Romantic Breaks in Barcelona
Where to stay and what to do on a couples’ holiday…
By Duncan Rhodes 
Whether you’re spoiling your partner, planning to propose, or celebrating your honeymoon here in Barcelona, we share some of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona, along with the best restaurants and hotels for couples.
Forget Paris, with its haughty residents and unreliable weather. Dismiss Venice, with its cliched gondola rides and insalubrious smells. When it comes to romantic breaks in Europe, it’s time to dethrone the same old hackneyed destinations and crown Barcelona king.
Here in the Catalan capital you have everything a doting couple could hope for to inspire unbridled romance, such as warm Spanish evenings, a magnificent stretch of coast by the rippling azure Mediterranean sea, a fantastic culture of food (including scores of top class restaurants – many boasting Michelin stars) and more than a dash of high brow culture – just in case you do want to leave your hotel room for an hour or two during your stay.
Popping the question in Barcelona! (Photo courtesy of Shutter Kings).
Whether you’re a young couple in love looking for a weekend getaway, or whether you’re planning a romantic holiday to celebrate a recent engagement – or, day we say it, to propose! – we’ve got some ideas below that could spice up your trip and make it truly unforgettable.
Once you’re sipping Cava in the rooftop Jacuzzi of your penthouse apartment (or maybe even honeymoon suite!), watching the sun set behind Tibidabo mountain, as the spires of La Sagrada Familia cast their long shadows over the city, we’re confident you’ll be toasting Barcelona as one of the most romantic cities in the world.
15 Romantic Things to Do in BCN
Impress your loved one by planning one or two of the following activities! To make your planning easier, we’ve split them into day activities, and things to do in the evening…
– By Day
Start your romantic break with one of these unforgettable trips:
1. Private Wine Tasting Tour
It’s often overlooked, what with all the stunning architecture and city beaches, that Barcelona is surrounded by wine country. We’ve teamed up with a Catalan sommelier to offer these private wine tasting excursions to the gorgeous Penedes and Priorat wine regions. During this amazing day out, you visit two boutique wineries and stop for a delicious country lunch in the company of a knowledgeable local sommelier. A great day out that combines idyllic scenery, with wonderful food and drink. Tours for couples cost €320 per person, and include hotel pick up in a luxury vehicle. Just email us on info@barcelona-life.com to get the ball rolling!
2. Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride
Set your alarm for this one! The transfer from Plaça Catalunya leaves as 6am, ready to take you to the unspoiled scenery of Montseny mountain range (declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO), just an hour or so away from Barcelona. From there you’ll jump aboard your balloon and take flight! Needless to say the views are nothing short of spectacular! Afterwards you’ll celebrate your experience with a Cava toast and brunch. The cost, with Barcelona transfers, is €200 per person and you can book via Get Your Guide.
3. Spanish Cooking Class
Take things into the kitchen during this Spanish cooking class where you’ll first shop for ingredients at the legendary Boqueria market and then prepare a delicious four-course lunch of classic Spanish dishes, including the paella, washed down with premium local wines. The class takes place between 10am and 2pm, and costs €88 (although if you prefer, you can sign up for the evening class at 6pm, which costs just €75, but doesn’t include a market tour). In all cases, email info@barcelona-life.com for more info.
More Cooking Experiences
If you prefer a private cooking experience then check out this Paella Cooking Class with Cava Sabrage (opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword!), which can be run with you just you and the sommelier-chef!
For a more affordable kitchen class check out the Paella Cooking Experience, which takes place in a large communal kitchen with market tour included.
4. Ferrari Drive
If your partner loves fast cars, with engines that pack serious horsepower, then book yourselves a cruise around town in a Ferrari, or other sports car. Prices start at just €88 for a 20 minute spin, although we’d recommend the 40 minute experience that takes you along the old F1 circuit route on Montjuic mountain (€169). Each drive is done in the company of a licensed instructor, who helps familiarise you with the car. Read up on more sports car experiences, or simply contact us via email (info@barcelona-life.com) with your dates of travel.
5. Photo Shoot
If you’re recently married or engaged, or planning to propose right here in Barcelona, why not record this moment in your life for posterity (and/or your Instagram followers). Shutter Kings offer photo shoots in some of the city’s most iconic locations, and their professional photographers will ensure you leave the city with a series of stunning souvenirs.
