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Looking for ideas on things to do at night in Barcelona? Whether you are escaping the heat, avoiding the winter shade or ducking out of the rain, our guide details popular outside and inside activities in Barcelona for locals and visitors all year round. Did we leave anything out? Tell us in the comments below.
» Don’t miss our 3-day Barcelona itinerary + day trips
What to do in Barcelona at Night
1. La Pedrera Night Experience at Casa Milà
Casa Milà is one of Antoni Gaudi’s casas (houses) in the city. Another, Casa Batlló, is on the same street so you can see both during the same trip.
Casa Milà is the white, wavy building with gothic balconies which look like tree branches or plants. You can find out the reasoning behind Gaudi’s designs by taking an audio tour. This audio guide ticket comes with a line skip ticket, ideal for high season.
The house is a museum with the main attraction being on the roof. On the roof, there is a number of towering statues which come in different forms.
To get the roof you can either climb the stairs, which is not recommended for those who get out of breath easily or take the elevator.
As most of the art at Casa Milà is light, the sun bounces off it. It gets hot up there so remember your sunscreen and water.
At night you can book into a special event which sees Casa Milà’s rooftop light up with animations. A unique thing to do in Barcelona.
2. Sagrada Familia
During the summer months, Sagrada Familia is open until 20:00.
Undeniably one of the things you can’t miss when visiting the city, and a reason to return when it is complete in 2026.
See Gaudi’s story of Christ in concrete on the facade of the building and also the place of worship inside.
La Sagrada Familia is busy all year round so it is advised to reserve a time slot to avoid disappointment. It does book out during the summer months.
Evenings are an ideal time to visit as the sun shines through the stained glass window inside. For more tips, read our guide on Sagrada here.
Take a tour to learn the stories behind the Sagrada.
How to get to Sagrada Familia
- Metro: L2 and L5 lines
- Bus: 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50 (fast), 51, B20, B24.
- As part of a tour: hop-on/off bus pass
3. Hop-On/Off Open-Top Bus Tour
As in many European cities, Barcelona has a hop-on/off bus which stops at all the popular must-sees.
I used it the first time I visited Barcelona and my Mum thinks it’s the best bus tour she’s been on and they factor a hop-on/off tour during most European city breaks.
4. Go Shopping
Barcelona has an extensive shopping scene.
Portal del Angel is over 200 metres of shops including high street brands such as H&M and Mango. Shops open until late evening.
Passeig de Gracia is where you will find your upmarket names like Armani. Shops open until late evening.
Souvenirs can be bought at the local tourist shops around the Gothic Quarter.
Born District has a small selection of independent shops if you prefer to shop local.
Taxes are included in the price so North American shoppers don’t have to add anything additional to the final bill.
5. Sunset Swims
Barcelona is a city on the coast which means there are a number of beaches running along the edges of it.
The most popular are Sant Sebastià and Barcelona Beach and due to their proximity to Port Vell, a tourist hotspot area in the city.
Take a dip at sunset and wash the day away.
6. Sundown Drinks
Prefer to watch the sun go down with your clothes on?
Barcelona has a number of rooftop bars, some of which have the city’s biggest and best sights in view so they make for excellent photo opportunities.
7. Hotel Colón
Barcelona Cathedral is the attraction in full view from Hotel Colón’s rooftops (Av. de la Catedral, 7). I say rooftop plural because there are two levels to the area.
Drinks are ordered by table service.
We went at dusk and drank strong sangria until night.
8. Hotel Ayre
Tucked away on a side street near La Sagrada Familia is Hotel Ayre (Carrer del Rosselló, 390).
Grab a drink at the bar on the bottom floor then take the elevator to the rooftop for incredible views of the Gaudi masterpiece still in construction.
9. Hotel W
I can’t recommend W as we couldn’t get past the security line with a small, empty day bag.
Lines were long, even in winter. One of our social media followers says you have to look the part to get in.
» You may also like | Barcelona’s best viewpoints for sunsets
10. Park Güell
Park Güell is well worth a visit if you are a fan of Gaudi’s work. During summer, the park stays open until 20:30.
For free, you can walk along the outskirts of Park Güell but you can’t actually see anything. If you want a picture of the lizard or the famous balcony you need to reserve a time slot and ticket.
11. Telefèric de Montjuïc
Take a sky ride to Montjuïc to see the city from a bird’s eye view. You’ll be surprised to see how mountainous the surroundings are.
Stop off at Castle Montjuïc to stand among the castle ruins. The castle closes at 20:00 in summer.
In winter, you can take a sunset ride which is a lovely way to see Barcelona by night.
How to get to the Telefèric de Montjuïc.
If walking, which is quite the hike, walk through the residential area, past a football pitch and among lots of street art.
Alternatively, avoid the walk and take the 150 or 5 bus or L2 or 3 Metro to Paral·lel.
