10 Secret Places in Barcelona Off the Beaten Path!

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain. If you are here, you have probably already seen or planned to see the city's must-see attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell or Ciutadella Park. But, Are there any unusual places in Barcelona? Sites less known to tourists? This is precisely the question that we will answer today through this article. Embark with us for a tour of Barcelona off the beaten track!

1. The Barcelona Kiss Mosaic

If you walk through the old town of Barcelona, ​​you may come across a work that catches your eye: the artist's famous mosaic kiss Joan Fontcuberta. This urban work is located on the Place d’Isidre Nonell. It measures more than 30m2 and is made up of 4000 personal photos that have been printeds on cement tiles. These photos were placed side by side in order to reconstruct, through a play of color, a giant kiss. The work is called “ El mundo nace en cada neso » which means “the world is born in each kiss”. Witness to the comings and goings of passers-by since 2014, it is the result of a project linked to readers of the national newspaper El Periodico. They were asked to send a photo representing freedom for them and this is how thousands of photos were sent, giving birth to this symbolic work.

Address : Plaça Isidre Nonell, Barcelona

2. The secret garden of Casa Ignacio de Puig

This little garden is hidden at the back of the hotel Petit Palace Boqueria Garden. In fact, you will have to pass through the reception doors of this 4-star hotel to get to this public garden at the peaceful atmosphere. There are benches to relax and a pretty fountain. After spending a few hours in the heart of the bustling Rambla and the Boqueria market, this garden will seem very pleasant to take a break.

Address : Calle Boqueria 10, open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3. The Mirador de Mundet and its swing

A little further north of the city, you can find one of the most unusual secret places in Barcelona: the Mundet viewpoint and its swing installed in the heights. This off-the-beaten-track tour of Barcelona will be a great opportunity to take a photo with the city and the sea in the background. This peaceful place surrounded by nature will also offer you a completely different image of the Catalan capital.

Address : Ctra. Horta a Cerdanyola, 39, Barcelona

4. The invisible work “Deuce Coop”

This work is invisible during the day, and yet… it is worth the detour! In the heart of the convent of Saint Augustine, in the old town of Barcelona, ​​you can see a work by the American artist at nightfall James Turell. He managed to highlight a simple white corridor leading to the monastery cloister by offering a light installation made up of neon lights that change color over time. This work allows you to enhance the architecture of the cloister and offer yourself an artistic moment during an ordinary cultural visit. It is called “Deuce Coop” and was created in 1992. A secret that has been well kept for more than 30 years…

Address : C/ del Comerç, 36, Barcelona

5. Big Fun Museum

You would like a surprising visit to Spain with the family? So, head to this museum of illusions made up of numerous 3D installations. This unique museum in Spain is located on La Rambla. It is therefore difficult to miss it. But yet, travelers often choose to visit other, more emblematic museums in Barcelona.

On site, you can hangs original photos throughout your visit through several thematic rooms: the giant's house, the upside-down house, the Guiness World Records museum and Alice through the looking glass. A few laughs are guaranteed!

This museum is open every day and entry is free for children under 5 years old.

Address : Rambla de Sant Josep, 88-94, Barcelona.

6. The Bunkers el Carmel

This unique point of view in the world actually corresponds to ancient bunkers dating from the Spanish Civil War. They were built to defend Barcelona against bombing. Located more than 260m altitude, this viewpoint dominates the city and offers an incredible panorama of the surrounding area. The most? He is totally open access and freemaking it a superb unusual place to see in Barcelona during your visit.

Address : Carrer de la Gran Vista, 96, Barcelona

7. Horta’s Labyrinth

This garden worthy of a fairy tale will offer you a surreal visit during your stay in Barcelona. It is the work of three artists from different backgrounds (French, Italian and Catalan) who formed these magnificent alleys in the 70s. You will obviously find a labyrinth there and also statues, pools and even fountains.

Entrance is paid, but very affordable, which will allow you to treat yourself to a peaceful interlude, without weighing on your travel budget in Spain. Of course, this park is quite far from the city center of Barcelona, ​​but it is still easily accessible by public transport. This is also what makes it a truly peaceful place to visit, especially with family.

Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Barcelona.

8. Palo Alto Market

It seems inconceivable to go to Barcelona without discovering the Boqueria market. But, did you know that there is also other small markets just as interesting? This is the case of Palo Alto! This market offers street food stands, books, craft products, while being located in the heart of a garden. It thus offers a bucolic atmosphere, which makes it even more charming. An ideal address to discover another side of the city.

Address : Carrer dels Pellaires, 30 – 38, Barcelona

9. Unearth a secret restaurant in Barcelona

Many bars and restaurants in Barcelona are completely hidden from the public. Which makes them attractive off-the-beaten-track addresses!

For example, if you find yourself faced with Tintoreria Dontell, you will not find anything other than the window of a dry cleaner. But, when you push the door, you will actually find a restaurant with ultra modern decoration and an adjoining bar. The same goes for the store. Chin Ton Memories which actually hides a chic restaurant in the basement. You can also go to the Speakeasy bar El Armario of which only a handful of people know the address. It's up to you to discover it!

Unfortunately, these secret places often change addresses to leave some mystery. I therefore advise you to ask locals if they know of places like this during your visit to Barcelona, to be sure to find one open.

And in the worst case, you can always fall back on an unusual restaurant, but not a secret in Barcelona.

For example, heading towards the Laie Bookstore which offers dishes at low prices if you want to treat yourself to lunch among books. In addition, you can go to Bosc de les Fades, a restaurant that offers enchanted forest atmosphere day and night.

Addresses: Librairie Laie: C. de Pau Claris, 85 / El Bosc de les fades: Passatge de la Banca, 7 / For the rest, it’s up to you to find them…

10. The Poblenou Center Park

For a last unusual trip to Spain, it’s here! This park located near the sea is a architectural jewel designed by Jean Nouvel. Inaugurated in 2008, there is a surface area of 55,000m2 where green walls, cabins intended for children, and a slightly lunar atmosphere based on plant labyrinths and metal structures.

Focused on sustainable development, we also find a waste collection unit. In addition, several parts of the Center Del Poblenou park are watered with rainwater. One more free visit which is not part of the classic tours in Barcelona, ​​but which is worth a look.

Address : Avinguda Diagonal, 130

You now have all the cards in hand to experience an unusual stay in Barcelona, ​​far from the monuments you have already seen and the crowds of tourists. I hope this article has helped you imagine your travel schedule by adding a few off the beaten track and unusual places in Barcelona for your stay. For the rest, discover where to sleep in Barcelona but also our must-see places and secret corners in Madrid.