Barcelona off the Beaten Track: 8 Weird and Wonderful Places in Barcelona

Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a city break with pals or a quick stop off during your travels, Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Renowned for its love of all things Gaudí and its glorious Mediterranean weather, some may be quick to assume that the Catalan capital has nothing more to offer than beaches and unusual buildings.

On the contrary, Barcelona is a city filled with plenty of weird and wonderful off-the-beaten-track treasures that won’t stay secret for long, so get exploring! We have sussed out all the best places for clandestine dining, low-key bars, hidden-away art and antiquities, lesser-known museums and all sorts of other secret shenanigans. But keep your mouth sealed- we don’t want everyone finding out about Barcelona off the beaten track!

1. Perfume Museum

Who would’ve thought that there’d be a whole museum dedicated to perfume? Strange eh! Tucked away on Barcelona’s exclusive shopping avenue is a little gem that’s all too easy to miss, the Perfume Museum. Having initially opened in the early 60s, it is one of Barcelona’s most eclectic and fascinating museums with its unusual collection of more than 5000 perfume related artifacts.

It presents the evolution of the perfume bottle, showing its development from the time of Ancient Egypt to present day. From historical pots and ornamental vases to fine china and crystal glass, it truly is remarkable to witness the explosion of variety in packaging since the commercialisation of the perfume industry. This is without a doubt a worthwhile stop for all you perfume lovers out there, especially if you’re seeking to discover the weird and wonderful of Barcelona.

Passeig de Gràcia, 39

2. Palau Macaya

A real treat if you’re looking to explore Barcelona off the beaten track. This spectacular Modernist palace was completed in 1901 and is now a cultural centre managed by the “La Caixa” foundation. Each month it has a lively programme and an exciting line up of events for you to enjoy including free film screenings, exhibitions, seminars and debates which you may not expect from its facade. It may be surprising that a place of such magnificent beauty is kept under wraps, but this only means a peaceful atmosphere for you to soak up its surroundings.

Passeig de Sant Joan, 108

3. Showtime at El Molino

You may find it slightly strange to spend your evening watching half-naked women dancing, but in true El Molino style, this cabaret show oozes nothing but class. If flamenco isn’t quite up your street but fancy experiencing the glamour and glitter of a show, why not enjoy an early dinner in the nearby Raval district followed by a truly sensational cabaret performance.

Enjoy a saucy evening of eroticism at Barcelona’s classic cabaret club with several unforgettable, seductive and exciting moments, and all for around 33€. Having recently celebrated their 100^th birthday, you know that you’re in the hands of professionals with the best that Cabaret has to offer. Check website for show times.

Carrer de Vila i Vilà, 99

4. Mercat Princesa

Nestled away in the beautiful Born district in a 14^th-century square, you can find the market place that puts all others to shame. Perhaps a slightly weird alternative to a restaurant, however, with its 17 high quality gastronomic experiences and a wide selection of culinary offerings with traditional tapas (they even have authentic Basque pintxos), sushi and Fabio’s delectable mini pizzas- there really is something to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

So cosy up with your loved one or chill out with friends as you enjoy a light bite to eat, or alternatively head to one of their charming bars for a drink or two.

Carrer dels Flassaders, 21

5. Flea Market

One of Barcelona’s greatest hidden gems, this place is ideal for the vintage shopaholics among you where you can hunt through the many funky and quirky items on sale. Each month the flea market has a fun theme, so check out the website beforehand to check out what you can expect from the upcoming market.

Enjoy its chilled out vibe where people sell and swap second-hand goods such as clothes, accessories, books and music. It allows sellers to benefit by receiving something in exchange for their unwanted goods whilst shoppers can purchase items for a fraction of the cost if it were brand new. If you’re looking for some new garments for you summer wardrobe, it is well worth popping down for a browse. After all, one man’s garbage is another man’s gold!

Plaça de Salvador Seguí

6. Parc del Guinardó

With so many stunning parks and gardens in Barcelona, it can be hard to choose where to go for an afternoon of R&R. This hidden gem is the perfect spot to perch on a bench with a good book with its picturesque surroundings and tranquil setting. Thanks to this, it can seem a little deserted and eerie to some…

People, old and young, come here to take advantage of its outstanding natural beauty and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It perfectly combines the rustic nature of a forest with the sophistication of a well-kept garden. The park is divided into three parts: an urban area, a historical area and a part with the greenery of forest vegetation, for you to wander around in.

Calle Garriga i Roca, 1-13

7. Ghost Metro Stations

The hidden stations of the Barcelona metro system are the city’s spookiest and best kept secret. In total, there are 12 ghost train stations, all of which are abandoned, disused or closed for extensions to other lines and forgotten by locals. The three most famous stations you can catch a glimpse of are the Correos, Gaudí and Banco stations, so next time you hop aboard the metro remember to keeps your eyes peeled for these mysterious places that lie beneath the bustling Barcelona…

8. Museum of Funeral Carriages

It doesn’t get much weirder than this quite frankly! A museum with an extremely unique theme, hence the only public display of funeral carriages in Europe, attracts people daily to see its fantastic collection of artifacts, all of which have such historic, artistic and cultural value. The collection comprises of 13 beautifully ornate funeral carriages, 6 coaches designed to carry the relatives to the church and cemetery and 3 motor hearses, all dating back as far as the 18th century. This museum provides a fascinating insight into the development of funeral customers in Barcelona over the centuries.

Carrer de la Mare de Déu de Port, 56 – 58