Quirky Things to do in Barcelona

Published: July 18, 2024
quirky barcelona

Are you a bit different from others? Do you lean on the eccentric side? You're welcome here, friend. Gather round, and we'll tell you exactly you can unleash the quirky beast inside you. Barcelona, of course! If you're looking for fun things to do in the Catalan capital that err on the strange side, then you've come to the right place. Here, we'll let you know which are our favorite quirky things to do in Barcelona!

Including:

  • Moco Museum Barcelona
  • Segway tour
  • Gaudí Experiència 4D
  • Museum of Illusions and Big Fun Museum
  • Escape Hunt Barcelona
  • and more!

 

Moco Mayhem

Let's kick off our quirky escapades with some leftfield artworks! At the Moco Museum Barcelona, you can find weird and wonderful works from artists past and present.

You'll find this modern art marvel at a rather historic place, as it's located in Palacio Cervelló - the former residence of the noble Cervelló family. But step inside its history-soaked walls, and you'll be transported to a world of experimental art, mind-boggling displays, and works that challenge your beliefs and ideology.

Soak up pieces from the likes of Banksy, Dali, Warhol, and LaChapelle, which take center stage beside other brilliant works from lesser-known artists.

 

Segway Sliding

Say what you want about Segways, but they're nothing if not quirky. So, why not take one for a spin and let your quirky side shine at Parc de la Ciutadella with a guided tour on two wheels?

And don't worry if you're not a Segway pro; every attendee gets a brief introduction to the art of zooming before you set off around the park, soaking up the beautiful green space and seeing the sights.

Highlights of the tour include Barcelona zoo, the park's Cascada fountain, and the city's own Arc de Triomf. But really, the star of the show is you, aboard your own personal electronic chariot, embracing your quirky ancestors in all your glory. Easily one of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona, so put your silliest sunglasses on and get to it!

 

4D Fun

If you're visiting Barcelona, you probably have some idea who Gaudí is. For those who don't, let's do a quick recap: one of the world's most famous architects, worked almost exclusively in Barcelona (his hometown), and you'll see his weird and wonderful creations everywhere. There, lesson over.

Gaudí's been gone for nearly 100 years at this point, so for the past century, all you could really do was visit his exquisite buildings to get a better idea of the man himself. But not anymore, because now, you can revisit the man, the legend, and his many works in four dimensions!

At the Gaudí Experience 4D, you'll get hands-on with digital interpretations of his work, and then plant your bum in a cinema seat as you're transported into his mind. Learn how the world shaped his creations as your seat moves and you feel the wind in your face. It's a truly breathtaking experience, and one we'd highly recommend even if you know nothing about him.

 

Illusions and confusion

What's better than entering one weird and wonderful museum? Well, that would be entering two for the same price! And that deal can be yours if you head to the Museum of Illusions and the adjoining Big Fun Museum! These perspective-defying museums are easily one of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona.

At the Big Fun Museum, you'll be shrunk to the size of an ant as you explore the Giant's House. As the name would suggest, everything is comically large, including a shoe, and giant-sized donuts. Very cool.

At the Museum of Illusions, you'll walk through 3D paintings by some of Barcelona's most prominent painters. You may feel you can reach out and touch elements of the display, but it's an illusion. You can touch nothing. Look out for dinosaurs, spaceships, and other weird and wonderful things as you fumble your way through this fantastic museum. Great for kids (and bigger kids).

 

Escape for your life

What could be quirkier than being stuck in a room, time ticking away, as you attempt to solve riddles, find clues, and escape? Nothing, really, which is why we owe it to ourselves to include Escape Hunt Barcelona on our list of quirky things to do in Barcelona!

This massive escape complex can fit up to 34 people inside (across the facility's 6 rooms), so if you're somehow traveling with nearly three-dozen people, it's the perfect place to get quirky.

If you're feeling daring, you can even challenge another team in another room to see who will escape first. And, with stories including Gaudi, Vampiresses, and thieves schools, you're more than likely to have a wail of a time.

