20 Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona from Palau Güell to Beaches

In Barcelona, whether you’re looking for romantic rooftop restaurants or seaside views, it’s pretty easy to find what you’re looking for. Incredible nature, delicious street food, stunning sunsets…

There are so many unique things to do and hidden gems in Barcelona that it would be difficult to really go over them all in just one post.

Today, we’re going to be focusing on the best non touristy things to do in Barcelona, from secret beaches to architectural gems like CosmoCaixa and Casa Batlló, along with the incredible Park Güell and the Poblenou Cemetery.

Later on, we’ll talk about the most instagrammable places in Barcelona, along with colorful coffee shops and many other cool things to do in town to make your trip unforgettable. If you’re a fan of aesthetics and photography, you’ll also love exploring the artistic corners and hidden gems that Barcelona has to offer. While we dive into the city’s charms, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to the most instagrammable cafes in NYC, known for their impeccable decor and photo-ready vibes. Whether it’s captivating architecture or vibrant interiors, both cities offer endless inspiration for your travel feed.

And if you’d like to learn about more hidden gems and instagrammable places around the world, check out the following guides:

• The Most Colorful Cities in the World
• The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
• The Most Colorful Places in London

20 Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona from Palau Güell to Beaches

If you’re a traveler, a student, or a freelancer looking for the best digital nomad cities in Europe, just know that Barcelona ticks all the boxes.

From the food to the festivals, from the architecture to the culture and the arts, there’s plenty to enjoy under the Spanish sun.

In this guide, I’ll not only tell you about some of the best hidden gems in Barcelona, but also about some cool non touristy things to do whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, your friends, or your family.

So, cards on the table: are you looking for sweet hidden gems in Barcelona that will make your trip one of the best in your life?

Are you looking for the coolest non touristy things to do in Barcelona, a trip to enjoy completely instead of waiting in queues for hours in a row? Then come along, grab yourself a wee beverage, and welcome this new guide!

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Egyptian Museum of Barcelona

First up, and one of the very best hidden gems in Barcelona… the Egyptian Museum.

Called the Museu Egipci de Barcelona in Spanish, the Egyptian Museum is actually located right in the center of the city, but it transports you to a whole other world as soon as you pass the threshold.

I’m a big fan of Ancient Egyptian art, and from the Museu Egipci de Barcelona to the British Museum in London, I could stay hours in front of adorned sarcophagi and remains of the Ancient Egypt era.

The Museu Egipci is not the biggest museum in town, but if you’re looking for the ultimate non touristy things to do in Barcelona, it’s a spot you cannot miss at all.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona

Best Hidden Gems in Spain: Palau Dalmases

Out of ideas to add to your trip plans? Too bored to keep typing ‘what to do in Barcelona?’ without finding new, really cool things to discover in the sunny city?

Fear not, I bring you a possible entertainment (on a rather boujee scale) of what to do in Barcelona. 

There won’t be as many tourists in the Palau Dalmases as you’d find in spots like the Casa Batlló or the Park Güell, but this small bar restaurant is another really cool sight – and used to be home to some of the most prestigious and wealthier families in Barcelona.

It’s pretty debatable whether it’s really part of the secret places in Barcelona.

However, visiting the Palau Dalmases clearly is part of the best non touristy things to do in Barcelona, which is a real bonus when you want to discover something new.

The Palau Dalmases is a gorgeous 17th-century building, filled with glorious baroque-style artifacts and architecture, and is nestled within the famous and very historic Calle Montcada.

Between the exquisite baroque style, the Solomonic columns, Neptune painted on a frieze, the vibrant colors of the decoration, the history surrounding it, and the whole vibe itself, this place is one of the hidden gems to visit in Barcelona.

If you visit it during the evening, you can enjoy a live Flamenco performance, or even purchase a ticket to see the opera.

Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Gràcia Neighborhood

Gràcia is one of the most popular neighborhoods, and one of the most instagrammable places in Barcelona. Until the 19th century, it was an independent municipality, and you can still feel that vibe when you’re in the area.

Gràcia is located a bit away from the tourist spots most travelers stick to – and it shows why Barcelona is one of the most colorful cities in Europe. Stunning architecture, a lively spot but still calm enough that you can relax there.

There, you’ve got everything in the neighborhood from cute, bright buildings to modern shops with lots of organic products like vegan makeup, and of course, the main shopping chains such as H&M, among many others.

You’re still in Barcelona but at the complete opposite of the bustling vibe you can find around the main attractions of the city. The perfect spot to find cute coffee shops to have some breakfast, or really just chill and take in the atmosphere.

