For this post on Barcelona for couples I’ll start by saying that Spaniards affectionately refer to their better halves as their media naranja (half orange).
What I can’t actually explain is why.
A cool thing to do though, right upon touchdown at Barcelona airport, is turn to your loved one and utter the words they’ve always wanted to hear:
“I love you, my half orange”.
Only then do I suggest checking off these romantic things to do in Barcelona!
15 Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona for Couples
First of all let’s be honest.
There’s nothing romantic about getting lost in a city and screaming at each other because you couldn’t manage Barcelona’s transport system, or just paid €9.00 for an orange juice because the WiFi doesn’t work
Make sure you know the city inside out by consulting my all-encompassing Barcelona guide first.
Now let’s get on to the romantic activities:
Take the Casa Mila Night Tour
Up until a couple of years ago night access to this architectural gem was restricted to VIPs.
Today there’s no better way to experience Casa Mila (aka La Pedrera) than under the cover of darkness: get a guided tour of the building with unique stairwell projections, special lighting, and a sublime soundtrack.
Cap it all off with a glass of cava and a video mapping show lighting up the chimneys on the roof terrace and you’ve got one of the most sophisticated Barcelona attractions for couples.
Get Drunk on Wine and Flamenco
The word ‘flamenco’ itself is said to come from the Spanish word for flame (‘flama’), and it sure can get hot watching the clapping, finger snapping, and passionate singing of Spain’s Latin ballet.
Part guitar concert, part dance, part theater… all action!
These bars with these shows are some of the most romantic spots in Barcelona and include wine, optional dinner/tapas, a video presentation, and even a flamenco lesson.
You can get more info on my post on the best flamenco bars in Barcelona.
Or: go straight ahead and get a €10.00 discount booking through the Barcelona Tourism Office via the button below.
Save Money & Time and Minimize Fights
It’s no surprise but the top 2 reasons for couples fighting are time and money.
That holiday romantic mood can take a nosedive in a hurry if you get ripped off or spend too much time in line – then all of a sudden you’re arguing about the shirt/dress that she/he wore to your cousin’s wedding in ’86 and all hell breaks loose.
That’s why there’s the Barcelona Pass.
Couples like it because it allows them to book everything online, skip lines at La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, get the best airport transport, and have 20% discount codes to almost every other Barcelona attraction including multiple ideas in this list.
For more information on the pass click here.
Snuggle Up at a Rooftop Bar
In spring and summer the true Barcelona for couples involves roof terraces.
Share a jug of sangria with ridiculous views and leave the city chaos to the peasants below! There are few more romantic than La Isabela at the Hotel 1898 – it’s in the heart of La Rambla and the 360º view and super loungey seating provide the ultimate relaxation.
For a cheaper option with just as good a view head to the Sky Bar at Hotel Central from 8 pm. You’ll also find great views at Hotel Pulizter right near Plaça de Catalunya.
Rooftop bars are seasonal and usually operate from March to October.
Stay in a Fairytale Neighbourhood
There’s no bigger romance killer than booking a hostel, Airbnb, or hotel facing into a street of sirens and screams.
You’ll be able to pick the perfect spot for a romantic weekend by reading my in depth guide on the best area to stay in Barcelona. Do it right because there are no second chances.
For the most tranquil spots I recommend Gracia or El Born.
Related: Get a two hour walking tour of the Gothic Quarter for just 18 euro.
Discover Park Guell
No romantic weekend in Barcelona, especially for a honeymoon would be complete without a visit to Park Guell.
Originally built as a Utopian community by wealthy industrialist Eusebi Guell and master architect Antoni Gaudi, today it’s most famous for its undulating mosaic benches and superb city views right out of movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Whether you’re visiting the paid Monumental Zone or having a picnic in the forested Free Zone there are few better places for couples in Barcelona than this dream in the city’s hills.
Share a Kiss in Front of a Kiss
Speaking of the most romantic spots in Barcelona, this might be the best – provided you can jockey for a photo opportunity with all the other couples.
