Barcelona is one of Europe’s top travel destinations, and it’s no surprise. Its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine make it hard to beat this vibrant city. But if you’re looking for something a little different, there are tons of things to do in Barcelona that aren’t as well known by tourists but are still worth exploring. Here are some ideas for your next girl’s weekend or solo trip that will keep you entertained:
Hotel Barcelona Universal
What makes Hotel Barcelona Universal stand out in a city filled with hotels? First and foremost, the location. It’s in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, within walking distance of Las Ramblas and many other attractions. Second, it has a rooftop pool and bar. The perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or shopping. The third is its restaurant and bar, which serves breakfast daily (included in your room rate) and lunch and dinner at affordable prices. Lastly, there’s the hotel’s spa. After adding this great amenity to your stay at Hotel Barcelona Universal, you won’t want to leave!
Chulapio
Chulapio is a small restaurant with a big reputation. It’s located in the Gothic Quarter and serves traditional Catalan food. It’s one of those places you hear about before you go, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for somewhere authentic to eat while visiting Barcelona.
The menu includes codfish empanadas, rabbit stew, and pork loin chops. Vegetarian options are available if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t eat meat. The prices are reasonable, which makes this place good for lunch or dinner as well as an afternoon snack after shopping through La Ribera Market or wandering around Las Ramblas (the city’s most famous street).
Gaudí’s Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is a private house designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in 1883. It’s an excellent example of his early work before he became famous for his later projects, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
The building was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, an important textile industrialist in Barcelona at the time (the 1880s). He wanted an unusual home that would fit his modern lifestyle, so he hired Gaudí to design it.
Restaurante Club Nàutic Sant Adrià
Restaurant Club Nàutic Sant Adrià is located on the waterfront in Barcelona, about a mile from the Sagrada Familia. This charming seafood restaurant with outdoor seating has an excellent menu featuring local cuisine and wine from Catalonia. The staff will gladly recommend dishes based on your preferences, but our favorites include serrano ham with figs and salt cod croquettes.
We recommend ordering fresh fruit for dessert—perfect for enjoying while you watch the boats go by!
The restaurant is open every day except Monday, and reservations are recommended as it gets busy quickly during peak hours. There’s plenty of free parking nearby, so plan if this location appeals to you!
Boca Grande
Boca Grande is located in the heart of Barcelona’s El Born neighborhood and is a great spot for girls to be seen. It’s got a lively atmosphere, low lighting, and friendly staff. The place is known for its creative cocktails and amazing ambiance so you can expect a high-quality experience at every turn.
The prices are reasonable considering your location (each cocktail will set you back around €10-15). Boca Grande should be on top of your list if you’re looking for a fun girl’s weekend!
Soho House Barcelona
Soho House Barcelona is within walking distance of the city center, about a fifteen-minute stroll from the Ramblas. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also take public transportation there. The club’s decor is modern and elegant with a hint of kitsch; if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy backdrop to your weekend (or even if you aren’t), this is it.
There are plenty of reasons why Soho House Barcelona makes our list: it’s luxurious yet approachable, trendy but still classic enough that your mom will be impressed when she sees pics later on in life.
The price tag isn’t too steep either—about €70 per night plus tax per person (for those who don’t have memberships). However, they offer several memberships, so check them out before booking!
Food and drinks are included in your stay. This means there are no hidden fees or additional costs once check-in time rolls around—and trust me, it’ll save money in the long run! If there were any silver linings during our visit, there would be these little perks, such as complimentary breakfast every morning and access codes for Wi-Fi everywhere else within range (even at home!).
La Rambla & La Boqueria Market
You could also stroll down La Rambla and visit Barcelona’s most famous street market, La Boqueria Market. The market is one of Barcelona’s oldest, dating back to 1786. It’s full of fresh produce, fish, and meat from all over Spain, and plenty of souvenirs for your friends back home (you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in those little purses).
Another must-see in Barcelona is the Picasso Museum—and don’t forget to stop by Gaudi’s Casa Batlló, just next door! This 19th-century house has been restored by architect Antoni Gaudí into an architectural wonderland and now houses many works on loan from museums around the world. Also, keep an eye out for his Palau Guell while you’re here!
If art history isn’t your cup of tea, opt for Museu Picasso or Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona—both are free!
Museu del Modernisme Català
The Museu del Modernisme Català is a museum in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The museum opened in 1929 and has a modernista architecture and decorative arts collection. Some of the works are by Antoni Gaudí, Josep Puig I Cadafalch, and Francesc Berenguer. The museum also features art from other artists who used advanced techniques to create decorations for buildings during this period, such as Pius Font I Quer (1850-1921) or Josep Maria Sert (1874-1945). A great place to visit on your girl’s weekend in Barca!
El Nacional
If your idea of the perfect girl’s weekend is not all parties and clubs, we highly recommend visiting El Nacional. It is a contemporary art museum in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona. It’s housed in a former textile factory and has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork by local artists. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden that you can tour on your own or with guided tours offered by staff members. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (with a great view), while the bookstore offers magazines, books, and gifts for sale.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Barcelona with your girlfriends. There are so many activities and sights that we couldn’t fit them all into just one blog post, but hopefully, these ideas will inspire you to visit this beautiful city and have the girl’s weekend of your dreams!
About the Author
Mina is an architect and the creative mind behind Madsaw, where she brings spaces to life with thoughtful design. A passionate traveler, she finds inspiration in every corner of the world—especially in Barcelona, one of her favorite cities.