Barcelona at night: 10 epic adventures after dark

With its warm summer nights and a great nightlife, Barcelona is a top destination 24 hours a day. Get stuck into some delicious tapas, be awed by flamenco shows, or enjoy spooky after-dark tours. Whether you're alone, visiting Barcelona with family, or on a romantic getaway, you're bound to enjoy Catalonia's biggest (and best) city when the sun goes down with these top things to do in Barcelona at night.

1. Discover the city’s best bars

Barcelona has a vibrant bar scene, with establishments serving up delectable cocktails, craft beers, tapas, and more late into the night. Bar hop around El Raval in the Gothic Quarter or Gràcia to find your favorite.

Hot tip:

No visit to Barcelona's bars is complete without sampling its most famous alcohol, vermouth. It's one of the most popular drinks in Catalonia and is usually enjoyed with a simple but flavorful tapas of olives, anchovies, or spicy cockles.

2. Watch the sun go down over the city

Barcelona is a port city and sprawls along the Spanish coastline. As a result, Barcelona has a deep connection to the sea. What could be more perfect than an evening cruise as the city illuminates? This is the perfect thing to do in Barcelona at night for couples looking for a special evening.

Hot tip:

Make sure you wrap up warm if you're taking a cruise in the shoulder seasons, because the temperature can drop when the sun goes down.

3. Feel the energy of live Flamenco

Flamenco originated in the south of Spain, but Barcelona's large Andalucian community means they’re a popular attraction here too. There's nothing like a live show, with emotional music, stunningly colorful costumes, and beautiful dancing.

Did you know?

Catalunya has the second-highest number of Gitanos (the Iberian Romani group known as Calé) in Spain after Andalucia due to the waves of immigrants who relocated here for the two world fairs in 1888 and 1929.

4. See Gaudí's work after dark

Many of Barcelona’s most popular neighborhoods and landmarks take on a whole new energy after dark. Architect Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia is a sight to behold once the sun goes down. Every corner is illuminated all night long, highlighting new sections of its unique and mesmerizing exterior.

Hot tip:

Gaudí’s buildings are some of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Park Güell and Casa Batlló are also beautifully illuminated at night.

5. Watch the sun go down at Tibidabo

This is the highest spot in the city at 512m, and is a popular location for visitors and locals to watch the sun go down throughout the year. You can admire the view from the Sacred Heart of Jesus temple or the Tibidabo amusement park.

Hot tip:

There are a lot of places to watch the sun go down in Barcelona, including the Migdia viewpoint at Montjuïc, accessible by cable car, and Park Güell, an unfinished garden city designed by Gaudí.

6. Indulge in some delicious tapas

No visit to Barcelona is complete without a night of drinks and tapas! Tapas is a staple of Spanish food culture, and is usually served alongside an evening of delicious drinks. You can order a number of iconic small plates like patatas bravas, fresh olives, tomato bread, and padron peppers. Food is often served late into the night in Barcelona’s bars, so you will never have to worry about going hungry.

Did you know?

Barcelona has many famous drinks if you're not a fan of vermouth. Sangria, cava, and clara—a refreshing beer/lemonade mis—are popular with locals here.

7. Explore the city by bike

Barcelona is a bike-friendly city, and arguably the best way to get around. Take your bike out as part of a tour to see the harbor illuminated and city streets come to life as the sun goes down. From the Arc de Triomf to city parks with ocean views, a bike tour is a great way to see it all in one evening.

Hot tip:

You can go alone, but it's best to travel with a group for safety, especially at night.

8. An evening at Casa Batlló

For a truly special evening, head to Gaudí's gorgeous Casa Batlló for a night of music and cava on the roof of this iconic Barcelona building. You can also tour this beautiful building after dark and marvel at the architect's unique vision and bizarre style—totally ahead of its time.

Address

Pg. de Gràcia, 43, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.

Opening time

First access at 8:30 PM, last access at 9:15 PM. Concert from 9 PM.

9. See the lights and colors of the Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain at Montjüic is one of the top free attractions in Barcelona after dark. Every evening, you can see a dazzling light show as the water dances in time to the music. The show on New Year’s Eve is its most spectacular display, with a backdrop of fireworks to accompany.

Hot tip:

To make a day of it! First visit MNAC, the art museum located just behind the Magic Fountain. You can spend a couple of hours admiring the 19th and 20th century visual art before watching the light show.

10. Celebrate correfoc with the locals

Throughout the summer in Barcelona every neighborhood takes its turn to host a local festival. If you happen to come across lots of fire and costumed people, you've found a correfoc. This wild Catalan tradition features diables, people dressed in demonic costumes, running down the street with fireworks.

Hot tip:

Your first correfoc might be a little scary, but it's an exhilarating experience. Wear a long-sleeved cotton hoodie and keep your hair covered for safety, as the sparks will literally be flying.

FAQs

What is there to do in Barcelona at night?

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. A vibrant bar scene, plenty of clubs, concert venues, Flamenco, and evening walks along Barceloneta Beach are all popular activities. Nights out here can last long into the night and early morning. Barcelona is also a very popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and there are plenty of queer bars and clubs to choose from. The seaside town of Sitges is very popular with gay travelers, and is just 40 minutes from Barcelona making it an easy day trip.

Where to walk around at night in Barcelona?

Barcelona is relatively safe to walk around at night, but it’s important to stay in busy areas and remain aware of your surroundings. Head to bustling La Ramblas to walk down the famous boulevard after dark, or take an easygoing stroll along the seafront at Barceloneta. You'll have beautiful views across the Mediterranean which is usually accompanied by a gentle sea breeze. The Gothic Quarter is also alive at night, and packed with bars, restaurants, and stores that are often open late. Just walking around the city is one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona at any time of day.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Barcelona at night?

Kids will also love Barcelona after dark. During the summer, the city’s neighborhoods put on a number of festivals (called Festes Majors) and outdoor funfares that kids will love. You may be shocked to see small kids out enjoying the fun well past midnight, but that’s a normal part of the local culture. Other family-friendly activities in Barcelona include admiring the city views from Tibidabo following a visit to the amusement park.

What are some romantic things to do in Barcelona at night?

With its long summers, stunning beaches, and countless things to do, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Couples will love the wide variety of places to eat, cozy bars, and evening cruises along the coast. Day trips to the Costa Brava and unique locations like Monserrat are also some of the most romantic things you can do in Barcelona.