outdoor barcelona

Outdoor Activities in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley

The great outdoors. Nothing quite beats the feel of the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, and the buzzing of flies around your unwashed body. Just us? Anyway, if you've made it this far, you'll want to know about the best outdoor activities in Barcelona, so you can make the most of the idyllic weather. Whether you're looking for outdoor artistic tours, architectural wonders, or wave-based snaps, you're in luck. So, without further ado, let's explore the best outdoor activities in Barcelona!

Including:

  • Poble Espanyol de Barcelona
  • Park Güell Guided Tour
  • Las Golondrinas Boat Tour
  • Ciutadella Segway Tour
  • Best of Barcelona Bike Tour
  • and more!
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Cities within the city

Why explore one city when you can explore multiple cities through multiple eras...all in one city? If you're confused, don't be; that's simply what's on offer at Poble Espanyol.

A stone's throw from the unmissable fountain in Montjuïc Park, you'll find this open-air architectural museum that recreates the soul of Spanish culture, art, and cuisine. In fact, you'll explore recreations of 117 buildings, streets, and squares from the city's history. From old monasteries to neighborhood markets, you'll see it all.

And, on top of all this fascinating architecture, you'll also have the chance to view over 300 works of art from Spanish art giants like Dalí and Picasso. Easily one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona.

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Getting Güelly with it

If you want to make the most of the weather, why not head to one of Barcelona's best parks? Park Güell was designed by the late great architect Gaudi, and it shows. Bizarre yet intricate buildings, beautiful mosaics, and winding, extravagant staircases are all on show here. If you're interested in the creation of the park and the inspiration behind its design, why not take a guided tour and learn all about it?

Your arts-trained guide will lead you through the park's most important sculptures, pointing out many hidden details you may miss if exploring alone. Plus, you'll get access to the parts gated off to the non-paying visitors.

Be sure to snap pics of El Drac, a mesmerizing mosaic of a salamander, and the wonderfully designed Porter's Lodge. Then, put them on your socials and put your followers to shame.

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Just cruisin'

One of the highlights of visiting a new city is seeing the sights and landmarks. And, sure, you could do that on your weary two feet. But why not enjoy views of the Catalonian capital by way of water? Because you absolutely can, courtesy of a Las Golondrinas Boat Cruise!

For one and a half glorious hours, you'll cruise the Med, taking in views of Barcelona's skyline, and snapping pics of all the highlights across nine miles of coastline. Be sure to look out for Villa Olimpica, Castell de Monjuïc, and Port Olimpic, among many others.

Relax in luxury, soak up the sun, breathe in that sea air and see everything Barcelona has to offer. Does it get much better than that? No it does not.

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The perfect Segway

Want to learn about one of Barcelona's most famous parks while zooming around on a hip new mode of transport? Well then, you'll want to tour the city's Ciutadella Park on a Segway!

And don't worry, it doesn't matter if you have zero experience riding these electronic chariots. Everyone gets a quick intro to Segway operation and riding before the tour begins. Then, once you're suitably prepared, you'll shoot off into the park with your guide, and learn about the park's history. You'll also pass many local attractions like the Barcelona Zoo, the Cascada fountain, and the city's answer to Paris' Arc de Triomf.

More fun than it has any right to be, a Segway tour is the perfect summer activity, and absolutely one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona!

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On your bike!

If you're feeling adventurous, or simply want to burn off the liters of sangria and tapas you've consumed over your vacation, why not take a two-wheeled tour of the city?

Prepare for a mammoth three-and-a-half-hour trip, as your knowledgeable guide takes you around Barcelona. Explore the vibrant parts of the city tourists don't reach, ride past many of Gaudi's masterworks, and take a short break on the beautiful beaches while you rehydrate. It's a long ride, but well worth it, so be sure to pack a big bottle of water, some snacks, a hat, and a whole heap of sunscreen.

Oh, and your camera; you'll need it to snap the city's magnificent sights. Be on the lookout for The Sagrada Familia, Old town, Barceloneta beach, and many more Grammable beauties.