Yes, not many people know this but Barcelona is home to a massive romantic mosaic in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
It’s called “El Mundo Nace en Cada Beso” (“The World Begins with Every Kiss”) and was made by the photographer Joan Fontcuberta.
From far away it looks like a painting of two lips kissing, but wait! Once you get up close you’ll be blown away with the realization that it’s actually made up of hundreds of photos in tile form, submitted by Barcelona residents with the theme “a moment of freedom“.
The mural is near Barcelona Cathedral in Plaça d’Isidre Nonell (metro stop Jaume I, yellow line L4).
Watch the Sunset from the Bunkers (Turo de la Rovira)
It’s not a real romantic Barcelona weekend until you get a fantastic 360º view of the city including the Sagrada Familia, the sea, and Montjuic Hill – all for the price of a metro ticket.
It’s at the top of all the romantic places in Barcelona, quite literally. The view here is so good that it was chosen for seven anti-aircraft guns to protect the city from Civil War bombing raids. If you’re looking for impact to propose this could be it.
The guns are gone, but you just might need them again to keep your half orange off you at sunset! For more information check out our article Barcelona’s Scenic Anti-Aircraft Battery Picnic.
Share a Paella
You’re already sharing everything else! Might as well add in some tasty rice.
Spain’s most popular dish is built for sharing and one of the most romantic things to do is serving each other from one of those emblematic pans. Just grab a bib. This rice dish simmered down in a tasty broth is best piled high with shellfish and made casero style (homemade).
UPDATE: I’ve now worked out a deal with Bodega Joan to offer blog readers a special 25% discount on a paella tasting menu – click the banner below for more info:
Get a Couples Massage at Aire Barcelona
It’s never a bad thing to go for a massage package at Aire Barcelona. Here you’ll work out the kinks and have the chance to explore the six pools at one of the most beautiful spas in Europe.
Limited guests means you’re ensured complete privacy. Everything from the tea to the massages are top notch and it’s without a doubt one of the most romantic places in Barcelona if you’re looking to spoil yourself.
For more information on their romantic activities check out the official Aire site.
Have Tapas in a Charming Gracia Square
The village of Gracia and its wanderable pedestrian-only streets give way to picturesque squares straight out of the movies. Best of all is the area’s independent spirit – no chain restaurants, tourist traps, or Barceloa stag-do activities!
One of the best Barcelona activities for couples is heading to Plaça Rius i Taulet for drinks or tapas under a graceful 17th century clock tower, but my favourite is the enormous Plaça del Sol and its fine tapas establishment Sol Soler.
If you’re traveling to Barcelona with kids head to Plaça de la Vila for the impromptu soccer games and running space.
To find Gracia get off the metro at Fontana (green line L3) and you can’t miss it.
Cook Together From One of the Markets
Restaurants are fine but if you’re like me the way to your heart is through a real kitchen.
If you’ve booked a holiday flat or even don’t mind going for it in the kitchen at one of Barcelona’s best hostels then it’d be a shame not to cook with all the incredible ingredients right on your doorstep.
Head over to the stalls of the Boqueria Market or any of the other top markets to load up: if you know your way around a kitchen you’ll eat like royalty for a quarter of the restaurant price.
Spend a Sexy Night in Cadaques
One of the most romantic places in Barcelona, that’s not actually in Barcelona.
Let this picturesque seafront village of 3000 seduce you. The on-and-off home of Salvador Dali for three decades is actually so beautiful that a Chinese company is building an exact replica of the town in Xiamen Bay.
Simply grab a train to Figueres (where you could visit the Dali Museum Figueres) and then grab the bus to Cadaques. I recommend any spot on the legendary Costa Brava but this has got to be the top.
Instant-relax.
Go for a Tragic Ice Cream
You won’t find a square like this so central in any major European city.
