Barcelona Team Building Events

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Why Choose Barcelona for your Event?

Looking for the perfect destination to stage a company team building event? Then you’d be well advised to put Barcelona near the top of your list. And here’s why…

i. A Stunning City By The Sea

A trip to the Catalan capital will stimulate and motivate at the best of times, with its breathtaking architecture (particularly the grandiose art nouveau works of Gaudi), the fantastic cuisine and its abundance of nightlife options.

As a city, Barcelona inspires happiness and creativity

But for corporate excursions, this coastal city has a couple of key advantages over most other European destinations that you might want to bear in mind when making your final decision. The first is its natural landscape. Wedged between the Collserola mountain range and the Mediterranean sea, the range of possible activities increases dramatically vs. other cities. All manner of water sports can bring a splash of adventure to proceedings (check our Sailing Regatta option for starters!), whilst beach games and trips to the local wine country can also be arranged.

ii. The Perfect Climate

The second advantage of course is Catalonia’s splendid local climate. With warm temperatures year round, and plenty of sunshine, there’s considerably less chance that the rain will ruin your parade on the day – an important consideration if you’re thinking about outdoor team building activities.

iii. Unbeatable Infrastructure

Finally the city has fantastic infrastructure. From a fast and efficient metro system, to an abundance of quality hotels, and an easy-to-access airport (with hundreds of flight routes), the logistics of your trip should be a cinch to arrange.

Hands up if you want to go to Barcelona?

Below you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your event, but if in doubt contact us on info@barcelona-life.com with your group size and dates, and we’ll get back to you with suggestions.

17 Barcelona Team Building Activities

Here is a list of some of the most fun group activities available in Barcelona. In most cases, in order to book, or request more details, the best thing to do is simply email us on info@barcelona-life.com. We are online 24/7, and you can expect to hear back within 1 working day (usually within a few hours). Otherwise leave your phone number and ask us to call you.

1. Barcelona Sailing Regatta

From 8 to 400 people, €118 p.p.

Take to the waves with this fantastic team-building exercise, a wind-powered race in small yachts on the Mediterranean sea. Physically hard work, technically demanding and with high levels of concentration required, this is a high adrenaline activity for both small and large groups (8 to 400 people can be accommodated!). Participants don’t need to be experienced sailors but they will be expected to unfurl sails, deploy the winches or even take control of the helm – all under supervision of a qualified skipper – as they race against rival yachts! This regatta has been run for Deloitte, Nike, Pepsi, Unilever and many more, and the price is just €118 (plus VAT) per person. More info here, or email info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

2. Paella Cooking Experience

From 4 to 50 people (for larger groups see below), €88 p.p.
There are a few better experiences for bringing people together than cooking – and eating – a delicious meal. During this activity, led by a local chef, you’ll be mastering none other than the art of making Spain’s most iconic dish – the paella. When done right, there are few plates tastier than this simple rice dish, and its circular pan encourages people to gather around it, making this a very social meal. No wonder it became the cornerstone of the nation’s culture! Organised by a Barcelona Life partner, this activity includes private kitchen and chef, choice of seafood or vegetarian paellas, aperitifs, and Spanish / Catalan wine pairing. The price is €88 per person, which is great value if you consider it as a replacement for going to a restaurant. Groups of 4-50 people are invited to email us on info@barcelona-life.com with your requirements. Larger groups keep reading…

3. “Legends of Barcelona” Treasure Hunt

From 10 to 200 people, €35 p.p.

Fun, fast and furious, the “Legends of Barcelona” treasure hunt is guaranteed to get brains ticking and bodies perspiring as two teams race against the clock – and each other – to solve a series of clues and win the grand prize. Unlike many other treasure hunts, this one features live actors for a more interactive experience, and the clues reveal various stories – modern and mythical about the city. As the game takes place around the Gothic Quarter, it’s also a great way to get to know the secret corners of Barcelona. The price is €35 per person, and requires min. 10 people to run – but can be scaled to accommodate up to 200 people! Email info@barcelona-life.com for more info.

