5 Perfect Date Nights in Barcelona
Looking to wow your special someone with a unique date night in the Catalan capital? These 5 ideas will guarantee a night to remember.
After more than three years living in this vibrant city, one thing is for sure. Barcelona has it all! Whatever you’re into when the sun goes down, it offers the perfect date night for couples.
Seeking a romantic table for two in a quiet outdoor plaza? Plenty of top notch restaurants to choose from.
Perhaps you’re into a more authentic experience wandering the dark alleys of El Born – lots of options.
For adventurers in search of reaching new “heights” in the Catalunya capital, consider it done.
You won’t find a cookie-cutter, textbook kind of date night in Barcelona. Anything but that actually! The only requirement is that you stay open-minded and ready for the unexpected. That’s what this city prides itself on and why tourists flock from all corners of the world to visit each year.
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5 Perfect Date Nights in Barcelona
1. For Romantics
Where to Start
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding anniversary or a second date together, Barcelona has no shortage of romantic spots that make the perfect date night.
In the barrio, or neighborhood, of Gracia you’ll find an endless maze of indie boutiques, galleries and arthouse cinemas. This section of Barcelona where many locals live is best known for its 19th Century tree-lined boulevards and landmark plazas.
A funky and unique place to grab pre-dinner drinks is at Bobby Gin’s (Carrer de Francisco Giner, 47) where preparing cocktails is an artform. The place isn’t huge so you won’t need to worry about fighting crowds for a stool at the bar or enjoying a quiet chat with your date. We recommend trying one of their famous Ginfonks which offers a twist on making the traditional gin and tonic.
Where to Eat
The hardest part about spending your date night in Gracia will be trying to decide where to eat! Sometimes we’re in the mood for traditional tapas which can be found on literally every corner in Gracia. But what we’ve also found is some of the most amazing Asian eateries here too.
Whichever your cuisine of choice is, sharing plates is a must for a romantic evening! Can we all agree on that?
Some of the best sushi and most tasty Japanese dishes we’ve tried come from Restaurante Fukamura (Carrer de Corsega, 479). Call me a kid, but anytime I can share a plate of food with my husband, it’s romantic! Yes, we’re in our late 30s and have three children – make fun all you want ha!
Make reservations in advance as this tiny place has developed quite the reputation with locals and gets packed! Be sure to order the impressive three-color tuna tartare for a taste of the freshest fish around. Also delicious, the “melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and Nigiri Langosta.
The last element about Fukamura that we found memorable was their attention to detail. The staff pay attention to special requests you may have when booking in advance (which many others disregard!) so BE sure to request a quiet romantic table in a cozy corner for your evening out.
Where to End Up
With many beautiful plazas of Gracia tucked away like hidden treasures, it’s easy to see why the perfect romantic date night should end in one. Sipping cappuccinos (decaf for me!) and listening to a nearby street performer can easily transform you both to another time.
See if you can grab a table and two chairs at one of several cafes in Placa de La Virreina. With the backdrop of Sant Joan Baptista de Gracia church, enjoy cozying up with your love and getting lost in conversation into the early hours of morning.
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
Anytime Tony and I venture out for an evening in Gracia, we can’t help but feel like giddy 20-somethings on our first date. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights of restaurants and storefronts giving off a romantic vibe. Or perhaps it’s the labyrinth of cobblestone streets that make getting lost enjoyable. Either way, spending a romantic night in Gracia is a feeling that will bring you and your crush back for more.
2. For View Seekers
Where to Start
Kick off your evening watching the sun set over Montjuic by visiting the winding trails of Carretera de les Aigues (at the base of the Tibidabo Mountain). We recommend taking a taxi or driving since the roads leading here are not for pedestrians.
About half a mile down trail from where the parking area is, you’ll find a giant boulder with a cross staked into the ground. The heading image on the homepage of my blog is here! This is a popular place to sit, watch the world go by and maybe even enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail (if you really come prepared!)
Where to Eat
Once the Barcelona sun changes from orange to indigo blue, it’s time to satisfy your cravings only a short distance away at Mirablau (Placa del Doctor Andreu). Here you’ll find Mediterranean cuisine such as seafood paella and Galician beef filet as well as a generous wine list.
Umm not to mention, simply spectacular views of a twinkling Barcelona on the open air patio. One thing I remember most about dining at Mirablau…I didn’t want to leave!
Where to End Up
Once you finish your last bite of crema catalana, take the Funicular del Tibidabo rail (currently being renovated and modernized, set to open in Autumn 2020 under the new name “Cuca de Llum” or Glow Worm) to the Sagrada Corazon Jesus Christos church. Here you’ll find another jaw-dropping mountain-top look at the city from above. If you are feeling ultra brave (and haven’t had too much to drink at dinner of course!), you can opt to take an elevator ride for 2 euro to the very peak of the church. This is easily the highest viewpoint in all of Barcelona at 1,680 feet.
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
You won’t find many tourists in this part of the city, especially at night, which makes for a more intimate setting. And something about seeing the bustling city at night from one thousand feet together suggests that no one else exists but the two of you.