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Zootopia IRL

You know who else likes outdoor activities? Animals. And you know where animals live? The wild. Well, usually, because if you visit Barcelona Zoo, you'll get to hang out with 2,000 of the lovely critters!

Head to Parc de la Ciutadella, and you'll find the zoo. Then, once inside, you'll get up close and personal with lions, tigers, lizards, penguins, giraffes, elephants, and many, many more animals! You can also learn about the zoo's conservation efforts, and attend workshops and guided tours if you want to hear from the experts.

And that's our list of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! Looking to spruce up your itinerary with some more fun? Those with a stranger side may appreciate our guide to quirky Barcelona! Looking to squeeze some pennies? We've found the best cheap things to do in the city. Or, if you fancy getting out of the city and seeing the beautiful scenery nearby, check out our guide to day trips outside Barcelona! Until next time, adventurers.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Barcelona for Adults

Family holidays can be fun. It’s great to share new places and experiences with young children and teenagers too. But sometimes...whether you’re planning a friends’ weekend away, a romantic city break, a solo sojourn, or a group holiday... sometimes we all just need a little... grown-up time. Foodies, fun-seekers, hipsters or history buffs need look no further for the best things to do in Barcelona, as we bring you adult activities where you can kick back, knowing, on this trip at least, there’s no kids allowed! Best beer in Barcelona? Let’s raise a glass to the best adult activities in Barcelona and begin our adventures at the Estrella Damm brewery tour. Learn about the origins of Spain’s oldest brewery where beer is still brewed to the original 1876 recipe. Visit the Kettle Room, the Power Generating Room and the Historical Archive and, best of all, sample four refreshing Mediterranean beers. Cheers! (or Salud! - as they say in Spain.) Get a taste for tapas Keep on tickling your tastebuds with some delicious traditional treats as you hunt for the best tapas in Barcelona. One of the most popular is a Bomba, a fried potato croquette with meat filling, served with salsa brava (spicy tomato sauce) or alioli (garlic sauce). And you can’t go wrong with patatas bravas or salty Padron peppers.It’s more usual in Barcelona however to snack on pintxos (or pinchos), originating in the Basque country but equally popular in Catalonia. What’s the difference between pintxos and tapas? Whilst tapas is usually a small portion of a main dish, served on a plate to be shared and eaten with cutlery, pinchos tend to be a small snack speared onto a piece of bread with a cocktail stick. The word pincho comes from the verb ‘pinchar’, which means ‘to pierce’. These tiny delicious snacks are intended to be enjoyed with a beer or wine whilst you socialise and chat with friends. Spanish waiters keep track of what you owe from the number of cocktail sticks left on your plate. Why not take a tour of the Gothic Quarter with pintxos tasting to enjoy sight-seeing and snacks too? Explore the narrow streets and peaceful squares of this ancient district that, by night, transforms into one of Barcelona’s funkiest hang-outs. See Roman ruins, learn about important figures in the city’s history (including the intriguingly named Wilfredo the Hairy) and, at the end, a local guide will lead you to a cosy bar for your pintxos and a well-earned drink. Discover Barcelona architecture Time to sober up and get serious? Though, in fact, whilst looking at buildings sounds a seriously grown-up pursuit, it’s really pretty fun in Barcelona! From grand Gothic to colourful avant-garde, few other cities blend the old and the new quite so successfully. A Barcelona architecture tour can take you from the largest Art Nouveau building in the world (former hospital Sant Pau Recinte Modernista) to the best Gaudi buildings, including the awe-inspiring Sagrada familia. Drink in the detail of its famous facades, then wend your way to Paseo de Gracia (Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) to