4. Inflatable Games

From 10-150 people, €39 p.p.
For a fun, physical activity, look no further than these whacky energetic games. Your teams will battle against one another over a myriad of inflatable challenges, from gladiatorial style challenges, to tugs of war and treacherous obstacle courses. If you ever watched It’s a Knock Out on TV then you already know what to expect. It’s impossible to take yourself seriously during these kitsch challenges, so it’s a great one for breaking down barriers. See more photos here, or send us an email on info@barcelona-life.com. The prices is around €39 per head, plus a little extra for transport to the venue (25 mins outside Barcelona).

5. Sailing, Wine & E-bike Tours

From 6 to 100 people, from €103 p.p.
Blowing up as one of the coolest thing to do right now in Barcelona, this tour sees you ride 1 hr up the coast on a Mercedes-built electric bike to the nearby town Alella, home of several sensational coastal wineries. Here you will enjoy a tour of the vineyards and taste ecological wines with a sea view, along with some choice nibbles. Don’t worry about cycling home tipsy however, as you’re cruising back to Barcelona on a magnificent sailing yacht! I did this activity myself recently and it’s simply fantastic and our partners are brilliant at giving your team the customer service you need for an unforgettable day out. You can also swap the ebike for a private transfer to the winery if you prefer. Email us on info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll get the ball rolling for you…

6. Flamenco Show (w/ Dinner)

From 4 to 150 people, €55-85 p.p.
If you want to reward your team with a night of Spanish culture, after a hard day of seminars and presentations, this evening activity is a popular choice. Not only will your team be regaled with an authentic flamenco show of snapping castanets and swirling polka dresses, but they will also enjoy a generous spread of classic Spanish tapas, or sumptuous paella and buffet dinner. We have contacts at several top tablaos, so we can advise the best one for your group size, and take advantage of market rates (usually around €55-85 a head). As usual, enquire via info@barcelona-life.com.

7. Bottle Your Own Cava!

From 4 to 120 people, €60 p.p.
Not everyone knows that Barcelona is surrounded by vineyards, most famously the Penedes and Priorat regions. During the Create Your Own Cava experience you will travel out to a boutique winery in the nearby Penedes, and after touring their cellars, your team will first taste several delicious types of sparkling Cava, and then learn how to disgorge a bottle of Catalan champagne. With rustic lunch options in their millennia-old farm house, and also gastronomic workshops (like paella and tapas making), this is a fantastic group activity. Email info@barcelona-life.com for more info.

8. Wine Tasting Challenge

From 4-120 people, €50 p.p.
Barcelona Life works closely with an experienced team of Catalan sommeliers who can organise a really fun and informative wine tasting workshop, either in a vinoteca or at your hotel or conference venue. The activity introduces the delicious world of Catalan wines via tasting games, where you need to compete with your sense of smell and taste against other teams – bringing a competitive element into proceedings. Additional options include cheese and jamon tastings, paired with wines, while our partners can also set up a wine tasting booth at your corporate stand if you’re attending a trade fair. Costs are around €50 per head, depending on group size. Get in touch on info@barcelona-life.com with your needs.

9. Cocktail Masterclass w/ Tapas

From 4-72 people, €50 p.p.
Learn how to mix the fashionable mojito and caipirinha cocktails, amongst others, in this fun workshop that teaches you a valuable skill… who doesn’t love a well mixed cocktail? Shaking your cocktail makers and sipping on the concoctions helps loosen those professional inhibitions a little, great if your goal is to help your team form bonds closer to friendship than mere work colleagues. Prizes for the best drinks can introduce a competitive aspect to proceedings. The price is €50 per head with a generous amount of tapas. Email info@barcelona-life.com for full details! (Non-drinkers welcome as they learn to make delicious mocktails instead!).

10. Spanish Espadrilles Workshop

From 4-120 people, €89 p.p.
Espadrilles are Spain’s most iconic footwear, once worn by luminaries such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, and still loved today by celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Nathalie Portman and King Felipe of Spain. During this fun, hands-on workshop, participants get to fashion their very own pair of Spanish sandals, choosing their base, regional style, materials and bespoke decorations as they learn how to create their own unique set of espadrilles, with the help of professional shoe-makers. Recommended by the New York Times, Buzzfeed and many more, this top-rated experience has been delivered to Google, Amazon and Shopify employees… so what are you waiting for? If you wish, the shoes can bear your company motto or be made with your corporate colours. Up to 50 employees can fit in one location, while up to 120 people can be accommodated across several nearby venues. Just €89 p.p., including refreshments. Email info@barcelona-life.com and prepare to be looked after.