My advice is to grab some gelato at Gelaaati di Marco and walk over to Plaça Sant Felip Neri. This eerily quiet square is a great place to hear the echoes of footsteps and maybe even a melancholy Spanish guitar piece.
The square’s tragic past involves a Spanish Civil War bombing that took the lives of 42, mostly schoolchildren. To this day you can still see shrapnel embedded in the walls. It’s a great reminder of how lucky you are to be alive. In love. In Barcelona.
Rent a Rowboat in Ciutadella Park
We’ve covered a lot of fun things to do in Barcelona for couples but how many are nautical? Let’s have a row that’ll actually do your relationship good.
Head for the lake in Barcelona’s famous Ciutadella Park and take one of the rowboats out for a spin. At six euros for half an hour it won’t break the bank and you’ll be able to splash each other silly like any self-respecting romantic comedy couple.
Hours: Mar 24 – Sept 22 (10:00 am to 9:00 pm), Sept 23 – Mar 23 (10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Still Looking for Barcelona Couples Activities?
You’re ready to be romantic in Barcelona but why not get even more prepared?
If you’re in the mood for something much more specific then don’t hesitate to write me for custom advice in the comments below.
And as always: whether it’s Barcelona for couples or any other question you have about your Barcelona holiday I’ll answer! Just try me.
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February 20, 2020 at 5:14 pmI am so grateful to have found your blog as I plan a trip to Barcelona from my husband and I. We will be in Barcelona at the end of March. Can you recommend a lunch Restaurant near Fundacio Joan Miro? I had hoped to try La Perla BCN, but it is closed on Sunday.
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February 21, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Team MemberAshHi Leah, Thanks so much for the kind words :) It's a tough one as there are very few restaurants up on Montjuic and the ones that are there can be a bit tourist-trappy. I'd take a look at Restaurant Terraza Martinez or I'd go down into the Poble Sec area and try Denassus or some of the pintxo places along Calle Blai like Tasqueta del Blai. Cheers, Ash
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September 11, 2019 at 6:59 pmHello! Your blog is so helpful. My fiancee and I will be in Barcelona 6 days for our honeymoon in October. We are doing a day trip to a vineyard and would like to take another day trip. Where do you recommend? We both love the beach but we know it may not be beach weather then. (first week of October) Thank you!
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September 12, 2019 at 2:31 pmHi Melissa, I would recommend the Costa Brava. If you like beaches, even if it's not a beach weather, you can enjoy beautiful romantic walks along beaches or even in old towns. I would particularly recommend Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués or Pals. Let me know if you have any more questions :) Lucile
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September 11, 2019 at 5:15 pmHello, First, Thanks so much for this website. It is by far the most helpful. My girlfriend and I get into Barcelona Wednesday afternoon Sep 18th and then head out Monday night the 22nd. We were hoping to tour and explore Barcelona on Wednesday and on Thursday. We then want to make sure we are back on Monday. We found a really good hotel deal and booked it for every night in Barcelona. The issue that we are now facing is what to do with a day trip. We are looking for a remote beach with preferably unique water and a good place to walk around/ hike. A winery near by would also be a plus. We are considering: (a) go to Figueres/ Cadaques (b) go to Girona/ Begur (c) just fly out to Mallorca or (d) just fly out to Ibiza. Mallorca and Ibiza are both bucket lists of ours. Since we prefer finding a remote, unique area (and mallorca is a cheaper flight), we are leaning towards that. On one hand, we feel like a flight might be more convenient than multiple trains/ busses. We are worried about getting back later on from Costa Brava and a train not working. We also heard about renting a car for Costa Brava, but don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Would a cab be too expensive? Have you ever rented a car? How expensive would it be to/from cadaques? Is getting to begur or something similar too much of a hassle? On the other hand, a flight cancellation, delay, or bad weather could ruin a full on flight to mallorca. What would you advise? We are willing to spend a night either on Costa Brava or in Mallorca. Thank you so much and sorry for all of the questions!!
