Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia, is renowned for its stunning Gaudí architecture, lively culture, and beautiful beaches. While famous attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Parque Güell, and Casa Batlló are obvious and gorgeous must-visits, the city is also adorned with hidden gems that offer a more authentic and often less crowded experience. In this blog, I’m going to skip the larger attractions and get to know Barcelona’s lesser-known treasures to make your visit unforgettable.
Instead of La Boquería, try Mercat de Santa Caterina
La Boquería is, in my opinion, an overcrowded and overrated tourist trap. Instead of packing inside the market and getting your phone stolen with no hope of finding a table anywhere, go instead to Mercat de Santa Caterina. Almost every neighborhood in Barcelona has its own market that has the same if not better quality food and experience than La Boquería, and Santa Caterina is one of my favorites. You can actually enjoy strolling through the stalls trying local delicacies and you will most likely find a table to sit and enjoy that food with little if any wait time.
Relax in Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park is often overlooked because of Parque Güell’s fame. A relaxing park next to the Arc de Triomf and a wonderful place for a picnic and spending an afternoon, spending time in Ciutadella Park will allow you to see how the locals wind down. You’ll see many people dancing, playing sports and musical instruments, and it’s a lively place to be. You can even rent a paddle boat and paddle around the pond.
Best Bars and Places for the Best Tapas in Barcelona
Carrer de Blai is a famous street in Barcelona for Tapas, and has also become another low-quality tourist trap. I understand why people want to visit the famous sites, so if you must go to Carrer de Blai, El Patan is your best bet for authentic tapas.
Irati Taverna Basca
Irati Taverna Basca, on the other hand, in the Gothic Quarter is a restaurant with unique Basque Pintxos and was one of the best places I ate in Barcelona.
Malevo Bar
Malevo is a tapas restaurant in Barcelona right around the corner from Carrer de Blai and is uniquely decorated with a delicious wine and tapas menu.
DosManos
I stumbled upon DosManos while walking to Parque Güell and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a small restaurant with incredible Greek and Turkish cuisine. Every small plate I ordered was amazing and the staff was friendly and attentive. It’s not traditional Spanish food, but I would recommend stopping at DosManos if you have the chance.
Les Gens Que J’Aime
I loved the vibe of this cocktail bar. Something about a small door and a lovely speakeasy vibe makes me really warm up to a place. The decor is antique and they often have a tarot reader in the corner, though they weren’t there the evening I went unfortunately.
Antic Theatre
Antic Theatre is just around the corner from Santa Caterina Market and has an open patio with beautiful decor. It’s a performing arts center loved by locals with a restaurant and the terrace area is hidden in the back from the street. I loved the atmosphere here for dinner, and I would recommend calling ahead if you plan to visit.
Xurreria Les Palmeres
Not tapas but certainly worth mentioning, I stumbled upon this gem when walking near the port. Churros are a popular dessert in Spain, and in Catalonia they are spelled Xurros. This tiny Xurreria is run by one very sweet man who gleefully prepares small batches of delicious Xurros. Sit on one of the benches in the park across the street and dip your fresh Xurros in chocolate as the Spaniards do.
Best Rooftops and Views in Barcelona
Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa
For a breathtaking 360-degree view of Barcelona from above, check out Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa’s outdoor rooftop bar. I watched the sunset here one evening and I highly recommend making it one of your stops in Barcelona. It was one of the best rooftops I’ve seen, plus it has a pool for guests.
Book Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa
El Corte Inglés in Plaça de Catalunya
El Corte Inglés is a department store in Spain, and the location in Plaza Catalunya has a rooftop bar that overlooks the Gothic Quarter if you want more birds-eye views of the city.
Bunkers El Carmel
For more breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, venture to Bunkers El Carmel, a gem atop the Turó de la Rovira hill. This former military bunker offers an unobstructed vista of the city’s skyline, with views of landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Pack a picnic and spend a tranquil afternoon soaking in the views, especially during sunset at golden hour.
Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona to Visit
Gràcia
The Gràcia neighborhood is known for its narrow streets adorned with colorful facades and cozy cafes, independent boutiques, eclectic street art, and is where Parque Guell is located. Plaça del Sol is also a lively square brimming with a vibrant social scene. If you’re visiting during August, the neighborhood comes alive during the Festa Major de Gràcia, a week-long festival where streets are adorned with magnificent handmade decorations.
Best Places to Stay in Barcelona’s Gràcia Neighborhood:
Hotels:
Hotel Ronda Lesseps
Catalonia Park Güell
Radisson Blu Sagrada Familia
Catalonia Park Putxet
Ilunion Bel-Art
Budget/Backpacking Hostels:
Generator Barcelona
Rocket Hostels Gracia
Barcelona & You
Safestay Passeig de Gràcia
Hola Hostel Eixample
Urbany
The Gothic Quarter
Though the Gothic Quarter is a main tourist destination in Barcelona, I still wanted to include it in this blog because I really loved the neighborhood. I especially liked the narrow and Gothic-style streets, and there is usually a market bustling with unique jewelry and antiques that local vendors are selling. There are so many unique things to find in every corner of the Gothic Quarter.
Best Places to Stay in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter:
Hotels:
Flor Parks
Pensión Villanueva
Hotel Nouvel
May Ramblas Hotel
Budget/Backpacking Hostels:
Safestay Barcelona Gothic
Sun & Moon Hostel
Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni is a food lover’s paradise. This neighborhood in Barcelona is known for its lively food market, Mercat de Sant Antoni, another neighborhood market similar to Mercat de Santa Caterina where locals go for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and the like. If you like indulging in local favorites, try vermouth, a Spanish and Catalan favorite, at one of the traditional bodegas in the area.
Best Places to Stay in Sant Antoni in Barcelona:
Hotels:
Chi Hotel
Hostal Centric
Budget/Backpacking Hostels:
Paraiso Hostel
El Raval
El Raval is an eclectic neighborhood in Barcelona, with vibrant streets lined with art galleries, hipster boutiques, and inviting cafes. The MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art) is located in El Raval, adding to the artistic atmosphere. The charming courtyard of Palau Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a must-see in this neighborhood. La Central del Raval bookstore has a cafe with an adorable and lush courtyard for the perfect relaxing spot for a coffee break.
Best Places to Stay in El Raval Barcelona:
Hotels:
Niu Barcelona Hotel
Onix Liceo
Ronda House
Ciutat Vella
Budget/Backpacking Hostels:
Hello BCN Hostel (Poble Sec)
Mambo Tango Youth Hostel (Poble Sec)
Montjuïc
Explore the Montjuïc Castle and take in the breathtaking views of Barcelona from the hill above. Visit the Fundació Joan Miró, which houses an impressive collection of the renowned artist’s works. Montjuïc Park, filled with fountains, sculptures, and peaceful pathways is great for a stroll.
Best Places to Stay in Montjuïc Barcelona:
Hotels:
Leonardo Royal Hotel Barcelona Fira
Hotel SB Plaza Europa
Hotel Porta Fira
Hampton Fira Gran Via
Other Budget/Backpacking Hostels in Barcelona:
Hostel Borne
Hostel Centro