Barcelona is a city with many different sides to it – which means there’s something for couples of all kinds, whatever floats their boat romance-wise. A relaxing drink or two in a cute café? Sounds good to us. An easy-breezy walk around its Gothic Quarter, followed by a dreamy meal in the early evening? Perfecte, as they say. Or how about the passion and intensity of its vibrant, dance-filled nightlife? Get on those dancing shoes. And don’t forget about the endless amounts of culture to explore while you’re here if you’re after highbrow with your hand holding.
Move over Venice. Step aside Paris. Barcelona is the city where all loved-up couples should be heading straight for these days. Whether it’s still early days, you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or, yep, even planning on proposing, there are lots of ways to get the amour going here.
Is Barcelona romantic? Most definitely – here’s a selection of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona that prove it.
Stroll through Parc de la Ciutadella
Dubbed by locals as one of the most romantic places across the city (so you know it’s going to be good), this Paris-inspired park is tailor-made for arm-in-arm strolls with your other half. Located in El Born – well worth a walk around in its own right – you’ll find a load of exotic flowers and fountains to admire together.
But if you’re really looking to push out the proverbial, then you can rent out a rowboat for a few Euros for a touch of serenity – just try not to capsize!
Take in the Font Màgica Light Show
Another partner pleaser, if you’re looking to take in a show with a difference, then the Font Màgica De Montjuïc is well worth seeing together. Throughout the year, you’ll be able to witness a stunning display as lights transform these enormous fountains into a jaw-dropping show of water acrobatics, music, and colour against the night sky. And best of all: it’s free – though it does fill up for this reason, so be sure to get there early.
Get loved up on Diada de Sant Jordi
St. George’s Day in Barcelona, celebrated on April 23, means something a little different from its English counterpart. For one, it’s more like our version of Valentine’s Day over here – which makes it the most romantic day of the year in the eyes of the locals here. If your trip coincides, then be sure to take part in the tradition too: women receive a rose from their beau, while women gift their partners with a book. After that, you’re free to swoon together all you want.
Marvel atop the Bunkers El Carmel
Hiking up a hilltop to a disused bunker from the Spanish Civil War might not sound like the most romantic way to spend your time in Barcelona, but trust us on this one. Making your way up is well worth putting the steps in for. After all that work, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view that lets you take in the entire – and we really do mean the entire – city. Get ready, you may well have your breath taken away.
Explore Park Guell
The star of the silver screen, along with near-endless selfies and sunset photographs, Park Guell is one of Barcelona’s best sights to see. Featured in the film Vicky Christina Barcelona, the iconic park is postcard perfect, a sprawling area full of colour and incredible creations – all from the mind of legendary architect Antoni Gaudi. We won’t lie, it’s busy unless you get here first thing, but for maximum romance levels, you’ll want to time your visit for sundown anyway!
Visit the Kiss of Freedom Mural
It might look like a painting at a distance, but this smoochy mural is actually a mosaic, with each tile featuring people, places, and moments – all of which designer Joan Fontcuberta says represent “a moment of freedom”. Sourced mostly from locals, the mural is a treat up close and at a distance, there’s even a plaque next to it that quotes poet Oliver Wendell Holmes: “The sound of a kiss is not as loud as that of a cannon, but it’s echo lasts a great deal longer.” That’s a real heart melter if you ask us!
Be wowed by a Flamenco show
How about something to get the sparks going instead? When it comes to passion and expression, there’s nothing quite like Flamenco. And over at Tablao Cordobes, you’ll find arguably the best spot for it in the city, plus it’s located on the Rambla de Catalunya, one of the liveliest and most vibrant streets across the whole of Barcelona, so there’ll be plenty to do before and after the combination of guitar and hip-shaking dancing wows you and your partner.
Do a spot of wine tasting
Ok, so it’s not quite in Barcelona, but if you decide you’d like a break from the busy city for some real ‘you time’, then the peace and quiet of nearby Vilafranca del Penedès is just the ticket.
Here, you’ll be able to savour a spot of wine tasting with your other half, surrounded by tranquil mountains, and get to know the flavours, stories, and processes behind some of the best wine found in the region. And afterwards, the pair of you will be able to admire the incredible views before heading back into the city for even more romance.
We hope we’ve got you in the mood for a romantic trip to Barcelona. For more incredible things to do while you’re there, check out our Barcelona travel guide or to make your stay a little longer, head to our Cruise and Stay page for all the details.