Read: The Best Halal Breakfast in London

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona: Monestir de Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes (Monestir de Pedralbes in Spanish) is a Gothic monastery in Barcelona, Spain.

What used to be an active monastery is now the perfect spot to get away from the crowds, to reflect, and even a perfect place to write in Barcelona.

Nowadays, this beautiful landmark is a museum, housing different kinds of art exhibitions & allowing third-party special collections occasionally.

It’s really one of the best hidden gems in Barcelona, simply because it offers the calm you can’t usually find in lively cities.

The true magic of the Monastery of Pedralbes, however, is hidden outside its walls. Get ready to be amazed when you take in how beautiful the building and the gardens are.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona: Mercat de Santa Caterina

One of the things I love the most in Europe is how common it is to go to the grand local markets to get fresh veggies and other artisan-made goodies.

Of course, Spain has its share of markets, like Lisbon and Rome, and if you wish to avoid tourist traps and try a genuine local mercat, head to Santa Caterina’s Merchant.

This buzzy market features a unique, wavy roof and colorful mosaics, with a variety of vendors and eateries.

The bustling atmosphere in this mercat makes it one of THE best non touristy things to do in Barcelona.

There are several of these local markets in town, so make sure to try this one first you are a foodie and, let’s admit it, a sucker for reasonable prices.

Read: The Best Things to Do on Solo Travel to Rome

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona: La Carretera de les Aigües

This one is actually just outside of Barcelona, but with a killer view over the city.

La Carretera de les Aigües (road of the Waters) is a beautiful change of pace from the city, a 20km-long ancient road making its way alongside the mountains, with beautiful open views of Barcelona.

Pack your hiking boots and go nature-exploring in this beautiful scenery – that’s something you won’t regret doing.

To get to La Carretera de les Aigües, use the funicular of Vallvidrera. To be honest, it’s highly probable you won’t encounter any tourists, as it’s really a locals’ thing to walk along this endless road.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona: CosmoCaixa Museum

So you decided to visit Spain during warmer months and you can’t even bother to leave the AC-powered hotel? Or is it raining and you think it already ruined your day?

Fear not, in one case or the other, I’ve got another one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

This one is a super interactive, and family-friendly museum called the CosmoCaixa Museum.

There, you get to explore and interact with nature, biology, science, and technology, and CosmoCaixa is filled with stunning sceneries you won’t encounter anywhere else in the world.

I am biased, but I think the building looks really cute and Spanish on the outside as well.

Now, is it one of the most instagrammable places in Barcelona?

Perhaps not: there are usually not that many tourists around here. However, it is in my opinion definitely Instagram-worthy and one of the best hidden gems in Barcelona to visit when you want a change of scenery.

Read: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Teatre Grec

Teatre Grec is a Greek-inspired outdoor amphitheater with natural surroundings, and it’s the spot where you’ll find seasonal dances and drama performances.

A really dreamy spot located in Montjuïc Hill and just two minutes away from the Fundació Joan Miró, the Teatre Grec offers fairytale vibes, and clearly some Greek and Roman inspirations.

If you’ve ever visited Rome or Pompeii, you’ll find in the Teatre Grec the same kind of architecture in the amphitheater – something that always makes my mind travel.

That’s really one of the best places to read in Barcelona, write and reflect on life, or even have a picnic with your friends if you want to do something a little bit different.

Read: The Best Restaurants in Trastevere Rome

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Torre Glòries

Is Torre Glòries really one of the hidden gems in Barcelona? Probably not, as it’s so visible from quite anywhere in town, but I still thought it had to be mentioned.

People tend to visit the grand landmarks, deciding not to include some of the less famous ones which I completely understand, and I honestly do the same.

But… Torre Glòries feels different to me.

Formerly known as Torre Agbar (as a reference to the abbreviation of the Spanish saying “Agua de Barcelona” (Waters of Barcelona)), it is one of the most important Spanish landmarks, for starters.

The beautiful blue-ish skyscraper is located near Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes and marks the gateway to the new technological district of Barcelona.

Torre Glòries was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel and it is now part of the symbol for modern design in Barcelona.

So if the most instagrammable places in Barcelona are what you’re aiming at, then perhaps you might want to look somewhere else. However, this beauty is definitely Instagram-worthy, and a new way to share the city.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: El Bosc de Les Fades

My absolute favorite! By now, you might have realized I love everything book-related/medieval fantasy. If you’re the same, one of the places that you must visit is the El Bosc de Les Fades bar.

