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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Things to do in Barcelona in Spring

Every year it's the same, but it's still a joy to behold. One day you wake up after months of cold and gloom. You thrust open the curtains, and a familiar feeling washes over you. Light blinds your eyes, yet a warm glow welcomes your skin, like a hug from a long-lost friend. Suddenly, everything feels better. Flowers begin to bloom, and you know it's all uphill from here. That's right sun guzzlers, it's springtime! Time to ditch the heavy coats, winter boots, and snowplow, and get out your best light jackets and tees. And where better to spend your spring vacation than in Barcelona! There's so much to see in the city, and with the temperatures already climbing, it's the perfect time to visit! But what to do when you arrive? Well, here's our guide for things to do in Barcelona in Spring! Featuring: Go for a drink Beaches City Tours Semana Santa Music Festivals Go for a drink Let's kick things off with the nectar of the gods. Beer lovers, rejoice; Barcelona has one hell of a beer festival just for you. Head to the city in March, and you'll find a bounty of over 400 beers on offer. Over the course of two days, you'll be able to sample beers from all over the world. It's only €10 to enter, providing you your own tasting glass and two chips. After that, you're free to wander the halls and stalls, getting a taster of each refreshing beer poured right into your glass. Each taster is worth one chip, and each chip is worth €1. Buy more chips, sample more beers. It doesn't get much better than that! Or, if you'd rather see where the golden god is created, why not take a tour of the Estrella Brewery? See where the delicious brand began, learn more about how it's brewed, and, at the end, sample one of four Estrella beers! How utterly delightful. Beaches 'But wait', I hear you cry. 'It's not even summer, why would I want to go to the beach?'. Well, there are many reasons why going to Barcelona's beaches might be even better in spring. Firstly, the weather. Temperatures tend to hit around 60-70°F, so you won't be sweltering. After months of hiding in your warm cave, it might be best to gradually introduce your body to the tanning process. Secondly, many people simply won't head to the beaches unless it is summer. So, more space for you, which is always ideal. Thirdly, Barcelona has some pretty incredible and diverse beaches! Whether you're looking to party, relax, or something in between, a beach near the city will suit you like a sandy glove. And, finally, you'll be by the beautiful sea. So you'll be able to sample tasty seafood and try some watersports too, though perhaps not right after one another. City tours Of course, with so much to see and so little time to see it, you might want to take a more curated approach. Never fear; Barcelona has you covered. There are a ton of tours to take, whether on foot or otherwise. You could take a walking tour that explores the many architectural endeavors of the late great Gaudi. Or, if Gaudi isn't for you, check out the other tours that show you different sides of the city. Want to give the old legs a rest? Why not try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour? A handy guide well-versed in the history of the city and its hotspot can give you all the goss on Barcelona's going on. Prefer your travels on the seven seas? Try a boat cruise. Riders will see stunning sights like Villa Olimpica, Castell de Montjuic, and Nova Bocana, all from the sea. Alternatively, test your mettle on a bike tour if you want to keep your restless legs busy. Whichever mode of transport you choose, you'll be breathing in that sweet spring air while exploring every nook and cranny in Barcelona! Semana Santa – Holy Week Let's switch gears to something a little more spiritual. Spring in Barcelona also means it's time for Semana Santa. Also known as the Holy Week to you English speakers, Semana Santa is one of Spain's most important holidays. A week of celebrations featuring processions, parades, and much more, all in the name of the big man upstairs. Think of it like Easter, but with a bit more fanfare. Expect plenty of delicious food and drink along with the aforementioned parades. And if you want to get in on the tradition, see if you can get yourself las Monas de Pascua, or Easter Monkeys. They're a sweet, delicious treat people often give to their loved ones. But, you're alone, just get one for yourself. You've earned it. Music festivals And, finally, if you want to add a little grove to your vacation, you're in luck. Barcelona has some music festivals that take place during the warm spring months. There's the Primavera Sound Festival, a five-day bonanza of various music genres. Taking place at the seaside Parc del Forum, you'll have the chance to see music from rockers, poppers, rappers, and other artists. So, no matter your taste, there's an eclectic mix that's sure to suit you. Previous acts include Blur, Lorde, and Kendrick Lamar. It doesn't get much more eclectic than that! Or, give Sonar a go. An experimental mix of visual art, design, and electronic music, Sonar is a meal for the mind and the body. With workshops, talks, and exhibitions during the day, and thumping beats by night, there's nothing quite like Sonar. Previous acts include Gorillaz, Bjork, and Grace Jones, so another eclectic festival! It's definitely one to check out if you're heading over in Spring. And that's our list of all the best things to do in Barcelona in Spring! It's definitely one of the best times of year to visit the city, with a perfect mix of pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and plenty to see and do! So go on, book those tickets and thank us later.
Dom Bewley
barcelona alone
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Things to do Alone in Barcelona

