Beautiful Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital and Gaudí’s architectural portfolio, is home to exquisite food, arts, and culture. With good reason, Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain. There are plenty of touristy things to do, but to truly have a unique experience, it’s rewarding to go a bit off the beaten path and experience Barcelona in a different light. So, here are some secret spots in Barcelona to enjoy during your visit to help you enjoy this fantastic city even more.
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
A former hospital, founded in 1401, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that many never visit during a trip to Barcelona. From the work of leading architect in Catalan Modernisme Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the building is an excellent example of Catalan Civil Gothic architecture. Visitors can participate in both self-guided and guided tours through the old hospital. For more information, check out its website here.
This is a great Barcelona secret spot because you can also see a clear shot of Sagrada Familia from here, too.
Hours:
From November to March, 9 – 17h Monday-Saturday, 9 – 15h Sundays
From April to Otober, 9 – 19h Monday-Saturday, 8 – 15h Sundays
Visit an Ancient Roman Temple
Secretly tucked away within a courtyard in the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find an ancient Roman temple built in honor of Emperor Augustus called the Temple of Augustus.
The majority of roman buildings were torn down and built on top of, but the columns of the Temple of Augustus remained intact and has been incorporated into the medieval buildings which were built around them.
Just minutes away from the cathedral, you can find the Temple of Augustus on Carrer Paradís 10 and it’s completely free to enter.
Hours:
Mondays & public holidays 10 to 14h
Tuesday – Saturday 10 to 19h
Sundays 10 to 20h
Closed Jan 1, May 1, June 24 and December 25
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Casa Vicens
A little bit tucked away, Casa Vicens is Gaudí’s first major work combining Spanish bourgeois with ancient Arab traditions. Also, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is absolutely worth visiting during a trip to Barcelona. It’s certainly one of Gaudí’s architectural secret spots. For information on tickets, you can visit its website here.
Hours:
10 – 20h daily
Els Encants Flea Market
Check out this fantastic flea market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in Poblenou. There are more than 500 vendors in the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes selling all sorts of things: clothes, jewels, accessories, furniture and antiques every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Els Ecants is a very cool spot architecturally as well, with reflecting walls and an eye-catching golden canopy for a roof.
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9 to 20h
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Pinchos on Carrer de Blai
Barcelona’s tapas street located in Poble Sec, Carrer de Blai, is home to dozens of pincho bars. Pinchos, believed to be from the Basque Country, are small finger foods usually stacked on top of a piece of baguette bread and held together by the help of a wooden pick. It’s an essential part of the gastronomic experience in Spain, and this street is dedicated to love of the pincho. It’s one of the best secret spots to get away from the typical touristy tapas places, too.
Enjoy pinchos for around € 1 or € 2 each with beer, wine, and other beverages also served at a good price.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
One of Barcelona’s very best parks located in the Horta neighborhood, is enchanting for its labyrinth maze within the park grounds.
It also features Barcelona’s oldest garden and has several beautiful fountains and sculptures. Wandering through this unusual and pretty place is certainly a unique way of spending a couple of hours off the beaten path in Barcelona.
Bonus: You can spot nice views of the city and even the sea from certain angles at this park.
Note: Bring a couples of euros for entry.
Hours:
From 1st April to 31st October – 10 to 20h
From 1st November to 31st March, from 10 to 18h
English Comedy Shows
Not ready to plunge into Spanish comedy shows? Don’t worry — me neither. Being as cosmopolitan as Barcelona is, it’s home to plenty of amazing English comedy nights. Most are free with tips highly encouraged. They are a great option for casual nights or prepping for a big a night out as all the comedy shows are within bars. Plus, getting your drink on only makes everything funnier anyways.
There are comedies practically every week night and most are located centrally within secret spots in the Gothic Quarter.
Some of my favorites:
Sunday nights – Atomic Comedy located downstairs at El Paraigua at 20h
Monday nights – Comedy with Dorothy at La Dorotea at 20:30h
Wednesday nights – Stand Up Comedy at Craft Barcelona at 21:30h
Friday nights – Bomb Shelter Stand Up Comedy at Bar Limerick at 21h
Saturday nights – Cave Comedy Club‘s English Comedy Nights at Las Cuevas de los Rajahs at 20:30h
Barcelona Packing Essentials
Anti-Theft Bag and stylish Birkenstocks. Very Barcelona and the bags will help keep those pesky thieves away from your things.
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