10 Relaxing Things to Do in Barcelona
The Best Places in Barcelona to Chill Out
Sunny days on Barcelona’s city beaches, harbor cruises, Arabian spas and picnics in Ciutadella Park – you’re spoilt for choice with relaxing things to do in Barcelona. Book a Barcelona hotel and unwind in this magical Spanish city.
Good for: Couples, Families
Relax on Barcelona’s 4.5km of sandy shores, from Sant Sebastià by the city to the easterly Nova Mar Bella beach. Midway lies the more tranquil Bogatell Beach where watersports fans, in-line skaters and sunseekers happily share the shoreline. Come early evening, when beachside chiringuito bars are the spot for sunset cocktails and seaview dinners. Read more
Barcelona beaches
Good for: History, Photo
Above Barcelona’s northern Gràcia neighborhood is the Antoni Gaudí-designed Parc Güell, a relaxing Barcelona spot and home to several quirky Gaudí designs. Take in the views from the mosaic-tiled serpentine bench or join in an impromptu yoga class. Beneath the palm trees is an alfresco café, perfect for an afternoon coffee. Read more
Location: Parc Güell, Carrer d’Olot, 1-13, Sants-Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain
Relax in Parc Güell
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Bag an alfresco spot in one of Barcelona’s most popular squares, Plaça Reial, lined with palm trees and Gaudí-designed lanterns. Sip café con leche, cocktails and fine wines on the Taxidermista bar-restaurant terrace, which also serves seasonal tapas dishes. Read more
Location: Plaça Reial 8, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
People-watching in Plaça Reial
Good for: Families, Group
Pack a picnic and head to Ciutadella Park, between the old town and the Olympic port. Soak up the Barcelona sunshine from the grassy verges, explore the exotic gardens or rent a boat on the lake, bobbing past the majestic arch with its waterfall and fountain. Read more
Location: Ciutadella Park, Av. del Marquès de l’Argentera, Barcelona, Spain
Picnicking in Ciutadella Park
5. Harbour cruises
Good for: Couples
Enjoy spectacular city views on a relaxing Barcelona harbor cruise. Choose from coastal cruises, sunset excursions and themed trips like jazz cruises. Boat company Las Golondrinas offers short cruises that sail inside Barcelona’s port while seafaring catamarans explore the open sea towards Port Forum.
Location: Las Golondrinas, Plaça Portal de la Pau, (Columbus Monument), Spain
Harbour cruises
6. Barcelona Botanical Gardens
Good for: Families
Located on Montjuïc hill, south-west of the center, are the peaceful Botanical Gardens. Admire the exotic plants and explore the garden’s microclimates, making the most of the tranquillity before heading back to your Barcelona hotel.
Location: Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer 2, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Botanical Gardens
7. Collserola Park
Good for: Families, Adventure, Group
Behind Barcelona’s northern Tibidabo hill is the lush green Collserola Nature Park. Leisurely bike rides and walks along tree-lined paths take you past woodland and diverse ecosystems. Sunset views with Barcelona illuminated below are particularly memorable.
Location: Carretera de l’Esglèsia, 92, Above Ronda de Dalt, Barcelona, Spain
Collserola Park
Good for: History, Photo
Take the Funicular de Montjuïc railway towards Montjuïc Park and castle, south-west of the center. Get lost among the park’s gardens and grounds and enjoy bird’s-eye Barcelona views. For coastal views, take the Telefèric cable car, which connects Montjuïc with Barcelona’s beaches. If you’d like to have similar views from your hotel room, then choose between the options available in the Sants-Montjuic neighborhood. Read more
Location: Montjuïc, Carretera de Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Montjuïc Park
9. Shoko Barcelona
Good for: Food
Fine Asian-Mediterranean cuisine and beach chill-out meet on the seaview terrace of fusion eatery club Shoko Barcelona. Tuck into tempura or chocolate brownies in a faux bamboo forest interior and watch Oriental dance and martial arts displays.
Shoko Barcelona
10. Aire de Barcelona
At Aire de Barcelona spa in the old town, enjoy the therapeutic waters of its restored ancient Arab baths which include a hot caldarium and refreshingly cold frigidarium. Unwind in the hamman steam baths and salt baths or book a massage on hot marble slabs.
Location: Aire de Barcelona, Paseo Picasso 22, 08003 Barcelona
Aire de Barcelona
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