Barcelona beyond the crowds: Why this Catalan city is still a showstopper
- Peregryn travel writers
- Dec 12, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 27
A dream destination on the Catalan coast, Barcelona is famed for its gorgeous Gaudí architecture, sublime cuisine, fabulous weather and captivating culture.
This endlessly fascinating city, nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, has endured a spate of bad publicity of late, with an anti-tourist movement looking to mitigate the effects of more than 12 million visitors a year. Yet this is a city with so many layers, one that rewards curious travellers with an array of captivating experiences away from the typical tourist trails.
In fact, the most interesting places in Barcelona go beyond the ‘bucket list’ destinations. And while world-renowned wonders such as La Sagrada Família are essential, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find an array of secret spots, within the city itself and further along the coastline, rewarding those in search of the more authentic side to the Catalan capital.
What not to miss in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to a dizzying array of ‘essentials’ from one of the world's oldest theme parks to some of the most majestic buildings in Europe.
The Sagrada Família
Legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s undisputed masterpiece, La Basílica de la Sagrada Família (the Basilica of the Sacred Family) is 142 years in the making, with a completion date set for 2026. The outside is astonishing enough, but the interiors are genuinely gasp-inducing. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Gaudí’s tomb, located in the crypt beneath the church.
El Recinte de Sant Pau
A former hospital located just 1 km north of La Sagrada Família, this modernist marvel was designed by Barcelona’s second most famous architect – Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Declared a World Heritage site by Unesco for its unique construction and artistic beauty, El Recinte de Sant Pau is particularly stunning at Christmas, when it’s transformed into a winter wonderland with a breathtaking blend of light, colour and music.
La Rambla
One of the most famous streets in Europe, La Rambla (sometimes referred to as ‘Las Ramblas’) might be entirely free from locals and packed with souvenir stands selling over-priced products, but it’s still an iconic stretch. Connecting the Christopher Columbus statue near the port with the city’s central square, Plaça de Catalunya, it takes a mere twenty minutes to stroll its length, making it a quick, essential activity when visiting Barcelona.
Mercat de la Boquería
Located halfway along La Rambla you’ll find Barcelona’s oldest and most famous market. La Boquería is worth a visit just to soak up the ambience, with traders chattering away and foodies foraging for local produce and fresh catch seafood. It’s also one of the best places to find food souvenirs, including some of the best Jamón Ibérico in Barcelona.
Parc Güell
Another one of Gaudís masterpieces, Parc Güell is the city’s most visited landmark, drawing in almost five million visitors every year. It’s perhaps the most complete example of Gaudí’s genius, showcasing everything from his trademark trencadís
mosaic stylings and famous lizards to swirling landscapes and spiral towers straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo
Built in 1899, the Parc d’Atraccions Tibidabo is one of the world’s oldest theme parks still functioning. For those with little ones in tow, this hilltop amusement park is unmissable, and you’ll find a large variety of thrills and spills for all ages. You’ll also enjoy unmatched panoramas of the city below, as well as an up-close view of the incredible gothic church that overlooks the city, the Basílica del Sagrado Corazón Tibidabo.
A few lesser-known sites
Aside from the big-hitters, Barcelona is also home to a fair few hidden gems. Here’s a selection of some of the best.
Castell de Montjuïc
Barcelona’s lush green hill, Montjuïc is an underappreciated marvel in its own right, with wide open spaces and an array of elegant parks and historic sites. Perched atop the hill you’ll find the iconic Castell de Montjuïc, an old military fortress dating back to 1640. The views of the city are incredible and, if you’re in Barcelona in the summer, the sunset open-air cinema, Sala Montjuïc is a must. Running throughout July and August, it features modern and classic films projected on the side of the castle wall.
Jardi Botànic Historic
The lesser known of Barcelona’s two botanic gardens, Barcelona’s Historic Botanic Garden is a small sun-drenched oasis tucked away at the back of the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Often unnoticed by the stream of tourists who pass its entrance every day, it’s one of the most serene spots in the whole of the city and a nature lover’s paradise.
Mercat dels Encants
A fabulous flea market in the northern neighbourhood of Poblenou, the Mercat dels Encants is an antique in itself – it opened its doors in the 1300s. Wander around beneath the undulating aluminium roof while hunting for hidden treasures, with everything from vintage clothing and quirky interior decor to old books and records.
