extra native vibe, I positively advocate staying in Grácia. See why right here. Wholesome native meals, cool indie outlets, and a quiet vibe away from vacationer crowds and loud bars await you. I like to recommend the beneath place.
Simple strolling distance to the streets and plazas in Grácia, but additionally to metro that take you to different areas. It even has a non-public backyard!
Lodges & residences in Barcelona
You can begin your search with my shortlist of top-rated locations in Barcelona with WiFi.
Getting round Barcelona
Strolling is by far my favourite manner of understanding a metropolis and Barcelona is not any exception. The districts of Eixample, Barceloneta, Raval, Gótic are all fairly flat which makes issues simpler.
Public transportation is top-notch, so until you intend on making a variety of day journeys, renting a automobile in Barcelona received’t be wanted in any respect. For a medium-sized metropolis, the quantity and frequency of metros, trains, trams and buses is outstanding.
There are day by day passes for vacationers, however I strongly counsel getting a T-10 ticket. This ticket with 10 journeys shouldn’t be solely low-cost (just a little over 10 EUR, 2019 costs) and offers you entry to buses, metro in addition to some trains too. The very best half? It is a multi-person ticket that means you may share the pool of journeys with others.
Are there different Barcelona hidden gems you understand?
Share your strategies beneath within the feedback! 👇