9 Ideas for a Storybook Valentines Day in Barcelona

Lucky to be spending Valentines Day in Barcelona? You’ve come to the right place. In this article you’ll find all the ideas and tips to spend an amazing day with your better half in the Catalan capital. With its architectural marvels, golden sand beaches, and cute little restaurants it’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend away. Let’s get into it.

Valentine’s Day in Barcelona

Let’s start by saying that this festival isn’t the most celebrated day for Catalonian lovers as it takes a backseat to Sant Jordi on April 23rd. On this day locals hit the streets to purchase books or flowers for their loved one. As a result Valentine’s Day gets a bit snubbed by local establishments but this is only to your benefit! Getting a restaurant reservation, Airbnb or hotel booked, or a patch of sand on Barcelona’s top beaches to watch the sunset won’t be nearly as hard as at home. Let’s find out how!

Breakfast

If you’re staying in a Barcelona holiday apartment and looking to surprise, not to mention spend a bit more time in bed there’s no better option than getting breakfast delivered right to you! There are a ton of options available but for sheer variety (not to mention wine) we like Matias Buenos Dias and their custom made packages: it’s not cheap but a great way to start the day. If you’re a bit more of an up and at ’em couple there are certainly a ton of options in the city so I’d recommend visiting any of my top breakfast restaurants in Barcelona.

Spa Options in Barcelona

If you’re out of energy after doing all the top things to do in Barcelona a classic option whether you’re at home or abroad is hitting up a spa. The top wellness centres in the city are as follows:

Aire Ancient Baths

Area: Born | Passeig Picasso 22 | Reservations One of the most sought after spas in Barcelona: this wellness centre finds itself in a magical 17th century warehouse right near the famous Mercado del Born. On their website you’ll be able to find gift packages and even book in advance online for any of their unique experiences like their thermal package, yoga relax afternoon, and even wine baths! Be careful as here the price matches the quality.

Mayan Luxury Spa

Area: Eixample | Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 668 | Reservations You’ll find Mayan Luxury Spa in the 5 star El Palace hotel near must-see Casa Batllo. It’s a great place to make an amazing impression on your significant other! Sign up for some amazing treatments for the gods like chocolate extasis, wine therapy, and a black sand skin treatment. The Mayan holistic massage is also another crowd pleaser, but much like our previous option know that it’s not light on the wallet! All bookings can be made in advance via their website.

Hotel Omm

Area: Eixample | Carrer Rosselló 265 | Reservations This super central hotel not far from Gaudi’s famous La Pedrera opens up its world-class spa to everybody including non guests. The hydro-massage pool is a highlight though the hammam and gravitational space are unique pieces. Like the others you’re free to buy gift certificates online or bookings can be made by phone.

Vespa Tours of Barcelona

Looking for something less expensive but still going for the full Mediterranean experience? You can be as radiant as the Roman moonlight just like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck for about €10.00. Just grab yourself a seat on any of the city’s electric scooter sharing programs and you can tour every nook and cranny of the city. My recommendation for your scooter needs is Yego. With them you simply find the bike around the city using an app, use it for as much or little as you want, and then park it. Simple as. If you’re looking for more freedom and power I always suggest renting a normal scooter with Cooltra that can take you up the Bunkers of Carmel or Montjuic – arguably the city’s best viewpoints and picnic spots. 🚲 Not looking for all that power? Check out Barcelona’s best bike tours.

Dinner

Season

Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Aribau 125 | Reservations This delicious gourmet tapas restaurant famous for ‘new classics‘ gets to the top of the list because most of my readers want a balance of Spanish tradition and contemporary style. The fresh, natural, and seasonal menu tailored to wine lovers bills itself as Mediterranean food with an international touch… or as they call it: Barcelona food! I particularly enjoyed the seafood paella and the Catalan cured meat platter – there are also great vegan options and the original cocktails are out of this world. For Valentine’s Day there’s a special €35.00 tasting menu which includes foie gras en chocolate, prawn and passionfruit salad, and a choice of mains with sea bream, prawns, and celery or veal with red berries and chocolate. You’ll also get dessert, wine, water, and a special cocktail. You can book with just a small €5.00 deposit pp using the button below: [maxbutton id=”367″] Not looking for the full tasting menu? Book a table and order à la carte using the button below: [maxbutton id=”345″]

Mordisco

Area: Eixample | Passatge de la Concepció 10 | Reservations A great place to make a good impression due to their hip decor and solid price-quality ratio. The eclectic, modern tapas dishes here really raise the bar because of their creativity and top quality ingredients. The 20 or so tapas dishes hit the mark especially the jamon, octopus, and burrata cheese. If you’re coming for Valentine’s day in Barcelona be sure to book in advance. Type: Mediterranean. Price: €30.00 to €35.00.

