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All Spain Barcelona

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Barcelona

70 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Updated March 4, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Barcelona

Street view of Casa Batlló

Barcelona, Spain

Casa Batlló

One of Antoni Gaudí's most classic buildings is well-known for its "dragon-back" design.
The facade of the church, still under construction.

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Família

Construction of Barcelona's iconic (but controversial) church is expected to be completed in 2026—a century after the death of its architect.
Labyrinth Park of Horta

Barcelona, Spain

Labyrinth Park of Horta

This semi-secret storybook hedge maze is also the oldest garden in the city.
Houses inside Park Güell designed by Gaudí

Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell

Gaudí's famously flamboyant architectural style is on full display in this sprawling park and garden.

Barcelona, Spain

Montjuïc Cemetery

This cemetery features modernist statues as strange as its name.

Barcelona, Spain

Calder Mercury Fountain

A beautiful but toxic fountain of mercury.
Bunkers del Carmel

Barcelona, Spain

Bunkers of Carmel

These secluded and abandoned anti-aircraft defenses have become one the most scenic viewpoints in Barcelona.
Chocolate chariot driver and his horses (Flickr/SpirosK)

Barcelona, Spain

Chocolate Museum

Gaze upon chocolate sculptures depicting everything from chariot races to Gaudí's famous church at this shrine to sweets.
See All 70 Things To Do in Barcelona

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Barcelona

Chocolate chariot driver and his horses (Flickr/SpirosK)

Barcelona, Spain

Chocolate Museum

Gaze upon chocolate sculptures depicting everything from chariot races to Gaudí's famous church at this shrine to sweets.

Barcelona, Spain

Caelum

This cafe offers a curated collection of treats and tipples made by monks and nuns.
The hot chocolate here is particularly thick and rich.

Barcelona, Spain

Granja Dulcinea

Dunk your churros in rich hot chocolate on the city’s old “Chocolate Street.”
This venerable bar was founded in 1820.

Barcelona, Spain

Bar Marsella

A centuries-old bar once frequented by Picasso, Hemingway, and Dalí.
See all 14 Places to Eat in Barcelona
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

From morning hot air balloon rides to cava, tapas, and vineyards.

Discover Experiences

Explore Barcelona, Spain

A
70
Architecture 14
Museums 10
Sacred Spaces 9
Restaurants 9
Churches 8
Food 7
Art 6
History & Culture 5
History 5
Roman 5
Collections 5
Homes 4

Barcelona Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Austin Bush
    10
  2. FelipeTrigo
    7
  3. serflac
    5
  4. Luis Morato
    2
  5. Sebastian Wortys
    2

Places Edited

  1. Xavixavir
    27
  2. mocchiatto
    11
  3. The Bearded Vagabond
    9
  4. sanprica
    7
  5. astep15
    6

Places Visited

  1. StepYoshi
    44
  2. joemgiralt
    43
  3. Ola Bartek
    40
  4. bitxuverinosa
    35
  5. revans
    34

Recent Barcelona Activity

  • acbranam

    has been to Casa Batlló

    about 13 hours ago
  • acbranam

    has been to Casa Amatller

    about 13 hours ago
  • acbranam

    has been to Park Güell

    about 13 hours ago
  • acbranam

    has been to Sagrada Família

    about 13 hours ago
  • acbranam

    has been to Casa Vicens

    about 13 hours ago

Stories About Barcelona

Order fideuà loaded with meat and seafood at Xiringuito Escribà.

Gastro Obscura's 10 Essential Places to Eat and Drink in Barcelona

Scout out rare Catalan “sea and mountain” specialties, superlative hot chocolate, and boozy “fork breakfasts.”
by Austin Bush
December 16, 2024
Grapes ripening on the vine in Catalonia, Spain.

Spanish Wine, Off the Beaten Path

Atlas Obscura Trip Leader Danny Adler speaks about the wonders of Catalonia’s wine regions and our "Spain: Avant-Garde Winemaking in Catalonia” adventure.
Sponsored by Atlas Obscura Trips

Lists Featuring Barcelona

The House of the Temple.
Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

14

Including Zedekiah's Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple

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