Romantic Things to do in Barcelona

By Cara Merren
Published: July 18, 2024
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Spain is without a doubt one of the most romantic countries in Europe, filled with glorious food, stunning architecture and idyllic beaches. Most popular with tourists is Barcelona, with thousands of vacationers flocking to the Catalonian capital each month. So, it’s no surprise that you’re looking to plan a romantic vacation to Barcelona.

Here we’ve put together a list of the most popular attractions and activities when searching for romantic things to do in Barcelona, including...

  • La Sagrada Familia
  • Casa Batlló
  • La Pedrera
  • Park Güell
  • Moco Museum
  • Erotic Museum
  • La Boqueria Market
  • Turó de la Rovira
  • and more....
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1. La Sagrada Familia

If Barcelona is famous for one thing, it’s the stunning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí. With his masterpieces dotted across the city, it would be hard to miss a visit to at least one of them.

La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the most famous landmark in Spain, is a must for visitors in Barcelona and it’s sure to get those sparks flying. Take a guided tour around the basilica, where you can learn about the building's different facades and the fascinating history behind this awe-inspiring building, which is still yet to be completed!
If you have a spare moment, taking a lift to the top of the building will offer you unforgettable views of Barcelona from one of the tallest churches in the world.
A few of Gaudi’s other creations include Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both of which are located on Passeig de Gràcia, so pay them a visit if you’re passing.

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2. Park Güell

Park Güell is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll. Overflowing with yet more of Gaudi’s modernist architectural works, spending a few hours here and taking a guided tour is definitely worth your time.

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3. Moco Museum

A visit to a museum or two won’t go a miss on your romantic getaway.

The Moco Museum is an independent museum full of modern and contemporary art that is sure to blow your mind. Check out the incredible immersive exhibitions – the perfect place to snap that couple's pic to send to the family group chat.

4. Erotic Museum

Another popular option, perhaps not one for the group chat, is the Erotic Museum of Barcelona.

Centrally located on La Rambla, why not swing by for a bit of a sexy history lesson? Here, you’ll explore the unusual history and culture of eroticism through playful exhibits and unique artifacts. This is definitely one for a passionate adventure in Barcelona.

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5. La Boqueria Market

This bustling market can be found in the heart of Barcelona. From colourful sweets and fresh fruit to jamón ibérico and spices and nuts, this market is a foodie's dream. Popular with locals and visitors alike, La Boqueria is a treat for all senses so dive right in to find the best deals around.

As well as the ingredients listed above, there’s plenty of top-notch tapas bars where you can sample the market’s fresh produce right then and there.

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6. Tapas, Sangria and more

Evenings in Barcelona with your other half are undoubtedly best spent enjoying scrumptious food and sipping on the Spanish classic, sangria. We suggest heading to the Gothic Quarter or venturing along the marina, where you’ll find hundreds of bars and restaurants offering up the tastiest paella and tapas.

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7. Turó de la Rovira

Or, if you fancy something a bit more homemade, make the trek to Turó de la Rovira, also known as the Bunkers del Carmel, and pack a picnic.

Once used as a strategic defence site during the Spanish Civil War, this incredible viewpoint sits 262 meters above sea level, giving unparalleled views of the city.

Be warned, it’s a bit of a hike, but cosying up to watch the sunset with a glass of sangria in hand doesn’t sound like a bad idea, right?

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8. Old Town and Gothic Quarter

Still looking for activities to inspire love? Wander around the streets of Barcelona on an Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour.

Take in the charm and character of the Cuitat Vella and explore the city’s rich history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll find plenty of hidden gems along the way too so keep your eyes peeled.

Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it –- a few romantic things to do in Barcelona that are guaranteed to give off those date night vibes so you can fall in love all over again!

A few of these Barcelona attractions are included on the All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass with Go City®, so check out what options we have to save on attraction admission.

Cara Merren
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.
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Madrid to Barcelona: a journey through Spain's heart and soul By Mia Russell Embarking on a journey from Madrid to Barcelona is an exhilarating experience that promises to reveal the vibrant soul of Spain. These two iconic cities, each with unique charm and character, are separated by approximately 620 kilometers (385 miles) of captivating Spanish landscapes. Whether you're seeking the convenience of high-speed trains, the flexibility of a road trip, or the swiftness of air travel, there are multiple to travel between these Spanish gems. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Spain as you traverse this captivating route, filled with history, art, culinary delights, and endless opportunities for adventure.   Choose Go City® and save up to 50% Buy passes from Go City® for Barcelona or Madrid and you could save up to 50% on top attractions, tours and activities. Grab a Madrid pass and enjoy it all!
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Win a Cloud Cities Experience and dive with sharks this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. Whizz up to the 30th floor and marvel at 360° views of Barcelona – get a stunning new perspective from 125-meters above the city. You’ll get the VIP experience on a private tour of the tower before you head to the Skydeck for your very own photoshoot. A professional photographer will guarantee you remember the experience with picture perfect vacation snaps. You’ll also get access to the Cloud Cities Experience – an interactive installation from artist Tomás Saraceno. Move through over 100 different cloud spaces and re-imagine what an observatory can be, inside the changing shapes of passing clouds. As if the heights of Glòries Tower aren’t daring enough, you’ll also win a diving with sharks experience in Barcelona Aquarium. An expert instructor will teach you all you need to know about diving signals, breathing and moving around underwater, buoyancy control and using a regulator. Then it’s time to jump in and meet your hosts – you’ll find yourself surrounded by sharks, moray eels, rays and more. See Barcelona from above then dive into the deep with some of the sea’s most scary locals. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our Barcelona passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
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