Things to Do at Night in Barcelona

Updated: 11 enero 2024

Barcelona has a vibrant nightlife scene, even for those visitors who aren't into partying.

This article has our top 10 list for nighttime activities, free or family-friendly things to do, dining options, and museums and attractions open late. 


TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT

What is there to do after dark? Here we have a list of our top 10 tours, museums, shows, and dining options to explore at night. 


(1) Sightseeing Tours

This is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and it's an entirely different experience at night.

If you’re into spooky things, why not try a ghost walking tour?

Foodies will enjoy an evening tapas and drinks tour.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back pub crawl-style tour, try this private nightlife tour.

We have a full comparison of the best bus tours in Barcelona here.

Of course, you can take a self-guided walking tour of the city any time of day.


(2) Sporting Events

FC Barcelona is the city’s professional football (soccer) club, often referred to as Barça by the locals.

They play at Camp Nou, one of the largest stadiums in Europe, and while some games are set for early in the day you can occasionally find evening matches to attend.  

Football (Soccer)

Going to a game at this stadium is a great family activity! For more ideas, look at the kid-friendly section of this article below.


(3) Open-Late Museums

Barcelona’s Music Museum and the Picasso Museum are both open until 9:30 pm on Thursday nights, which make Thursday a perfect day to do your museum-hopping.

The Picasso Museum is even free on Thursdays from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm!

The Science Museum is an educational museum that is open until 8:00 pm every day of the week.

But if you’re looking for even more museums to visit in the evening hours, check out the museum section of this article.  


(4) Barcelona’s Music Scene

Barcelona has a vibrant and diverse music scene. No matter the genre, there’s something for you out there.

Try the Sidecar Factory Club, a popular spot for indie rock.

Harlem Jazz Club has had a live concert five nights a week since the 1980s.

For more classical tastes, try the Liceu Opera House or the Barcelona Symphony.

From small clubs and tablaos to the concert hall you'll find at the opera house, there are plenty of opportunities to hear live music in this city.

If you’re looking for some more music, check out the free concerts below. 


(5) Food Tour and Flamenco Dancing

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a food tour or a flamenco show!

Flamenco is more than just a type of dance, it's also a musical genre featuring Spanish guitar performances.

This 3-hour tour takes you through the Gothic Quarter to try the best tapas imaginable after watching a traditional flamenco show at one of the many tablaos in this city..

For more amazing dining options, check out the food section of this article.


(6) Enjoy the City for Free

The evening is when Barcelona’s streets come alive.

We recommend strolling down Las Ramblas de Barcelona - the city’s most famous boulevard.

There are always street performers playing music and making live art.

From beaches to music, and free audio tours, you can take in a lot of culture without paying a cent.

Check out our free things to do section for even more ideas. 


(7) Medieval Evening Show

On Friday and Saturday nights, the medieval palace Palau Requesens welcomes visitors with dinner and a show.

One of the largest medieval palaces in the region puts on a sword-fighting, dancing, and juggling show that would have entertained guests centuries ago.

Kids will love going back in time with all the actors in costumes.

Note: Send an email ahead of your reservation to request the kids' menu or if you have dietary restrictions.  

For more family-friendly ideas, look at the section down below.


(8) Take a Sunset Cruise

Feel luxurious on a yacht with your small-group sunset cruise.

You’ll have a chance to admire Barcelona’s skyline from the water, and you can even jump in if you bring your swimsuit.

If you’re looking for some relaxing and live music while you are out on the water, this catamaran cruise with mellow jazz music is an excellent option.


(9) Tour Gaudi’s La Pedrera at Night

The modernist building known as La Pedrera was a private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí for the Mila family and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors can tour it during the day through till 20:30 (8:30 pm).

At 21:00 (9:00 pm), La Pedrera reopens for The Origins evening experience, a light and sound show on the rooftop highlights the spiral chimneys and unique architectural features.

The show will be accompanied by a glass of Cava that you can enjoy as you learn about Gaudi’s inspiration for the famous building. 


