With so much to see and do in Barcelona, many tourists choose to pack as much as they can into their days and spend their evenings relaxing in their hotel room or unwinding at a local restaurant. That’s great, but if you want to explore everything that the stunning city has to offer, then it pays to venture out after dark and partake in some fun evening activities.
Whether you’re on a minibreak or you’re spending the whole week in the Catalan capital, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to Barcelona’s nightlife, with something fun around every corner. Below, we’ve put together eight things to get up to on an evening in the city…
Enjoy an authentic flamenco show
Barcelona is not the birthplace of Flamenco, but our tradition of cultural fusion has installed it in the city. If you are not going to travel to the south of Spain during your stay, you can catch the opportunity and see an authentic flamenco show in Barcelona, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Indeed, many bars, restaurants, and clubs host flamenco evenings and experiences, with some offering classes to help you get into the groove. One of the most popular is the Palacio del Flamenco, which since 1920 has been entertaining guests with glamour and traditional Spanish dancing. Widely considered the best flamenco and classical dance fusion show in Spain, the set features fourteen artists and live music, alongside delicious tapas food with eight menus to choose from. Located in the heart of the city, it makes for a great evening out and gets you into the real Spanish spirit.
Experience the Magic Fountain
Built in 1929, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is located at the head of Avinguda Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighbourhood of Barcelona, and sprays 2,600 litres of water a second through more than three thousand jets reaching 170 feet in height. At weekends, you can watch sound and light performances every half an hour, with the stunning water display dancing along to traditional and contemporary music, including Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona. Whether you want to marvel at its beauty or take a selfie, the Magic Fountain is a must-do evening activity when you’re spending time in the city, attracting 2.5 million tourists a year.
Check the timetables here: https://www.barcelona.cat/en/what-to-do-in-bcn/magic-fountain/magic-fountains-show-times
Let your hair down at a music concert
Whether you’re looking to experience some traditional Catalonian music or you fancy seeing a musical, there’s always something going on at one of the city’s many music and arts venues, like the Museo Europeo de Arte Moderno, Parc del Fòrum, Teatre Tívoli, L’Auditori, and Harlem Jazz Club. Websites like the Barcelona Metropolitan and SongKick will keep you up to date and show you what gigs and events you can expect on the evening of your visit, whilst the annual Sónar, Primavera Sound, DGTL Barcelona, Cruïlla Barcelona and Vida festivals offer world-class music experiences in one of the world’s most picturesque cities.
Take part in a unique dining experience
The chances are that you’ll want to sample everything Barcelona’s food scene has to offer, but if you’re looking for a unique evening, then an “experience restaurant” could be just the ticket. Dans Le Noir, for example, is an unassuming restaurant in El Born, but with one simple twist: you dine in the dark. Yep, that’s right – from your entré right through to coffee, you’ll have to rely on your other senses – like smell, feel, and taste – to work out what you’re eating.
If you fancy a meal with the lights on, then Tickets should be on your list – a cabaret-inspired eatery with booths, velvet curtains, and stunning decor. Disfrutar, on the other hand, is a Michelin-starred restaurant with all the bells and whistles – think blowtorches, bird cages, and dry ice. It’s the ultimate in fine dining, and perfect for a romantic evening with your partner.
Unwind at a night spa
Escape from city life with an evening session at one of the city’s many luxury spas, helping you relax and rejuvenate after a busy day on your feet. Yhi Wellness Spa at the Hotel Meliá Barcelona Sky offers hydro-massage pools, dry saunas and steam rooms, and you can get a massage treatment and day pass for less than €100. The Aire de Barcelona Banys Àrabs, on the other hand, is home to traditional Arabic baths and hammam steam baths that cannot be missed. Finally, consider Skipper’s, with stunning views of Montjuïc that look even better on an evening. Gain entry to its hydromassage pool, ice basin and steam bath for free if you book a treatment, or pay up to €35 to use the indoor space on an evening session. Bargain!
Take part in some late-night sightseeing
Take a trip up to the Bunkers del Carmel and watch the sun go down on the city, resulting in some truly awe-inspiring views. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, on the other hand, comes alive on an evening with lights, whilst you can also catch some views of the city’s port before grabbing a bite to eat. If that’s not enough, then The Palau Nacional rooftop, the Las Arenas rooftop, the Park Güell, and the Telefèric del Port should also be on your bucket list.
Treat your tastebuds to a food tour
Discover what it’s like to be a real Catalonian and taste authentic tapas on one of the many Barcelona food tours offered here at Barcelonina. Gastronomes will be spoilt for choice when it comes to tours, able to choose from a trip through the city markets or even an evening in the El Raval or El Born areas, trying esqueixada, arròs negre, fideuà, cannelloni, and samfaina, all washed down with some Catalan wine and cava. Our mouths are already watering…
Go drinking and clubbing
If you really want to experience what Barcelona nightlife has to offer, then consider clubbing your way through the evening. Start off mingling at Las Ramblas, then move on to bars on the hills of Tibidabo, where you’ll find stunning nighttime views over the city’s landscape. If you really want to get into the party spirit, stop by the Sala Razzmatazz, with resident DJs performing every night of the week, where celebrities including Coldplay and Kayne West are spotted getting merry in a VIP booth from time to time. Pacha Barcelona, on the other hand, offers breathtaking views of Barceloneta Beach, whilst La Terrazza is quite literally an open-air club in the grounds of a castle on a mountain. We don’t need to say anything else!
With so much to see and do on an evening in Barcelona, you’ll likely spend your evenings asking how it got so late so soon. But whatever you do, don’t spend your evenings couped up in a hotel room: get out and explore everything the city has to offer. You’ll be glad you did!