20 Unusual Things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is famous for Gaudí architecture, bustling tapas bars and the golden sands of Barceloneta — but beyond the well-trodden tourist routes lies a far more curious and creative side of the city. Hidden bunkers overlook the skyline, secret speakeasies serve cocktails behind unmarked doors, and centuries-old traditions continue in quiet neighbourhood squares.

Barcelona thrives on creativity and reinvention; which means some of the city’s most memorable experiences are the ones you least expect. From exploring underground Roman ruins to watching experimental theatre in abandoned warehouses, the Catalan capital rewards those willing to explore a little deeper than surface level.

With mountains, a beautiful coastline, vineyards and medieval villages all within easy reach, Barcelona is also the perfect base for discovering Catalonia beyond the city. Whether you're wandering hidden gardens, tasting natural wine or escaping into nature for a night under the stars, these unusual experiences will show you a side of Barcelona many travellers miss.

Here are 20 unusual things to do in Barcelona that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

1. Watch the Sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel

High above the city sits one of Barcelona’s most spectacular viewpoints. Originally built as anti-aircraft bunkers during the Spanish Civil War, the Bunkers del Carmel hilltop spot now offers a breath-taking 360° panorama of the city - from the Mediterranean Sea all the way around to the mountains behind.

Unlike more famous viewpoints, the atmosphere here feels relaxed, local, and it's one of our favourite free things to do in Barcelona. So why not bring a picnic or a bottle of wine and find a spot on these historic concrete walls, watching the city slowly glow as the sun sets behind the skyline.

2. Explore the Hidden Labyrinth of Horta

Barcelona’s oldest garden hides one of its most surprising attractions: a perfectly trimmed hedge maze. Located in the quiet Horta district, the Parc del Laberint d'Horta is a neoclassical park that feels worlds away from the city centre.

Wander through romantic gardens, statues inspired by Greek mythology, and shaded pathways, before attempting to find the centre of the labyrinth itself. It’s peaceful, quirky and far less crowded than Barcelona’s more famous parks.

3. Take a Road Trip in a Siesta Camper

Looking for adventurous things to do in Barcelona? Look no further. Barcelona isn’t just a destination — it’s the gateway to one of Europe’s most diverse travel regions. Within an hour you can reach the stunning cliffs of the Costa Brava, the breath-taking peaks of Montserrat, or the vineyards of the Penedès wine region.

Campervan hire in Barcelona gives you the freedom to explore Catalonia at your own pace. Spend the day wandering hidden corners, then wake up the next morning beside the Mediterranean or high in the mountains. With everything you need onboard – from cooking hobs to beds to a fridge, your camper becomes the perfect base for discovering the many landscapes that surround the city.

4. Find Barcelona’s Secret Speakeasy Bars

Barcelona hides several speakeasy-style cocktail bars tucked behind unmarked doors. One of the most famous is Paradiso. To enter, you walk through a pastrami sandwich shop fridge door before stepping into one of the world’s most creative cocktail bars. Drinks arrive in smoking glasses, seashells, or elaborate sculptures, making the experience feel unique to any other bars.

However, Paradiso is the most famous so it can get quite crowded. But Barcelona has a large number of these unique and exciting bars you will have no trouble locating wherever you are in the city.

5. Discover the Underground World of Roman Barcelona

Beneath the Gothic Quarter lies a hidden Roman city. At the Barcelona History Museum, you can walk through underground ruins of ancient streets, wine-making facilities, and fish-salting workshops dating back nearly 2,000 years.

Glass walkways allow you to wander above the archaeological remains while learning how Roman Barcino once operated. Now declared a Site of Cultural Interest, you will be in awe as you look upon archaeological remains dating back to the 1st Century BC.

6. Kayak Along Barcelona’s Coastline

Most visitors experience Barcelona from the streets — but the city looks completely different from the sea. Kayaking tours along the coastline allow you to paddle past the amazing skyline, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs just north of the city.

It’s a refreshing way to escape the crowds and see Barcelona from a unique perspective. It might be best to book in advance, but there are always plenty of tours available, especially during the warmer months.

7. Visit the Chocolate Museum

Barcelona takes chocolate very seriously. The quirky Museu de la Xocolata explores the history of cocoa in Europe and Catalonia — but the real highlight is the collection of elaborate chocolate sculptures, including famous landmarks recreated entirely in cocoa.

For a little keepsake, your entry ticket even comes in the form of a chocolate bar.

8. Wander the Artistic Streets of El Raval

Once gritty and overlooked, El Raval has transformed into one of Barcelona’s most eclectic neighbourhoods. Vintage shops, street art, indie galleries and multicultural food spots fill the narrow streets.

It’s the perfect area to explore without a plan — duck into art studios, browse record stores and soak up all the creative energy.

9. Take a Cable Car to the Top of Montjuïc

Gliding high above Barcelona’s harbour, the Montjuïc Cable Car offers stunning aerial views of the city and coastline. At the top, you’ll find gardens, castle walls and even some quiet viewpoints rarely visited by tourists.

