Barcelona is undoubtedly at its busiest in the summer months which can mean that the really popular must-see attractions will be overflowing with people. That’s not to say they’re not worth seeing… the Sagrada Familia is an architectural beauty that you are obliged to see when in Barcelona.
But we’re here to tell you about the other, less obvious activities to do in Barcelona this summer that will make you trip that little bit more special.
Skate the city
Skateboarding is one of the most popular ways to get around the city among young locals. For tourists, skating is a funner alternative to biking and walking to see the city, especially in areas with small, winding roads where a bike would be a bit of an inconvenience (such as most parts of Ciutat Vella!). Plus, you can take it with you wherever you go without having to worry about finding a secure spot to lock it up as you would with a bike. Buy a penny board and it will even fit in your bag.
The best areas of the city to explore by skateboard are “Ciutat Vella”, the beach promenade and around the top of Montjuic if you want some incredible views of Barcelona.
For the more advanced skaters, some of the best spots to practice tricks and jumps in are the plaza outside MACBA, Arc de Triomfe and the Skate Park Mar Bella if you want a bit more of a thrill.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP)
Stand Up Paddle boards can be rented along the beach in Barceloneta for around €20 per hour. Most days the sea is quite calm so makes for a relaxing paddle around but if you get there early enough in the morning you can find some fun SUP waves.
Ice Bar on the beach
Who would have thought that on the Mediterranean beaches of Barcelona someone would place a sub zero bar made out of ice. It kind of makes sense though – it would be an ideal break from spending all day on the beach in 30 plus degrees. In the mid-summer months the hot temperature outside can mean a difference of 40 degrees between inside the bar and the outside! Reserve your slot online here.
Location: Ramón Trías Fargas, 2, 08005
How to get there: Metro yellow line (L4) – Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica
Opening times: 12PM – 3AM everyday
Price: €16 with a drink
Learn how to cook Spain’s best dish
Along with the tan, take home a new skill with you to impress your friends and family with. Barcelona Cooking Classes run a paella class every single day at 5.45pm. As well as a trip round La Boqueria to buy the ingredients, dinner that night is free as you eat what you make after. Email your reservation here. Foodie Experience Ortega also run a paella class where you’ll learn to make other traditional Spanish and Catalán dishes as well as paella.
Dine in the dark – Dans le Noir
Ever considered eating in the dark? At Dans le Noir restaurant guests are blindfolded while they eat. The absence of sight heightens the other senses making you experience the food in a different way, often with more intense tastes and smells. It’s made all the more fun when you have to guess what you’re eating.
Location: Paseo Picasso 10, 08003
How to get there: Red line (L1) – Arc de Triomfe, yellow line (L4) – Jaume I
Pool party
The W Hotel in Barceloneta has a series of pool parties lined up this summer on their terrace looking onto the Mediterranean sea. See all the upcoming events here.
Location: Plaça Rosa dels Vents, 1, 08039
How to get there: Yellow line (L4) – Barceloneta
Brunch in the Park
Every Sunday from 2nd july until 17 sept, Brunch-In Barcelona will take over the Jardins de Joan Brossa, hosting some of the best house and electronic DJs to provide your summer soundtrack. Enjoy one of Barcelona’s most unique parties under the sun with a beer in hand. Make sure to buy your ticket at least a week ahead as it’s very popular and they sell out every event.
Location: Jardins de Joan Brossa, Plaça de Dante, 08038
How to get there: Bus line 150 or 55, Funicular de Montjuic from Paral-lel
El Garraf Beach
If you’re looking to spend the day at a less crowded beach with a more local feel we recommend venturing out of the city. El Garraf is about 30 minutes on the train and very worth it. The train stops right by the stairs that lead down to the beach, which is small and quaint and feels like a hidden treasure. Equipped with a humble beach bar serving food and drinks.
Add some of these to your itinerary to make your trip a little different, but don’t forget to visit the city’s most famous landmarks! They’re famous for a reason….
If you’re coming to Barcelona this summer and still without accommodation, take a look at our cosy apartments in the centre of Barcelona.