Things to do at night in Barcelona to experience the city like a local

Sure, you’ll miss sunning at a gorgeous Barcelona beach or people-watching in hotspots like La Rambla and Plaza del Sol. But this city really comes alive after the sun sets. Live music rings out from Zona Alta venues and La Rambla tapas bars fill up. There are nightclubs all over the city, especially La Barceloneta and El Born. 

Meals go late, and clubs go even later. You’ll find it easy to walk most places if your post-dinner bars are in the same neighborhood, like Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and El Raval neighborhood. Locals are generally quite friendly, but you’ll likely encounter more tourists wherever you are. And if you're stuck with your bags, Bounce has dozens of Barcelona luggage storage locations with expanded opening hours or 24/7 operation that you can rely on. 

What to do in Barcelona at night if you’re looking for… 

The quintessential night out

Saturday nights in Barcelona often consist of an evening meal stretching late into the night or taking in Flamenco or other live music performances. Not every Catalan local goes this traditional route for a night out in Barcelona. But if you want a taste of the culture, you can put together an evening where you really lean into the local traditions. Barcelona has a good job of balancing modern culture and its authentic roots. 

Go on a tapas tour

Although they’re generally regarded as a touristy activity, tapas tours might actually be underrated at this point. Sure, you’ll be moseying along with other travelers, but you'll be led by a local guide to top spots and it's a great introduction for novices.

If you're a little more industrious, you could put together your own tour by a neighborhood or street and pop in and out of tapas bars for drinks and snacks. The Poble Sec neighborhood’s Calle Blai is lined with tapas bars and is a quick walk from Plaza Espanya. El Raval is another hotspot, especially for locals who head there for an afternoon “vermut” and a sandwich.

Pro tip: The Gothic Quarter is an obvious destination, and you'll have a few options for grabbing a bite after heading to landmarks like La Mercé Basilica. The best street for tapas is “Els 4 Gats.”

Take in a Flamenco show

Barcelona’s diverse music scene includes its traditional flamenco performances. This discipline showcases the joy and bravado you associate with Spanish culture, and its popularity across South America demonstrates its global influence. Barcelona is the homeland of the art form, and traditional tablaos (Flamenco theaters) are everywhere in the city. Dinner and a show can be found on Las Ramblas at Tablao Cordobes which has been going since the 70s. Tablao Flamenco de Carmen is another top spot, but you really can’t go wrong.

Pro tip: These clubs are often small and get packed during shows, so leave your bags with Bounce for the evening! 

Start the evening at Bunkers del Carmel

In the summer months, the entire city seems to linger under the night sky to appreciate the typically warm conditions. One of the best spots in the city is the former defensive structures overlooking the waterfront and city.  

A family-friendly evening

If you're bringing the kids to Barcelona, especially older ones, you'll have plenty of options for a fun night out. Sure you might be tired after a day at the beach or exploring cathedrals and markets, but it's a shame to resign yourself to simply watching a movie when there's family fun to be had throughout the city. 

Learn how to cook Paella

Essentially a rice casserole featuring seafood, meats, and loads of flavor, paella is the quintessential Barcelona dish and the perfect crowd-pleaser. There are both tasting and cooking classes offered through various caterers or restaurants where you can learn how to cook this delicacy yourself. Regardless of which round you go, you'll certainly leave Barcelona with a taste for Catalan cuisine.  

Pro tip: Some of these classes include tours of markets like La Boqueria for tapas samplers and ingredients.

Walk the paella off on a night tour

Barcelona is the perfect city to wander around at night. Although theft is a possibility (so watch your pockets), the city is fairly safe, especially in high-traffic areas like the Gothic Quarter or El Raval. You can take a night tour, illuminating the history of the city. Doing a little research can set you up perfectly. Just remember to leave the bags with Bounce to avoid the inconvenience of having to lug your roller bag around all night. 

Pro tip: Some of the best Barcelona night tours will have a theme like ghosts or a religious angle, so choose wisely based on your kids' ages and preferences.

Montjuïc Castle for sunset

This 17th-century fortress overlooks Barcelona's Central district and provides western-facing views perfect for the sunset. You can take the cable car up there or save yourself a few euros and trek up the hill to tire the kids out! If you're planning on walking around the hill and fortress, you'll want to leave the bags behind to get around easier. Fortunately, Bounce provides more flexibility for families traveling with multiple bags.

An affordable night out

If you’re trying to put together an epic Barcelona night, just on a budget, you're in luck because the city has plenty of landmarks and attractions worth stopping in after (or while) the sun sets. These are completely free, so you won't have to rely on expensive drinks on the rooftop terrace of the Grand Hotel Central to have a good time. Here are a few ideas for a cheap night out:

Check out the Magic Fountain

Font Màgica de Montjuïc is one of the top landmarks in the city to hit any time of day, but it's especially beautiful after sunset when the waterworks start. Set to the soundtrack of classical music and retro pop hits, the Fountain’s jets make for a lovely show. Crowds will huddle around the fountain, but they're usually manageable. Because of the crowds, it's best to leave any luggage or valuables at a nearby Bounce location. 

Pro tip: Get there right after sunset for the best vantage points.

Enjoy a movie at Sala Montjüic’s outdoor cinema

If you want to save money on food, put together a picnic at Mercat de la Boqueria and head to the lovely Montjüic mountain to catch the sunset or (if you're visiting in the summer) the open-air screening of a film. Organizers screen films from around the world (plenty of which are American blockbusters) with Spanish subtitles on summer nights. It's a proper way for locals to relax and enjoy the weather, and you'll see plenty of sangria and wine going around. It's a cheap way to have some drinks and tapas outside while being entertained. If you need to store your picnic basket or other items before heading to the mountain, you can always stop by a Bounce location. 

If you're getting into town from Barcelona Airport and want to get your night started right away, you can stop by a Bounce luggage storage facility to drop your bags off. That way you'll be able to head to bars or nightclubs without wasting time heading straight to the hotel. Time is valuable, especially when you're in a class travel destination like this. There are so many great things to do at night in Barcelona, from a spooky ghost tour to a Flamenco show in a concert hall to bar-hopping on La Rambla. Your biggest issue will be having enough time in the Catalan capital!