If you are looking for things to do at night in Barcelona, you’ve come to the right place. Night-time sightseeing can be just as exciting and rewarding as seeing the city by day. I love exploring a new metropolis in the twilight hours. Sites become more edgy and magical all at the same time.
In Spain, the timetable runs a lot later than in other European cities. We only return to work after lunch at 5 pm, so sightseeing runs through the evening here!
Barcelona also has a wealth of activities to do by the light of the moon. Here are some of my suggestions.
This post was written in April 2024
INDEX
- 1-Dark Past Night Walking Tour
- 2- La Pedrera Night Experience & Casa Batlló Night Visit
- 3- Sunset Cruise
- 4- Flamenco show at a tablao
- 5- Concert at Palau de la Musica Catalana
- 6- Opera at Liceu Theatre
- 7- Live music venues
- 8- Comedy Clubs
- 9- Nightmare Horror Museum
- 10- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
- 11- Beautiful buildings lit at night
- 12- Paddleboarding at sunset
- 13- Drink at a hotel terrace
- 14- Sunset up high
- 15- Summer Open-Air cinema
- 16- Local neighbourhood festivals
1-Dark Past Night Walking Tour
If you enjoy the dark side of Barcelona’s history and walking the small winding alleys of the old town, this intimate night tour might be for you.
Starting at dusk at the monumental Arc de Triomf, the tour guide dives straight into La Ribera neighbourhood where all the working-class people lived in medieval times.
Hear the story of Pere Pals, a brave but cursed knight, Torquemada and his push for the religious inquisition, while following the route of shame and learning the fate of those found guilty of crimes in times gone by.
The walking tour combines macabre local legends with fascinating historical facts based on the Spanish Inquisition, punishments, tortures, old cemeteries and more.
A fabulous way of meeting new people and walking off those calories from your evening meal.
The guides come armed with a mini projector, a sense of humour and lots of props to help history come to life for you. The crooked medieval streets themselves also serve as a great backdrop.
MY LOCAL TIP: The tour ends at the restaurant area of the beautiful El Born neighbourhood. Take a late lunch and siesta so you can eat tapas on an outside terrace and take in the lively nighttime atmosphere of this borough.
BOOK DARK PAST NIGHT WALKING TOUR
2- La Pedrera Night Experience & Casa Batlló Night Visit
Barcelona is all about Gaudí. And what better way to get acquainted with the architect than by visiting him at night?
Both Casa Batlló and La Pedrera have thrown open their doors in the evenings to offer clients a very different experience.
The two houses take advantage of haunting lighting to create a magical atmosphere within. It’s show biz at its best which is what some folks are hankering for in Barcelona at night.
LA PEDRERA: THE NIGHT EXPERIENCE
Escape the daytime crowds and explore the house with your friendly group leader. The ribbed attic feels like you are in the belly of a whale. The highlight is a dramatic light show on the roof terrace rounded off by a yummy glass of Cava.
As a private tour guide, I know how hectic this site is during the day, so I always appreciate the eerie peacefulness of the night tour. Just be aware that a visit to the living quarters is not included in the after-hours visit.
MY LOCAL TIP: After the night light show, ask one of the staff where the viewpoint on the roof is to see Sagrada Familia Church. It is quite a special view at night.
BUY TICKETS LA PEDRERA NIGHT EXPERIENCE
CASA BATLLÓ: MAGICAL NIGHTS
Fancy taking in a concert on one of the most spectacular roof terraces with a glass of cava in hand? Look no further!
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First, take in the stunning interior including the main family apartment, magically lit with purples, blues and pink hues. There is no private guide but you are given an informative radio guide and an interactive tablet for kids.
After one hour of touring, it’s time to take your seats and let the music begin. Soul, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Swing, Bosanova… all are available on different nights so check which genre suits you on their website.
One of the great things to do at night in Barcelona and a fun and cultural experience to be had by all!
