13 things to do on a romantic weekend in Barcelona
Planning a romantic weekend in Barcelona? The Catalan capital is packed with things to do on a love-fuelled mini-break.
From strolling hand-in-hand along Barceloneta Beach to cosying up in the corner of an intimate tapas bar, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city as a couple.
Here we give you the most romantic things to do on a short trip to Barcelona.
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1. Enjoy a picnic in Montjuïc Park
Any romantic weekend in Barcelona should definitely include a picnic. So, pack a basket full of cured meats and bread, and head to Montjuïc, the huge hill which overlooks Barcelona harbour.
At the top, there’s a series of beautiful gardens – the most romantic being the Jardins del Teatre Grec. The pagoda is the ideal spot to tuck into your Catalan feast, before taking a stroll around the other gardens and soaking in the spectacular views over the city.
Once you’ve had lunch, check out the other attractions on the hill; Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation (a museum full of fabulous paintings and sculptures by the renowned Catalan artist), and the cable car are all good options.
If you’re heading to Barcelona in summer, don’t miss the open-air cinema at Sala Montjuïc where you can catch a movie under the stars.
2. Steal a peck on the Street of Kisses
The ‘Street of Kisses’ can be found in the Old Town, in El Born neighbourhood. There are a few different stories about how this narrow, dead-end alley got its name, one being that the lack of light made it the perfect spot for young lovers to get to know each other better.
The other is a little more dramatic: Legend has it that the street wasn’t always blocked at one end, and used to lead to the central square where the city’s public executions would take place. This street would be where the families of those condemned would bid them their last farewells and give their last kisses.
Not so romantic, but definitely worth a look if you want to impress your other half with a bit of history on your stay in Barcelona.
3. Sail into the sunset
Fancy cruising into the sunset with your beloved? Book this fabulous 90-minute sunset boat trip.
Sip a glass of Cava and snuggle up as the skipper points out the sights along the Barcelona coast. If you get hot and bothered, take a dip in the Med as the sun sets against the beautiful Catalan skyline. Romantic activities in Barcelona don’t get better than this!
4. Eat churros on the sweetest street in town
You can’t visit Barcelona without trying churros con chocolate, a thick hot chocolate with long, sugary doughnuts on the side. Perfect for sharing with someone special, the best place to try the killer combo is Granja La Pallaresa, on Carrer Petritxol (known affectionately as the street of chocolate). You’ll be back for more!
5. Enjoy cocktails with a view at Terrat
As far as romantic places in Barcelona go, Terrat is up there with the best. A gorgeous rooftop terrace at the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, this gem opens to the public at 6pm from April to November.
The sweeping 360º views of the city and the surrounding mountain range make it the ideal spot to sip on a cocktail and whisper sweet nothings as the sun goes down.
Tip: If you’re heading to Gaudí’s city in summer, there are plenty of cool rooftop terraces in Barcelona where you can spend a gorgeous evening under the stars.
6. Share some top tapas
Looking for a tapas restaurant in Barcelona where you can do some serious wooing? If it’s an anniversary dinner, the Winter Garden at El Palace hotel will blow your partner’s socks off. An idyllic space away from the noise of the city streets, it has one of the best panoramic views in town.
The tapas here are awesome. The Iberian ham with coca bread and tomato is guaranteed to make your taste buds smile.
If it’s a less formal occasion, La Fianna in El Born will do nicely. Plush red couches, excellent tapas, and moody lighting make it one of the most romantic (and reasonably priced) bars in Barcelona.
For more restaurant recommendations, have a look at our tips on top tapas bars in Barcelona.
7. Relax at AIRE Ancient Baths
AIRE Ancient Baths is the perfect place for a spot of R&R. Set in a calming, underground location, this stunning subterranean spa is one of a kind.
It has a range of different hot and cold baths, including a salt bath, where you can float hand-in-hand with your partner as you listen to relaxing music. What’s more, time slots are booked in advance, so it’s never overcrowded or noisy.
If you’re looking to really spoil your other half, why not book a couple’s massage or a red wine bath?
8. Taste some Cava at Monvínic
Cava is a delicious sparkling wine and as the majority of it is produced in Catalonia, it’d be rude not to sample some whilst in the capital!
For the really good stuff, head to Monvínic. One of the most famous wine bars in Europe, the team of sommeliers know what they’re talking about. You can order off the menu or join one of the many wine-tasting events.
The moody lighting, relaxed ambiance, and fabulous wine is guaranteed to get you in the mood for love.
Tip: Got a taste for Cava? If you have more time in Barcelona, book a wine, Cava, and tapas vineyard tour, where you can enjoy a romantic day at a winery in the Penedès region and taste four excellent Cavas paired with some delicious tapas.
9. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Tibidabo
Tibidabo, the tallest mountain in the Collserola mountain range, is visible from pretty much anywhere in the city. It’s recognisable not just for its height, but for the multi-coloured Ferris wheel at Tibidabo Amusement Park, which sits on top of it.
Grab your partner by the hand, take the wheel and see the sights of Barcelona from above.
Fun fact: If the park looks familiar, it may be because it featured in the 2008 Woody Allen film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
10. Try some Vermouth at Mirablau
Once you’re done on the rides, stop by Mirablau for a Vermouth on the rocks. A fortified wine flavoured with herbs and spices, it’s a favourite tipple of Barcelonians.
As well as the tasty vermut, this restaurant is known for its fantastic views. One of the most romantic settings in Barcelona, it sits right on Tibidabo and has a gorgeous outdoor terrace, offering amazing views over Barcelona. There’s nowhere better to kick off a special evening for two.
11. Have dinner with the stars at Fabra Observatory
During the summer months, you and your partner can dine under the stars at the beautiful Fabra Observatory, with the Dinner with the Stars menu. From its prime position on the Collserola mountain range, the views of the city and sky are unbeatable.
After dinner, you’ll get a guided visit to the building and a night observation with a giant telescope from 1904.
Dinner with the Stars is the perfect way to spend an evening with your beloved in the Catalan capital. It’s quite literally out of this world!
12. Buy a rose or book on Sant Jordi’s Day
La Diada de Sant Jordi, (Saint George’s Day) is a big deal in Barcelona. It’s the Catalan equivalent to Valentine’s Day and love is most certainly in the air!
If you’re in the city on 23 April, join in the celebrations. It’s traditional for the guy to give a rose to his other half, and the girl to give him a book in return. And getting your hands on either couldn’t be easier as the streets are packed with popup flower and book stalls.
13. Spend the night at the W Hotel
For a real romantic treat in Barcelona, book a room at the incredible, five-star W Hotel.
A huge sail-like structure on the Barceloneta beachfront, it has a ton of romantic features, such as a glorious rooftop bar, spa, infinity pool, and a laid-back California-style beach bar, complete with luxurious cabanas.
And for an extra special night, book a table at the recently-opened restaurant FIRE, which boasts flame-grilled food combined with artful mixology.
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Felices vacaciones
Barcelona is brimming with romance. Whether it’s your first holiday as a couple or a special anniversary trip, these activities are guaranteed to add some magic to your weekend.
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