3. For Night Life Lovers
Barcelona may not be known for it, but I can honestly say, it’s the city that NEVER sleeps! The Spanish culture in general is to leave work around 7:00PM, have dinner at 9:00PM and put kids to bed around 10:30PM!! Hell, that’s usually when MY head hits the pillow! Some bars and nightclubs here don’t even open their doors until midnight.
So, simply said this city a night-life lover’s paradise!
Where You’ll Start
One of the most beautiful streets to visit once the sun goes down is the famous Passeig de Gracia (think of 5th Avenue in NYC). The brightly lit storefronts of CHANEL, Christian Dior and Prada seem to make window shopping an artform. No, you don’t have to go on a shopping spree for this date! (Although, if that’s your thing, may I come along!?) You can simply enjoy the ambiance and elegance that an evening stroll down this beautiful avenue brings.
Don’t forget to get a glimpse and a mandatory selfie of Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Batllo illuminating from the sidewalk for passing by. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is as avant garde inside as it is on the outside, so do plan to purchase tickets in advance for access. The highlight of course will be the rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a glass of cava (Spanish champagne) and, if visiting between June and November, live musical entertainment.
Where You’ll Eat
Only a short distance away, somewhere between Hotel Paseo de Gracia and the Tous store, you’ll find El Nacional tucked away and waiting to be discovered. Known as one of the city’s best gastronomic experiences, the lively dining atmosphere coupled with cuisine from the Iberian Peninsula will leave you equally satisfied.
The casual yet classy open-concept setting offers four restaurants, four bars and thousands of ways to feed the soul! Their farm to table approach to cooking is second to none with a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, a tapas and rice restaurant and a fast deli restaurant inside.
This won’t be the quiet candlelit dinner scene, if that’s what you’re looking for. But it’s the perfect date night for immersing one another into the Spanish local city life.
Where You’ll End Up
Regardless of whatever time dinner finishes up, the night is young! If you’d rather ease into the partying portion of the evening, plan to grab after dinner drinks on the fabulous rooftop of Hotel Condes Barcelona. Their 8th Floor Allaire Terrace Bar is funky and modern – not to mention has an amazing view of Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera in the distance.
Planning a visit to the largest tourist attraction in Barcelona? RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Must-Know Tips for Visiting La Sagrada Familia
Don’t linger at Hotel Condes for long! Barcelona proudly boasts some of the hottest nightclub venues around. Depending on your mood and taste, here’s a quick rundown of the top five! Be sure to get the details on their entrance fees, theme nights, special performances, etc. before committing to one.
1. Pacha Barcelona (Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta, 38) – Ibiza vibe
2. Sala Apolo (Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113) – Theme Nights
3. Opium (Passeig de la Barceloneta, 34) – Classy but unpretentious
4. Sala Razzmatazz (Carrer Almogavers, 122) – Urban techno & Underground
5. La Terrazza (Poble Espanol) – Fun and Upbeat inside a medieval castle
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
Nighttime is when the hats come off and the hair comes down! After a long week of working or schooling, there’s nothing better than heading out with your love and embracing all that Barcelona nightlife has to offer! What better way to experience the electricity and vibrance of this city than with a special someone by your side?
4. For History Buffs
Three things you’re guaranteed to find in Barcelona are a deeply rooted culture, incredible art and design, and rich history dating back centuries. If you’re someone that loves an age-old story and can spend hours wandering around a museum, this date night is for YOU!
Where You’ll Start
An evening in the Gothic Quarter isn’t complete without a stop in the gorgeous and newly renovated Licoreria Lateria wine bar (Carrer dels Escudellers, 5). We happen to be good friends with the owners and are never disappointed when visiting. The cellar was transformed from a warehouse into a luxurious yet rustic tasting room which includes an overwhelming floor-to-ceiling collection of bottles. They carry selections from Spain’s wine and cava regions, labels from all throughout Europe, as well as organic, biodynamic and natural wines,
We have brought many friends and family members here. It is a wonderful way to begin another perfect date night.
Where You’ll Eat
Once you’ve taken your last sip of wine, it’s time to experience the oldest and most historic part of Barcelona – Ciutat Vella (or Old City). Step outside the wine bar and there you are!
The enchantment of its old Roman streets and gothic style architecture will steal your heart. Just be careful of wandering pickpocketers in this part of town aiming to steal your wallet!
Sure, this section is touristy and one must be vigilant to not stand out as such. But still, the Old City of Barcelona is like a little fairytale to me. The scenery never gets old with its narrow streets and alleyways, hip boutiques and jaw dropping squares like Placa Reial dating back to the 1840s.
Here is the historic spot for your perfect date night dinner! Placa Reial is one of the main attractions to see in Old City, understandably. This square is so historic and beautiful, it’s no wonder it was named “royal”. The elegant ambiance is accentuated by the central fountain, Gaudi designed streetlamps and iconic palm trees.
And it is one of Barcelona’s busiest, most vibrant spots, particularly at night. Restaurants here, given the tourist attraction factor, can be overpriced with mediocre food – except for Kane Room. This happens to be one of our personal favorites because the meal is always delicious and cozy outdoor seating offers the perfect scenery for the shenanigans of Barcelona nightlife.