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September 12, 2019 at 2:17 pmHola, If Mallorca or Ibiza are both bucket lists of yours, I would say: go!, but you're right to be worried about a flight cancellation or delay that could completely ruin your day trip... Nevertheless, I think that the safest option would be to go to the Costa Brava with a rental car. For sure, you will find crystal clear water and nice places to walk/hike (for example the famous Camino de Ronda) and perhaps even wineries! The rental car will give you complete freedom and allow you to fully enjoy your time there. For the best price search and the most convenient advance booking opportunity I always use and recommend Rentalcars.com. Let me know if you have any more questions ;) Lucile
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August 25, 2019 at 5:40 amHello, My name is Eric Lagunas. I am an American who has recently visited Barcelona but still unfamiliar with the best places to do romantic things with a very special person during the fall season. I will be back in Barcelona November 3rd this year. I know some of the things such as beach will be out of the question since it may be too cold for beach activity but really wanted to ask for expert advice. I really want to make my vacation with this person in Barcelona special and I want it to be a surprise and unfortunately I wont be able to ask for their opinions since it will spoil the surprise. Can you please help me out? I really want to plan out a great day full of romantic activities. Anything would help. Thank you so much.
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August 26, 2019 at 9:34 am Team MemberAshHi Eric, Thanks for writing... unfortunately I'm not sure what to say - there are 15 ideas written above, are you saying none of them are fitting for what you're trying to do? If you're looking for something more specific please let me know. Like.. when you say special, what kind of activities are you talking about? I thought there was a decent variety of stuff in this article that could fill 2-3 days. The weather will obviously be less beach-friendly but it's still good for a stroll. I would definitely make it up for a picnic at the Bunkers though. It's usually sunny so there should be no worries there. Cheers, Ash
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July 11, 2019 at 2:31 pmHi Ash, This blog has been such a great help to me, it's so full of useful info and I don't think I could have planned my holiday without it! I'm looking for the best restaurant to take my boyfriend to, I want this weekend to be amazing and I don't know the area well so I can't plan much. I was hoping you'd know the best places for a date in the city Thanks :) Thanks
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July 12, 2019 at 2:03 pm Team MemberAshHola Kayleigh-Ann, Thank you so much for the kind words! :) First off can I ask... what does your boyfriend like to eat? For me I think having a great meal would trump any of the bells and whistles that any restaurant could offer. For example, an amazing steak in a standard restaurant would be better than an average one with an amazing view of the city. But that's not for everybody, that's just me haha. If however you want a unique setting I would look into Restaurante Martinez on Montjuic, El Nacional on Passeig de Gracia, or if you're really looking for a culinary experience and have some money to spare Tickets is second to none. Anyway, let me know what he likes and what you think... there are still options we can explore :) Cheers, Ash
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July 3, 2019 at 7:04 amWe would love to visit Cadaques in Costa Brava, but won't be able to rent a car to get there. Is it very difficult to access without a car? We are also planning to spend time at Nova Mar Beach, I hear it is a tranquil and peaceful place, but does it compare to Cadaques? Thanks so much in advance! Talia
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July 3, 2019 at 9:22 am Team MemberAshHi Talia, To get to Cadaques without a car the best way is to grab the train to Figueres and then from here grab the bus with a company called Sarfa. You can search for this train on their website. Also, it's an apples and oranges thing when thinking of Nova Mar. Nova Mar is only tranquil in comparison with other Barcelona beaches... but it still has many people, is popular with nudists and the LGBT community, and still feels quite urban while Cadaques feels much more isolated. Though keep in mind in high season maybe neither will be as isolated as you wish :( Cheers, Ash
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May 11, 2019 at 9:21 pmHi Ash So glad I found your blog! It’s very useful for finding out new things about my favourite city. My husband and I will be visiting at the end August for our anniversary. This will be our 5th time - we cannot get enough! As we have already done the main ‘touristy’ things and as I would love to plan a few surprises for my love, can you recommend anything that is totally unexpected?!! I’d love to knock his socks off with something unbelievable! Sorry, big ask, I know! Thanks Leanne x
