Even when you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t.
Famous for its stunning architecture, delicious tapas, and vibrant energy, Barcelona still has plenty to offer beyond the obvious. Icons like Park Guëll, the Sagrada Familia, and La Rambla are timeless favorites, but the city’s vastness and diversity mean there’s always something different to visit.
We’re here to show some hidden gems, whether it’s your first trip – or fifth – to the Catalan capital.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fundació Joan Miró
- Cost: €14 regular ticket
- District: Sants-Montjuïc
Depending on your knowledge of Spanish art, you might be surprised to see this take the top spot on our list.
Maybe it’s its location (higher up on Montjuïc hill), or the simple fact that he isn’t Gaudi. But the Joan Miró Foundation is a spot where you won’t bump into the crowds of downtown Barcelona. If you didn’t know, Joan Miró was a Catalan artist known for combining abstract art and surrealism.
The foundation, established by the artist himself, opened to the public on June 10, 1975. The museum houses around 10,000 of Miró’s works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, stage designs, and carpets. Be sure to check out the Mercury Fountain, and the colorful sculptures displayed around the rooftop terrace.
The building itself, designed by architect Josep Sert, is an impressive structure and serves some incredible views of the city below.
Museu Can Framis
- Cost: €8 regular ticket
- District: Poblenou
Sitting in Barcelona’s burgeoning arts and tech hub, you’ll find the newest museum by Fundació Vila Casas, which opened in 2009.
Its exterior is as urban-industrial as can be, featuring stark concrete, sharp angles, and rusty iron sculptures. The museum showcases over 300 works from the 1960s to today, exclusively featuring artists born or residing in Catalunya. Each artist is given a three-walled space to display their work, highlighting the different styles and media they use.
They also host regular temporary exhibitions, where the chosen artist and his/her works often carry a strong political, social, or artistic message.
Can Framis was originally a late 18th-century factory that belonged to the Framis family. Now, it’s a tribute to the area’s industrial heritage.
Recinte Modernista Sant Pau
- Cost: €17 regular ticket, special prices, free access every first Sunday of the month
- District: Horta-Guinardó
Visiting a hospital might not be on your vacation to-do list. But don’t worry, this one isn’t in operation anymore.
Recinte Modernista Sant Pau is an art-nouveau gem by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It housed the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau from 1916 to 2009 and earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.
By the late 19th century, the old Hospital de la Santa Creu in the Raval neighborhood was outdated and lacking in space. This prompted an ambitious project driven by the latest advancements in health and hygiene.
Unlike many other attractions, it’s a lot less crowded. Here you can peacefully marvel at beautiful architectural details, intricate mosaics, and tranquil gardens.
Casa Vicens
- Cost: €18 regular ticket, special prices
- District: Gràcia
Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major project, stands out with its unique Mudéjar style, blending Spanish and Arabic influences. Built between 1883 and 1885, this luxurious summer house was commissioned by the wealthy trader Manuel Vicens i Montaner. Back then, Gràcia was a lush, sparsely populated area.
Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status since 2005, you won’t find long queues here. It’s a great way to explore Gaudí’s early design principles and an intriguing, lesser-known landmark for visitors. But heads up: it’s €4 more expensive if you buy your ticket upon arrival.
After exploring Casa Vicens, take a stroll through the Gràcia neighborhood. You’ll find charming plazas, lively vermouth bars, independent boutiques, specialty coffee joints, and the Mercat de la Llibertat.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
- Cost: €3.50 regular ticket, special prices
- District: Sants-Montjuïc
For a peaceful afternoon, head to the Botanical Garden of Barcelona on Montjuïc. This green haven offers plenty of pathways to get lost in while learning about diverse flora.
Just be sure to set aside enough time to explore all 14 hectares of space. It’s one of the city’s largest parks. Established in 1999, the garden is home to hundreds of plant species from regions like Southern Australia, the coast of Chile, California, South Africa, and the Mediterranean. In essence, environments that all share a climate similar to Barcelona’s.
More than beautiful flowers, the garden plays a crucial role in conservation and research. As you wander through, you’ll appreciate the efforts to protect endangered species and promote sustainability. And as the seasons change, you’ll get a different experience each time.
Montjuïc
- Cost: free
- District: Sants-Montjuïc
Sure, we’ve highlighted some specific sights, but let’s talk about Montjuïc as a whole, because you can spend a whole day here.
Located in southwest Barcelona, the hill has stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, along with various attractions and parks worth visiting.
It’s an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle. While the castle, fountains, and cable cars are its more popular highlights, the cemetery in particular is a hidden gem. It serves as the resting place for many victims of Franco’s regime, but with scenic views across the port. If anything, it almost resembles a beautiful park with numerous sculptures and angels.
In the summer, the castle becomes a large outdoor concert venue and cinema on some evenings. Featuring a mix of classics and new movies shown in their original language, there’s something for every cinephile.
Old Town Sarrià
- Cost: free
- District: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
For a taste of local life, head to Old Town Sarrià. This pedestrian friendly ‘hood offers plenty of interesting shops and cafés, along with some minor sites of interest. As an upper-middle-class area, it’s also very safe.
The old part of the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, with its charming squares and main street, Carrer Major, reflects its history. Nearly every building hints at its origins as one of the most prosperous village on the Barcelona plain. Once independent, it was annexed by Barcelona in 1921. You can still find some of the oldest structures, such as the former town hall in Plaça del Consell de la Vila.
For literature enthusiasts, here are some must-see stops.
Tibidabo
- Cost: free
- Disttrict: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Yes, another hill has made it to our list of least touristy places to see.
It’s where you go if you want to get away from the hordes of people and constant noise. Plus, it’s great for nature lovers. Stroll along the panoramic Carretera de les Aigües, a path that’s mostly flat with breathtaking views. Or, venture further up the mountain for a hike.
But if you’re really looking for some alone time, steer clear of the amusement park, which is also situated there. You’ll easily recognize it by the iconic, rainbow-colored ferris wheel perched at the top.
Even in a tourism tornado like Barcelona, new sites will always await. Ones where you won’t lose your mind waiting in line or feel like you’re in a concert being shoved against other bodies.
As you plan the rest of your vacation, remember to book a Barcelona Segway Tour: your eco-friendly way to discover the city.