admire the modernist madness of Casa Battló and Casa Mila (otherwise known as La Pedrera). Best shopping in Barcelona As well as Gaudi architecture, this famous Barcelona shopping street is also home to designer stores and high street names. Happily it’s only one of many places across the city where you can shop, shop, shop, unencumbered by kids. Hit Avenida Diagonal for international luxury brands or Portal del Angel for European fashion chains. And whether you’re looking for for bijou boutiques or big name brands, bookshops or boho independents, you can lose yourself for hours in the winding streets of El Born and the Barrio Gòtic.For designer bargains, hopping aboard the bus to La Roca Village, just outside the city, can see you enjoying savings of up to 60% off usual prices on luxury brands like Desigual, Loewe and Balenciaga and international names including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Jimmy Choo. Ker-ching! Bike to the beach With no children to slow you down or worry about, grab a helmet and jump on your bike to get a whole new view of the city, as fast or slow as you fancy. Barcelona boasts over 150km of cycle paths and if you join an experienced guide for a Barcelona bike tour you’ll get to see all the best bits. Whizz through the old town and the Raval neighborhood, pedal your way to another picture of the Sagrada Familia, wheel through the Olympic Village and cruise down to the vibrant harbour at Port Vell. Then park your bike and take a break on Barceloneta beach, looking over the sparkling Mediterranean. Swish around on a Segway An even more exciting way to travel on two wheels is to sign up for a Barcelona Segway Tour in the picturesque Parc de la Ciutadella. After a briefing on how to operate your new chariot, any initial apprehension is soon overcome and you’ll soon be swooping left and right through more than 40 acres of green space, past the pretty Cascada fountain, the boating lake, Barcelona’s own Arc de Triomf and the 2,000 animal inhabitants of Barcelona zoo. All aboard for a boat party Whilst we’re down near the waterfront why not see what’s all at sea? There are lots of ways for over-18s to make the most of the marvellous Med, from catamaran rental and daytime barbecue boat trips, to a relaxing sunset sail-boat cruise.Or ramp up the fun at a famous Barcelona boat party. Party boats sail from Port Olimpic every Thursday and Saturday in the summer months, with an onboard bar, DJ and dancefloor. Dance or drink aboard the double-deck boats, where beer, sangria or soft drinks are included in your ticket price. Boat party tickets often also include discounts on entrance and VIP packages at some of the best clubs in Barcelona, including Pacha, Opium and Catwalk. Best clubs in Barcelona Grown-ups don’t need to worry about bedtime and those beachside clubs that stay open until 6am are among the very best Barcelona nightlife. After you’ve played all day here’s our run-down of where to party all night. Pacha needs no introduction, bringing the Ibiza experience to Barna (as the inhabitants call the city). Its sleek white interior and stunning beach view, but particularly its famous name, attract the very best international DJs. Meanwhile, EDM empire Opium has a huge beach terrace and capacity for 3,000 and is still always packed with beautiful people from around the world.On the far side of town Otto Zutz has the same classy upmarket feel as the beach clubs but without the tourists and is where the stylish locals go for hip hop, R&B, commercial and house hits.In edgy El Raval, depending on your tastes, check out techno temple Moog, or Sala Apolo which has a different vibe every night of the week, through indie, urban, pop and electronic.Sala Razzmatazz, in the industrial area of Poblenou, is Barcelona’s biggest and best known nightclub. Five rooms, featuring every type of music, play host to international DJs and acts who frequently go on to become world famous. Day or night, an Explorer Pass or All Inclusive Pass allows you to make the most of every moment. See more and do more, for less - with Go City.
Jo Cooke
montserrat
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Montserrat Barcelona

