10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona
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Known for its design, gastronomy, architecture and nightlife, Barcelona is a Mediterranean playground. It strikes a healthy mix of romance meets leisure and no matter what your ‘gusto’ (taste), somehow every activity seems to possess a romantic flare. Whether you’re visiting Gaudi’s Park Guell and overlooking the gorgeous city views, or taking a bike ride along the boardwalk, or even touring Picasso’s Museum, the city’s rich history and striking buildings can’t help but provide for an extremely romantic vibe.
In addition to what the city itself has to offer, just a short train ride or drive outside the city itself are some excellent day trips. Cadaques is a beautiful little town, home to renowned artist, Salvador Dali, it’s a quaint place to stroll, eat, drink and go for lunch at Cap De Creus, where you can see views of the Iberian Peninsula at the one restaurant at the top. Besalu is also a wonderful day trip if you’re looking for an authentic Medieval town and Sitges, just 40 minutes by train outside of Barcelona, is the ideal romantic beach town. Here you will get a great mix of fiesta as well as siesta, especially if you come during the summer months.
Without a doubt, this is Gaudi’s crowning glory. Set to be completed in 2046, the Sagrada Familia is a Barcelona must-see. Even if you don’t want to go inside, the outside facades, history and master design are equally breathtaking. This is definitely one of Barcelona’s top attractions. A mix between Star Wars meets Gothic architecture, the Sagrada Familia was the last project Gaudi worked on before he was sadly run over by a train. His greatest achievement, however, lives on and is fueled by donations from locals and tourists alike. The hope is that one day his greatest creation will be completed.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The views from the elevator are incredible, not to mention the Church itself is breathtaking.
Sam’s expert tip: Take elevator to the top and you get sturnning city views.
Read more about La Sagrada Familia →
Photo courtesy of Tibidabo
Tibidabo is one of the best places to take in panoramic city views of Barcelona. Atop this mountain, which is accessible by tram, there is an amusement park, Church of the Sacred Heart as well as some excellent restaurants and places to picnic. This is a perfect way to see some of the outer lying areas in the city, get some fresh air and see gorgeous views. It’s also nice for walking and hiking and if you feel like renting a motto for the day, this is the perfect place to ride through; even park the bike, walk around and go for lunch.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A great mountain-top just outside of Barcelona for fresh air and gorgeous city views.
Sam’s expert tip: Check out Can Marti restaurant. Excellent during Calcot (spring onion) season and a nice outdoor place for a BBQ.
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This modern palace features kaleidoscopic colors in tile, sculpture, stained glass and mosaics. Originally built as a home for the Choral Society, it now hosts musical concerts and is a gorgeous forum to watch live bands and classical concerts. If you’re able to experience a concert in this gorgeous music hall, then definitely do it! Palau De La Musica is a modernist masterpiece, designed between 1905-1908 by architect, Lluís Doménech i Montaner. This is the best place to watch a concert, even if you’re not into the music itself, the design and ambiance provide for a truly unforgettable and fascinating experience.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The most romantic concert hall in Barcelona to enjoy music.
Sam’s expert tip: Try to catch a concert inside the Palau during your visit.
Read more about Palau de la Música Catalana →
Photo courtesy of Mariah Quesada
Less of an attraction, Hi. This Is Barcelona is a private tour company with a high volume of honeymoon couples and those looking for romantic getaways. The company customizes all of its tours, so if you’re looking to spice up an experience with a touch of something special, these guys have some amazing ideas. From private walking, biking, car, and specialty tours, they can arrange a day in wine country at a private family-run vineyard, or set up a cooking class with professional chefs, or arrange a shopping day with designers. They’re also able to help set up surprises for loved ones and have a network of people who can help them make an ordinary experience, that much more special.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A private tour company specializing in customized tours including romantic experiences.
Sam’s expert tip: Ask about their special honeymoon tours.