(10) See More Nightlife with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

Purchasing a tourist card like the Barcelona Night Card is the perfect option for anyone looking to see as much of Barcelona’s nightlife as possible.

With this card, you have free entry into 20 nightclubs. Keep in mind you must be 18 or 21 years old to enter all the clubs on the list.

Clubs include:

  • Catwalk
  • Soho
  • Sutton
  • The Room
  • Aire
  • City Hall

Of course, we also recommend a more traditional city pass to get more transportation options and really see as much as possible in Barcelona - and you’ll receive 30% off of your Night Card purchase if you buy a Barcelona Card.


Bonus: Haunted Barcelona Self-Guided Game

Although a traditional ghost tour can be quite fun, there's something even creepier about heading out on your own (or with a few other people) to learn about the haunted history of Barcelona.

This game is like a scavenger hunt which tasks you with solving puzzles as you learn about true crime stories, reportedly haunted streets or buildings and more.

Download this game or learn more.


FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT

Looking to stay under budget? Here we have a list of light shows, events, and attractions that are available for free at night.

And don't forget to check out our master post on free things to do in Barcelona.


BruumRuum Night Light Show

This LED light installation right near the Disseny Hub building is an interesting public art piece.

The lights react to sound - whether that is ambient city noise or the sound of your voice. 550 LEDs are constantly changing color and intensity depending on what the noise sensors pick up.

The light show operates between 21:30 and 23:00 (9:30 pm - 11:00 pm).


Admire the Barcelona Cathedral

The Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia is a gorgeous Gothic cathedral that has fewer crowds than Sagrada Familia, especially in the evenings.

At night, it is beautifully lit up on the outside and has a peaceful atmosphere on the inside.

You can pay for a ticket during tourist opening hours (final entry at 6:30 pm), or visit for free during prayer and worship times. 

Worship Times:

  • Weekdays 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Saturdays 8:30 am – 12:30 pm and 5:15 pm – 8:00 pm

See the Monuments at Night

Even after the sun goes down, Barcelona doesn’t go dark. Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and other major landmarks remain lit up, giving them a magical quality.

You could do the full self-guided Gaudí walking tour itinerary after dark for an entirely different experience!

There are also many other night tours of Barcelona that aren't free.


Catch a Free Park Concert

Musica als parcs is a free concert series designed by the Barcelona City Council to bring people to the city’s public parks.

Most of the bands are local talent and perform jazz, classical, or gospel concerts.  

There are a lot of participating locations, including Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de Joan Miró, Jardins de la Tamarita, and Parc de la Estacion del Norte.

Concerts start around 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm. Check their Facebook page for the full schedule.


La Virreina Centre de la Imatge

La Virreina Centre de la Imatge is a museum inside of a beautiful baroque palace. This museum displays perpetually rotating photography exhibitions.

You can learn about the photographers and subjects of the different collections, which range from political to artistic.

Entrance is always free. The museum is open Tuesday - Sunday from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm.


Free Beach Movies

Cinema Lliure hosts free movies on the Barceloneta beach during the summer months.

The movies have English or Spanish subtitles, depending on whether the film was originally in Spanish or English, so they are accessible for speakers of both languages.

This outdoor cinema is very popular, so we advise arriving early and bringing a towel or blanket to stake out your spot in the sand.


Walk the Beaches at Night

Both locals and visitors alike enjoy hanging out on the Barcelona beaches after dark.

Whether or not there are any official events or movies happening, you’ll be almost sure to find an impromptu jam session from someone with a guitar or other beach performers.

And don't forget to check out our master post on free things to do in Barcelona.


Bunkers del Carmel

Bunkers del Carmel is a viewpoint located atop the Turó de la Rovira hill located in the Carmel neighborhood of Barcelona.

During the Spanish Civil War, the hill was used as a strategic location for anti-aircraft guns, and the bunkers were built to protect them.

