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Planning a trip to Barcelona with friends and wondering how to make the most of your time together? With so many things to see and do, choosing the perfect plans can feel a little overwhelming. From iconic landmarks and cultural attractions to unique experiences and fun group activities, the possibilities are endless. 

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Barcelona with friends, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city together.  

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, there are a few iconic sights you simply can’t miss. But even if you’ve visited the city before, there’s always something new to discover. That’s why we’ve combined some of Barcelona’s must-see attractions with fun and original activities that are perfect for enjoying with friends.  

Sightseeing 

• Sagrada Familia: No first trip to Barcelona is complete without seeing Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece. Admire its spectacular façades from outside or book tickets to explore the extraordinary interior together.  

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona 

• Park Güell: Wander through one of Gaudi’s most colourful creations, take plenty of group photos and enjoy fantastic views over Barcelona.  

Address: Carretera del Carmel, 23, 08024 Barcelona 

• Palau Güell: Step inside this fascinating Gaudí-designed palace near La Rambla and discover its grand rooms, impressive central hall and distinctive rooftop. It’s a great place to see a different side of Gaudi’s work away from his most famous landmarks.  

Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona 

• Casa Batlló: Step inside one of Gaudi’s most imaginative creations on Passeig de Gràcia. Inspired by nature and the sea, Casa Batlló stands out for its colourful façade, curved shapes and spectacular interior. 

Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona 

• Casa Milà: Also known as “La Pedrera” (the quarry) was also created by Gaudí. Head up to its rooftop to discover its distinctive chimneys and 360-degree views. 

Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 92, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona 

• Barri Gòtic: Get lost in the narrow streets and charming squares of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter. Explore centuries of history, discover hidden corners and stop at local shops, cafés and bars along the way.  

• Hospital de Sant Pau: Discover one of Barcelona’s most impressive Modernist landmarks. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this former hospital complex is known for its colourful pavilions, beautiful gardens and remarkable architecture.  

Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025 Barcelona

Having fun 

• Tibidabo: Head up to Tibidabo for a fun day combining incredible views, culture and entertainment. Enjoy the rides at Tibidabo Amusement Park, take in the panoramic views over Barcelona and visit the impressive Temple of the Sacred heart of Jesus, the striking church that crowns the mountain. You can also climb to its upper terraces for even more spectacular views over the city.  

Address: Pl. del Tibidabo, 3, 4, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08035 Barcelona 

• Camp Nou: Football fans can discover the history of FC Barcelona and explore the club’s visitor experiences. Check the latest information before visiting, as access and activities may vary while the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment continues. 

Address: Carrer d’Aristides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, España. 

• Montjuïc Telefèric: See Barcelona from a different perspective with a cable car ride up Montjuïc. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, coastline and port as you make your way towards Montjuïc Castle.  

Address: Avinguda Miramar, 30, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona 

• Big Fun Museum: Step into a world of optical illusions, colourful rooms and interactive attractions right in the heart of Barcelona. With plenty of fun photo opportunities and unusual experiences, it’s a great activity to enjoy with a group of friends. 

Address: Rambla de Sant Josep, 88-94, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

Places to Eat with Friends  

After all these activities, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite! Luckily, Barcelona is the perfect city for enjoying great food with friends. From traditional tapas to international flavours, there’s something for every taste. Here are some of our favourite spots to eat, share and enjoy together.  

1. Bar Cal Chusco – This bar in La Barceloneta offers tapas, seafood and paellas! 

Address: Carrer d’Emília Llorca Martín, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 

2. Mr Robinson – Street food, funky brunches and DJ sessions, the perfect combo! 

Address: Pla de Palau, 16, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 

3. VELADA -Plant-Based Tapas and cocktails in El Born. 

Address: Carrer de Ferran, 25, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

4. Vrutal – A fully vegan Restaurant in Poblenou and Eixample that you really should try out! 

Address: Rambla del Poblenou, 16, Bajos 4, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona 

5. Maka Maka Beach Burger Café: Burgers and fried chips with views to Barceloneta, what’s not to love? 

Address: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 76, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona 

6. Tapas 2254 – In Eixample you’ll find this treasure which offers tapas and dessert and combines Spanish, French and Italian cuisine. 

Address: Carrer del Consell de Cent, 335, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona 

7. Pincho J-Located in the popular Carrer de Blai, this bar serves a variety of hot and cold pinchos to be enjoyed throughout the day. 

Address: Carrer de Blai, 26, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona 

8. Cervecería Catalana –This is a very popular and lively tapas bar located in Eixample. 

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 236, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona 

9. La Flauta Aribau – Also located in Eixample, it offers traditional food and is famous for its seafood tapas. 

Address: Carrer d’Aribau, 23, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona 

10. La Pepita– Creative tapas and desserts in the heart of Gràcia. We recommend to book in advance as this popular place can get busy.  

Address: Carrer de Còrsega, 343, Gràcia, 08037 Barcelona 

Bonus Tip: Stop by la Boqueria Market to browse colourful food stalls, pick up something tasty or simply soak up the atmosphere. It’s an easy stop to combine with a walk along La Rambla and the surrounding historic centre. 

Where to have drinks 

If there’s one thing that you can’t miss in Barcelona, it’s the amazing bar scene! Whether you’ve spent your day relaxing at the beach or exploring the city, there’s always a good excuse to grab a drink with friends. From laid-back terraces to lively cocktail bars, Barcelona has the perfect spot for every mood. 

Rooftop Terraces 

• Salts: Another viewpoint over the city of Barcelona, located in Montjuïc. 

