This city is full of lesser-known attractions that will make your next holiday feel extra special, particularly if you’ve visited before and already seen the main attractions. From historic sites that hold memories of the city’s past turmoils to unique gardens and excellent views, you can find plenty of unusual things to do in Barcelona. Whether you’re after great food, historic insight, art, culture, or just something a bit out of the ordinary, you can find it among these hidden gems in Barcelona. If you haven’t visited before, be sure to also check out our general guide to things to do in Barcelona, and if you’re only here for a short trip, our city break in Barcelona guide will help you pack it all in.
Hidden gems in Barcelona: Refugi 307
Barcelona built over a thousand bomb shelters during the Spanish Civil War, and Refugi 307 (or Shelter 307), in the Poble Sec neighbourhood, provides a fascinating look into Spain’s history. Made up of tunnels roughly 2 metres wide and 2.10 metres tall, stretching around 400 metres long, they provide a glimpse into the living conditions offered by the bunker, from the infirmary to the children’s area. There’s usually one English tour running each day; this is one site that you’ll appreciate visiting with a guide who can give you further insight into what life was like for the people who used the bunkers.
The Horta Labyrinth
This storybook-esque hedge maze is tucked away from the busier tourist streets, in the Horta-Guinardo district of northeastern Barcelona. The labyrinth was first built in 1791 and today is made up of more than 700 metres of twisting paths, which eventually lead visitors to the centre, where a statue of Eros, the Greek God of Love sits. The surrounding gardens are made up of a Neoclassical section that includes the labyrinth and a Romantic section built in the 1800s. Spend a morning trying to get through the maze and exploring the rest of the garden before heading up to the Carmel neighbourhood for one of the best views in Barcelona.
Carmel Bunkers
Sitting atop El Turo de la Rovira in the Horta-Guinardo neighbourhood, the Carmel Bunkers also date back to the Spanish Civil War; however, unlike Refugi 307, they aren’t actual bunkers. Instead, they were a base for anti-aircraft defence systems. While the history of the bunkers is fascinating in and of itself, the main reason most people visit is because of its hilltop location and the incredible 360° views of Barcelona it provides. Visiting the bunkers is completely free and the sunset views are simply spectacular (although as more people discover this hidden gem, sunset is the busiest time). The Carmel Bunkers haven’t been inhabited since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and although more people know about it today than ever before, it’s still a wonderfully quiet retreat.
La Rotonda Cafe at El Corte Ingles
If you’re after a good view closer to the city centre, then head to La Rotonda Cafe, on the ninth floor of El Corte Ingles. El Corte Ingles is a chain of department stores, and the main Barcelona outpost is in Placa de Catalunya, in an old-school building with plenty of excellent shops on the way up. The cafe itself has tall windows that provide panoramic views of the city down below, and the varied menu includes sandwiches, pizza, sushi, pastries, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Although it’s a lesser-known site, it’s still a good idea to make a reservation if you plan on getting a sit-down meal, or you can just grab a coffee and relax on the outdoor roof terrace. Alternatively, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Barcelona.
Church of Saint Philip Neri
Located in Placa de Sant Felip Neri, in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the Church of Saint Philip Neri is a fascinating site, partially because of the scars on its exterior. Built between 1721 and 1752, it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War; although it’s been restored and cleaned since then, the effects of the bombing were preserved. Today, the pitted walls are a stark reminder of the painful memories of the war, and any traveller interested in the history of Barcelona should consider paying a visit to them.
Cathedral of Barcelona
Another underrated church in the Gothic Quarter worth checking out is the Cathedral of Barcelona (also known as La Seu). The church’s beautiful Gothic architecture would be enough to recommend it, but there’s one particularly unique feature that makes it a true gem. When you arrive at the church, you’ll likely hear a faint honking noise, and if you follow the noise into the church’s courtyard, you’ll find a gaggle of geese, thirteen geese to be exact; this is due to the fact that the Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, who was martyred when she was thirteen years old. So whether you visit to admire the church’s architecture or to enjoy the playful antics of the geese, the Barcelona Cathedral is sure to delight you.