Read more about Hi This Is Barcelona →
Fabulous cooking classes by a professional nutritionist and vegan cook. Pabulum focuses on fresh, organic, local and in-season foods, providing private and group cooking classes in a modern, trendy loft in the Gothic Quarter. Classes are run by a native American with a passion for food and not only are incredibly fun and informative but focus on creating pretty, elegant dishes that are sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Cocktails and an amuse-bouche accompany the classes. This is a unique and special way to spend an evening with just two or four people and learn a lot while leaving with a full (yet not too full) stomach.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: An intimate evening with a private chef in a modern yet rustic loft in the heart of the Old City.
Sam’s expert tip: Be sure to schedule in advance as spaces are limited.
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What used to be ‘Mountain of the Jews’ (Montjuic literally means Mountain of the Jews) has turned into one of Barcelona’s greatest attractions. It’s hard to find views as gorgeous as the ones you get from atop the mountain. Easily accessible via cable car (two of them to get to the very top) train or bus, the panoramic city views you’ll find at the top are breathtaking. Where now sits a military museum and a castle, Montjuic used to be a fortress dating back to the 17th century. Today it is a hot tourist attraction and a nice place for locals to spend an evening. During the summer there is the open-air Montjuic cinema, which features a different movie every night.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A great lookout point over the entire city and a magical place to walk around.
Sam’s expert tip: Go at night and watch the city light up.
Read more about Castell Montjuïc →
The Citadel was built on this site in the 1700s. After its fall, the fortress was turned into a park in the 19th century. Walk through the city’s Triumphal Arch to enter the park and admire the cascade, a fountain built by Josep Fontser�, who was assisted by his young student Gaud�. Wander through the beautiful gardens. Don’t miss your chance to visit the zoo and Museu de Zoologia, which are located in the park. This is a very romantic activity, as the park is quite big and has a lot to offer, including a mix of leisure as well as educational elements.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A relaxing stroll through a beautiful park in the city center.
Sam’s expert tip: Make sure to stroll by the little pond and watch the swans.
Read more about Parc de la Ciutadella →
Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, Casa Mila, otherwise known as La Pedrera, is one of Gaudi’s most well-known creations and is situated on Passeig de Gracia, just a stone’s throw from Casa Batllo. Constructed between 1905-1912, from the outside La Pedrera looks like it is made up of skulls. Architecturally, however, it is considered to be incredibly innovative as its facade is self-supporting. It also has underground parking and separate lifts and stairs for the owners and servants. Something that many people don’t know, is that the structures on the roof were actually what inspired George Lucas’ Storm Troopers for his Star Wars series. This might not seem romantic, but it’s so stunning inside and the clincher is the roof where you can see the city and find alone time amongst Gaudi’s Chimneys.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The roof is extremely romantic, as you can hide amongst the chimneys.
Sam’s expert tip: From the roof you have great views of the city.
Read more about Casa Milà (La Pedrera) →
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, this Barcelona mansion was created for the Catalan tycoon, Eusebi Guell and today is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is one of Gaudi’s many architectural masterpieces and was specifically used for entertaining high society guests in the main room. Palau Guell is particularly special because it is one of the few Modernist buildings in the Old City. Most of Gaudi’s works as well as those of Luis Domenech i Montaner and the rest of their contemporaries are in the Eixample neighborhood, up from Plaza Catalunya and where the expansion began for the rest of the city at the turn of the century.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A beautiful, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ esque park to walk around, laze on the grass and see beautiful city views.
Sam’s expert tip: Reserve tickets for group tours online and in advance.
Read more about Palau Guell →
Photo courtesy of Barcelona Wine Tastings
Exclusive and authentic wine tastings in Barcelona and Sitges. These wines are locally sourced, from small-batch productions and each has a story to tell. New-Yorker, Ambika Kumar, hosts ‘secret’ venue tastings, focusing on high-quality wines from little-known wineries across Spain. Tastings are paired with delicious food and led by a wine connoisseur and fragrance expert. Each tasting is held in a different location and only revealed to the participants a day before the event. Ambika is professional, knowledgable and engaging so if you’re a wine aficionado or just want to have a romantic evening doing something a bit different, this is an excellent choice.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A unique, exclusive and authentic evening with a small group of people, great wine and fabulous food.
Sam’s expert tip: Email them in order to get on their mailing list as tastings aren’t posted online.
Read more about Barcelona Wine Tastings →