Address: Avinguda Miramar, 31, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona 

• Mood Rooftop Bar: A terrace on the top floor of the One Hotel in Eixample 

Address: Carrer de Provença, 277, Eixample, 08037 Barcelona 

• Azimuth Rooftop Bar: Discover the Azimuth bar on the rooftop of Almanac Barcelona in Eixample 

Address: Terraza 8ª Planta, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 619, 621, 08007 Barcelona 

• Rooftop Ohla: An idyllic space with a view over the skyline of the city while having a cocktail and tapas in Eixample. 

Address: Via Laietana, 49, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 

• Hotel Barceló Rooftop Bar: Another 360º rooftop with four cardinal points so that you can enjoy the sunsets in Raval. 

Address: Rambla del Raval, 17, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona 

• Kimpton Vividora Hotel-Terraza de Vivi: This small and cozy rooftop bar offers great sunset views over Barcelona cathedral. 

Address: Carrer del Duc, 15, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

Beach Bars 

During the warmer months, Barcelona’s beach “chiringuitos” are perfect for enjoying a drink by the Mediterranean. Opening periods can vary, so it’s worth checking before you go.  

Vai Moana Barcelona: This bar in Poblenou is inspired by the Isla de Pascua. The perfect combination of Polynesia on the beaches of Barcelona. 

Address: Av. del Litoral, s/n, Q2, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona 

La Deliciosa: Cocktails, sangria and uninterrupted food service on Barceloneta Beach. 

Address: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 81, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 

Barna Beach Bar: Enjoy tapas and platillos on a big terrace overlooking the beach.  

Address: Carrer de Grau i Torras, 64, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 

Random Chiringuito: Right where the city meets the sand you will find a trendy beach bar serving premium cocktails.  

Address: Av. del Litoral, s/n, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona 

Chiringuito Bambú: Sharing plates and cocktails next to the beach in Diagonal Mar 

Address: Ocata Beach (in front of Ocata train station, Pg. Marítim, 08320, Barcelona) 

Bonus Tip: If you are looking for a special activity for you and your friends, this might be the one: Art&Wine is a workshop where you can spend an evening drinking good wine while letting your creativity flow. 

Plans to relax in good company 

Next up are activities for when you want to slow things down and enjoy a more relaxed side of Barcelona. Sometimes, the best plan is the simplest: grab a blanket or towel, head to the beach or one of the city’s beautiful parks and take some time to unwind. Or, if you feel like exploring without a plan, simply stroll through the streets and enjoy the city at your own pace.  

1. Beach Day – Pack your towels, snacks and sunscreen and spend a few hours by the Mediterranean. Barceloneta is convenient and lively, while beaches further towards Poblenou can offer a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.  

2. Flea Markets – Barcelona has a great variety of flea markets, where you can find anything from decor to vintage clothing! Here are some you should visit: Els Encants, El Flea, Boom Market, Fira de Rams… 

3. Museum – A visit to a museum is always a good idea! Look out for one of these: MACBA, CCCB Raval, Picasso Museum, Moco Museum, MUHBA, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya… 

4. Take a walk in one of Barcelona’s parks or just sit down and enjoy your day there. Here are a few park suggestions: Ciutadella Parc, Turó Parc, Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. 

Partying with your friends 

When visiting Barcelona, you might want to experience its famous nightlife and dance until the early hours. Or perhaps you’re coming to the city for one of its incredible music festivals. Whatever your plans, here are some of Barcelona’s best-rated clubs, along with a little inspiration for your next festival. 

Clubs 

• Razzmatazz: (or simply Razz) is a nightclub and concert hall in Barcelona’s Poblenou. 

Address: Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona 

• Sala Apolo: Apolo is one of the oldest dance halls in Europe and often organizes themed parties. 

Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona 

• Macarena Club: Microclub dedicated to electronic music in the Barri Gótic. 

Address: Carrer Nou de Sant Francesc, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona  

• Moog Raval: Electronic dancing club in the heart of the Raval (a stone’s throw from Las Ramblas and the Plaça Real). 

Address: Carrer de l’Arc del Teatre, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

• Sidecar: A concert hall with the longest uninterrupted program in Barcelona Raval. 

Address: Pl. Reial, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

Music Festivals 

Barcelona’s festival calendar is another great reason to visit with friends. From huge international events to open-air electronic music sessions, there’s something happening throughout much of the year. 

• Primavera Sound – One of the most important festivals in Spain. It also takes place internationally in Porto, Buenos Aires, and Santiago de Chile. 

• Sónar Festival – An international music festival that takes place annually for one weekend in Barcelona. 

• Cruïlla Festival – Takes place every July at Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona and offers a variety of concerts. 

• Brunch in the Park – there are two types of festivals. Brunch Electronik is formerly known for its popular Brunch in the Park events, brings open-air electronic music sessions to Barcelona, combining DJ sets, food and a lively daytime atmosphere. For an even bigger experience, Brunch Electronik Festival is the brand’s large-scale annual festival. Held over several days, it features an extensive line-up of international and local electronic artists, multiple stages and a full festival atmosphere. 

Address: Plaça de l’Àngel, 2, Planta 2, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 

Whether your perfect trip involves Gaudí, tapas, beach days, rooftop cocktails or dancing until sunrise, Barcelona is a city made for sharing with friends.  Mix a few must-see attractions with spontaneous plans leave some room for long lunches and sunset drinks, and you’ll have all the ingredients for an unforgettable group getaway. 

All that’s left to do is gather your friends, make plans and book your apartment with us to get ready for your trip to Barcelona!