You can discover even more photography tours here.
6. Helicopter & Sailing Combo
Discover Barcelona by land, air and sea, during this “360 Degrees City Tour” that combines a helicopter flight, a boat trip and a guided walking tour of Passeig de Gracia and the Old Town. A chance to see the Catalan capital from every angle, the tour is incredible value at €134.99 per person. Available to book via Get Your Guide.
7. Create Your Own Cava
Create Your Own Cava is a fun wine tasting workshop that takes place in a boutique winery 50 minutes train ride away from Barcelona. It’s different to every other wine tasting event in that, not only do you get to try the different blends of Cava the winery produces, but you learn how to disgorge your own bottle of ‘Catalan Champagne’ and personalise the label. The workshop costs €49, and you can upgrade with a rustic lunch (+ €28). More info and photos right here, or email us on info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll check availability for you.
8. Boating Lake at Parc de la Ciutadella
“Lake” might be exaggerating a bit, but you’ll still score plenty of brownie points if you decide to impress your lover with your “oar-some” (sorry, not sorry!) rowing skills on the ponds of this wonderful park in El Born district. The boating lake is more or less in the centre of the gardens and you can hire a classic rowing boat for just a handful of euros. If you’re a big fan of park life check out this post.
9. Sitges Day Trip
Popular with families, holiday makers and gay tourists, the Brighton of the Costa Brava is a beautiful and serene coastal resort with 17 beaches (9 of which have been awarded Blue Flags). The town makes a lovely change of pace from Barcelona and is certainly one of the most romantic day trips within easy reach of the city. You can take the train from Sants Station and it’s just 35 minutes away. Check our Sitges travel guide for more info.
For more day or weekend excursions we have listed our favourite places within shooting distance right here.
10. Park Guell
Gaudi’s famous gardens are one of Barcelona’s must-see attractions, and have featured in popular movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona and L’Auberge Espagnole (the latter is a classic!). Most of the hilltop gardens are free to visit, but if you want to visit the Monumental Zone (where all the cool stuff is, like the lizard, colonnades and viewing terrace!) then you need to buy a ticket in advance. Don’t expect to have the park all to yourself, as when Javier Bardem bumps into Rebecca Hall, as it’s a major tourist attraction these days. I’d recommend booking tickets for early in the day, or late in the afternoon, as sunset here is very romantic. Speaking of sunsets, let’s check out the best activities for couples during evening time…
– By Evening / Night
As the sun goes down, here are some perfect ways to stay entertained until bed time…
11. Romantic Sunset Cruise
What could be more fanciful than chartering a gleaming white yacht and heading out on to the glistening Mediterranean for a late day sail? Admire the city’s famous skyline as it fades to black, and cuddle up with your partner with a glass of bubbly. You can read more about this leisurely cruise for lovers here. The total cost is €250, captain and Cava included, and the cruise is private. Email us on info@barcelona-life.com to book, or check out more Barcelona boat trips.
12. Flamenco Show at Tablao Cordobes
If you thought your love was intense check out the passion of one of Barcelona’s flamenco shows. This quintessential Spanish art form has a lively scene here in Barcelona, with some of the country’s best artists regularly performing at the city’s tablaos. One of the best is undoubtedly Tablao Cordobes, which hosts three shows a night in its Andalusian cave-like interior. You can buy tickets on Get Your Guide, which also include a dinner option with Valencian paella.
13. Rooftop Concert at Gaudi’s Casa Batllo
Available March to November
How about this for special? First enjoy a night visit of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo, a stunning mansion on Passeig de Gracia and probably the architect’s most colourful creation. And then, afterwards, venture up onto the roof for an al fresco concert of live pop / blues / rock (depending on the night!) with a glass of Cava. Tickets for these “Magic Nights” are available on their official website from €69 per person. This event usually only runs spring to autumn, but if you’re here in the colder months check out their Winter Night Experience instead.