Heading to Barcelona for your vacation and wondering what adventures lie outside the city? How does scaling a holy mountain and exploring its history sound? Montserrat's the name, and stunning views, beautiful architecture, and opportunities to explore is its game. So, grab your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and get ready to climb! Here we'll tell you everything you need to know about Montserrat - how to get there, what you'll find, and why it's one of Barcelona's most beautiful destinations! Enjoy! Including: What is Montserrat Why you should visit Montserrat How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona What to do in Montserrat What is Monsterrat? Montserrat is a mountain range near Barcelona. They both reside in the Catalonia region of Spain, which has a unique language, culture, and customs. Due to the mountain's jagged appearance, the range was coined Montserrat, or 'saw mountain'. The mountain holds religious significance to the particularly Catholic Catalonia, thanks to the Santa Maria de Montserrat - a Benedictine monastery that sits atop it. Why visit Montserrat? Whether you're religious or not, the views you'll see at the peak of Montserrat are unsurpassed. You can see for miles, including the Barcelona skyline and the surrounding lands. It's truly breathtaking, and almost demands to be pictured. Also, if you're adept at hiking and want to get your sweat on, feel free to challenge yourself to climb it on foot. It's not the easiest way to the top, but it's surely the most rewarding! However, at over 4000ft high, you need to be prepared, both physically and materially, to scale it. A thick set of boots, plenty of water, and a map will do you a world of good! Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona Assuming you're staying in the center of Barcelona, there are a few ways to get to Montserrat. Firstly, you can hire a car and make the hour-long journey at your own pace. Easy enough. Or, if you fancy a drive but don't fancy getting behind the wheel, why not try an Amigo Tours bus tour from the city? The air-conditioned bus ensures you'll have a pleasant journey, and there will be plenty of photo ops from your seat as you make the climb. Alternatively, you can make the trip by train. Simply take the R5 line from Placa Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat for an hour, change onto the Cremallera train (it's green, you can't miss it), and that'll take you to the top. Or, for the daring hikers among you, take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat and walk the winding trails up to the mountaintop. It's about a half-hour walk, but as it's a climb, it'll likely feel like you've walked a lot longer! Just be sure you've got gas in the tank and the body to handle it; the last thing you want is to get halfway up and realize you can't finish the journey! And finally, perhaps the most memorable trip would be by cable car. Like above, you get the train from Placa Espanya, but this time get off one stop early at Aeri de Montserrat. From there, you can hop in the cable car and enjoy some of the greatest views on Earth as you ascend. Things to do in Montserrat Once you've made the trip - however you've chosen to do so - you'll find plenty of things to do on Montserrat! Let's start with the views. My god, the views. Rolling mountains as far as the eye can see, the Catalan metropolis of Barcelona in the distance, and where the stunning blue sky meets the mountaintops. If you're the photo type, you'll be all over this. Then, there's Santa Maria de Montserrat, the Benedictine monastery that draws many a pilgrimage from the surrounding area. At well over a thousand years old, it's suitably ancient in its design, yet remarkable it's still standing! You can head inside and look around, though, given its popularity, you may be waiting some time unless you get there early. You can also visit the Montserrat Museum, which opened at the beginning of the 20th-century. Inside, you'll learn all about the mountain's history, discover artifacts from ancient cultures, and enjoy artwork from the likes of Monet and Degas. By the museum, you'll find Mirador Restaurant, where you can get a tasty 3-course meal for a reasonable price. And, if you're looking for some stunning sculpture to snap, right next door to the restaurant, you'll find the Stairway to Heaven. This set of 9 concrete blocks ascends towards the heavens like a staircase, hence the name, and represents the climb pilgrims make to reach this holy place, as well as their eventual climb to the heavens. And no, you can't climb on it. At least not anymore, as a fence has been erected to deter would-be spelunkers from falling to their death. You could visit the Santa Cova Chapel, a beautiful holy place built into the mountain that's about an hour's round trip from the monastery. It's here where the revered Virgin of Montserrat, a thousand-year-old Byzantine statue of the Mary and Jesus, was housed. Miracles of healing have been attributed to her, though you'll not be able to test those on yourself! From the chapel, you can make your way around the mountain to another of Montserrat's picture-perfect landmarks - Sant Miquel's Cross. This towering monument to Christianity also has great views of the lands below, so ideal for your socials! If you dare to climb higher, leave the touristy stuff behind and attempt to ascend Sant Jeroni. It's Montserrat's highest peak, so it's no small feat. if that sounds like your idea of fun, head to the Funicular Se Dant Joan, climb the stair to the observation deck, and get hiking! And that's everything you need to know about Montserrat! Looking for more fun in Barcelona? We've got tons of articles all about the city's best bits, from Beaches to Museums and everything in between. So get reading and make the most of your precious vacation time!
Dom Bewley
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Barcelona or Madrid?

Comparing Madrid and Barcelona to help you choose your perfect Spanish city break!
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