MY LOCAL TIP: There are 3 different types of tickets available: Blue, Silver and Gold. Blue is the cheapest but furthest from the stage. Gold is VIP if you are quite fussy about being closer to the action and not waiting in queues.
BUY TICKETS CASA BATLLÓ MAGICAL NIGHTS
3- Sunset Cruise
For those of you with sea legs, why not take an evening cruise on the gentle Mediterranean waters? It’s a wonderful way to take in the Barcelona skyline.
While we lack the immense skyscrapers of New York, our twinkling local iconic buildings are beautiful in their own right. With the cool wind blowing in your hair, it’s a great opportunity to relax after a hot day of sightseeing.
From stylish champagne dinners on yachts to basic sightseeing ferries, there are open-sea experiences to suit everyone.
Las Golondrinas is cheap and cheerful this company offers basic skyline tours to the masses. An economical way to see the Barcelona skyline at night with plenty of sailings available. I have to admit, it’s the only way I have done sunset cruises.
MY LOCAL TIP: Bring a light wind jacket. Even in summer, it can be a little chilly with the water and the wind factor.
BOOK CATAMARAN SUNSET CRUISE WITH LIVE MUSIC
BOOK CATAMARAN SUNSET CRUISE WITH GIN & TONIC WORKSHOP
4- Flamenco show at a tablao
It would be a sin not to catch a Flamenco show in Spain, and it is a great nighttime activity!
Flamenco originated in the south of Spain, but don’t rule out finding top-notch shows at night in Barcelona.
The 1960s saw a huge influx of Andalusian workers to Barcelona, thus the Flamenco scene began to blossom. Some of the best Flamenco musicians and dancers in history do actually come from Barcelona!
There are many venues offering shows, from large stages to humble bars to dinner and concert combinations. It depends really on your budget and preference.
From my experience, the bigger nighttime shows seem to have better acts. These are my personal favourites:
EL TABLAO DE CARMEN
Carmen Amaya is a famous flamenco singer who hailed from Barcelona, so it seems a very appropriate namesake.
You might want to toast the lady as you tuck into a 3-course meal, which is included in some of the ticket options.
TABLAO FLAMENCO CORDOBES
If you are a fan of Arabic Architecture, this venue will please you on many levels. The interior has the flavour of the Alhambra, and the show will not disappoint either.
Based in the heart of the old town, Las Ramblas, this company started in the 1970s and is well known by locals. Many well-known performers have passed through its doors.
Again, food and drink are also on hand in this old hall.
BUY TICKETS TABLAO FLAMENCO CORDOBES
TARANTOS
PALAU DALMASES
MY LOCAL TIP: Try and get up close to see the dancer’s intricate steps, something easily missed from a back seat.
5- Concert at Palau de la Musica Catalana
For those music lovers out there, why not check out the night concert programme of this amazing Art Nouveau hall? Designed by Domènech i Montaner in 1908, it is one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings.
Imagine violins, trumpets, drums and guitars sounding to a backdrop of ceramic mosaics, over-the-top sculptures, stained glass and wrought iron. This is Art Nouveau gone wild!
It opens during the day for guided tours, but a nighttime concert is a must and what this building was designed for. I love shows here, as the atmosphere is electric. The only downside is that I keep getting distracted from the show by the amazing decor!
You can find a wide range of music, from classical to flamenco to various cultural events.
MY LOCAL TIP: Arrive 30 minutes before the start of your nighttime show and go straight into the hall. From there you can access all the different floors and drink in all the artwork up close.
BUY TICKETS PALAU DE LA MUSICA
6- Opera at Liceu Theatre
If you dig opera and architecture, I can not recommend enough the Liceu Opera House. This is a real nighttime treat and one of the coolest things to do at night in Barcelona.
Opulent and steeped in history, travel back to the late 1800s, when this was the centre of the social scene for the upper crusts in the city.
