I am a total Barcelona convert! This week was my second trip to Barcelona, and oh my I need a third! This is one hell of a city and there is so much to see and do. So you want to know about the best things to do in Barcelona art Night? Here are my recommendations for the best evening and night time activities in the capital of Catalunya.
My recommendations include the Montjuic Magic fountain show, an evening visit to the Gaudi houses (Casa Batllo and Casa Mila) and a wine and tapas tour in the Gothic Quarter.
Best things to do in Barcelona at night
Montjuic Magic Fountain Show (Font Màgica Montjuïc)
After dark, the beautiful fountains of Montjuic come to life! The fountains dance to a phenomenal colourful music and light show, which is hands down the best thing to do in Barcelona at night. The Magic fountain shows are from 9-10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
You don’t need a ticket to attend as the show is free and outdoors – just rock up! You can get there by taking a Metro to Espanya and walking up to Montjuic. Take a jacket as it’s an outdoor show and it can get a little chilly in Barcelona at night!
If you can’t make it at these times you can see an ornamental show (the fountains dance but without the light show) on Tuesday-Saturday at 11am, 1pm, 4pm and 6pm and on Sundays at 11am and 3pm.
Check the up to date timings on the Magic Fountain show here.
Casa Batllo Magic Nights
One of the most beautiful things I saw in Barcelona was Casa Batllo all lit up at night. Casa Batllo by ‘Gaudi’ is a prime example of art nouveau in Barcelona. I would say that it is even more beautiful at night than in the day time. But if you really want to experience something magical then book for one of Casa Batllo’s ‘Magic Nights’ where you can enjoy live music on the rooftop! Casa Batllo hosts a variety of local, national and international artists who do covers and their own original music.
The cost of a ticket for ‘magic nights’ is €49 for Casa Batllo, a concert, table and drink. You can book on Casa Batllo’s website here.
La Pedrera ‘Origins’ show
If you are interested in visiting Casa Mila (AKA La Pedrera) in a revolutionary and exciting new way then book for the ‘Origins’ show. For just €35 you can experience Casa Mila followed by an enchanting kaleidoscope audiovisual show which projects light and colour onto the famous chimneys of the the undulating rooftop. The experience includes a Catalunya Cava and confectionary.
You can book in advance for the La Pedrera ‘Origins’ show here.
Evening Sailing Cruise
Want to enjoy an evening on the water? Why not take a beautiful sunset cruise? Set sail from the spectacular Port Vell and observe the city from the water at night. Most evening yachts that do an evening boat trip from Barcelona have a mini bar on board where you can order a Cava, Estrella or soft drink of your choice.
Evening Walking tour of the Gothic Quarter
One of the best things to do in Barcelona at night is a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. The gothic Quarter is stunning after dark as the architecture and the cathedral are all lit up. It is the original and oldest part of Barcelona where you will find picturesque arches, spooky alleys and Roman walls. The Cathedral of Barcelona is STUNNING at night!
You can do your own self-guided tour of the Gothic quarter (head towards the Cathedral) but if you prefer to learn more about the history with a tour guide then you can book with GetYourGuide.
Ice Bar Barcelona
Did you know that in Barcelona you can find the worlds first Ice Bar on a beach?! It’s true! IceBarcelona serves beers and cocktails in a unique bar decorated with ice blocks and ice sculptures. Beat the heat by heading into a bar chilled to -5ºC (20ºF) and sipping a refreshing beverage.
You need to book in advance and it’s €16,50 for entrance plus one drink. The ice bar of Barcelona is world famous and you can follow up your visit with some fantastic views of the Med.
A Spanish Meal at Cañete
It’s customary to go for a Spanish meal off La Rambla in Barcelona. The tapas and beef in Barcelona are out of this world! Our restaurant of choice was Cañete and it was one of the best meals I have ever had and excellent value (Approx €60 for dinner for 2 plus wine). I highly recommend the fillet steak with foie and truffle and the viel cheek. Wash it down with a glass of Rioja! It can get busy so it is advisable to reserve a table here.
Cocktails at Paradiso
On your last evening in Barcelona, treat yourself to one of the most famous bars in the world – Paradiso. It was voted as #3 in the top 50 bars of the World. Taste one of the amazing cocktails such as the Vulcano Negroni, the Kriptonita or the Tornado. opening hours are 6pm to 2.30am and it opens at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Flamenco Show at City Hall Theatre
Going to see a Flamenco show is an excellent way to experience traditional Spanish culture during your time in Barcelona. Flamenco is a dance art form often accompanied by Spanish guitar and strong dance moves. It is traditionally from Southern Spain but you can see a Flamenco show at City Hall Theatre in Barcelona, with prices starting at €20. You can also pay more for a ticket with a drink such as a Catalunya Cava.
To get to City Hall theatre, take the Metro to Universidad or Passeig de Gracia. You can book your ticket for the City Hall Theatre Flamenco show on Get Your Guide.
Some other good alternatives are the Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes and the Los Tarantos Flamenco Show.
Evening Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour
Barcelona is famous for it’s amazing tapas culture, so don’t leave this city without doing a tapas and wine tasting tour. Go on this tour with an appetite – you won’t be disappointed! It is focused around the Gothic Quarter. Your guide will greet you with a glass of Cava and then take you to 4 tapas restaurants ordering only the best small plates for you to enjoy!
As you can see, there are so many amazing things to do in Barcelona at night! What about you – do you have any more recommendations that I can add to my list? If so, please comment below!
If you are spending time in Barcelona and looking for a good day trip recommendation, then I hope that you will consider a trip to the Monserrat Barcelona Monastery. Take the train from Placa d’Espanya to Montserrat which takes around an hour. You will be able to visit a mountain monastery and Basilica, art Museum and take a funicular up the mountain for stunning views.