For me, Barcelona is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and is a perfect place for couples to enjoy a romantic weekend away for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Newlyweds can also have a fabulous honeymoon in Barcelona, with luxury hotels, incredible restaurants and beautiful places to enjoy! Here are my favourite ideas for the most romantic things to do in Barcelona for couples.
Finding the Most Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona for You
Of course, no two people and no two couples are the same, so what you or I see as romantic might not be the same. The key thing with romance is to get to know your partner and find out what they like, what they love and what they would like to enjoy with you.
Active couples might prefer hiking in the foothills of Mount Tibidabo, going scuba diving or hiring bikes to explore, whereas others might just prefer to wander the beautiful streets of Barcelona and eat all the delicious food they can find. No matter what you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderfully romantic trip to Barcelona.
Don’t forget to book a romantic hotel in Barcelona so you can enjoy some special time together in a luxurious hotel room, perhaps take a bath together or enjoy the view of Barcelona from your bedroom.
Romantic Things to Do in Barcelona for Couples
Enjoy the View at The Bunkers at Carmel
A popular date spot for locals is the Turro de Rovira, more commonly known as the Bunkers at Carmel, which has incredible views of the city and the Mediterranean beyond. Early risers can enjoy the sunrise from here, or late afternoon visits are lovely too. Sunset is no longer an option, unfortunately, as access to the Bunkers closes before sunset.
Take a Cooking Class or Food Tour
Food is the way to a person’s heart (that’s true in my case, at least!), and what could be more romantic than making a delicious meal together? A cooking class is more fun than eating out at a restaurant, as you work together to rustle up delicious dishes to enjoy.
If you prefer to just eat the food, then a private food tour is an excellent way to sample the best food in Barcelona catered to your tastes, or joining a group tour can be a good way to meet other couples without having a guide as the third wheel!
I’ve chosen my favourite food tours in Barcelona here, ranging from private farm-to-table experiences to fun group tapas tours. Take your pick!
Share Some Tapas
Sticking with a foodie theme, if cooking isn’t your thing, then make sure you have at least one evening eating tapas in a romantic restaurant in Barcelona. Tapas are designed to be shared, so choose the dishes together and dig into your favourites along with a glass (or two) of Spanish wine or sparkling Catalan Cava.
Enjoy a Cava or Wine Tasting
Speaking of Cava, the Catalan equivalent of champagne is made in the Penedes region of Catalonia, a short train ride from Barcelona. Many of the cava producers offer tours and tastings, so you can sample the best Catalan wines together.
Alternatively, join a tour to visit different wineries so you can try several varieties. I prefer cava to champagne, and the bubbles make every drink that bit more romantic!
If you prefer still wines to sparkling, Alella is another wonderful wine region close to Barcelona. My friend and I enjoyed an incredible private picnic among the vines at a winery with stunning views – the food was amazing and the setting was unbeatable. You can read more about my experience here or book the experience here.
Visit a Rooftop Terrace
Barcelona has no shortage of rooftop terraces to enjoy, many of which are on top of hotels where you can go for a drink and take in the view. There’s nothing more romantic than sipping on cava or a cocktail as you watch the sun set over the city. ➡️ Check out my pick of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona.
Book a Photographer
You can’t visit Barcelona without seeing iconic sights such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, but how about booking a photographer to capture your romantic moments together?
This is a wonderful thing to do in Barcelona for couples wanting to have some professional photos, perhaps for an engagement photo shoot or wedding photos, or just to remember a special trip together.
GetYourGuide have several options for photographers to join you for a few hours in Barcelona, taking in the top attractions as you go. I love the tours offered by Pickapictour, and the photos I got back from our session were fabulous. You can book tours of photo spots in the Gothic Quarter, at Park Guell and more of the prettiest places in Barcelona to pose in.
Walk Along the Beach
I love being by the sea – watching the waves lap against the shore as you sit together on the sand is so dreamy. If it’s hot, you can rub suncream on each other and take a dip in the water, or if it’s cool, then bring a blanket and snuggle up and listen to the sound of the waves.
There are some wonderful beaches in Barcelona to enjoy, or head further out of the city to find a quieter spot away from the crowds. The Costa Brava, north of Barcelona, has more sandy beaches and secluded coves perfect for a romantic date.