Sometimes, traveling alone can be just the thing. Whether you want to meet new people on your vacation, or simply have some time to yourself, plenty of people are heading overseas by themselves these days. So why not visit beautiful Barcelona, and discover all the things to do there when you're alone? If you're wondering what to add to the itinerary, wonder no longer, because we've put together a list of the best things to do alone in Barcelona just for you! Including: Gaudí's greatest hits Explore Polo Espanyol Barcelona Bus Tour Ancient Markets walking tour Explore beautiful Monserrat Get Gaudí One of Barcelona's biggest draws is the work of master architect Gaudí. The famed builder left his unique stamp all over the city, which he called home. So, clearly, if you want the authentic Barcelona experience, you'll need to see at least some of his awe-inspiring pieces. So strap in, because we're about to talk Gaudí and then some. First off on the Gaudí hit list is Casa Batlló, which is often considered his greatest work. This striking building is an amalgamation of bone-like columns, mosaic glass wonders, and mask-like balconies. It's no wonder it's known locally as the 'house of bones'! This 700m2 behemoth was once home to the Batlló family, hence the name. The Batlló family owned a textile manufacturing empire, which is why they were able to hire the man himself to redesign their house. Next on our hist list is arguably Gaudí's most iconic structure, the Sagrada Familia. Take a tour of the famed building a learn all about its history from a knowledgeable guide to get the full experience! Alongside seeing the fantastic decor, created with a fusion of art-nouveau and gothic styles, you'll discover why the cathedral wasn't finished before Gaudí's death. You'll also get an insight into the hidden Christian symbology that permeates both inside and out. Truly remarkable. Then, there's Park Güell, Barcelona's most recognizable green space, thanks to our man Gaudí's unique stamp. Make sure to take a guided tour of the grounds, as you'll not only have access to all the best bits, but you'll also learn about the rich history surrounding each remarkable building facade and piece of art contained within. Another of Gaudí's architectural marvels is undoubtedly La Pedrera. Built over six years at the start of the 20th century, it has his unique style written all over it. From its undulating limestone façade to its twisted chimneys and ironclad balconies, it's yet another pic-hungry stop on the Gaudí tour of excellence. You think we're done yet? We're not done yet. We're going back to the very beginning with the first building that Gaudí ever designed. Casa Vicens is its name, and within its Neo-Mudéjar exterior, you'll find a permanent collection of artifacts that explore the site's 130-year history. Go for the snap-worthy architecture; stay for the insightful learning experience. Or, if you want a more visceral Gaudí experience, ahem, try the Gaudí Experience 4D! It's an interactive, immersive experience that lets you explore the life and works of the master in new and exciting ways! It features hands-on displays and touchscreens, as well as the cinematic main event where you'll be taken on a ride through his inspirations. Your seat will move as you fly above trees that mutate into columns, and much more. It's a trippy experience, for sure, but one you should experience for yourself! Congratulations! You made it to the end. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the famed architect, any of the above are easily some of the best things to do in Barcelona if you're traveling alone. Marco...Polo? If you're looking for more of a historical exploration of Catalan architecture and culture, go see Poble Espanyol. This open-air architectural museum is one of the best things to do in Barcelona if you're traveling alone. There, you'll get an insight into how different parts of the city have changed and evolved through time. This city-within-a-city contains 117 buildings, streets, and squares that recreate large parts of the city, from ancient neighborhoods to revolutionary Spain's city streets. And, on top of this mesmerizing amalgamation of history, you'll also find over 300 contemporary artworks from famous Catalan artists. Be sure to get snaps of greats by Dali, Picasso, and many more!. You can also pick up some authentic souvenirs from the onsite smiths, leatherworkers, and jewelry makers! Barcelona by bus If you're looking to see all of the city's sights in the comfort of a cushioned chair, then why not take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Barcelona? If you already have a packed itinerary, it's the perfect way to see everything in just a few hours. You can also get off whenever you like if you want to take a closer look at one of the city's iconic landmarks, then hop on the next one to continue the tour. Your ticket lasts for 24 hours, so feel free to make the most of it! Highlights include the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Mercat de Sarrià, so you'll have plenty of picture opportunities to leave your social media following in the dirt. Marketing 101 Want a closer look at Barcelona's timeless market scene? Why not take a tour of the ancient markets that still stand tall today? If you're looking for things to do alone in Barcelona, this should be high on your list! With an experienced guide in tow, you'll kick proceedings off at Boqueria Market, one of Barcelona's best. While you're learning about the market's history and traditions, you'll be able to pick up some fantastic fresh produce or delicious local snacks. Then, you'll travel through the beautiful Ramblas promenade, a former flower market that is now full of cafes, flower stands, and beautiful scenery. You'll end up at the Santa Caterina Market in the Gothic Quarter, a bustling marketplace known for its brightly-colored roof inspired by the plentiful fruits and vegetables on offer. And finally, you'll end the tour at El Born, a former market that has transformed into a residential neighborhood. The steel and glass design is sure to delight, and is more than worthy of a few snaps. Escape to the mountain And finally, we'll end this list on a bit of a cheat, because you'll need to leave the city for this one. However, it's more than worth it. Visit the picturesque Monsterrat without worrying about transportation, and explore this beautiful location for as long as you want! Start your journey on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, then ascend Monserrat and take in the spectacular views of the city. Cameras at the ready, people; you're not going to want to miss a beat. Then, when you get up to the top, you can explore at your leisure. Go for a hike, or visit the nearby monastery. It's entirely up to you, and no one can tell you otherwise! And that's our list of the best things to do in Barcelona when traveling alone!
Dom Bewley

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