12. Palau Montjuic
While you are up Montjuïc is well worth taking a detour to see the striking Palau Montjuic.
Designed by Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà, this Spanish Renaissance-inspired building is home to an art gallery and impressive waterfalls which light up at night on Thursdays to Saturday.
13. Font Màgica de Montjuïc
At night on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the palace waterfall put on a light show. Times vary depending on the season, from 21:00 in summer.
Indoor Activities
14. Mercado de La Boqueria
La Boqueria (La Rambla, 91) is the touristy public market selling fruit juice, empanadas meats and seafood.
The market is covered, one of the things to do in Barcelona in the rain.
Open until 20:30 and closed on Sundays.
15. See a Movie
While most cinemas in Barcelona show movies in Spanish and Catalan, there is one central house which often puts on foreign/English films.
FilmoTeca is based in El Raval, close to La Rambla. There’s a restaurant and bar on-site too.
Cines Verdi is another option for English films. This independent cinema can be found in the hip Gràcia neighbourhood.
16. Barcelona Nightlife
Barcelona is a city known for its bouncing nightlife and annual music festivals.
Popular clubs in the city include Slow Club, Zuu and BCN Future Club.
Razzmatazz is one of the biggest nightclubs where DJs play frequently. There’s a number of floors playing different genres of music so something to please everyone.
While clubbing isn’t everyone’s scene there are areas in the city which are great for bar crawls and lower-key nights out.
We stayed in El Born and felt it was a great choice for casual bar hopping. Check out You’re Super Super and Savannah.
Find the Speakeasy, Paridiso, behind the deli shop.
Plaza del Sol is a stretch of street with bars and tapas in the cool Gràcia.
Eixample Esquerra is a popular drinking street which has quirky bar options from alcohol-fueled book shops to craft breweries.
17. Flamenco Show in Barcelona
Feel the passion at this flamenco show hosted by City Hall Theater. For one hour, listen to the music, song and be taken over by the power of Catalan flamenco. Reserve your ticket here.
18. Eat Tapas at El Xampanyet
El Xampanyet (Carrer de Montcada, 22) is a traditional tavern in the El Born neighbourhood which is busy with locals, ex-pats and tourists.
The small bar/restaurant is jam-packed with chatter. Small plates of limited food choice never stay on the bar for long as punters down them with wine or beer. Great experience, highly recommend.
19. Barcelona Cooking Class
Learn to make a huge plate of paella with this small group paella cooking class.
Take a tour of La Boqueria market to source products, try tapas and make homemade sangria.
20. Go Ice Skating
FC Barcelona’s Ice Rink (Av. de Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona) is open to members and non-members all year round, making it one of the best inside attractions in Barcelona.
Friday to Sunday sees later opening times so you can get on the rink at night. Skates can be hired at the rink.
21. The Ice Bar Experience at Icebarcelona
Get out of the heat with this unique experience in Barcelona. Temps as low as -5ºC (20ºF)!
Check out the ice sculptures, sip on a drink while you stay snug in provided coats and gloves.
Book a time here.
22. Watch A FC Barcelona Game
Even non-football fans know Barcelona’s football is world-renowned.
Games aren’t just for locals and many take place in the evenings.
Tickets ranging from standing to VIP can be bought online.
23. Skate and Drink
Roller skate as you sip a beer at Barcelona’s Nevermind bar at Carrer dels Tallers, 68.
24. Catch a Show
The striking Gran Teatre del Liceu stands out on La Rambla. First opened in 1847, the Gran Teatre has played host to a variety of shows including opera and classical music.
Each year the theatre also puts on the largest (Richard) Wagner Festival.
Not only can you see a show in the evening at Gran Teatre, but tours are also open to the public.
25. Impromptu Street Art Tour
Head to the following spots to see some of the best artwork which isn’t by Gaudi!
- Frieze by Picasso: Plaça Nova
- The Head of Barcelona by Roy Lichtenstein: Passeig de Colom
- The World Begins With Every Kiss: Plaça d’Isidre Nonell
» Read next | Europe’s most romantic city breaks
Barcelona at Night Activities in Winter
26. Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market
Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market is the traditional market found at Barcelona’s Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter.
Stalls sell crafts, soaps, nativity scenes and poo-related items.
Yes! The popular items to buy at Christmas in Barcelona are a poo log and a crouching celeb about to do a number two.
Read our Barcelona in winter guide to find out more.
27. Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia Christmas Market
Buy churros close to Sagrada Familia at this small Christmas market.
It’s not as extensive as the other Christmas markets in Barcelona.
28.. Port Vell Christmas Fair
Port Vell is a new and big Christmas market down the waterfront.
Stalls sell food and hot chocolate around the huge lit up modern Christmas tree.
Unlike the other markets, live shows take place at Port Vell throughout the festive month.
