Fun Things to Do in Barcelona for Young Adults – Unusual & Less Touristy Activities

Barcelona is famous for Gaudí, La Rambla, tapas, and the Gothic Quarter. But if you're a young adult visiting the city, you probably don't want to spend your entire trip following the same tourist checklist.

Maybe you want to find a great place to eat after sightseeing, discover a neighborhood with more local character, take memorable photos with friends, hear the city's strangest stories, or escape the city for an outdoor adventure.

The best experiences are often the ones that give you a reason to slow down, explore a neighborhood, and see Barcelona through the perspective of someone who actually lives there.

Here are some of the most fun and unusual things to do in Barcelona for young adults, along with a few things worth knowing before you go.

Explore Barcelona's Dark Side on a Night Ghost Tour

If you're looking for something completely different from a traditional Barcelona sightseeing tour, explore the city after dark.

A night walking tour through Barcelona can reveal stories about haunted buildings, vampire legends, mysterious traditions, tragic events, and some of the city's darkest history.

One private experience takes you through areas including La Rambla, Raval, and the Gothic Quarter, where you'll hear stories about haunted theaters, mysterious palaces, old monasteries, and the infamous vampire legend of Enriqueta Martí.

The atmosphere is part history lesson and part storytelling adventure. Walking through Barcelona's narrow streets at night makes familiar places feel completely different.

Make the most of it

Barcelona's historic center can feel completely different after sunset. Go with comfortable shoes because you'll be walking through narrow streets and uneven sections of the Old Town.

If you're traveling with friends, an evening experience like this can also work well as a starting point for the rest of your night. You can finish in the center and continue to a bar or restaurant afterward instead of spending the whole evening on a formal sightseeing schedule.

Best for: Friends, couples, horror fans, history lovers, and travelers who enjoy unusual stories.

Explore Mystic Barcelona: Night Ghosts, Legends & Secrets

Turn Sightseeing Into a Barcelona Photoshoot

Let's be honest: Barcelona is incredibly photogenic.

Instead of trying to take photos while holding your phone at arm's length, turn your sightseeing into a professional photoshoot.

A private photoshoot around Barcelona's Old Town takes you through some of the city's most atmospheric locations, including the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Ciutadella Park.

You'll visit photogenic spots such as the Gothic Cathedral, Pont del Bisbe, and the famous "El món neix en cada besada" mural while a local photographer captures the experience.

The tour includes high-quality photographs, making it especially appealing if you're traveling with your partner or a group of friends and want something more memorable than ordinary vacation snapshots.

Make the most of it

Early or later parts of the day can be particularly appealing for photography because the streets can feel less hectic than during the middle of the day.

Don't think of the experience as simply taking pictures at famous landmarks. Ask your photographer to include smaller streets, interesting architecture, and locations that match your group's personality.

For couples, this can also turn into a memorable anniversary or engagement experience. For friends, coordinating outfits or choosing a particular theme can make the photos even more fun.

Best for: Couples, solo travelers, friend groups, families, and anyone who loves photography or social media.

See the Barcelona Old Town Photoshoot

Go on a Tapas Adventure Instead of a Typical Restaurant Tour

Food is one of the easiest ways to experience Barcelona.

But rather than choosing one restaurant and ordering a few dishes, try a private tapas experience that takes you to several different places.

One three-hour experience begins at La Boqueria Market, where you'll learn about local ingredients and the history of one of Barcelona's most famous markets.

You'll also try different types of Spanish ham before visiting three separate venues to sample local specialties paired with wine or beer. Non-alcoholic drinks are available too.

The experience takes place around the Gothic Quarter and El Born, so you're combining food with exploring some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods.

For young adults traveling with friends, this can be a much more social way to spend an evening than simply sitting down for dinner.

Make the most of it

Don't assume that the busiest restaurant is the best one. Barcelona has plenty of small places where the atmosphere and food are part of the experience.

If you have dietary restrictions or foods you don't eat, mention them before the tour rather than waiting until you arrive.