Is it an average Spanish bar? Yes – but not exactly. As soon as you step foot into this marvelous spot, you leave the city behind and enter a fairytale forest with magical creatures and highly detailed wooden decor all over the place.

I don’t want to spoil the fun, but I have to tell you that this place has dim lights, and you can hear the waterfalls, thunderstorms, and plenty of other things.

This is one of those hidden gems to visit in Barcelona that still tends to get a bit crowded over the evening, due to locals. So, my recommendation is for you to go early or simply enjoy it when it’s quieter during the day.

Read: The Best Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Park Güell

Okay, Park Güell is not one of the non touristy things to do in Barcelona, it’s not a secret spot, it’s not a hidden gem – but it’s something you have to see when you’re in Barcelona.

It’s a completely public park, free to enter, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the most colorful angles of the city.

Park Güell is a creation of Gaudí and is just another one of the mosaic spots you can see a little bit everywhere in Barcelona, starting with Casa Batlló.

If you’ve ever been to Villa Torlonia in Rome, you’ll find that both spots have the same kind of modernist architecture, a dreamy, fantasy-like atmosphere to them that you really cannot miss on a trip to Barcelona.

While the entrance is free to the park, Park Güell also has a Monumental Zone.

There, you can find Gaudí’s house, the dragon fountain, the famous salamander statue, and many of the most important features of the park – you do have to pay for the entrance, but it’s definitely worth every penny.

Read: The Best Breakfast in Rome

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Los Bunkers del Carmel

Unfortunately, Los Bunkers del Carmel is not one of those non touristy things to do in Barcelona anymore. Nowadays, if you don’t go super early or in the morning before the heat and the sunlight, you will be fighting for your spot with tourists.

With that said, it’s certainly one of the most instagrammable places in Barcelona, and a must-do on your list.

Its history dates back to the Spanish Civil War bunkers where anti-aircraft guns were installed, and it’s a marvelous place from which you see all the way to the Balearic Sea.

Los Bunkers del Carmel is 262m above sea level, and from there, you’ll be in the perfect spot to see the most beautiful sunsets in Barcelona.

If you are afraid of heights, it’s best to avoid it. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, this place is worth walking and climbing.

Read: The Best Vegan Bakeries in London

Best Hidden Beaches in Barcelona: Platja de Castelldefels

The Platja de Castelldefels is a crazy beautiful beach just 30-min south of Barcelona, and it’s pretty easy to access through public transportation as well if you catch the train at the Passeig de Gràcia station.

Possibly one of the best hidden beaches in Barcelona, Platja de Castelldefels has a gorgeous mountains backdrop to admire and a stunning view of the sunset as the day goes by.

A little heads up, there is not much in its surroundings so if you’re coming to enjoy the day and its serenity, just bring some entertainment and food.

Although there is not much to see besides the beach, you get to have a day to enjoy this free touristic zone located just right at Barcelona’s door.

Perfect if you’re coming during the summer and really would like to enjoy a bit of the city, and a bit of the beach.

Read: The Best Free Views in London

Best Hidden Beaches in Barcelona: Platja de Sant Simó

Platja de Sant Simó is slightly more popular compared to Castelldefels, however, it is still considered to be one of the best hidden beaches in Barcelona. Visiting it is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the day without waiting in lines to enter a big landmark.

A golden-sand beach, in one of the most beautiful towns in Spain – Marató. The forts on the beach are the last remnants of the Republic’s defense line and bring a little bit of history to a beach day which is really cool to experience.

Platja de Sant Simó is divided into different areas, such as spots for family use, and some more suitable for naturists. 

You also have different sorts of beach entertainment such as sun loungers, a floating inflatable park, beach bars, volleyball, showers, toilets, and, for Instagram lovers, you have WiFi on the beach.

Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill

Best Hidden Beaches in Barcelona: Platja Fonda, Begur

The third and last hidden beach I’ll mention in this guide is Platja Fonda, which is located in the municipality of Begur.

Mostly known for its great wall, Fonda Beach is really close to the city, which means there are usually more locals, nomads teaching English in Barcelona and tourists here than in the two other spots I’ve mentioned above.

Where Saint Simó beach features dark sands due to a mix of minerals, Fonda Beach is known for its breathtaking crystal-clear waters.

It’s the dream spot for anyone on vacay who wants to relax, but maybe try going during the week, when tourists won’t really be around.

Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Camden

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Can Masdeu

In Collserola Park, right outside the city’s gates, there is an abandoned hospital turned into an eco-community garden. There’s nothing really instagrammable about Can Masdeu, but it’s still something to visit if you’re into sustainability and the protection of the environment.