Today, many major productions pass through these doors. Boasting seats for over 2,292 people, you should be able to book a place without too much pressure. This is one of the leading and largest opera houses in Europe.
If Opera is not your cup of tea, do not miss this gem of a building. Its programme also includes music concerts, symphonies and ballet.
MY LOCAL TIP: Check carefully that the seat you book has a clear view of the stage as some seats have limited visibility.
7- Live music venues
I love live music shows and, if a babysitter is on hand, I am out that door, drink in hand getting into the groove. From Jazz to Hip-Hop, Barcelona is a big city, so there are always many choices. Here are a few recommendations of reliable favourite nighttime haunts.
JAMBOREE JAZZ & DANCE CLUB
Jamboree is bang smack in the centre of the Gothic Quarter. Established in the 1960s, this nightclub has been frequented by a few generations.
They boast a few salons to host shows, all small, and provide an immersive personal experience.
Jazz concerts are frequent, but many styles pass through their doors, including a disco night with DJs for those who love a little boogy.
HARLEM JAZZ CLUB
Into Jazz and Blues? Want intimate live music after hours? This is a great nighttime venue.
Local bands and jam sessions feature heavily on their programme, which keeps the prices very reasonable.
Their easy-to-use website displays concerts that can be booked online. However, bear in mind that for tables, it’s on a first come first served basis
RAZZMATAZZ
Local to my neighbourhood, it’s a big club that hosts concerts and also has a great nightclub that runs into the early hours. With lots of little cubby rooms, you can find a variety of music in one venue.
Take advantage of the cool Poble Nou neighbourhood for dinner and wander around beforehand!
SALA APOLO
In the trendy neighbourhood of Poble Sec, I have seen my fair share of rock concerts here!
There are two venues: Sala 1 for bigger concerts and Sala 2 for a more intimate experience.
Check out their program as they promote many different genres and bands. It turns into a booming nightclub after hours.
BIKINI BARCELONA
Bikini is the name given in Barcelona to a toasted cheese and ham sandwich, a croque monsieur. Why? Because they were named after this concert place that started serving them in the city!
It caters to a huge mix of shows, from local to international. Located in the Eixample, you might have to leave the comfort zone of the tourist area of the city.
SALA BARTS & SALA BEGOOD
At Barts, being bigger than Begood, you can catch some great cultural events and live concerts. Quite centrally located, you can combine this with some great bars and restaurants in Poble Sec neighbourhood.
Again, a wide variety of shows pass through so it’s a matter of checking their website to see if there is anything that interests you.
MY LOCAL TIP: The metro stops around midnight Sunday to Thursday and 2 am on Fridays. On Saturdays, it runs for 24 hours. Taxis can sometimes be tricky to catch, so, as backup, maybe check out the Nitbus. These public night buses cost the same as during the day and run from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am.
8- Comedy Clubs
Looking for some laughs? Did you know Barcelona has a thriving comedy scene and a full-time English-language comedy club?
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, with residents and visitors from all corners of the world. Part of this lively expat scene is the world of comedy. From international comedy festivals to homegrown talent, English entertainment options have grown considerably in Barcelona. Despite this, the local scene is still a friendly, welcoming community and a great place to meet fellow travellers.
Watch a show or even get up on stage to try it yourself! There are opportunities to see live comedy in English every night.
THE COMEDY CLUBHOUSE
With professional shows on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, plus open mics on the others, there is always something funny happening at The Clubhouse. It is located in the funky and charming El Born neighbourhood, home to lots of nightlife and restaurants.
Check out Thursday night’s Typical Adult Behavior improv comedy show, rated #1 in Barcelona and featuring one of our Runner Bean guides!
SEE PROGRAMME AT THE COMEDY CLUBHOUSE
SECRET COMEDY CLUB
Open every weekend, Secret Comedy Club is Barcelona’s newest entrant to the English comedy scene. Featuring professional acts and stand up students, this hidden gem is located underneath a Chilean restaurant in El Raval.