To order, we highly recommend the Tomahawk Steak (for two!) if you love beef as well as the Warm Goat Cheese Salad and Iberian Jamon Bruschetta. You won’t be disappointed!
Where You’ll End Up
Once your belly is stuffed, burn off some calories with a romantic walk to the next most popular tourist attraction in Old City, the Cathedral of Barcelona. Earliest records of the Catalan Gothic church date back to the year 599 though religious persecution and demolition forced it to be rebuilt several times over the course of history.
Near to the Cathedral on Carrer del Bisbe, history buffs will love getting a glimpse of El Pont del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge) which is associated with several local legends and superstitions. Keep your eyes out for the skull with a dagger in its mouth – super eerie and the element in question from visitors.
One last piece of history that is worth stopping at before your sweet tooth kicks in is to Placa de Sant Felip Neri. This plaza is so hidden most tourists would never know to look for it! And the history here is quite unique.
During the Spanish Civil War, a bomb was dropped on the plaza killing 30 people most of which were children attending the nearby primary school. To this day, a large shaded tree grows in the center and offers a solemn tone mourning the loss of life. In addition, impacts of the explosion can be seen on the plaza walls.
Somber, yes. But history buffs will be in awe of the story behind this hidden spot. Before jumping in a taxi towards home, pop into one of the countless Old City cafes for a sampling of yummy fresh macaroons.
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
Surrounding yourself in the history of Barcelona with a special someone is like stepping back in time and leaving your current life behind. There’s something surreal about standing in front of century-old architecture or eating in a plaza that dates back to the Spanish Civil War. No better way to embrace the culture here than to learn about where they’ve been.
5. For Art Lovers
Eclectic, edgy, Gothic, bohemian – Barcelona’s artistic scene includes them all. Whether you consider yourself a lover of the arts or not, it’s impossible to not be swept away and inspired just by walking down the narrow alleys of Barcelona.
Every visitor of this city at one point or another needs to experience the awe-inspiring vision behind some of the greatest artists in history – those of whom spent much of their creative careers in this city.
Don’t worry – this date night doesn’t mean you’ll spend hours staring at oil on canvases. Think bigger, guys! Rather this evening puts you in the drivers’ seat of creativity and artistic influence. Not sure what I mean? Read on…
Where You’ll Start
If you follow me on Instagram @theexpatchronicle you’ve probably seen photos of our experience with Barcelona’s well known graffiti artist, Konair. Talk about rolling your sleeves up and getting hands dirty with one of the most creative and inspiring minds in Barcelona.
I could think of no better way to celebrate our wedding anniversary than to create an iconic piece of graffiti artwork in the city we love. You’ll start by meeting in the El Raval/Poble Sec section of Barcelona and the artist will select the best legal area to work. (Yes, I said legal according to the government authorities – so there’s no need to worry about vandalism or running from the cops on this date!)
The private session is about 90 minutes long (group classes also available) and you’ll spend the time learning about this street art form, different variants to achieving the look you want, and the inspiration behind Konair’s signature creation.
If you’re looking for a date that’s unique and memorable this is for you, guys. Be sure to tell them Lauren from @theexpatchronicle sent you!
Where You’ll Eat
Tapping into your deep creative juices from spray painting will leave you starving. So now’s the time to find out what your true cooking skills are made of. Barcelona offers tons of authentic kitchen experiences where you’ll have a chance to prepare culinary delights such as paella, sangria and popular tapas dishes while learning about local delicacies and sipping Cava.
Since this is a date night after all, I recommend a private session with just you and your beau. Cooking brings people together and doing it with someone you love brings romance to a new level. You can learn so much about a person when preparing a meal together, right?
The most popular cooking experience in Barcelona can be found by searching The Paella Club on Trip Advisor. The top reviews speak for themselves.
Where You’ll End Up
Once your belly is full and appetite satisfied, a quiet stroll through
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
Bonus Date Night Idea: For Risk Takers
If candlelight white linen dinners just don’t do it for you anymore, go for something truly unique at Dans de la Noir , French for “Dinner in the Dark”!
My husband booked us a dining experience here on my birthday and it was something I will truly never forget!
The concept for these dinner in the dark restaurants (and by the way, they weren’t kidding when they said “dark”, as it’s literally pitch black in the dining room. We couldn’t see our hands in front of our faces!) came from the need to create job opportunities for the blind.
The server at your table has lost his or her sight. So through this experience, you’re stepping into their everyday world and forced to use your other senses during the meal. It was recommended that we not use utensils to eat or let go of our wine glass..the entire meal ha!
Why It’s the Perfect Date Night
I won’t spoil it ALL and will do a more in-depth write up of our experience soon, but it’s such a memorable night. Not only will you and your date have loads of laughs. But there’s a great chance you’ll make a friend or two sitting at the same table and also dining in the dark!
The evening will leave you feeling satisfied and also quite humbled.
So I have to ask…have you had a memorable date night here in Barcelona that you want to share? Any tips or recommendations for other spots, I’d love to hear, so comment below!