 

Crypt compadres

And finally, let's end this list on something a little different. This one's on the macabre side, but we'd still color it quirky. Venture just outside of the city to Colonia Güell, and you'll find a strange village with a secret. Not only is this weird and wonderful throwback founded by the very same Eusebio Güell, responsible for the eponymous Park Güell, but it's also the final resting place of the late, great Gaudi himself, whose works are all over the park!

Created back in the late 1800s, Colonia Güell is something of an oddity itself. It's an entirely manufactured town, built by Güell and a hoard of architects with modernism in mind. Then, once you've explored this megalithic art piece slash town, head down to Gaudi's tomb, which is a work of art in itself.

Made up of anti-geometric shapes and vibrant colors, Gaudi professed it would have been a monument dedicated to Sagrada Familia, if he'd lived long enough to see it complete.

And that's our list of the most quirky things to do in Barcelona! Looking for more fun things to fill your vacation days in the city? Stretch your legs and your mind with Barcelona's best walking tours. Want to soak up some sun, lounge in some sand by the sea, and take a load off? Browse the city's best beaches. Need a bite to eat, or some fresh food in a pinch? Head to one of Barcelona's excellent markets.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Panoramic view of Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter
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Barcelona in September

Seeing out summer, September marks the beginning of a transitive period for Barcelona. Offering the best of both worlds of summer and the coming low season, the city is widely considered to be at its best in this period. No matter your travel preferences, you’re bound to find that the Catalan capital delivers. From fantastic weather to bustling nightlife complementing the cultural, historical and gastronomic feast on offer year-round, there is an endless array of things to do in Barcelona in September that are guaranteed to offer you a rewarding experience on all fronts. Tourism in September For Barcelona, September offers an experience that combines the appeal of visiting both in summer and in fall. With summer break drawing to a close, the family-dominated waves of peak-season tourists decline throughout the month, making way for other types of travelers. As such, the city typically isn’t quite as busy as during previous months, but it certainly isn’t quiet either. For many, that’s exactly the benefit of visiting in this period. A healthy influx of visitors is precisely what gives Barcelona its world-renowned bustling atmosphere – particularly when it comes to nightlife. That does, however, mean that you should expect large crowds at some of the city’s top attractions. Be sure to plan accordingly and book your visit in advance should you want to include the likes of Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia in your trip. Weather in September September offers something of a sweet spot when it comes to weather. Working somewhat in parallel to the tourism rate, temperatures drop just slightly from the summertime peak and rest typically between the mid-60s and high-70s. In essence, that makes for ideal summer temperatures without the higher highs and more imposing humidity of July and August. Combine that with the fact that many schools and colleges start their new academic year in September, and you get the best of Barcelona’s sunshine and heat without quite the same droves of summer break tourists. Why not take yourself for a pleasant dip in the Mediterranean and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s famous beaches or in its many renowned green spaces? Best Attractions in September September is one of the few times throughout the year when just about all of Barcelona is at its best. Aside from making the most of the idyllic weather, this is a great time to visit the city’s best attractions and cultural sites. No matter your travel style, you’re sure to find the city catering to your preferences. For those interested in Barcelona’s rich architectural