Barcelona for couples: our top tips for a romantic retreat
Fairytale architecture, enchanted parks, atmospheric bars… love is very much in the air in Barcelona! Here are our top picks for planning a stay with someone special.
Finding a cosy hideaway
First things first: the hotel. After a long, busy day exploring, you’ll want to find a nice, cosy place to curl up together.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, try the Hotel Market. Elegant, peaceful and budget-friendly, you’ll struggle to find better value for money. A double room will set you back around €65 a night in low season.
High-end
The very chic Ofelias hotel is incredibly charming.
Prefer to stay in the heart of the Gothic quarter? The Vrabac is a great choice for spacious rooms with a sophisticated feel.
Another option is the Axel, Barcelona’s iconic gay hotel.
A hotel at the last minute
Booking a room at the last minute
can also be a good plan, as hotels lower the prices to fill the empty rooms.
Romantic walks
“Traditional” visits
Looking into each others’ eyes is all well and good, but you might want to see some of Barcelona as well! If it’s your first visit to the city, take a look at our article on Planning your first weekend in Barcelona.
Even if you already know the city quite well, you’re bound to find a new area to explore in our article Planning your stay in Barcelona, from a weekend to two weeks.
Romantic visits
Montjuïc
A walk around Montjuïc is bound to be romantic, combining nature with spectacular views over the city. A great place for a picnic, or to watch the sunset.
The Horta Labyrinth Park
The Horta Labyrinth Park is a great place for a magical break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Eating, tête-à-tête
Too in love to eat? Maybe not. Try one of our top picks for romantic meals out…
La Dentellière, charming staff and creative cuisine that make it the perfect place for a romantic meal.
In this article you will find three romantic, intimate restaurants in the Old Town.
Even if you’re not staying at Hotel Market, the restaurant is still a good option. Given the prices, it would almost be rude not to indulge.
For a romantic lunch, the Bitxo is a little bistro which offers a range of original and tasty tapas. Its retro atmosphere and peaceful vibe are great for couples.
In the evening, try the La Fianna bar and restaurant, with its huge, comfortable couches. You can even eat lying down, if that’s what takes your fancy.
Escape from it all in an urban hideaway
Weather permitting, escape from the urban jungle on the flower-bedecked terrace at the Federal Café: you’ll feel like you’re out in the countryside, not in the heart of a big city!
Another great spot for some quiet “us time” is the terrace at the 1898 hotel. A true corner of paradise…
Intimate spaces for quiet drinks
Barcelona’s night life is certainly lively, but there are plenty of quieter places to enjoy a drink with that special someone.
If it’s a laid-back vibe you’re after, the soft lighting and background jazz music at the Les gens que j’aime cocktail bar should do the trick. There’s even a little nook under the stairs to hide away, if it’s not already taken!
If you prefer the sounds and smells of the sea, try the terrace on the wet deck at the W hotel: tasty cocktails and a good atmosphere guaranteed!
Follow our advice, and you’re likely to leave Barcelona even more in love than ever…