14. The Magic Fountain
One of the city’s most famous attractions, Barcelona’s ‘Font Magica’ comes to life Thursday through to Sunday during summer, and Friday to Saturday the rest of the year, when its powerful pumps spew dancing jets of water accompanied by dazzling lights and a thunderous soundtrack. It’s a little kitsch, but nonetheless it’s fun to take a seat on the steps leading up to the palatial MNAC museum and watch the show as the sky turns dark. No ticket required, check here for the fountain’s timetable.
15. Old Town Stroll
A walk around the twisting medieval streets of the Old Town (which we usually divide in the districts of Barri Gotic, El Born and Raval) may not be the world’s most original idea but it’s hard to beat the carefree feeling of getting lost in this beautiful and ancient labyrinth. The area’s many squares come to life at night with street terraces and revellers, and you don’t have to travel far off the main tracts to lose the crowds and chance upon a hip restaurant, bar or cafe. The area is by and large very safe, but do keep your belongings in sealed pockets and not on a table, or under a chair, where they can easily be swiped by pickpockets.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our article on what to do in the city at night.
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5 Romantic Restaurants for Lovebirds
Barcelona abounds in stylish and charismatic restaurants which make the perfect setting for a meal for two. From chic and refined offerings to backstreet secrets, find your take on romance in some of the options below.
1. Dos Torres Restaurant
Dine under the stars in this villa-restaurant which boasts a spacious and leafy garden. Coming for Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry they have outdoor heaters! Keep reading…
www.restaurantedostorres.es
2. Cinderella
Great service is key to any romantic dinner, and that’s par for the course at this American-owned restaurant that succeeds in being fun, elegant and informal at the same time. Pop by for the best brunch of your stay, or make an evening reservation. On nights like St. Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve expect special menus and events to mark the occasion!
www.cinderellabcn.com
3. Le Bistro Sensi
French and Spanish culture combine in this charming bistro, which prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. More info here.
www.sensi.es/bistro
4. Gigi Von Tapas
Enjoy creative tapas and killer cocktails amongst fleamarket furniture and crockery. Just opposite the old bullring. Full preview here.
www.gigivontapas.com
5. Con Gracia
One of Barcelona’s highest rated restaurants, the ‘Experiences’ menu treats you to nine dishes selected by the chef. Great if you love surprises! More details here.
6. Cera23
This unlikely backstreet success in the Raval district is perfect for hipsters who crave something authentic. The blackberry mojito is a winner. Keep reading for more.
More Suggestions…
Overall there are really too many sensational restaurants in the city to name here; so instead head to our guide on eating out for more ideas.
We have also reported on our favourite tapas bars and the best Catalan restaurants in town.
Romantic Bars & Hangouts
As for romantic little bars and cafes to while away an hour or two in dreamy discussion, you really are in the best city on Earth. On every corner of El Gotic and El Born, not to mention Gracia, it seems there is small homely bar/cafe waiting for a good-looking couple like yourselves to come in settle down and order a mojito.
Slow is a romantic stop off for a cocktail
Just a few of our faves are Cat Bar, Betty Fords and Rouge, but of course you may want to discover your own ‘secret’ romantic den.
For something more upscale how about dropping by one of the city’s cocktail lounges? We list some of the best mojito-mixers in town right here. You can’t go wrong at Slow Barcelona or La Whiskeria!
Romantic Hotels & Beds
Dreamy hotels in Barcelona run the gamut of luxury five star palaces and towers, such as the famous Arts Hotel at the Port Olimpic, or the new ‘W’izz kid on the block – the gleaming W Hotel on Barceloneta beach. If your partner is the kind of gal/guy who’s impresses by a bit of glitz and glamour then look no further than those two!
The swish Hotel Arts…
For something a bit more homely you could try the independently run Aparthotel Silver, a delightful bolt hole in the charming district of Gracia, and still very central.
The cosy and charming Aparthotel Silver
Of course having your very own pad for the weekend could afford you some extra privacy, and the wealth of apartment rental agencies in town mean you should be spoiled for choice when it comes to your ideal location and all those luxurious extras… like a hot tub on the terrace.
Gay couples meanwhile might want to check into the highly-rated Axel Hotel, which apart from being rather swish and delicious, is just round the corner from ‘Gayxample’ the heart of gay Barcelona.
Finally, if you’re a bit hard up don’t forget that most of the major hostels in town also rent private rooms at much more reasonable rates than the average hotel.
About the Author
Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.