11. Castellers (Human Castles) Experience

From 20 to 300 people, email for prices.
Castells are perhaps the most famous expression of Catalan culture out there, and this practice of building human castles is even inscribed by UNESCO as part of the region’s heritage! During this unforgettable activity professional castellers will teach your team how to work together to build a castell, using structural games, and trial runs to prepare for the feat. Of course, safety is a priority, but if you’d rather just stand back and watch then the experience can also be booked as a spectacle, during which a local association builds a human castle before your eyes. Enquiries to info@barcelona-life.com

12. Camp Nou Tour (FC Barcelona)

If your team love sports, there can be no finer reward for them than treating them to a private tour of the Camp Nou, together with the FC Barcelona Museum (the most visited museum in the whole of Catalonia!). Led by an official club guide, your team will get to experience the stands, the dressing rooms, the trophy room, the player tunnels and much more, and the experience also includes a pitchside photo of your team followed by a glass of sparkling Cava in the Camp Nou Lounge. Best of the all, the experience can de delivered for just €59 per person, including private transport to the stadium from your hotel. Just email info@barcelona-life.com.

13. Supercar Drives

From 4 to 400 people, from €88 p.p.
If your team have exceeded their targets this year, then there can be few better ways to reward them than a spin in a supercar. From putting them behind the wheel of Ferrari California for a cruise around Barcelona’s beachfront (a 20 min drive starts from €88 per person!), to spending the afternoon in Porsche Carrera, Ferrari Spider or Lamborghini Huracan climbing the gorgeous windy roads of Tibidabo (a 90 min. drive costs €349 per person). Track Days: For larger groups (10 to 400 people) we can help arrange a day at the F1 racing circuit of Montmelo – the very track where they stage the Spanish Grand Prix. Each of your team can drive the circuit, in the company of professional instructor. Email us on info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll put the wheels in motion.

14. Sand Sculpture Competition

From 20-200 people, €54 p.p.
Challenge your team to invoke their inner child and get creative using nothing more than a bucket and spade – and maybe a few decorative shells. Professional instructors will show your staff what’s possible, before they get to work to create a sandy masterpiece. The efforts will be judged by the instructors, with prizes awarded. The activity takes place on quieter beach, with better sands, just outside Barcelona and includes transport to and from the centre. Price €54 per person. Email info@barcelona-life.com for more details.

15. Beach Clean Up

From 20 to 100 people, €49 p.p.
If you want your corporate event to leave a positive legacy for Barcelona and its people, this beach cleaning activity is the perfect choice. While picking up trash isn’t the most glamorous event on this list, it’s a chance for your team to work together in a different context to their usual environment, and to help protect the local beaches and ocean life from plastic and other pollution. This feel good activity includes permission from the local council, workshop leader, clean up equipment, photos / video footage of the event and green certificate for having taken part. Email info@barcelona-life.com for more info.

16. Sea Kayaking on the Costa Brava

From 8 to 135 people, €75 p.p.
The stunning turquoise waters of the Costa Brava await intrepid adventurers ready to dip their paddles into the Mediterranean. During this sporting activity your team will get to explore one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, and during warmer months they can also snorkel and swim in the sea caves. Available May to October, the activity costs €75 per person and includes packed lunch and private minibus transport from Barcelona. You don’t need to be a top athlete, and anyone with a basic fitness and swimming level can partake. Email info@barcelona-life.com for more details.

17. Play Dungeons & Dragons

4 to 15 people, €39 a person
The tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons is enjoying a worldwide renaissance these days, and is being played not only by nerds, but also by soldiers, pensioners, prisoners and primary school children. Why? Because it fosters social skills and teamwork, with players taking on the role of heroes that join forces to defeat the powers of evil. If you have a creative team that loves using their imagination, sign up them for an adventure with one of Barcelona’s experienced Dungeon Masters. Contact info@barcelona-life.com for more.