diversity, this period serves as a fantastic time to take a tour of some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Explore the likes of Casa Milà, Illa de la Discòrdia and the Gothic Quarter to see how the Catalan capital brings together both traditional Gothic and contemporary Modernist styles with surprising grace. Should you be looking for your share of cultural inspiration, then the city’s wealth of celebrated museums has you covered. Discover the life and work of Barcelona’s most honored artists at the Museo Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, or take a stroll through history at the Museo de Historia de Barcelona or the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. If you’re in the market for more of a culinary experience or want to get in on Barcelona’s famous nightlife scene, be sure to explore the many bars, restaurants and charming squares throughout the Gothic Quarter in particular. In the evening, make your way toward the seafront and La Barceloneta for some of the city’s best clubs, bars and live music venues – or simply take some drinks to the beach! Local & Cultural Events Festes de la Mercè – Toward the end of September, a number of areas throughout Barcelona become host to various combined celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Grace, Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). Typically taking place over the course of a few days to a week, many key streets and parks come alive with live music performances, street art, cultural activities and light displays. As with many street festivals held throughout the year, you can expect processions of giant characters and religious figures, along with ‘devils’ performing correfocs (fire runs) throughout the week. Beginning on September 24 with Día de la Mercè, a public holiday, many independent stores and businesses will be closed for the day. Held in conjunction with this celebration is the BAM Festival. Short for Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action), this is an alternative musical festival hosted to bring an even greater diversity of music to the Mercè festivities. Big names in the local and international music scene from a vast array of genres offer concerts and performances over the course of a week. Diada Nacional de Catalunya – September 11 in Barcelona is a celebration of all things Catalan. Held in commemoration of the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession, the day is often split between cultural events and independence movement demonstrations. For those with an interest in Catalan culture and local politics, this could be a great opportunity to see a deeper side to Catalonia, while also benefiting from free entry to the likes of the MNAC and the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. For everybody else, it’s best to avoid the city center, as it can become very crowded with demonstrations, and being a public holiday, many stores and businesses will also be closed for the day. Festa Major de la Barceloneta/del Poblenou – Much like the Festes de la Mercè, these festivals transform their respective neighborhoods into a lively street party, complete with live music, street food, art displays, cultural activities and high spirits all around. And, of course, both also offer their own parades of giants and devils, saints and sinners. Wrapping Up If you’re looking for a fantastic summer trip to Barcelona, September offers a slightly different experience from the peak season months. In the absence of families on summer break and the plethora of music festivals taking place throughout the preceding months, September instead offers idyllic weather and a whole host of local and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to tick off all of the city’s key attractions or want to join in on its famed nightlife scene, or even just want to take a load off and sunbathe on its popular beaches, a trip to Barcelona in September is the perfect opportunity to see the city at its best.
Robert Heaney
Group of people silhouetted against a beach bonfire at night
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Things to do in Barcelona for Sant Joan's Night

