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Five Unique Things to Do in Barcelona

Ellie Swain

Senior Contributor

Barcelona is known for its many sightseeing opportunities, including the visual masterpiece of the Sagrada Familia and the buzzy boulevard of Las Ramblas. While these attractions are must-sees, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-track things to do and places to visit in the city that aren’t full of crowds. Read on to find out more!

Visit La Pedrera by Night

La Pedrera is also known as Casa Mila. It’s one of Gaudi’s many spectacular creations and is a popular spot to visit in Barcelona.

Most people only appreciate the building from the outside. Or, if they do venture inside, they’ll see it by day.

For a unique way to see Casa Mila, tour the structure by night. You’ll enjoy a wonderful evening tour full of historical facts, architectural discoveries and mesmerising audio-visuals on the roof terrace.

Not many people can leave Barcelona saying they’ve explored the interior of one of Gaudi’s astonishing buildings during the night.

Visit the chocolate Museum

Ever since the 15th century, chocolate has played a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of Barcelona. Located in the former Sant Agusti monastery, Museu de la Xocolata, otherwise known as the Chocolate Museum, lets you witness the chocolate-making process first-hand - from the cocoa tree seed to the point where it becomes chocolate. Discover the history of cocoa and admire the jaw-dropping chocolate sculptures that are on display.

You will even get to try a portion on your way in just to whet your appetite! The museum is open every day apart from Mondays.

Stroll around the Parc del Laberint d'Horta Maze

Barcelona’s oldest park, Parc del Laberint d'Horta, is perfectly manicured and preened. Think gorgeous temples, lily-filled ponds, sculptures of mythological figures, and the main star: a green cypress maze that looks like it’s straight out of a gardening programme.

This standout feature is created with elaborate swirls of thick greenery. It tells the story of the Greek myth of Theseus destroying the Minotaur, a part-human, part-bull monster, to fall in love with Adriadne.

Make it to the centre of the maze, and you’ll have a similar experience from the tale, but without the slaying – you’ll find love in the form of a statue of cupid. Trust us, the maze is more challenging than it looks!

To this day, experts still debate whether the park is neoclassical or romantic.

You’ll have to travel a bit for this park, though – it’s found north of Barcelona, a short climb from Mundet metro station (green L3).

See the Roman walls of the city from the top of the Esglesia del Pi

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is a gothic church found in the Placa del Pi. It’s survived several natural disasters, including an earthquake and mortar attacks taking place during the war of the Spanish succession.

The church is lovely enough to visit on its own, built in the traditional Catalan gothic design. But, it’s even more fascinating to see during the guitar concerts that regularly take place in the chapel.

For something different, embark on a bell tower tour that’s offered several times a day. During the tour, you’ll be taken up to the bell tower, one of the tallest structures in the Gothic Quarter. From there, take in 360-degree views of the sprawling city of Barcelona.

You’ll also be able to trace the old Roman walls of Barcino and see the separation between the city and the outside surrounding areas. 

Be sure to book online, especially in the summertime during peak season. 

Explore the Monastery of Pedralbes

Away from Barcelona’s bustling city centre, you’ll find the grand 14th-century Monastery of Pedralbes. This historic monastery is founded by King Jamie II of Aragon and Queen Elisenda de Montcada.

The royal monastery is renowned for its standout cloister, a quadrilateral enclosure surrounded by covered walkways. But there’s plenty more to explore from this Gothic-style building.

Book ahead to ensure you can visit the Monastery of Pedralbes. Admission is sometimes free, but you should still reserve your spot.

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