3 Great Group Tours

While sightseeing tours may lack a challenging / competitive teamwork aspect, getting your people together for any relaxed, non-work-related activity can be a gentle, no pressure way of bonding and forging better relationships. Sign your team up to any of the following and they are sure to come back with fond memories from Barcelona. To help organise these, or any other sightseeing tour, drop us a line on info@barcelona-life.com.

1. Barcelona Highlights Tour

It would be a crime to come to Barcelona and not see La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s spectacular mansions on Passeig de Gracia, while you haven’t truly seen the Catalan capital until you’ve taken a trip around the leafy hill of Montjuic, home of the Castle, the Olympic Ring and dozens of other cultural treasures, and a great place to get views over the whole city. On this 4-hour tour by private transport, you’ll also stop at the Port Olimpic and see the city beaches that give so much life to the metropolis. The tour is fully customisable and can be extended or shortened to include any highlights you want your team to visit.

2. Gaudi eBike Tour

A great way to round up all of Gaudi’s sensational creations is on the saddle of an electric bike. These power-assisted bicycles make pedalling a breeze, even if you’re going uphill to the likes of Park Guell. The Gaudi eBike Tour includes tickets to the architect’s landscaped gardens, and strolling through this relaxing oasis of sun-kissed calm is a highlight of any Barcelona visit. After that an expert guide will introduce you to a triumvirate of stunning mansions, in the form of Casa Vicens, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera), and you’ll even have time for rooftop refreshment on the roof terrace of Casa Fuster (another historic mansion, now a hotel). The tour finishes at the imperious and frankly unbelievable La Sagrada Familia.

3. Montserrat Tour (w/Wine Tasting)

If you have time for a jaunt outside the city, it would be a mistake to miss out on Montserrat. This spectacular mountain range rising like the spiked back of a laying dragon from the Catalan countryside, around 50 kms from Barcelona. Nestled amongst the iconic limestone peaks is the sacred Montserrat Abbey home of The Black Madonna, one of the most important relics of the Catholic Church. On this half day, you’ll travel by comfortable public transport up to the site of the abbey, where you’ll also check out the church, museum and take in epic views of the surroundings. Spice up the trip by adding on a wine tasting session at one of the nearby vineyards, that specialise in ecological wines.

Tour Reservations: To book any of the above, email us on info@barcelona-life.com.

5 Unforgettable Team Dinners

Sometimes the best way to galvanise your team is simply to sit down and break bread together, especially if you manage to find a restaurant with the wow factor. We have contacts at some amazing restaurants where great food is combined with great views, atmosphere and / or entertainment. For groups of 20 or more people we can take the hassle of out making a group reservation by checking restaurant availability and doing it for you. And don’t worry about your team’s dietary needs, as we will help you communicate these to the restaurants in question. Here are some options that previous companies we’ve worked with have loved…

1. Beach Restaurant

Nothing says Barcelona like lunch or dinner with sea views, and this restaurant is literally right on the sands of the famous Platja de Barceloneta. Choose from three different Mediterranean menus, that combine tapas like Andalusian baby squid, steamed mussels and Iberian ham croquettes, with rice and noodle dishes, like the iconic Spanish paella, and start at just €39 for a three course meal. Email info@barcelona-life.com for reservations.

2. Traditional Catalan ‘Masia’

Catalonia is full of charming old farmhouses known as masias, which are made of rough stone and often centuries old. While it is typical for families or groups of friends to hire them for a weekend getaway, there are several around Barcelona that have been converted into restaurants. We work with a couple that really maintain that homely country vibe and serve up classic rural cuisine like medallions of beef steak with foie and truffle, or sea bream fillet over braised potatoes and candied shallots as part of their three course menus (€84 per person). Or else go for the barbecue menu (€52 per person) to taste grilled lamb and local churrasco and butifarra sausages.

3. Charming Flamenco Tablao

Combine an activity with dinner by enjoying a meal at one of Barcelona’s most impressive flamenco tablaos. Modelled on Andalusian architecture, this venue is attractive as it is intimate and can fit up to 150 people either next to the stage or on several balconies overlooking the action. Set menu options include Tapas Menu (€66), Dinner Menu (€84) and VIP Menu (€154), and for a Spanish themed evening it’s hard to beat this option. Email us on info@barcelona-life.com and we’ll send over more details and help you get booked in.

