In a nutshell
- Have you already explored the main attractions and are looking for some non-touristy things to do in Barcelona? Then you’ve come to the right place.
- We’ve put together 11 hidden gems in Barcelona off the beaten path that not everyone knows about.
- From stunning beaches and scenic viewpoints to incredible food, there’s something here for everyone.
Gràcia
The Gràcia district is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city. Locals feel right at home here, making it a true hidden gem in Barcelona.
Since it’s a bit farther from most of Barcelona’s main sights and the beach, it’s much less touristy than places like the Barri Gòtic, for example.
Gràcia is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll come across charming little shops, narrow streets, and beautiful squares. Our favorite spot is the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. Here you can enjoy the best ice cream in town at Anita Gelato and treat yourself to delicious tiramisu at Nabucco Tiramisu.
For amazing coffee, head to Syra Coffee. Plaça del Sol, one of the district’s most famous squares, is the liveliest. It’s lined with bars and even has a playground, making it a great spot if you’re visiting Barcelona with the whole family.
Free
Casa Vicens

In a side street of the Gràcia district, you’ll find Casa Vicens, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí.
At first glance, this urban villa does not look like a typical Gaudí building. That’s because it was one of his first works, where he experimented with Moorish elements instead of his signature organic shapes.
Compared to Gaudí’s more famous buildings, like Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens is lesser known and therefore a true hidden gem in Barcelona. It’s the perfect spot to explore in a more relaxed atmosphere.
While the exterior is already stunning, the inside holds even more treasures. The inner courtyard is especially beautiful, and the house also hosts exhibitions by various artists.
Book your ticket for Casa Vicens online
El Beso

The artwork “El mundo nace en cada beso” (The world emerges after every kiss) – or El Beso for short – by Joan Fontcuberta is a popular photo spot in Barcelona.
Be sure to take a closer look. The piece is made up of many individual tiles, each featuring a photo of different people showing what freedom means to them.
All these photos, as different as they are, come together to form a kiss in the end. Such a beautiful message.
Free
Bogatell Beach

Barcelona is famous for its city beach, Barceloneta. Since it’s so central and easy to reach from the city center, it can get pretty crowded.
If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten track in Barcelona, we recommend Bogatell beach (Playa de Bogatell) in the Poblenou district.
It’s a little farther from the city center, but you can easily reach it in about 20-30 minutes by public transport in Barcelona.
At Playa de Bogatell, you’ll mostly find locals, often meeting up after work for a game of volleyball or just to relax. It’s super chill!
By the way: Poblenou is also a real hidden gem for staying overnight in Barcelona. Most visitors don’t have it on their radar, but it’s been steadily growing into one of the trendiest neighborhoods in recent years.
Free
Bunkers del Carmel

A true highlight in Barcelona are the Bunkers del Carmel, a former military defense site from the Spanish Civil War. It’s located on a hill in the northeastern part of the city, a bit off the beaten track.
You can walk to the bunkers from Park Güell, for example, in 20 to 30 minutes. There’s also a bus that takes you almost all the way to the top.
From there, you’ll get an absolutely stunning view of Barcelona – especially at sunset.
Word has gotten out about this spot, so it’s not exactly an absolute hidden gem in Barcelona anymore. However, it’s still nowhere near as crowded as other viewpoints in the city.
One reason for that is the lack of restaurants or souvenir shops here. We think that’s great!
Free
Montjuïc Cemetery

A somewhat unusual tip, but the cemetery on the city hill of Montjuïc is truly a unique place off the beaten track in Barcelona. Here, you can find some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city and learn more about Barcelona’s history.
The cemetery has a very special, almost mystical atmosphere: sad angels, beautiful modernist monuments and sculptures huddle on the slopes of the small hill. From here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the harbor and the sea.
A small green area commemorates the victims of the Franco regime and the international brigadists who lost their lives in the fight against fascism.
The Montjuïc Cemetery tells the story of Barcelona in its ow very personal way. A true hidden gem in Barcelona!
Free
Moco Museum
We are big fans of the Moco Museum – for us, it’s one of the most exciting museums in Barcelona.
If you like contemporary art and pop culture, this is the place for you. In addition to world-famous works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí, you’ll also find some really cool experimental digital art.
Thanks to the modern and interactive exhibition elements, the museum is also great for anyone who might not normally be into museums.
And best of all, it’s still not as crowded as many other museums in the city. A fantastic non-touristy thing to do in Barcelona!
Book your ticket for the Moco Museum Barcelona online
Pizza at Can Pizza

Pizza? Yes, you read that right. But why eat pizza in Barcelona? Isn’t Spain known for tapas and paella?
It’s simple: The pizza at Can has even won international awards and is one of the best sourdough pizzas we’ve ever had.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is cool and laid-back – but be warned: Don’t fill up on the delicious olives beforehand, the pizzas are huge!
Can Pizza is just around the corner from the Sagrada Família, making it the perfect spot for dinner after visiting Gaudí’s masterpiece.
Parking Pizza - Parking Pita
Have you ever eaten in a parking garage? If not, you can give it a try in Barcelona. Where cars used to be parked, you’ll now find two connected restaurants right next to each other: Parking Pita and Parking Pizza.
The delicious pitas at Parking Pita are filled with various vegetables, meat, or both. At Parking Pizza, you’ll not only fantastic Neapolitan pizza but also pasta, antipasti, salads, and more.
The ambience and factory-style decor of the restaurants are really unique.
A fun touch are the seat stools, which you can open to store your things while eating. They’re both theft-proof and space-saving!
Brunch at Cremat 11
Our insider tip for a super delicious breakfast is Cremat 11 in El Born, our favorite neighborhood in Barcelona.
We highly recommend the pancakes and avocado toast. If you want to order both, you should come hungry – especially the pancake portions are huge.
Our tip: Cremat 11 is extremely popular, especially at weekends, and since you can’t make a reservation, it’s best to be there right when it opens.
Paella Cooking Class

Eating paella in Barcelona is something anyone can do – but how about cooking it yourself? We highly recommend a super cool paella cooking class that we’ve personally taken part in.
The class starts with a visit to the famous Mercat de la Boqueria to shop for fresh ingredients. Then it’s off to the kitchen, where you will learn all the tricks of the trade for preparing the dish with the help of a professional chef.
We absolutely loved the class! The atmosphere was super relaxed, and the food was incredibly delicious.
What’s even better: You’ll get the recipes at the end, so you can recreate the meal at home.
Book the paella cooking class with a Mercat de la Boqueria tour online
69 Euro
Do you know any more hidden gems in Barcelona?
These were our very own insider tips for Barcelona. Have you visited any of these places? Or maybe you have your own hidden gem in Barcelona? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!