Original things to do in Barcelona: 10 ideas to break the routine

Barcelona has much more than the beach and the Sagrada Família. Here are different plans to do with friends, as a couple, with family or with your work team.

If you live in Barcelona or are visiting and fancy doing something different, this list is for you. We have gathered original plans that work just as well on a Friday afternoon as for celebrating a birthday or a stag or hen party.

1. Axe throwing in Gràcia

Axe throwing is one of the fastest-growing plans in Barcelona. At Ets un Hacha, at Plaça del Nord 11, an instructor teaches you the technique in a few minutes and then you compete in different games for an hour. No experience is needed and it suits groups of 1 to 30 people.

2. A walk around the squares of Gràcia

Gràcia is the liveliest neighbourhood in the city. Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça de la Vila and Plaça del Nord itself are perfect for hopping between terraces, vermouth and design shops.

3. Sunset at the Carmel bunkers

The most famous views of Barcelona. Go early: it fills up at sunset. It is a short distance from Gràcia, so it combines very well with other plans in the neighbourhood.

4. Escape room

Barcelona has dozens of escape rooms with very different themes. Ideal for groups of 4 to 6 people who enjoy solving puzzles.

5. Catalan cooking class

Learning to make paella, crema catalana or pa amb tomàquet is a very complete plan for couples and small groups.

6. A bike ride along the coast

From Port Olímpic to the Fòrum there are kilometres of bike lane by the sea. A simple and cheap plan for a Sunday morning.

7. Neighbourhood markets

Beyond La Boqueria, markets like Llibertat or l’Abaceria, both in Gràcia, are authentic and less touristy.

8. Open-air cinema

In summer, several spaces in the city show films outdoors. A great plan for couples.

9. Karting or paintball in the metropolitan area

If you are after adrenaline, there are circuits and fields less than an hour from the centre.

10. An axe tournament with friends

Want to turn it into an event? Book several lanes, make teams and set up a small tournament. It is one of the birthday plans and stag and hen parties we get asked for the most.

Why is axe throwing such an original plan?

Because it mixes something almost nobody has tried, a touch of adrenaline and lots of group fun. It is safe, needs no special fitness and within an hour everyone manages to stick the axe. Plus, the venue is in the centre of Gràcia, so afterwards you can carry on the evening around the neighbourhood.