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May 12, 2019 at 3:53 pm Team MemberAshHi Leanne, Thanks so much for the kind words on the blog :) I always find it hard to answer this question since Barcelona is probably the most touristy city in all of Europe and it's basically impossible to avoid tourists and virtually every attraction/site/restaurant/bar worth a visit has been discovered (probably due to bloggers like me haha). For me, and I say this after living in Barcelona for 8 years, I feel the most 'local' when I'm walking through Gracia without any particular destination or direction... the lively squares, pedestrian only streets, presence of Catalan language, and cityscape virtually devoid of big chains really delivers as close as you can get to authenticity. Here's a link to my Gracia article: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/gracia/ I would also say the same for the Poble Nou neighbourhood with its lesser known 'Rambla' full of local cafes. Other than this I would also suggest perhaps a day trip to Sitges (a local beachside town) which is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. More info here: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/sitges/ I would also recommend perhaps signing up to a site like Couchsurfing or more importantly Meetup.com as there are all sorts of local events (many in English) like hiking/cooking lessons/networking events/salsa classes for any type of industry etc. Here's the link: https://www.meetup.com/ ALSO! It's rooftop terrace season and there are so many good ones to check out... they've got a real wow factor and for an anniversary it's the perfect thing. I've got an article explaining the roof terraces. My favourites are Hotel Pulizter and Hotel Grand Central. If you had something else in mind, a theme or activity please let me know and I can dig a little deeper. Cheers, Ash
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May 9, 2019 at 11:22 amHi Yogita - I wish you would do this website for more cities! Beats any of the mainstream travel advice sites. Quick question, what's the best restaurant for a date in Barcelona? Looking for an unbeatable experience. Thank you! P
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May 9, 2019 at 12:46 pm Team MemberAshHI Pradyut, Thanks so much for the high praise! I am glad to help :) This question is a bit hard without knowing what your idea of an amazing date is... is it more like a great view and some live music? Or are you more interested in the food and cocktails? :) Usually places have one or the other but rarely have both. I'm thinking either Restaurante Martinez (great atmosphere and some view) or El Louro (super central, elegant, amazing cocktails and food)... also, if you're looking for something a little more classic and traditional I would check out 7 Portes. Hope this helps :) Ash
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January 22, 2019 at 10:38 amI was looking for activities for my coming guests and had really chaotic idea of it. So i'm really happy to find your blog, it is a gem! Just wanna say thank you for your work!
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January 22, 2019 at 4:45 pm Team MemberAshThat's such a nice comment Yulia, thanks! :)
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May 31, 2018 at 8:09 pmHi! I'm glad I found your blog. It's exactly what I needed. We're going to be on our honeymoon soon, and our first stop is Barcelona. We're there from 10th July arriving at 11:00 am (taking a red-eye flight) and departing on 15th July. On 14th July, we purchased tickets for the Barcelona Beach Festival, but for 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, we don't have a proper itinerary. My husband is a MASSIVE fan of FCB so we plan to visit Camp Nou one of the days. Can you help with a tentative itinerary and recommendations for lunch and dinner places around the area that we will be visiting? We want to do touristy things, as well as relax and have fun and do romantic things. We don't want to make our trip too hectic as we are coming in from another country and have 2 countries after Spain. It's a long honeymoon.
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June 1, 2018 at 11:29 am Team MemberAshHi Arwa, I'm glad my blog has been of help and hope I can make your honeymoon all you dreamed of :) Let's see, I've outlined the perfect 3 day itinerary (with ideas for a 4th) in my article below: https://www.barcelonahacks.com/3-days-in-barcelona/ I say you take what you want from this and incorporate some of the romantic things I've listed above and you'll be set for an action packed holiday. In my itinerary I also help with some ideas of places to eat... at the same time if you tell me where you're staying I can get you a list of places to eat in the area? Looking forward to hearing from you again. Ash
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