Bunkers del Carmel
By Biblola - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31342106

After the war, the site was abandoned and in the early 2000s, the site was rediscovered and renovated into a public viewpoint.

Today, Bunkers del Carmel offers stunning panoramic views of the city of Barcelona visitors get to see landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and the Mediterranean Sea.

The stunning panoramic views of the city under the starry sky can be truly mesmerizing and some people also enjoy stargazing here.

The site is also popular for picnics and for watching the sunset over the city.


FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Not ready to put the kids to bed yet? Here's our list of tours, landmarks, and activities that are family-friendly at night.

And don't forget our full article on family-friendly things to do in Barcelona.


See the Magic Fountain of Montjuic

On most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc puts on light, sound, and water shows.

The shows have been happening since 1929 and are still popular.

Crowds gather on nearby streets and steps to enjoy the jets of water dancing to the music. We recommend you arrive early to get a good seat.

Show Times:

  • March 1 - 31 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 20:00 - 21:00 
  • April 1 - May 31 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 21:00 - 22:00 
  • June 1 - September 30 on Wednesdays through Sundays from 21:30 - 22:30 
  • October 1 - October 31 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 21:00 - 22:00 
  • November 1 - January 6 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 20:00 - 21:00 
  • January 7 - February 28 CLOSED for maintenance.

Sunset Sailing

A sunset sailing tour is a perfect way to explore Barcelona’s coast with your family.

You can stay in the boat for the whole cruise, or bring your swimsuit and a towel to enjoy the water.

Child pricing is available after 2 adult tickets have been purchased.


Try an Escape Room

Escape Rooms are becoming increasingly more popular.

You’re given clues and a time limit and must solve the puzzle to unlock the door before the hour runs out!

This escape room’s goal is to play the role of an Alchemist investigating accusations of witchcraft.


Take a Ghost Tour

If you or your kids are a fan of haunted legends, this 2.5-hour ghost tour is a perfect activity.

Learn about Barcelona’s spooky past from a guide who knows all the local lore.

The tour starts at 9:30 pm on Fridays and 8:30 pm on Saturdays and is wheelchair accessible.


Play Laser Tag

Have a fun evening of family bonding at Games i Mes laser tag. They have multiple laser tag mazes for you to play in and reasonable prices.

If you’re a fan of virtual reality - they even have VR rooms in which you can control your environment as you walk or run around and interact with virtual objects.


Take an Evening Segway Tour

The city takes on a magical feeling when the sun sets, which makes the evening the perfect time to go on a sightseeing tour.

This Segway tour is 2 hours of fun and learning about Barcelona.

Note: Participants must be 16 years old or older.

And don't forget our full article on family-friendly things to do in Barcelona.


RESTAURANTS & FOOD

You will never go hungry in Barcelona.

Here is a list of food tours, restaurants, and cuisine to try after the sun goes down.


Take a Tapas Tour

Barcelona’s most famous cuisine is called tapas - small plates that are often meant to be shared, especially if ordered family-style.

If you’re looking for a good overview of the types of tapas available, we recommend a tapas walking tour.

The tour will take you to four different restaurants to try a paired Catalonian wine with each plate of tapas.

You’ll also hear a bit about the history of this culinary tradition.


Flamenco Dinner Show

See the famous Flamenco-style dancing over dinner at a show like Palacio del Flamenco.

It is one of the most famous venues to watch the Flamenco and other classical and fusion dance styles that are accompanied by a live band.

Dinner menus include options for vegetarians, children, and other dietary restrictions if you let them know ahead of time.  


L’Ovella Negra

This late-night bar opens at 5:00 pm and doesn’t close until 3:00 am every day.

They offer great sangria and bar food tapas plates, as well as pool and foosball tables. You must be 18 years or older to enter.


The Benedict

This popular bistro is billed as a brunch location but is also known for its great burgers, tapas, and nachos offered later in the evening.

No matter what time of day you go, you'll walk away pleasantly full.


