Barcelona is a vibrant and bustling city home to a variety of experiences for locals and tourists. From hidden cocktail bars and cafes to open-air cinemas and street art tours, Barcelona offers much more than the famous tourist spots!

Here is our list of Barcelona’s best-kept hidden secrets.

Discover the rooftop of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya 

Experience 360-degree views of Barcelona from the roof of the MNAC. The Rooftop access comes with general MNAC admission, and you can see the Sagrada Familia, the Magic Fountain, and the surrounding buildings of downtown Barcelona. There is even a cocktail bar open in the summertime. 

Follow in Picasso and Hemingway’s footsteps at Bar Marsella 

Head to Barcelona’s very first bar, Bar Marsella, best known for its absinthe that was popular among artists and writers. Now considered a time-worn watering hole, Bar Marsella was frequented by Picasso and Hemingway back in the day. The bar opened in 1820 in El Raval, and today you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists surrounded by years of history. 

Discover the secret of Alice’s Secret Garden 

Alice’s Secret Garden is an Alice and Wonderland-themed cafe in the heart of the city. Giant mushrooms, books, and beds are strewn around the cafe, giving it a magical feeling. There is a large and cozy inside and an even bigger outside garden you can eat in. 

Enjoy a drink at Bitter Cocktail Bar 

Whether you're celebrating with friends or enjoying a drink alone, Bitter Cocktail Bar is there for all of your needs. With impeccable service, a homey atmosphere, and delicious drinks, Bitter Cocktail Bar has everything you could ask for and more.

Take in Barcelona’s Street Art 

Barcelona is home to a thriving art scene, and hosts many famous murals and street art around the city. Different parts of Barcelona are full of hidden art and color, so make sure you don’t miss out! Take a tour with Barcelona Street Style Tour and become informed about the emergence of street art and graffiti while taking in some of the best street artworks the city has to offer. 

See the Sagrada Familia up close at Hotel Ayre Rosellón 

“More than a terrace, a piece of heaven.” This rooftop terrace is located only a block from the Sagrada Familia and hosts the best view of Gaudi’s greatest work. Make sure to make a reservation at the rooftop before visiting.

Watch a movie at Montjuic’s open-air cinema 

If you’re in Barcelona for the warmer months, don’t miss this outside experience. From July 1 to August 5 Sala Montjuic returns with a special open-air cinema experience under the Barcelona sky. 

Visit Bar La Plata 

An authentic tapas bar in the heart of El Born, Bar La Plata offers delicious tapas with an excellent atmosphere. Bar la Plata is filled with locals and has an incredible charm of an old tavern. 

Visit Monasterio de Pedralbes

A fairytale 14th-century well-preserved monastery is full of interesting history and beautiful furniture. Further from the city center, this national monument is used to house members of noble families. It is now a museum, home to special exhibits and with its own legacy. 

Experience a wine cellar at Zona d’Ombra 

In a wonderful location in the Gothic Quarter, Zona d’ Ombra is an intimate wine bar in a relaxed setting offering affordable glasses of wine. There is an option for wine tasting and delicious snacks, and after you finish your drinks you are in a great area to explore.

Get lost in a cactus garden

Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, also known as the "cactus garden", is situated at the foot of Montjuic Hill. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city’s coastline and port and allows visitors to discover various species of cacti and succulents.

Visit Museu Egipci de Barcelona 

Visit one of the leading private collections of Egyptian art and culture in the world. Museu Egipci de Barcelona is home to thousands of exhibits, including sarcophagi, mummies, jewelry, and amulets. Immerse yourself in the world of pharaohs, ancient deities, and mummies. 

Parc del Laberint d'Horta

Stroll around Parc del Laberint d’Horta 

Parc del Laberint d’Horta is the oldest garden preserved in the city, and home to an 18th-century neoclassical garden and a nineteenth-century romantic garden. Filled with sculptures, ponds, waterfalls, and fountains, the garden is full of romance and wonder. 


Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a delicious cocktail or a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere, the city’s underground scene has something for everyone.

If you’d like to discover Barcelona’s hidden corners with a local, book a photoshoot with us - we’ll take you to the most photogenic spots

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