You can also ask your guide which dishes are particularly local and which foods are worth trying elsewhere during your trip. A food tour can be useful for discovering what you actually like before choosing restaurants for the rest of your stay.

Best for: Foodies, friend groups, couples, and travelers who want to discover Barcelona through local food.

Check out this private Tapas Tour in Barcelona

Discover the Gothic Quarter's Darkest Secrets Over Sangria

The Gothic Quarter is one of Barcelona's most visited areas, but there's a difference between walking through it and actually understanding its stories.

A private Gothic Quarter experience can take you beyond the obvious landmarks and into the neighborhood's darker history.

Over several hours, you can discover Roman remains, medieval streets, historic squares, churches, old defense towers, and stories connected to Barcelona's culture, politics, religion, and traditions.

The experience finishes at a traditional restaurant in La Barceloneta, where you can enjoy a glass of sangria and get recommendations for the rest of your stay.

Make the most of it

The Gothic Quarter is best explored slowly. Some of its most interesting details are easy to miss if you're rushing from one major attraction to another.

Look up as you walk. Historic facades, balconies, signs, and architectural details can tell you a lot about the neighborhood.

Comfortable shoes are also important. You'll be walking for several hours, and the old streets aren't always as easy to navigate as modern city sidewalks.

If you're interested in history, don't be afraid to ask your guide about the parts of Barcelona that aren't obvious from the buildings themselves. Stories about everyday life, traditions, politics, and local characters can make the neighborhood much more interesting.

Best for: Friends, couples, first-time visitors, and travelers interested in history but looking for a relaxed experience.

Discover the Gothic Quarter's Deepest Secrets & Sangria

Escape Barcelona for a Costa Brava Adventure

Want to get away from the city for a day?

The Costa Brava is an excellent option if your idea of fun involves sun, sea, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring somewhere beautiful.

A private full-day experience from Barcelona takes you along the Costa Brava's coastal trails before moving into the water for a kayaking and snorkeling adventure.

You'll have the chance to explore hidden coves, sea caves, and clear Mediterranean waters. Depending on the group and conditions, there can even be opportunities for more adventurous activities such as cliff jumping.

After the outdoor adventure, you'll visit Peratallada, a charming medieval village with cobblestone streets and historic stone buildings.

The day ends with traditional Catalan food at a local restaurant.

Make the most of it

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and shoes that you don't mind getting wet.

The Costa Brava is not only about the beaches. The coastal walking trails can be just as memorable, especially when you have someone who knows which sections are suitable for your group.

If you're traveling with friends who have different fitness levels, tell your guide beforehand. The walking route and pace can be adjusted so that everyone can enjoy the day.

And don't rush through Peratallada just because the main activity was kayaking. The medieval village is a completely different side of Catalonia and makes a great contrast to the morning's outdoor adventure.

Best for: Active travelers, friend groups, couples, outdoor lovers, and adventurous young adults.

Explore the Costa Brava Kayak, Snorkel & Medieval Culinary Experience

Go Beyond Gaudí With Art, Street Art and Local Design

Gaudí is one of the biggest reasons people visit Barcelona, but the city's creative scene goes far beyond the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.

If you're interested in art and design, consider exploring Barcelona through its street art, galleries, independent designers, concept stores, and creative neighborhoods.

A private guide can create an itinerary around the things you actually like instead of taking you to every famous attraction.

You could combine street art with local shopping, visit a gallery, explore independent boutiques, stop for food, or discover unusual places that aren't obvious from a standard travel guide.

Make the most of it

Don't try to see every creative neighborhood in one afternoon. Choose a few areas and spend time exploring them properly.

If you're interested in shopping, tell your guide what you're actually looking for. Barcelona has everything from independent designers and vintage shops to traditional crafts and specialty food stores.

You can also combine different interests. For example, an afternoon could include street art, local design stores, a coffee stop, and tapas rather than being dedicated entirely to museums.