SEE PROGRAMME AT SECRET COMEDY CLUB
MY LOCAL TIP: If the ones above don’t suit you, you can try other venues that feature English comedy nights every week. These include Mint Bar (Barceloneta), Metamorfosis (Poble Sec) and Imprfecto (Poble Sec and Poble Nou).
9- Nightmare Horror Museum
If you have a strong heart and an urge to scare the living daylights out of yourself, this experience is for you! You can visit it during the day, but I think it is better to include it as one of the things to do at night in Barcelona.
The chill factor starts right from buying the tickets! I saw a poor live mouse being eaten by a snake as a very Goth lady took my entrance fee!
Don’t expect exhibits of old torture devices on show here. In this museum, you get to live the horror experience, stumbling in complete darkness from room to room!
At every turn, there was a real live phantom ready to terrorise you. The plan is to survive till the end!
A great activity for teenagers and young adults at night in Barcelona. I would not recommend it for young kids or old farts like me who scare easily!
MY LOCAL TIP: Bring heart medication with you!
10- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Magic Fountain is not running at the moment due to the severe drought. I will update it here when it reopens again.
For those into music lights and water, you can’t go far wrong with our Magic Fountain.
It’s a stunning concert of a dancing fountain, beautifully lit to the mood of the music. The sprays of water go up and down in sync with the dramatic tunes played.
On top of that, it is on the grounds of the National Exhibition Palace (nowadays the MNAC), so the background eye candy is stunning.
It costs nothing to see, apart from your transport there, so it’s also great value. The fountain is a popular site so you won’t be alone as it can get quite hectic in the summer season.
MY LOCAL TIP: My advice is to check their website to see if they are changing their timetables according to different seasons. It also closes during maintenance times or water shortages.
11- Beautiful buildings lit at night
We have some stunning buildings creatively lit at night. Iconic structures take on a different persona after dark and it is a completely different experience. Magical haunting atmosphere, fewer crowds and great photos.
I have compiled a list of my favourite sites that are worth a moonlight visit.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
This spectacular Gaudí design will be the tallest church in the world once it is completed. That’s a lot of lighting and can be seen from quite a distance! Up close it’s a mix of creepy melted wax and Gothic Art Nouveau with elements that transport you to the Gotham City of Batman.
MY LOCAL TIP: Give yourself about 20 minutes to walk the perimeter to see all the different entrances and towers. More if you are into photography!
CASA MILÀ A.K.A. LA PEDRERA
Another Gaudí creation worth seeing at night is Casa Milà. It is nicknamed La Pedrera (stone quarry in Spanish), and at night, it certainly lives up to its namesake. Its curves are more defined and its windows look like the caverns of a mountain.
CASA BATLLÓ
7 minutes walk away on the same street is the Gaudí apartment block of Casa Batlló. This colourful mosaic building jumps to life under the stars. The balconies turn into carnival masks which stare out with bright eyes. The dragon tile roof looks ready to fly away, and the first-floor apartment is lit from within, affording you a sneaky glimpse into the beautiful apartment.
MONTJUÏC’S NATIONAL PALACE
Overlooking the impressive Plaça d’Espanya is our National Art Museum (MNAC). It is an immense and impressive building built for the International Exhibition held here in 1929. It jumps into a splendidly lit palace by night, with strobe lights emerging from behind, leaving spectators in awe.
MY LOCAL TIP: Brave the many steps and escalators up to the front of this architectural gem. From there you get a fab panoramic view of nighttime Barcelona twinkling away.
CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA & GOTHIC QUARTER
Not to be mistaken for Sagrada Familia, this structure is the crowning glory of the Gothic Quarter at night. Its Neo-Gothic facade is intricately carved. Lit up, it is just beautiful, transporting you to medieval times.