4. City View Restaurant

Enjoy lunch or dinner with panoramic views over Barcelona, in this prestigious restaurant that sits atop the city’s coastal rise. Up to 220 people can fit on their terrace, while private dining rooms can host up to 300 people. Their Mediterranean cuisine set menus start at €69 per person, with several in between options rising to €115 for their most gourmet offering.

5. Modern Spanish Tavern (City Centre)

For convenience, quality and homeliness it’s hard to beat this modern interpretation of the Spanish ‘taberna’ or tavern. Located on one of the Gothic Quarter’s most charming streets, just off Las Ramblas, this restaurant serves up classic tapas and shared plates from around Spain, like pa amb tomaquet, Galician octopus, Andalusian fried shrimps, and Iberian ham platters. Set menus start at just €30 per person, rising to €75 for a veritable feast of food and drink.

Team Dinner Reservations: To book any of the above, email us on info@barcelona-life.com.

After Dinner Silent Disco

Whatever else you choose to do in Barcelona, you can add something memorable (and affordable!) by throwing your staff a silent disco. The concept is simple: put on the earphones and tune in to the party…. remove them and return to normality. Finally you can have a party without being deafened by the DJ! Watching other people dance when you have the earphones off is hilarious… and putting the headphones back on is like tuning into the Matrix, and helps you lose your inhibitions and enjoy the silliness factor. This event always proves to be an excellent ice breaker! Headset rentals are just €129 for a pack of 20 (i.e. less that €7 per person), and we can also help you find the right space and DJ for your party if you need more than just the headphones. Email for more details at info@barcelona-life.com.

Help Planning Your Event

Once you’ve decided on Barcelona for your company event, it’s time to start planning both the fun and the practical side of your trip, with everything that includes, such as airport pick up, activities and meals, venue hire and evening entertainment.

If you need start to finish help with your event, we can make your life A LOT easier. We’ve teamed up with a local DMC (Destination Management Company) with many years’ experience looking after top corporate clients, like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Mars and Disney, who can help you with:

1. Team building activities and tours
2. Reserving airport transfers
3. Booking hotels or other accommodation
4. Hiring seminar and/or conference rooms
5. Organising dining, parties and night time entertainment
6. Arranging VIP corporate entertainment and hospitality.

To download their brochure, with a total of 37 great ideas for corporate activities (from tours of Gaudi and the Camp Nou, to wooden sailing boat rides and hot air balloon flights), simply email us on info@barcelona-life.com with the subject ‘Teams Brochure Request’.

REQUEST TEAMS BROCHURE

Their local Barcelona expertise means they can look after every aspect of your company event, from start to finish, including catering for any special requirements you may have. Hint: once you’ve emailed your request, keep an eye on your spam folder as well as your usual inbox for the brochure. It should arrive within 24 hrs, usually within a couple of hours.

Business Retreats

Planning a business accelerator, design sprint, strategic planning or training session with key staff members? Well, how about a business retreat in the Barcelona countryside? At Barcelona Life we’ve partnered with a visionary Dutch-run company to offer multi-day retreats in the stunning environs of a Catalan country house, with lightning fast WiFi, gourmet catering, break off rooms, co-working spaces, swimming pools and other leisure facilities all on one site – enabling you and your team to laser focus on your key goals, uninterrupted by outside life. We can also supply specialist training and seminars on leadership, HR, CSR, resilience and much more. A fantastic time to turbo charge your growth at any time of the year, our Business Retreats are particularly popular either side of one of Barcelona’s world famous corporate events, such as the Mobile World Congress or IBTM. Currently available from 10 to 80 employees, find out more by emailing us on info@barcelona-life.com.

Further Reading

As mentioned above, this is the very tip of the iceberg of group and team building activities that we can help organise in Barcelona. For more inspiration check out Entertainment section, read up on getting tickets for FC Barcelona vs Read Madrid, or check out our Restaurants section and Nightlife guide.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, then simply get in touch on info@barcelona-life.com and I’ll do my very best to help!

A Cheesy Promo Video…

Before you go, check out this old vid. by Barcelona city council to promote business tourism! And enjoy the cheesy late-2000s vibes, when smoking was still considered cool and the city still thought it was a good idea to promote their association with Christopher Colombus. Still, we must confess, it does capture the beauty and sheer excitement of the city.