Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Published: July 18, 2024
teens barcelona

Whether you're willing to admit it or not, the ever-dancing, attention-seeking, slang-slinging teens will inherit the Earth. It's enough to make your head shudder uncontrollably. Anyway, yes, teens. They are people too, and as such, have interests we may never truly understand. That can make it hard if you're taking the moody ungrateful specimens on vacation. What is a grown, world-weary sort like you supposed to do?

Or, are you a cool, hip, skateboarding teen? Hey there dude; we're down with your sort. We know our front-facing caps from our back-facing ones, and sometimes we get gnarly too! Sigh.

No matter who you are, you want to know what things there are for teenagers to do in Barcelona, don't you? Well, lucky for you, we've come up with this bodacious list of awesome things that will satisfy even the shortest of attention spans. So, let's get on with it. These are our picks for the best things to do in Barcelona for teenagers!

Including:

  • Soccer stadium studies
  • Street art situations
  • Escape room escapades
  • Segway madness
  • Beach braving
  • and more!

Camp Nou tour

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

This one's for teen soccer fans only, so apologies in advance. Barcelona is arguably one of the greatest soccer teams of all time, with countless domestic and European trophies to their name. Some of the best players to ever kick a ball have called the city home, and when they kick that ball, sometimes it goes in the net. Great stuff.

So, why not head to the home of Barcelona's soccer success and take a tour of the Camp Nou? You'll walk where players like Messi, Ronaldinho, and Henry have walked. Your guide will give you the inside scoop on the goings-on behind the scenes. And you'll get a look at the impressive trophy cabinet and be able to take Snapchats, or whatever else teens do these days, with reckless abandon.

Walk through the players' tunnel onto the pitch, see where the broadcasters lose their minds at the mind-boggling displays of skill, and step into the changing rooms where they prepare for battle. Soccer battle, the kind where no one really gets hurt, but they sure pretend they do.

The perfect choice for any ball-friendly teenager.

 

Moco Museum Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Yes, you may think at first that many teens would turn their attention-seeking noses up at an art museum. After all, no one's there to see them, just some stupid paintings. Well, they might turn their nose back down to a standard level if they discovered it wasn't just art, but street art. They may even crack a smile. Think of all the likes and shares.

If so, drag them along to the Moco Museum Barcelona, where teenagers can immerse themselves in modern art marvels from some of the genre's biggest stars. They'll see pieces from Banksy and David LaChapelle, as well as older works from the likes of Dali and Andy Warhol. Reel them in with the street art, then surprise them with the 20th-century artists. It's the perfect plan.

For any teenager with even a passing interest in art, street art, or ideologically-driven media, the Moco Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Barcelona for your darling little Zoomers.

 

Escape Hunt Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Does your teen think they're smart? Put those smarts to the test in a controlled environment they have to pass to escape. No, we're not talking about school (though the parallels are startling). Instead, we're chatting about escape rooms. These daring mazes of dastardly design are sure to tear your teen away from the screen and put them to work. And they'll love it.

At Escape Hunt Barcelona, they have three themed rooms to get trapped in, including the Mystery of Gaudí, School Thieves, and The Vampiress of Barcelona. Perhaps avoid the School of Thieves one; we wouldn't want to give them ideas for next semester. That was a joke - they'll learn nothing.

If you have a sizable clan, you can split into teams and tackle a room each to see who comes out on top. Doesn't that sound like good teen fun? Yes, it does.

 

 

Ciutadella Segway tour

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

Nothing makes a video go viral quite like a unique mode of transport. Well, maybe, we're not really into that. But if your teenager is, or if you're a teen reading this, then boy do we have a vacation suggestion for you! Segways!

Yes, those two-wheeled wonders are back, and this time, you can board your e-chariot and burn around Ciutadella Park and learn all about its history! If you've never boarded the 'transport of the gods' before, cry no tears. Your park guide doubles as a bonafide Segway instructor. So once you meet up, he'll give you some handling tips, and then it's off into the sunset...of the park you're already in.

You'll zoom past the city's zoo, the famous Cascada fountain, and learn all about the park's many landmarks and their history. And, of course, they can make a social story about the whole thing for internet points, which is what they really want.

 

Barcelona's Beaches

Things to do in Barcelona for Teenagers

And finally, we'll end our guide of things for teenagers to do in Barcelona with everyone's favorite sandy getaway; the beach! Whether you're looking to relax, go for a swim, or take part in some beach-based activities, everyone loves the beach. And thankfully for you and your teen of choice, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from in Barcelona!

There's Barceloneta, arguably the city's busiest and most tourist-friendly beach, with plenty of space to stretch out, places to eat and drink, and watersports to take part in. It'll likely be a good place for a sociable teen to make some new friends, given the abundance of traveling families who flock there every year. Could your teen of choice be involved in a whirlwind summer romance? Hopefully not.

But Barceloneta is just one of the many beaches dotted across the city's coastline, so pick whichever one suits you and head there while the sun's out and the getting's good!