MY LOCAL TIP: Walk around the Cathedral stopping at Plaça de Sant Iu, Plaça del Rei, Carrer del Bisbe and Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. While not as spectacular as the Cathedral, their nighttime atmosphere is haunting and atmospheric.
TORRE GLORIES
If you are hankering after some modern architecture, Glories is the place for you. Quite a few interesting modern structures have gone up in the past few years and the crowning glory would be the Torre Glories.
This 144-metre skyscraper went up in my neighbourhood in 2004. Shaped like a bullet, its glass panels light up at night in colourful and cool geometrical patterns. Look for its vibrant outline in the night sky.
12- Paddleboarding at sunset
I am certainly not suggesting you bring your own equipment through customs for this activity. Neither do you have to have ever paddled boarded to do this fun evening time excursion in Barcelona.
There are a few companies that provide the board and the know-how. A cocktail might even be thrown in to make this an unusual and fun nighttime adventure.
Take time to relax on your board to the sound of the lapping water while you watch the sunset on the Barcelona skyline. It will certainly get your appetite up for your evening time grub.
MY LOCAL TIP: Layer up with mosquito cream to protect yourself from those evening pests and sandflies that lurk around.
BOOK PADDLEBOARDING SUNSET TOUR
13- Drink at a hotel terrace
A lovely way to wind down after a day of sightseeing is to drink in the views from a beautiful roof terrace or restaurant. Here are a few reliable ones that I recommend as some of the best things to do at night in Barcelona.
HOTEL COLÓN
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it offers great views of the Cathedral and the Roman wall. Many of my clients have stayed here and raved about the nighttime views and ambience. Be aware that this hotel keeps the noise level low for their guests and will close early at night.
HOTEL AYRE ROSELLÓ
Sagrada Familia is the eye candy from this terrace bar. The view is stunning! It also helps that the temple is fantastically lit at night. I have even given tours to tired clients from this rooftop, of the Sagrada Familia exterior! A lazy way of sightseeing for all.
1881 PER SAGARDI
This restaurant is located at the top of one of the old warehouses in the port. It looks down onto the old marina, so you can admire the view towards the water, millionaire’s boats, the cable car towers and the W Hotel. Their speciality is fish, and they have a great gourmet menu on offer too!
AROLA AT HOTEL ARTS
This 5-star luxury hotel has a restaurant up high where you can drink in the views of the Mediterranean while nibbling on delicious dishes.
TERRAZA MARTÍNEZ
Situated on the mountain of Montjuïc, this place offers great views of the working port and Barcelona skyline. Their speciality is fantastic rice dishes. Book early in the high season.
MY LOCAL TIP: Hotels and restaurants can change their access policies depending on events they have booked. Always call beforehand to confirm it is open to the public that evening.
14- Sunset up high
A classic twilight activity on holiday is soaking up a beautiful sunset, and better still from a height! As luck would have it, Barcelona is surrounded by quite a few hills to take in those panoramics bathed in the golden light of the fading sun.
Listed below are a few of my favourite places to see that sun sinking go down.
MONTJUÏC’S CASTLE
A looming fortress that overlooks Barcelona port and has seen many battles in its day. Nowadays, it is a peaceful location and affords great vistas of the city and harbour. If you feel like taking an easy stroll, hike around the circumference of the castle before sunset.
I recommend going by funicular and cable car to get in even more great vistas.
TIBIDABO
This mountain is topped with a church and is easily seen from Barcelona city. In fact, we locals use it as a reference for giving directions: towards the mountain or towards the sea.
It’s a bit of a trek to get there by public transport (a taxi could be expensive), but you won’t be disappointed. The views span a lot further than those from Montjuïc and, on a fine day, you can even see Montserrat Mountain.
Don’t be surprised to find a theme park there, which has a paying entrance. You can however enter the church (Temple of the Sacred Heart) for free. A nice activity to do before taking in the twilight views.