It has some of the best shopping, art and architecture in Europe, but those aren’t the only reasons to make a beeline for Barcelona in June. Sure, the Catalonian capital is beautiful in spring, but summer is party season, and what better way to kick it off than with the annual Sant Joan’s Night celebrations, held on the 23rd of June every year. It’s actually kind of a double whammy, marking both the birthday of Saint John the Baptist *and* the recent summer solstice. But you know Barcelona: any excuse for a party, right? We took a deep dive to discover what the fiesta is all about and all the best things to do in Barcelona for Sant Joan’s Night. What is Sant Joan’s Night? The feast of Sant Joan is a sort-of Catholic church cut-and-shut of a couple of significant calendrical events. The first is the summer solstice aka midsummer aka the astronomical start of the summer season, which usually falls on the 20th or 21st of June in the northern hemisphere. The second, John the Baptist’s birthday, falls on the 24th and is marked by a public holiday, perhaps to allow reveling Catalans to recover after all that cava, sangria and wild partying. Said partying kicks off on the evening of the 23rd, often carrying on well into the wee small hours of the 24th as families across Spain celebrate the San Juan Festival with beach fires, bar crawls and banquets. Those epic bonfires and firework displays? Well, it’s all part of an ancient pagan ritual. You see, the fires are said to feed and strengthen the sun – a symbol of wealth and fertility – as well as purifying, protecting, and warding off those pesky evil spirits. Meanwhile the traditional act of fire-jumping (exactly what it sounds like, health-and-safety fans) is said to bring luck to the leaper. Assuming, of course, you don’t accidentally end up feet first in the flames. Three fire leaps is the norm, but some brave and hardy souls jump up to nine times, to be sure to appease the ancient pagan gods. Just remember, kids: fires and cava don’t mix. Traditional Sant Joan’s Night Fun in Barcelona Not to put too fine a point on it, the biggest draws *wherever you are in Spain* on Sant Joan’s Night, are the bacchanalian bonfire parties. Those held on the Barcelona’s Nova Icària and Barceloneta beaches are particularly special, as friends and family gather to welcome in the summer over good food, great wine and fine entertainment.  The fun kicks off on the afternoon of the 23rd, when the Canigó Flame, carried here from a great blaze on the easterly Pyrenean mountain peak of Canigó, lights the central bonfire on Barcelona’s Plaça de Sant Jaume to wild cheering, music and general fanfare. Representatives of each district of Barcelona then light torches and carry them to their respective neighborhoods and beaches to start the evening revelries. Get to the beaches early if you want to stake your claim to a prime spot on the sand, and be aware that it can get *incredibly* busy and lively as the evening progresses and the 'Night of Fire’ gets into full swing. The atmosphere begins to build at sunset as bonfires are lit along the sand. There will be live music, lots of excited chatter and a fair bit of grape-based revelry before the aforementioned rituals get underway in earnest.  Having purified yourself by making the traditional fire-jump, you can relax and enjoy one of the most spectacular firework displays in all Spain, as the skies light up in a kaleidoscope of color, beautifully mirrored on the sea below. Bring a swimming costume and a towel if you plan to join your new friends for a moonlit dip, but be aware that evenings on the coast can get chilly. Yes, even in Barcelona in June. More Things to do in Barcelona on Sant Joan’s Night You can’t properly celebrate Sant Joan’s Night in Barcelona without indulging in the festival’s traditional twin delicacies. We’re talking about cava and, yes, the frankly unmissable coca de Sant Joan – a Catalonian speciality. This sweet bread, topped with candied fruit and sometimes stuffed with custard, cream or marzipan, is a great snack at any time of day, but perhaps particularly as a restorative late-night treat once the serious business of appeasing the pagan gods is taken care of. Barcelona’s main beaches are also lined with bars, many of which set up special outdoor serving areas that operate throughout the afternoon and evening. Don’t fancy the chaos and crowds of the beach? Fear not, you can also hit up the main plazas and squares around town for your Sant Joan festivities fix. Here’s where to catch exciting live shows and pyrotechnic performances as locals dress up in outlandish costumes – devils, sprites, spirits and the like – and race around setting off fireworks, crackers, sparklers and more. Of course, you don’t absolutely have to join in the Sant Joan revelries if you don’t want to. With locals crowding the beach and plazas, this is a great time to take advantage of the rest of the city’s relative solitude and explore some of Barcelona’s best backstreet tapas bars. Take an evening stroll around the colorful Eixample barrio, crammed with picture-perfect art nouveau-style buildings and several Gaudí architectural masterpieces. Don’t miss the maestro’s curvaceous Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia if creepy bone-like facades complete with skull-mask balconies and dragon-scale tiling is your thang. Or lose yourself in the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine lanes, where blind alleys, hidden courtyards, and much adventure awaits. Spot the ghostly white geese that haunt Barcelona Cathedral’s cloisters, and the gruesome gargoyles that leer from its walls, and seek artistic inspiration on atmospheric Carrer d'Avinyó, where some dude called Pablo Picasso got his first break. Wonder whatever happened to him? Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Barcelona Save on admission to Barcelona attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Palau Nacional light show in the evening
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Barcelona in May