And that's our list of things for teenagers to do in Barcelona. Good luck! And grab a Barcelona attraction pass and sightsee while you save!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Crowds of tourists on a beach in Barcelona
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Barcelona in August

At the peak of summertime, August marks one of the two busiest months for Barcelona. Between its highly favorable weather and plethora of world-renowned sights and attractions, it’s no surprise that hundreds of thousands pick the city as their summer destination. While crowds and queues are of course inevitable, these are largely what gives the Catalan capital its famed bustling atmosphere. And given the plethora of festivals and events taking place throughout the month, you can expect those crowds to be electric. If busy and thriving are what you’re looking for, then Barcelona in August may be the trip for you. Tourism in August It’s no secret that Barcelona in August is busy. Really busy. Alongside July, this is when the city sees its largest throughput of visitors. Hotels tend to get swept up at a moment’s notice, accommodation rates are at their highest and the city’s attractions are operating at peak capacity. While to some this may sound like a nightmare, this is the whole appeal to many visitors. Barcelona is famous for its thriving atmosphere, bustling streets and energetic nightlife. And for that, serious crowds are a necessity. Just note that more tourists also means you’ll likely need to book your desired attractions well in advance. The exact reasons behind Barcelona’s summertime tourism spike are no challenge to discern. Between its stellar location on the Mediterranean and average temperatures of 80 – 90°F, many come to enjoy the city’s world-famous beaches. Pair those with the existing waves of tourists interested in Barcelona’s architecture, history, cuisine and nightlife, and it’s no surprise that this is the busiest time for the city. Those who aren’t so keen on the crowds may be better off planning a trip during the spring and fall ‘shoulder seasons’, when the city is still busy enough to maintain its buzz but quiet enough to be able to explore without the need to wade through the crowds. Festa Major de Sant Roc Dating back over 400 years, one of August’s largest events is the Festival of Sant Roc. Held in honor of Saint Roch, the celebration takes place each year on Plaça Nova in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, right beside the Barcelona Cathedral. While it may be contained to a smaller area than many other neighborhood celebrations held around the year, the festival is jam-packed full of activities. Typically taking place over the course of roughly a week, the event sees various games, traditions, processions, performances and dances take place, with something for just about all ages. One of the most common troupes of the festival is La Cucaña, a greasy, rotating pole which children will attempt to traverse safely in return for a prize. Another is El porró llarg, a bizarre glass drinking vessel with an extremely long spout from which visitors will attempt to drink wine, much to the amusement of onlookers. Another key part of the celebration is known as the Festival of the Dog. Legend says that when Sant Roc was sheltering within the city’s Roman walls while suffering from the plague, the local baker’s dog helped nurse him back to health by bringing him panellet cakes to eat. This portion of the festival therefore pays homage to the saint’s savior pooch with a canine exhibition. Locals will bring along their own dogs to celebrate, and there are even some dog training shows for those with excess energy. Festa Major de Gràcia From August 15th to 21st, Barcelona is host to what is widely considered its most festive and most accommodating street festival. The event offers a packed program of live performances, concerts, parades, dances and activities taking place throughout the Gràcia neighborhood. The festival is perhaps best known for its iconic decorated streets. With each street allocated its own theme for the year, the walkways of Gràcia truly come to life with vibrant and whacky displays. Most decorations will be created using sustainable and recycled materials, and each street competes to offer the most creative display in hopes of winning the annual grand prize. Festa Major de Sants Should you happen to miss out on the Gràcia Festival, fret not – The Sants Festival picks up right where Gràcia leaves off. Host to a wide array of Catalan traditions, this event offers much of the same decorated streets concerts, dances, performances and activities for all ages as its predecessor. Castells are one of the main traditions of the Sants Festival, with a large number of castellers working together to attempt to build the largest human towers. Correfocs are another, translated literally as ‘fire runs’, in which performers dressed as devils will parade around with fireworks to the entertainment of onlookers standing at a safe distance. DGTL Festival A spin-off of the renowned festival held in Amsterdam, DGTL is an event quite unlike any other. Offering live underground house and techno sets from prodigious artists and DJs, this is not an event to be missed for fans of the underground music scene. Held each year in Parc del Fòrum, the event is characteristically accompanied by mesmerizing art and light installations, turning all areas of the venue into its own immersive clubbing experience. The event maintains an ethos of sustainability, employing the likes of solar panels, exclusively vegetarian food options, cashless transactions and eco-friendly packaging. Music Festivals As if Barcelona’s nightlife scene wasn’t enough, August is a month replete with music events for fans of all genres. Alongside the DGTL festival covered above, attendees come from the world over to revel in the city’s impressive musical festivities. Some of the most popular events include the Mas i Mas Festival, the Cap Roig Festival and Brunch in the Park. Wrapping Up Whether you’re keen to explore the city’s unique wealth of architecture and history, relax on its world-famous beaches in prime weather or enjoy the buzz of its nightlife and the many festivals taking place throughout the month, visiting Barcelona in August could be an ideal trip for those who enjoy a more bustling city experience. While you can expect to have to fight crowds and make advance booking for your attractions of choice, not to mention your hotel or apartment, you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to experience a city positively thriving with life. Barcelona is never quite as alive as it is in summer, which you’re bound to discover for yourself should you choose to visit in August.
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

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