MNAC TERRACES
MNAC is our National Art Gallery, and while it is not so high, it’s a great one to view the cityscape. With a scaled terrace leading up to the entrance, you have plenty of makeshift seats to choose from. Relax and take in the buzzing city in a golden fading light.
PARK GÜELL
I have fond memories of watching the sun go down from this park designed by Gaudí. Nowadays, it’s a bit more complicated, but still very worth it.
In recent years, the City Council divided the park into two areas: The Forest Zone and the Monumental Zone.
The Forest Zone is free and at the very top is a Calvary Monument with a cross on top. It is a fantastic point to look down on the park, city and sea. However, the Calvary is quite small, so be sure to get there a little early as it can get crowded.
The Monumental Zone charges entry. You are in the heart of the park and it feels so surreal seeing the sunset with the imaginative Gaudí works bathed in the twilight.
MY LOCAL TIP: In spring and autumn, nighttime temperatures can drop rapidly especially up high, so remember to bring an extra layer in your bag.
15- Summer Open-Air cinema
On hot summer evenings, film buffs and hipsters flock to these late-night outdoor screenings. I highly recommend it as a great thing to do at night in Barcelona.
Every castle has a moat and this is where the night shows are held at Montjuïc Castle. Don’t worry, it is now a grassy green area known as Fossar de Santa Eulàlia, and the old sandstone brick walls serve as support for the huge screen.
Bands play live music before the night flicks start, creating a real festive atmosphere. There is a bar selling drinks and locally sourced food but it’s not uncommon to see people bringing their own picnics and beverages.
This open-air evening cinema runs from the end of June through to the beginning of August, book early online as tickets can sell out quite quickly. Films are re-runs and in original version with Spanish subtitles. Check out their programme.
It’s a steep walk from Plaça d’Espanya, so I recommend catching the 150 bus from here.
MY LOCAL TIP: Bring a little blanket for the floor as it can get damp at night.
16- Local neighbourhood festivals
The one thing that struck me when I moved to Spain was the amount of local festivals that various neighbourhoods host. It’s a great way to explore the less touristy areas at night.
Neighbours go to great effort to decorate some of the streets and host big community dinners outside. All evening programmes will offer live music on the neighbourhood’s squares, a great atmosphere and unmissable correfocs.
Here are a few well-known festivals that kick off at night and are certainly worth the effort.
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LA MERCÈ FESTIVAL
This is the main festival of the city, but it reaches through many neighbourhoods and monumental sites. It hosts live nighttime projections, evening theatres, circus shows, after-hours concerts and much more. There is something for everyone. However, be aware that it can get quite crowded at some nighttime locations.
GRÀCIA FESTIVAL
This hip neighbourhood roars into a hive of celebration at night. It is most famous for its street decorations, which are super elaborate and fun to tour around. There are many great bands playing around, and cheap cocktail stands are set up on street corners! At the weekend, it runs through to the early hours of the morning.
POBLE NOU FESTIVAL
This is my homehood and, while not as elaborately decorated as Gràcia, it still is great fun to wander at night. Our main Rambla hosts an artisan market that runs through the night.
The bottom of the Rambla de Poble Nou finishes by the sea, where a small noisy and brightly lit funfair provides a great family night.
Throughout the streets and squares, there are varying musicians and groups pushing out a tune for those who fancy a nighttime boogie.
SANTS FESTIVAL
Sants Festival is usually straight after the one hosted by Gràcia.
It runs all the same nighttime activities as Gràcia but is more toned down. Some visitors prefer this nighttime party to the other as there are fewer people to contend with. Worth putting on the nighttime list if you are around.
MY LOCAL TIP: So many activities are available during these festivals that I definitely recommend looking up the full programme online. Google Translate works wonders these days!
I hope this blog post has helped you plan your evening and night activities in Barcelona. This metropolis has many nighttime sites and you might even see me at one of the many local evening festivals or night concert venues. With public night buses running till dawn, there are no excuses! Give it a twirl and enjoy Barcelona by night as well as by day.
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