In the wake of winter and the anticipation of summer, Barcelona in May offers what many consider to be the best of both worlds. Throughout this period, visitors get to experience the busy and electric ambience that the city is known for, while also being able to reap the benefits of visiting ahead of the summertime crowds. Whatever your travel style may be, this is likely the ideal time to plan a visit. If easily accessible attractions and a thriving nightlife aren’t quite enough to convince you, then perhaps the wealth of celebrations and events taking place throughout the city will be. Tourism in May With winter now a distant memory and springtime too on its way out, Barcelona begins a sort of metamorphosis in anticipation of the coming summer months. The beginning of the city’s first ‘shoulder season’, May marks the beginning of a transitive period for the Catalan capital. While tourism rates around this time still stand a ways behind high-season traffic, they’re also significantly higher than throughout the preceding winter months. For many, this is what makes May a perfect time to visit Barcelona. Barcelona’s famed bustling atmosphere is an inherent result of its high throughput of visitors, but that often comes at the cost of overcrowding and queuing for just about every major attraction. In May, however, the city sees just enough tourists to stay true to its character while also leaving much of the city easily accessible and uncrowded. May brings with it pleasant temperatures typically falling between the high-50s and high-60s, alongside some fairly consistent sunshine. Although that may not be prime sunbathing weather, it does mean you can ditch the winter jacket – though an umbrella is still advisable. With that, visiting Barcelona in May is the perfect opportunity to experience the city both inside and out. Explore the famous architecture of the Sagrada Familia without battling too many queues and take a relaxing stroll through Park Güell in the pleasant springtime weather. And why not take some time to enjoy some of the region’s highly-anticipated events and festivities, too? Primavera Sound Festival Held each year in Barcelona’ Forum Building close to Parc del Fòrum, the Primavera Sound Festival stands as one of the city’s most hotly anticipated music festivals each year. In contrast to many other music festivals taking place throughout the year, Primavera Sound is host to a diverse lineup of genres comprising everything from jazz and hip hop to folk and alternative rock. Previous editions of the festival have performances from the likes of Arcade Fire, Pet Shop Boys and White Stripes. While the main sets typically take place over the course of a weekend, the event runs for around a week in total, with additional gigs and performances hosted across the city. Night of the Museums Those who remember the Ben Stiller hit movie Night at the Museum may already have some fantastical idea of what this cultural event entails. While reanimated exhibitions aren’t typically on the table, many of Barcelona’s most important museums come to life in their own way for one night each May. Coinciding with International Museum Day, this event sees a huge array of Barcelona’s museums open their doors to visitors throughout the night, often free of charge. Popular locations such as the MNAC, CaixaFòrum and MACBA offer visitors an opportunity to explore their exhibitions in a new way, alongside hosting a number of cultural activities and performances for all ages to enjoy. Ciutat Flamenco Festival For those with a flair for dancing or a passion for the performing arts, this festival could really be a treat. The Ciutat Flamenco Festival serves as one of the most significant shows dedicated to Flamenco dance and music. Held for roughly two weeks in May, the event grants attendees the opportunity to discover music from some of the most prominent names in the Flamenco scene, while also showcasing the work of newer artists. Don your best outfit and be prepared to experience this passionate performance of Spanish dance. Girona Flower Festival For roughly one week in early May, the nearby city of Girona comes into full bloom, with many of its most popular neighborhoods decorated in all manner of floral arrangements. Displays range from classy and tasteful to purposefully kitsch and quirky, often accompanied by art and light installations, music With over a hundred displays spread across the city, the Flower Festival offers a fantastic means of exploring Girona in a whole different way. The event opens up a number of areas and patios normally closed to the public, allowing you to truly see a side to the city that most others rarely do. Sitting only an hour or so away from Girona by car, coach or train, Barcelona serves as a fantastic base from which to visit the Flower Festival. Once you’re there, pick up an event map from the tourist office or from the many volunteers dotted along the festival route and explore the veritable Eden of Girona in May. Barcelona International Comic Fair This somewhat more niche event speaks to the comic book fans among us. Having now run successfully for over 40 years, the Barcelona International Comic Fair serves as a demonstration of all the important developments in the comic book world. It showcases the works of prominent and upcoming comic book authors, with awards presented for the best among them. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and chat with authors and artists alike, and can attend various concerts, performances and film premieres taking place throughout the festival. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in May and want to embrace your inner geek, be sure to swing by this fantastic fiction fair. Wrapping Up Whether you’re looking to experience Barcelona in its prime state without too many crowds or to get in on some of the incredible festivities taking place throughout the month, visiting Barcelona in May is a fantastic way to experience everything that the city has to offer.
Robert Heaney

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