Hire Bikes
If you’re an active couple, then hiring bikes is a wonderfully romantic way to explore the city – there are tandem bikes if you feel brave enough to share, or have one each. Take things slow and use your pedal power to cruise around the city, along the beachfront and take in the sights together. Bring a picnic or stop at a cosy restaurant for lunch to take a break.
Picnic in the Park or on the Beach
Buy some local food at La Boqueria Market or one of the many local markets in Barcelona and enjoy it on the beach as a picnic, or find a spot in La Ciutadella Park to take a rest under a shady tree. In Ciutadella Park, you can also hire a rowing boat to take out on the lake – just take care not to fall in!
Book a Chocolate Tasting
I have a sweet tooth, and if you and your partner are the same, then this chocolate tasting is a lovely way to taste some of Barcelona’s best chocolate.
Chocolate Amatller is one of the most famous chocolate brands in Barcelona, and here you can learn about the history of chocolate in Barcelona, have a go at making your own chocolate and sample several of their signature creations. It’s a nice way to spend an hour in the Gothic Quarter, especially if the weather is poor!
Stroll Around the Gothic Quarter
For me, the Gothic Quarter is easily the most romantic neighbourhood in Barcelona, with narrow streets, little squares and stunning architecture. There are some fabulous cozy bars and restaurants tucked away in the Gothic Quarter too, so it’s a great spot for an evening wander.
Bar Hop in Gracia or El Born
For a romantic evening in Barcelona with a cool twist, head to Gracia to check out the bars and local restaurants. There are several excellent cocktail places, perfect for a cool date where you can while away the hours talking and kissing in dark corners!
El Born is another romantic neighbourhood to explore. Some of my favourite bars here inclue Dr Stravinsky and Dux, although there are plenty of others to choose from. Take your time and get lost (on purpose) in the narrow streets together.
Shop Till You Drop
If you want to buy something special for your loved one, Barcelona is a fabulous city for shopping. From designer names on Passeig de Gracia to independent boutiques in Gracia and the Old Town, you are sure to find the perfect souvenir from Barcelona for your partner.
Watch the Magic Fountain Show
The Magic Fountain is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona at night, and the fountain close to the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) on Montjuic puts on a light show and ‘dances’ in tune to the music.
It’s free to attend, although it can get crowded, so be aware you won’t be alone! Come here before sunset to take in the views from Montjuic before night falls and the city lights up below you.
Another Romantic Activity in Barcelona: Visit during Sant Jordi
Catalonia has the same patron saint as the UK, and Saint George’s Day or La Diada de Sant Jordi (April 23rd) is a big deal in Barcelona. Coming to Barcelona in April is always beautiful and romantic, but even more so on this day as streets fill up with stalls selling roses and books and everyone gifts a rose or a book to their partners, friends and family.
Traditionally, men would give women a rose, and women would give men a book, although there are no fixed rules about that – so hedge your bets and buy both if you’re not sure which to get!
Many of the buildings and landmarks in Barcelona are also decorated with roses for the occasion, and Casa Batlló in particular always looks spectacular for Sant Jordi.
Romantic Hotels in Barcelona
If you’re looking for romantic places to stay in Barcelona as a couple, these are some of my favourite romantic hotels in Barcelona:
Hotel Neri: For a romantic place to stay in Barcelona, Hotel Neri is a Relais & Chateau 5* chic, exclusive hotel hidden away in a quiet square in the Gothic Quarter, close to the cathedral. It has gorgeous décor with a blend of period charm and sophisticated design, including a lovely rooftop garden. ➡️CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
H10 Madison: For a mid-range stay, H10 Madison hotel has unbeatable views of the Gothic Cathedral from the roof terrace and gets rave reviews for the friendly staff and excellent location. ➡️CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Sensation Sagrada Familia: If you prefer an apartment, check out Sensation Sagrada Familia for bright and modern apartments with a shared sun terrace, a small outdoor swimming pool and views of the famous Sagrada Familia. ➡️CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Enjoy your romantic stay in Barcelona! If you have any more suggestions for romantic things to do in Barcelona for couples, let me know in the comments or head over to our Facebook group to share your tips!