29. Christmas Lights in Barcelona
Two of the main shopping streets have spectacular lights.
Passeig de Gràcia lights hang like icicles and Portal del Angel lights brighten up the popular shopping drag.
29. New Years Eve
Want to see cava bottles being hurled at midnight? Or fireworks to music? How about eating grapes to the sound of dongs?
Barcelona on the 31st of December is a big event with festivities take place at Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça Catalunya.
Barcelona Travel Information
Getting to Barcelona
It’s really easy to get to Barcelona from El Prat (BCN) Barcelona Airport.
Walk outside of the main terminal and look for the long line of holidaymakers.
That’s where you can catch an Aerobus to the city centre. The ride takes under 30 minutes.
You can also reserve your ticket in advance here.
Getting Around Barcelona
Barcelona’s metro system is easy to use. Probably the second most simple system after Glasgow’s Subway.
The stops the metro covers are well documented at each station and on the metro too. Individual rides cost 2.20 euro.
If you are spending some time in Barcelona go for a ten stops ticket for 10 euro unless you plan to use it very frequently amongst the other forms of transport then the Hola BCN card may be a better option.
Be cautious of pickpockets on the metros.
A guy jumped up from his seat just as the doors were closing and ‘bumped’ into Craig.
Luckily Craig was wearing his travel vest on with his belongings zipped away on the inside of the vest.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Hotels and Apartments in Barcelona
- Park Hotel – an affordable hotel in El Born. Rooftop swimming pool all year round (we stayed here)
- Iberostar Paseo de Gracia – located on Plaça Catalunya Square, swimming pool and free parking available
Hostels in Barcelona
- Yeah Barcelona Hostel – modern, creative hostel with custom-made beds. Central location.
- Ten to Go Hostel – relaxed hostels in the authentic Sants neighbourhood. Capsule dorm beds for privacy.
Park Hotel, El Born
Where to Eat in Barcelona
- El Xampanyet – Tiled decor, local tapas and drink in El Born
- Gats – small courtyard, indoor seating, cool mural and toilets
- Pasta Bar – build your own pasta plate
- Senor Pina – Acai bowls and poke bowls
- Brunch & Cake – Instagram friendly all-day brunch
Weather in Barcelona
Barcelona is at its hottest months in July and August when temperatures reach 30 degrees, and its coldest month is January – when the average is 13 degrees.
The rainiest times are found during autumn and spring, but there is not much rainfall year-round.
Barcelona Packing List
- A layer for the shade
- A waterproof coat like this Marmot Precip US / UK
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and battery
- Battery pack for your phone – I vouch for Anker’s range US / UK
- Eco water bottle such as Tree Tribe US / UK
- Filter and purifying water bottle like Water To Go [quote TSA15 at checkout for 15% off]
- Bamboo cutlery set US / UK
- Skross universal travel adaptor with USB slots US / UK
- Pacsafe safety net US / UK
- Hydration tablets US / UK if participating in some sangria!
For travel insurance check out True Traveller Insurance, which we personally use for bigger trips. Many others use the popular World Nomads Travel Insurance.
Currency
Barcelona uses the Euro. Check out today’s rates here.
Many restaurants, accommodation and tours accept all major credit cards.
Tourist Information Address
The main tourist information office can be found at Placa de Catalunya, 1708002 Barcelona, España.
Get Your Bearings
Las Ramblas is the most popular yet underwhelming street in Barcelona. This is where you’ll find all the tourists and even more touts who try to sell you cocaine, with one hand in your pocket.
Be streetwise, move quickly and avoid the crowds.
The positive thing about this main drag in Barcelona is the streets that taper off it.
From here you can pop into the Mercado de La Boqueria market, sidestep to the Gothic Quarter and through to El Born, head up to Passeig de Gràcia where you’ll find posh shops and Gaudi’s Casas, alternatively, you can escape the city altogether heading down to Port Vell and the beach.
Park Guell and the attractions at Montjuïc are a little further out and require the use of public transport which is easy to navigate. See our section on getting around Barcelona for full details.
Barcelona Map
Here’s a free map with all of the best things to do in Barcelona.
Overtourism in Barcelona
Suggestions to help reduce the impact on the city and improve your experience.
- Head to Barcelona in low season. December is a great time!
- Stay away from cruise travel, the port is said to be one of the most polluted in Europe
- Avoid Airbnb*, book a room in a hotel instead
- Stay longer than a day
* We love self-contained apartments and have used them all around the world but there are some cities I won’t because of the impact it has on local people. Too many businesses ‘buy to rent’ which forces locals out of their homes and communities.
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Final Words
Since the temperatures are balmy, there are many fun things to do in Barcelona at night which don’t stop when the sun drops. From indoor activities to free attractions, top Barcelona things to see and interesting events in the city. Tell me in the comments below, what did you do in Barcelona at night?