Fundació Joan Miró
While the crowds flock to the Picasso Museum, head to this dazzling ode to Barcelona’s most cherished artist. A master of contemporary art, Miró’s style is colourful, bold and unashamedly abstract. The serenity of the Fundació Joan Miró’s setting – the open spaces of the wonderful Montuïc hilltop – perfectly complements this underrated art gallery.
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
Nestled in the foothills of the sprawling Natural Park, Collserola, Barcelona’s oldest historical garden features a giant hedge maze at its centre, with over 2,000 twists and turns. Make it to the centre and you’ll find a statue of Eros, the Greek god of love, a nod to the park’s romantic origins.
Unexpected neighbourhoods
If you’re looking to escape the hubbub of the city centre, and wondering where to stay in Barcelona and some of the best places to explore, here are some of the more interesting neighbourhoods in the city.
Poble Sec
A vibrant up-and-coming neighbourhood located at the foot of Montjuïc, Poble Sec is teeming with fantastic international restaurants and excellent wine bars. Famed for its pedestrianised street, Carrer de Blai, which is sprinkled with ‘pincho’ bars, Poble Sec has a ramshackle charm of its own and is still relatively untouched by tourism.
Poblenou
Hugely popular with expats, this district in the north of the city is notable for its open spaces – a rarity in comparison to the dense grid-like streets in the centre. Expect large warehouses filled with dazzling art exhibitions, fantastic design museums, quirky cafes and some of the best beaches in the city.
Gracia
Barcelona’s bohemian district is perhaps its coolest. Head up in the late afternoon and stroll its narrow streets, winding past bars where the sounds of live music fill the air. Then stop for a caña in one of its many picturesque squares, soaking in the unique buzz of an evening in Gracia.
Sants
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Barcelona, you should head to one of the city’s more local barrios. Sants is one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona, featuring an array of wonderful tapas bars and international restaurants. Stroll along the neighbourhood's main street, Carrer de la Creu Coberta, which is fully pedestrianised on weekends, and experience life like a local.
El Born
An evening in Barcelona’s prettiest neighbourhood, El Born, has an almost cinematic quality to it. Meander along narrow streets past tree-lined squares illuminated by the golden glow of old-fashioned street lamps, then stop to savour vintage varietals at some of the city’s best wine bars, soaking up the pure European elegance of it all.
Beaches beyond Barceloneta
Barcelona is beloved for its blend of city and beach, with the central stretch of sand known as Barceloneta the first port of call for most visitors. However, if you’re looking for softer sands and less of a crowd, it’s worth looking a little further afield.
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Barcelona, head to the north of the city. Flanking the Poblenou neighbourhood, the Nova Icária and Bogatell beaches offer fewer crowds, cleaner sand and better beach facilities than Barceloneta.
A 45-minute train ride away, the historic beachside town of Sitges is a little-known coastal jewel to the south of Barcelona. Known as the LGBTQ+ capital of Spain, here you’ll find silkier sand, cleaner water and a more serene vibe than the beaches of Barcelona, as well as some excellent beachfront restaurants and quality boutique hotels, making it ideal for a long weekend when visiting Barcelona.
Further south along the coast, the town of Castelldefels is an expat favourite owing to its gorgeous stretch of golden sand. Nearby Gavá is also worth a visit – both are easily accessible via bus or train from Barcelona.
If you’re looking for a tranquil spot far from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, head to Sant Pol de Mar, 50km up the coast from Barcelona – just an hour and forty minutes on the train. You’ll have a choice of 10 blissful beaches, as well as an array of elegant seafood restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine.
Barcelona like a local: the best authentic experiences
If you’re wondering what to see and do in Barcelona in four days or more, you can do much of the above and get a flavour of Barcelona life with the following uniquely Catalan experiences.
Eat calçots at a calçotada
Nothing captures the rustic charm of Catalan culture quite like a calçotada – the smoky-sweet sensation of the winter season. Essentially, a calçotada is a huge barbecue feast where friends and family gather to eat, drink and be merry. At the centre of it all are the humble calçots – large green onions that grow plentifully in the fertile fields surrounding Barcelona – which are trussed together with wire, singed on the barbecue and wrapped in newspaper to gently steam. Messily eaten after being dipped in a delicious traditional sauce known as romesco, they are sensational… particularly when paired with a glass (or two) of locally made cava.