The sunset views here are particularly spectacular, so venturing up in the evening is always a plus.

10. Take a Night Photography Tour

See Barcelona in a completely different light as you explore the city after dark with a local photography guide. Wander through the shadowy alleys of the Gothic Quarter, capture the glow of street lamps reflecting off wet cobblestones, and frame iconic modernist landmarks like Sagrada Família or Casa Batlló illuminated against the night sky.

Along the coast, long-exposure shots turn the Mediterranean into a silky blur, while hidden viewpoints reveal quiet, cinematic perspectives most visitors never see.

11. Explore the Abandoned Olympic Pools

Built for the 1992 Olympics, the Piscines Municipals de Montjuïc now offer one of the best views in Barcelona. The pools are still open in summer, but even outside the season the viewpoint alone is worth visiting.

With its stunning skyline backdrop, you won’t be short of photo opportunities in this spot.

12. Take a Paella Cooking Workshop

Rather than simply ordering paella at a restaurant, learn how to cook it yourself. Culinary workshops like the Paella Club teach visitors the art of traditional Catalan rice dishes — from selecting ingredients to mastering the perfect socarrat (the crispy bottom layer).

And what better way to finish than enjoying the meal you’ve just cooked yourself.

13. Discover Barcelona’s Urban Vineyard

Few visitors realise that Barcelona produces its own wine. On the slopes of the Collserola Natural Park sits Can Calopa, a historic vineyard run as a social project producing small batches of organic wine. Part of a work cooperative beginning in 1974, Can Calopa is dedicated to people and nature, with the vineyards being processed manually and each bottle being labelled by hand.

Tours include tastings with stunning views across the hills surrounding the city, so if you're looking for romantic things to do in Barcelona, this one is a solid choice.

14. Explore the Gothic Quarter After Midnight

The Gothic Quarter transforms completely after dark. When the crowds disappear, the medieval streets feel even more mysterious and atmospheric. The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the city, retaining its labyrinthine street plan; with structures from medieval and Roman periods, alongside 19th and early 20th century buildings.

Wander the narrow alleys, discover hidden courtyards, and listen to street musicians echoing between centuries-old stone walls.

15. Try an Escape Room Adventure

Barcelona is home to some of Europe’s most elaborate escape rooms, many inspired by crime stories, historical mysteries, or science fiction.

Escape rooms like Lock-Clock are among the top things to do with kids in Barcelona. it’s a fun and unusual way to experience immersive storytelling while solving puzzles with family or friends.

16. Climb Tibidabo Mountain

Towering above Barcelona, Tibidabo offers incredible views across the entire city and coastline. At the summit you’ll find a historic amusement park and the striking Sagrat Cor church.

Taking the funicular up the mountain is the fastest and most sustainable way to reach the peak, while also giving you fantastic views along the way. There is a rich history of this mountain, beginning as a forgotten landscape and becoming one of the largest metropolitan natural parks in the world. A great day out for everyone!

17. Browse the Mercat dels Encants Flea Market

One of Europe’s oldest markets, Encants is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, vinyl records and unexpected finds. With 301 shops and nine restaurants you’ll never be short of cool places to go.

The mirrored roof above the market creates incredible reflections, making it a fascinating place to explore even if you don’t buy anything.

18. Watch an Outdoor Cinema in Summer

During summer months, Montjuïc Castle hosts open-air film screenings under the stars. Bring a blanket, enjoy food trucks and drinks, and watch classic movies with Barcelona’s skyline as the backdrop.

It’s one of the city’s most atmospheric evening experiences – and what can be more romantic than a picnic coupled with a classic rom-com!

19. Hike in Collserola Natural Park

Barcelona is one of the few major cities in Europe with a vast natural park right on its doorstep. Collserola Natural Park offers forest trails, mountain viewpoints and peaceful countryside just minutes from the metro. The Tibidabo mountain is a part of this park but there is so much more to see inside this 8’000 hectares of mountain range.

It’s perfect for escaping the city for a few hours and immersing yourself in nature, from pine forests to beautiful pastures.

20. Swim at a Hidden Costa Brava Cove

Just north of Barcelona lies the spectacular Costa Brava coastline, famous for turquoise water and hidden rocky coves and stunning beaches.

Small beaches tucked between cliffs offer crystal-clear swimming spots far from the crowded city beaches. It’s perfect for a day trip if you want a more adventurous Mediterranean experience, or somewhere to cool you down in those warmer months.

Barcelona is Even Better with Siesta Campers

Barcelona is a city of contrasts: medieval streets meet avant-garde architecture, and within an hour you can swap an urban lifestyle for mountains, vineyards, or a wild Mediterranean coastline.

With Siesta Campers, you can experience both sides of the region — explore Barcelona’s hidden corners by day, then wake up somewhere entirely new the next morning.

Whether it’s a quiet vineyard, a clifftop on the Costa Brava, or a forest campsite in the mountains, a fully-equipped campervan turns a hunt for unusual things to do in Barcelona into a bigger and more memorable adventure.