This kind of flexible itinerary is particularly useful if you don't enjoy spending an entire day inside formal attractions.

Best for: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, returning visitors, creative travelers, and shoppers.

Browse the One day in Barcelona with Gaudi

Take a Day Trip to Girona and the Costa Brava

If you've already explored Barcelona's main attractions and want to see more of Catalonia, take a private day trip outside the city.

One full-day experience combines Girona, Game of Thrones filming locations, the medieval village of Pals, and the Costa Brava into one relaxed trip from Barcelona.

The day begins in Girona, where you'll explore historic sites including Sant Feliu Church, the old city walls, Girona Cathedral, and the Jewish Quarter. Game of Thrones fans will also recognize several locations used in the series.

From Girona, you'll continue to Pals, a beautifully preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings, and traditional Catalan food.

The final stop is Calella de Palafrugell, a former fishing village on the Costa Brava where you can relax by the Mediterranean and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Make the most of it

This is a good option if you want to combine sightseeing with time outside the city rather than spending another day exploring Barcelona's center.

Wear comfortable shoes because the tour includes quite a bit of walking, particularly around Girona and Pals.

If you're a Game of Thrones fan, ask your guide about the filming locations as you explore Girona. Even if you haven't watched the series, the historic streets, cathedral, and medieval architecture are worth experiencing on their own.

Don't rush through Pals. The village is one of the highlights of the day, and taking some time to wander its narrow streets gives you a very different experience from Barcelona.

You can also ask your guide about local food and where to try traditional Catalan dishes during lunch. Since the itinerary is private and customizable, you can discuss your interests before the trip.

Best for: Game of Thrones fans, couples, families, history lovers, friend groups, and travelers who want to explore beyond Barcelona.

Explore the Girona & Costa Brava Game of Thrones Tour

Create Your Own Barcelona Experience With a Local

Sometimes the most unusual thing to do in Barcelona isn't a specific attraction.

It's creating an experience around what you actually enjoy.

Maybe you're traveling with friends and want a day combining food and street art.

Maybe you're a couple looking for photography spots and hidden neighborhoods.

Maybe you're interested in history but don't want to spend hours inside museums.

Or perhaps you want to combine sightseeing with shopping, local food, nightlife, or something completely unexpected.

Private tours are useful for exactly this reason. You can tell a local guide what you're interested in, how much time you have, and what you've already seen. They can then suggest an itinerary that fits your group.

A Few Things to Know Before Exploring Barcelona

Don't pack every day with sightseeing

Barcelona is a city where wandering can be part of the experience. Leave some room in your schedule for a long lunch, an unexpected café, a market, or simply exploring a neighborhood without a checklist.

Plan around the heat

Summer afternoons can be hot, especially when you're walking for several hours. Morning and evening experiences can be much more comfortable, particularly for outdoor activities.

Wear comfortable shoes

This sounds obvious, but it's easy to underestimate how much walking you'll do. Barcelona's historic neighborhoods have plenty of uneven streets and stairs.

Ask about customization

If you're booking a private tour, don't assume you have to follow the exact itinerary shown online.

Tell the guide what you're interested in, what you've already visited, and what you want to avoid. A good private experience can often be adjusted around your group.

Think about the experience, not just the attraction

A famous landmark can be memorable, but so can discovering a tiny food shop, hearing a strange local story, finding a great photography location, or having a conversation with someone who knows the city well.

Those moments are often what you'll remember after the trip.

Ready to Experience a Different Side of Barcelona?

Barcelona doesn't have to be just Gaudí, La Rambla, and crowded tourist attractions.

You can explore its legends after dark, discover hidden stories in the Gothic Quarter, eat your way through local neighborhoods, capture professional photos with your friends, explore the city by eBike, or spend a day kayaking along the Costa Brava.

And if none of these experiences sounds exactly right, that's okay.

Tell a local guide what you enjoy, who you're traveling with, and what kind of experience you're looking for. They may be able to create something completely different for you.

Message a Barcelona local guide and create your own private experience