Zona de Banys del Forum
If you’re visiting during summer and want to enjoy swimming pool-style recreation without the chlorine or a day out at the beach without all that sticky sand, then the Zona de Banys del Forum is the perfect place to visit. Roughly 375 metres long and 30 metres wide, the Zona de Banys del Forum borders the Parc del Forum, and this open salt-water pool is a delightful way to spend a sunny, summer’s day in Barcelona. It also has a hydraulic chair lift, which makes it easier for visitors with reduced mobility to get in and out of the water. So, if you’re heading to the Sant Marti district on a sunny day, consider packing your swimwear, just in case.
Grec Gardens Amphitheatre
The Grec Gardens Amphitheatre, or Jardins del Teatre Grec, is one of the most beautiful, and underrated, green spaces in Barcelona. Originally built as a rose garden for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, the garden is home to beautifully curated flower beds, hedges, trees, and climbing plants, which create an unforgettable atmosphere. The garden stands on the site of an old quarry, which has been transformed into an amphitheatre that hosts outdoor performances and concerts during the warmer months. The one time of year it isn’t quite so hidden is when it operates as a venue for the Grec Festival, usually held mid-summer. You can find it on Montjuic Hill, just a short walk from the Jardins de Laribal.
Mossen Costa i Llobera Gardens
Despite being in Barcelona’s city centre, Mossen Costa i Llobera Gardens, a gorgeous cactus garden sprawling across roughly six hectares, is relatively unknown among tourists. You can find it in the Sants-Montjuic district, at the foot of Montjuic Hill and providing lovely views of Barcelona’s harbour and coastline. In the garden, you’ll find roughly 800 types of cacti and succulents, along with a range of trees, including some that are hundreds of years old. There are also artistic sculptures throughout the park and a pergola where you can sit down and enjoy some shade.
MEAM
Near the much more popular Picasso Museum, you’ll find Museu Europeu d’Art Modern, a living museum in a constant state of change. With a variety of artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries, immerse yourself in around 1,700 square metres of modern art exhibitions. Housed in the beautifully restored Palau Gomis, the gallery focuses on figurative art movements and includes paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings dealing with a range of themes and topics. Get away from the lines at Barcelona’s more popular museums and galleries and spend a relaxed afternoon taking your time exploring every inch of MEAM.
CosmoCaixa
CosmoCaixa is a science museum on the edge of downtown Barcelona, at the foot of Tibidabo Mountain; if you’re in the area, particularly with kids, it’s well worth a visit. It has a lot of interactive exhibits that will get young travellers engaged in learning. Its highlights include the Flooded Forest exhibit, which is a recreation of the Amazon rainforest’s ecosystem, and the Universe Gallery, an interactive exhibit taking visitors through the history of evolution, from the beginning of the universe to the modern day.
Casa Lleo Morera: the Mulberry Mansion
Barcelona is home to some absolutely stunning architecture, with one of the most popular being the fairytale-esque Casa Battlo, designed by Antoni Gaudi. But just a short walk away is the oft-overlooked Mulberry Mansion, or Casa Lleo Morera, a gorgeous Art Nouveau building renovated in 1902 by famed architect Lluis Domenech. Unfortunately, these days, the building isn’t usually open to the public for tours outside of specific events, but if you’re in the area visiting sites like Casa Battlo, take the short detour to admire its intricate exterior; if you do get a chance to head inside, be sure to take it.
Antic Teatre
Antic Teatre is a hidden gem for travellers but it’s certainly popular with Barcelona’s locals, so while other options on this list will take you away from the crowds, Antic Teatre boasts a busy-yet-laid-back atmosphere. A lovely terraza garden bar tucked away in the El Born neighbourhood, Antic Teatre is a great place to grab drinks after you’ve been to the Palau de la Musica Catalana (a stunning concert hall nearby). Bordered and shaded by leafy trees, the site also frequently hosts live performances by local independent artists. The drinks are usually cheap and it’s easy to spend a sunny afternoon or warm evening relaxing here after a long day of sightseeing.