Experience a festa major
One of the most interesting things about Barcelona – certainly one of the first things expats realise when they move to Barcelona – is that the local folk know how to throw a party! In fact, each neighbourhood in the city has its own street festival, known as a festa major. Each area does things differently, but most feature dazzling decorations, parades, music, dancing, street food feasts and, most notably, the spellbinding castellers, Catalonia’s famous human towers. The best of the lot is the Festa Major de Gracia in August, although each and every one has a charm of its own.
Take a local cooking class
Wondering where to eat in Barcelona? Enrich your experience in Barcelona and take home more than just memories of a meal. Signing up for a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in local cuisine while soaking up some valuable culinary skills that you can use in your own kitchen. There are a number of great food experiences from tapas workshops to paella classes, where you’ll learn about the origins of dishes and receive insider wisdom on the best wine pairing options.
Visit a winery
Home to 10 different DOPs (Denominación de Origen Protegida), Catalonia is teeming with fantastic vineyards that produce some of Spain’s finest wines. Visit the likes of Priorat, Alella and Terra Alta, all historic regions known for their high quality, unique character wines, as well as Penedes, home of cava, Catalonia’s answer to champagne. The best wineries in and around Barcelona offer insightful tours and a range of tasting experiences, giving you an authentic taste of one of Catalonia’s most cherished traditions.
Hike up Montserrat
Looking for an escape to the great outdoors during a trip to Barcelona? There’s no better place than the multi-peaked mountain range to the northwest of the city. Take the hour-long FGC train ride from Plaça de Espanya to Montserrat and choose from several hiking routes – or, if you prefer a gentler ascent, take the cable car to the top. There you’ll find a bone fide town, complete with shops, restaurants, bars and a stunning Benedictine church.
BOXOUT: Great places to stay
An influx of tourist apartments – some legal, some not – has put a massive strain on Barcelona’s local housing market in recent years. With the city council recently announcing a ban on Airbnb rentals and other short-term accommodations, hotels are once again coming to the forefront.
Luckily, there are a number of fantastic hotels in Barcelona to suit all budgets and styles. Wondering where to stay in Barcelona? Here are some of the best hotels in the city.
The dazzling 1920s modernist façade sets the tone for a glamorous stay in the heart of Barcelona. Watch the city go by from the wonderful rooftop infinity pool.
A serene spot close to the coast, with stylish rooms offering wonderful views of the skyline or sea. Home to one of the city’s best beach clubs, Purobeach Barcelona, offering international cuisine, sparkling pools and resident DJs.
Nestled in the affluent residential area of Les Tres Torres, this luxury boutique is a haven of relaxation, with stylish, understated designs, attentive services and refined Catalan cuisine.
A five-minute walk from La Boquería, Casa Camper is a charming boutique hotel known for its personalised service. Don’t miss the fantastic bar on the rooftop patio, the perfect place for sundowners and tapas.
Housed in a restored building dating from 1856, Casa Bonay’s main draw is the Courtyard Large Terrace rooms, which offer private terraces with hammocks and outdoor showers, as well as interiors bathed in Spanish sunlight.
A stone’s throw away from Gaudí’s mesmerising Casa Batlló, Margot House offers dazzling East-meets-West decor courtesy of renowned Spanish interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán.
A 5-star retreat housed within a medieval palace in the city’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel Neri offers tasteful rooms and luxury one-bedroom apartments, with an excellent rooftop terrace with a pool.
Sleek minimalist designs with soft lines, muted tones and natural materials create a relaxing ambience at this hotel from the global gourmands. The Nobu restaurant on the top floor is, unsurprisingly, an experience not to be missed.
A vibrant, design-driven hotel in the central L’Eixample district, Ocean Drive features sun-kissed rooftop pool, bamboo decor and lush Mediterranean gardens with an upbeat, vibrant atmosphere.
¡Vamos a Barcelona!
Ignore the headlines and pack your bags – Barcelona’s status as one of the world’s greatest cities remains. Yes, you’ll find famous Gaudí masterpieces, big boulevards and world-class museums in Barcelona. Yet, the city’s true charm – as the locals know all too well – lies in those soulful spots, the ones the tourists miss.
These elements, from cultural events and time-honoured traditions to natural beauty spots beyond the city limits, are Barcelona's beating heart. And they offer unforgettable experiences for the intrepid traveller.