Get Free Tapas with Your Drinks

Planning on going to have a cocktail? Save a little money by going to a bar that follows an old Spanish tradition of offering a tapa with your drink.

  • Raspall gives one free tapa with a draught beer, wine, or vermouth.
  • La Xula Taperia each drink you purchase comes with a free bite.
  • Gata Mala accompanies your drink with a homemade tapa.
  • Cecconi’s serves the Italian version of this tradition between 6:00 and 8:00 pm Monday to Friday.

MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

Barcelona stays open late, and that includes quite a few museums and the aquarium.


L’Aquarium Barcelona

Visiting L’Aquarium is both fun and educational for ocean- and animal-loving visitors. Learn about underwater ecosystems and ocean life. And it is open until 21:00 (9:00 pm) every night of the week!  

The Aquarium is included for free or at a discount on multiple tourist passes.


Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso spent his formative years in Barcelona, which makes him a popular artist in the city.

This is a must-see museum of any fan of his work because they have such a large collection of Picasso pieces.

The museum is open until 21:30 (9:30 pm) on Thursdays, 17:00 (5:00 pm) on Mondays and 20:30 (8:30 pm) every other night of the week.

It is also is included for free or at a discount on multiple tourist passes.


Museum of the History of Barcelona

Discover Barcelona’s ancient Roman roots and learn about the evolution of the city through the present day at the City History Museum.

Learn through seeing archaeological sites and preserved artifacts, as well as informational displays.

They’re open until 7:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and until 20:00 (8:00 pm) on Sundays.


Center of Contemporary Culture Barcelona

The Center of Contemporary Culture - or CCCB - is more than a museum. The art exhibitions are joined by regularly held debates, festivals, film showings, and workshops.

Keep an eye on their schedule to catch special programming and see what artwork is on display.

They’re open until 20:00 (8:00 pm) Tuesday through Sunday.


CosmoCaixa Science Museum

Europe’s largest science museum is located right in Barcelona. You can learn about sustainable technology to help the planet or attend a hands-on workshop.

Some exhibits, such as the Planetarium show, are especially fun for children.

The Science Museum is open until 20:00 every night of the week and also included for free or at a discount on multiple tourist passes


Museu de la Musica

You can find instruments from all over the world and throughout time at the Museum of Music.

Interested in how ancient civilizations played music? Fascinated by new and modern music technology? You can also find that here!

Barcelona’s music museum is open until 21:00 on Thursdays and also included for free or at a discount on multiple tourist passes.


Annual Museums at Night Event

This is an international event in major cities all over the world. Almost every museum in the city opens (for free!) from Friday 19 at 19:00 to May 20 at 1:00 am.

Many museums offer guided tours or workshops and attractions across the city hold concerts and light shows.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to walk in Barcelona at night?

Barcelona is a generally safe city, but visitors should take basic precautions when walking around at night, such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding carrying valuables.

Walking with a group or another person is also recommended.

It's also a good idea to check the opening hours of attractions and businesses before heading out at night, as some places may have limited hours or be closed altogether.


Does Barcelona have a good nightlife?

Yes, Barcelona is known for having a vibrant and diverse nightlife.

There are numerous bars, clubs, and music venues throughout the city that cater to a variety of tastes and interests.

The city is particularly well-known for its electronic music scene, with several world-famous clubs located in the city.

In addition to clubbing, you can enjoy live music performances, cultural events, and night markets.


What is the best area of Barcelona to visit at night?

The best area to visit at night depends on personal preferences and interests.

If you are nature lover then Bunkers del Carmel is a nice place to stargaze and see stunning city skyline.

Alternatively, you can visit places like Gothic Quarter or see BruumRuum Night Light Show.


Where do locals go clubbing in Barcelona?

There are many clubs and nightlife spots in Barcelona that are popular among locals. Here are some of the top picks:

  • Catwalk
  • Soho
  • Sutton
  • The Room
  • Aire
  • City Hall

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: enero 11th, 2024
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