This building used to be owned by Sant Pau hospital but was abandoned for close to 53 years. In 2001, it was converted into a vibrant eco-community, with stunning gardens just waiting to be explored.

Can Masdeu is open freely to the public to visit the place, but it also offers a reasonably priced and delicious lunch, cultural performances, and live workshops about their work and eco-living.

This is truly one of the best non touristy things to do in Barcelona, and in my opinion, a chill way to have a different kind of fun day and be at one with nature.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Manhattan

Secret Places in Barcelona: Pont del Bisbe

So you want a combo of the most instagrammable places in Barcelona’s meet hidden gem? Pont del Bisbe might just be your thing.

Close to the Cathedral of Barcelona, there is a beautiful marble crossing between two buildings in the Gothic Quarter, marked by a skull pierced with a dagger. 

The Bishop’s bridge was designed by the architect Joan Rubió I Bellver for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, and more than just a sight, it is filled with local superstitions.

Three of the best-known superstitions regarding the skull and the dagger are:

• The legend states that if you make a wish while walking backward under the bridge and looking directly at the skull, your wish will come true.

• Others say that the skull was the architect’s way of expressing his displeasure after his original plan was turned down. People say the skull is a real human skull instead of a stone carving.

• And the third one states that if someone ever removed the dagger which traverses the skull, all of Barcelona will be destroyed. Spooky, no?

So make sure to not go wandering around trying to get the dagger out of its place or simply don’t bump into other tourists when walking backward. Safety above all!

Make sure to enjoy your time, because it is truly one of the best hidden gems in Barcelona, and a perfect photo spot if you’re a photographer looking for new content marked with history.

Read: The Best Places to Study in Southbank

Best Things to Do in Barcelona: Casa Batlló

We talked about the Park Güell in this guide already, and now, another one of Gaudí’s most famous works… Casa Batlló. There is no way you’re going to visit Barcelona without paying a little visit to Casa Batlló, is there?

Casa Batlló is also known as the House of Bones, and for its design, Gaudi took inspiration from anatomy.

The bottom of Casa Batlló looks like bones, viscera, and vessels, but the top part is clearly the most instagrammable, since it looks like dragon scales.

You can see pictures of Casa Batlló everywhere on the Internet, from Instagram to Pinterest, and if there are two sights you really can’t miss in Barcelona, it’s really Casa Batlló and the Park Güell.

The house was built in 1877 and redesigned by Gaudi in 1904 who gave it its supernatural vibe, and today, you can even visit the inside of Casa Batlló, as it has become a museum.

Read: The Best Cafes Open Late in London to Study

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Barcelona: Palau Güell

Gaudí was not only the designer of the Park Güell and Casa Batlló – another one of the best hidden gems in Barcelona is the Palau Güell.

It follows the same Modernist style you can find in a few other spots in town, not only Park Güell and Casa Batlló, and it’s an incredible sight.

Palau Güell was the first major endeavor of Gaudí, who was still a young architect when he met Eusebi Güell, who then commissioned him for some major works throughout town.

There’s every piece of Instagrammable content anyone might wish for in Palau Güell; from a rooftop terrace to stunning chimneys, an Honor Staircase, arches, and incredible decor.

Even if Park Güell and Casa Batlló are probably some of the most famous sights in Barcelona, I would strongly recommend making some more research about Gaudí, just to understand the scope of his work. If you’re an artist at heart like I am, you can’t miss that.

Read: The Best Starbucks Cafes in London

Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona: Poblenou Cemetery

Yes, a cemetery.

If you felt some kind of attraction to the Pont del Bisbe and wish to see another great hidden gem with the same historical, spooky vibe, why not check out the beautiful Poblenou Cemetery?

This is one of the best non touristy things to see in Barcelona and let me tell you why.

For one, Poblenou Cemetery is rich in history (it was built in the 18th century) and comes with a map at the entrance gates that guides you through the cemetery to famous graves where prestigious people are resting in peace.

It has lots of beautiful architecture and the fact that it is located right in the heart of vibrant Barcelona is unbelievable.

There are two sections to Poblenou Cemetery; one is the exclusive part with individual crypts and mausoleums, and what makes the cemetery otherworldly is the huge number of statues.

One of them, in particular, the Kiss of Death, represents death kissing a dying young man – it is incredible.

Read: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Rome

20 Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona from Palau Güell to Beaches

And that concludes our guide to the best hidden gems in Barcelona!

I hope you have enjoyed this article and decided what to include in your plans, whether it is one of the non touristy things to do in Barcelona, a hidden beach, or those cute Instagrammable spots like Park Güell and Casa Batlló!

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