On your initial journey to Barcelona, there are certain sights that are essential to witness. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and La Rambla frequently appear on first-time itineraries for very good reasons.
But what happens when you’ve already seen those?
One of the finest aspects of returning to Barcelona is the opportunity to overlook the major landmarks and delve deeper into the city. Spend time in neighborhoods you hardly explored during your first visit, discover new dining spots, or use Barcelona as a hub to explore more of the Catalonia region.
If it’s your first visit, our guide to Barcelona for newcomers is the best place to start. For others, here are some of our top recommendations for things to do in Barcelona after you’ve seen the standard attractions.
You’ve experienced the Barcelona Highlights. What’s Next?
Reflect on your initial trip. What do you genuinely remember?
Likely a lot of Gaudí, bustling crowds in the old town, a drink near the beach, and a slow stroll down La Rambla with countless other visitors.
That’s typical for a first-time trip. You want to experience the places that make Barcelona famous, and there’s nothing amiss with that.
The advantage of returning is that you can skip the repeat visit.
Consider what you overlooked instead. If most of your meals were near the tourist hotspots, prioritize food this time. If you scarcely ventured out of the Gothic Quarter, allocate an afternoon to a completely different area.
It can also be beneficial to explore alongside someone familiar with the city.
Companies like Fernwayer provide experiences with local guides who take you beyond mere transit between main attractions, offering more insights and context about the places you’re visiting. On a return visit, this can be an excellent way to uncover areas of Barcelona you might otherwise bypass.
Wander Through El Raval
If the Gothic Quarter dominated your earlier visit, begin just across La Rambla in El Raval.
Traditionally a working-class district and home to numerous migrant communities, El Raval is one of Barcelona’s most varied neighborhoods. It’s lively, a tad rugged in some areas (but completely safe), and filled with eateries, bars, vintage boutiques, and amazing street art.
It’s also where MACBA, Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, is located. Even if you don’t enter, take some time in the plaza, Plaça dels Àngels, just outside to catch skateboarders showcasing their tricks and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere.
El Raval isn’t a place where you need a checklist, either. Just give yourself a couple of hours to stroll around.
Spend a Day in Gràcia
Gràcia was its own town before becoming incorporated into Barcelona in the 19th century, and it retains a distinctly different ambiance from the city center.
The lanes are narrower, small squares abound throughout the neighborhood, and there are plenty of independent boutiques, cafés, eateries, and bars.
You can easily visit without much of a strategy. Snag a table in Plaça del Sol, order a drink, and relax for a bit. Then meander from there and see where you find yourself.
That’s as complex as an afternoon in Gràcia needs to be.
Savor Your Way Around Sant Antoni
La Boqueria is certainly worth a visit, but if you’ve already been, explore Sant Antoni this time.
The expansive Mercat de Sant Antoni reopened in 2018 following significant renovation and is worth experiencing for the architecture alone. Inside, you’ll find stalls offering meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and other items.
The adjacent streets are just as compelling, with cafés, bakeries, bars, and restaurants all within a short stroll from the market.
Bonus: if you’re there on a Sunday, there’s a large book and collectors’ market that appears outside.
Dedicate More Than an Hour to Montjuïc
If your sole memory of Montjuïc is riding the cable car, admiring the view, and descending again, spend more time there on your return trip.
Montjuïc Castle perched at the hilltop has a rather dark political history, having been used as a prison and execution site at different periods. Additionally, you can discover the Olympic Stadium, botanical gardens, museums, and structures from the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition.
It’s also one of the greenest spots in the city. Once you move away from the busiest viewpoints, you’ll find gardens and pathways where Barcelona feels much less frantic.
Discover a Different Aspect of Barcelona in Poblenou
Poblenou is certainly not the Barcelona you envision before your arrival.
It used to be a key industrial sector filled with factories and warehouses. Some of these historical structures still stand today, although many have been transformed.