Arume

Area: Raval | Carrer d’En Botella 11-13 | Reservations This is one of Barcelona’s best restaurants and one I always recommend to readers. Its rustic and friendly atmosphere is quite the contrast to the detailed and modern Spanish fare found on the plate. I really can’t stay away from the amazing paella but the crispy octopus with potato foam or ceviche with almond milk and watermelon also take the cake. Looking to have a few drinks? The wine list and cocktails here are on par with some of the best bars in the city – try the blackberry mojito. Type: contemporary Galician. Price: €30.00 to €35.00.

Teresa Carles

Area: Raval | Carrer Jovellanos 2 | Reservations If you’re looking for Barcelona’s best vegetarian food then go for this tasty, healthy, and sustainable restaurant that explodes with colours and an enthusiasm for the craft. Even staunch meat eaters will find their dish here. They even have their own research and development team to keep on top of trends. Popular dishes include the “create your own salad” feature, artesanal pasta, and a stunning seitan burger. Again, best to reserve in advance as this place is usually full. Type: healthy + vegetarian. Price: €30.00 to €35.00.

Abac Restaurant

Area: Sarriá | Avinguda Tibidabo 1 | Reservations If you’re looking to go all out and make this a Valentine’s Day to remember then here’s your chance. ABaC and its head chef Jordi Cruz (of Masterchef Spain fame) was awarded their 3rd Michelin Star in 2017: one of the youngest ever to receive such an honour. Expect a 20+ course meal that takes over 3 hours with a tour of the kitchen and the chance to see the chefs in action. Type: European fusion gourmet. Price: €150.00 for a multi-course tasting menu.

After Dinner + Anti-Valentine’s Day

Wanna keep the party going or simply hate Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered 😉

Llum BCN

Llum Barcelona is an annual event that in 2020 runs on the weekend of February 14th. All of the Poble Nou district lights up and becomes what can only be described as a neighbourhood wide light and music festival. Walking around, you’ll feel like you’re in a futuristic city on some faraway planet. Let’s call it underground romanticism. Check out the photos from 2019 on my Facebook page – spectacular! Here you’ll also find food trucks and a beer garden.

Me Cago en el Amor

The legendary Sala Apolo is not just one of Barcelona’s best clubs but plays host to perhaps the most aptly and boldly titled Anti-Valentines bashes in the city –  me cago en el amor (‘I shit on love’). Singles, this one’s for you! For more info check out the event page on Facebook.

Iconica – Anti Valentine’s Ball

It’s on our list of best rooftop bars in Barcelona and Barcelona Edition holds nothing back in this party co’hosted with Cabaret Barcelona. Here you’ll get a dinner show and then from midnight on you’ll have live music from Carlos Coca. If you’re interested in attending check out the Facebook event page.

26th Floor Party – W Hotel

If you’re an in couple who likes style I’d keep the party going at the iconic W Hotel. You’ll see it along the coast in all the Barcelona beach photos. Access to the hotel is actually free from 100:00 pm to 1:00 am if you leave your name on the Facebook event list. Just make sure you’re dressed to impress.

Drop X

If you’re a bit younger and want a real dance party this one’s for you! You’ll stay up all night at this monthly event which in 2020 is running a Valentine’s Day special full of quality house music that’ll have you dancing till the crack of dawn. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance though.

Sharpen Cupid’s Arrow in the Comments

As always I’m going to invite you to write me for any custom advice using the comment form below – whether you’re here for Valentines Day in Barcelona or any other type of visit I’m here with the info! Also don’t be afraid to join the Valentine’s discussion in my new Facebook group called I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, chat with fellow travelers, and more – anything goes! Best of luck 🙂