Those of us bit by the travel bug know that one of the hardest days of the week to travel can be Sundays.
In spots like Barcelona the city takes a day of rest and it can make for some tricky travel obstacles as everything from restaurants to tourist attractions close shop for the day. Instead of getting frustrated by it, we look at it as a chance to get a little more creative with our travel adventures.
Here’s our list of tested and approved recommendations for what to do on a Sunday in Barcelona:
Post Up In A Park
As a city with some of the most green space in Europe, Barcelona’s parks are in a league of their own. It’s so hard to choose our fave, so we will just list some standouts:
Parc Güell
Made famous by the beloved architect and artist, Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is on every Barcelona must-visit short list. It can get Las Ramblas-level crowded on weekends, so we recommend buying passes ahead of time to skip the queue.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Sandwiched between the beachfront of Barceloneta and the boutique shopping in Eixample, El Parc de Ciutadella boasts quiet park benches and a serene lawn for sunning outside when the Barceloneta discotecas got the better of you last night.
Parc del Laberint
Nestled in the lesser-known Horta-Guinardó district of Barcelona, this neoclassical park is fit for your next Insta post with it’s gardens, canals and pavilions that look like they’re straight out of a GOT episode.
Trek Up To Tibadabo
If you’re feeling extra ambitious on a Sunday, head to Mount Tibidabo, a popular amusement park nestled at the peak of Barcelona’s tallest mountain. With sweeping views of the surrounding coastline, the funicular cable car ride to the top is a must. Whether you’re an adult gunning to ride the roller coaster, or are just there to take in the spectacular city views, Tibidabo is a great way to spend a Sunday.
Palo Alto Market
In Barcelona on the first Sunday of the month? Make a beeline to the Palo Alto Market for an inside look at the city’s vibrant local art and foodie culture. The Poblenou neighborhood is host to the city’s hottest daytime disco spot, and the market is crawling with local art, gourmet food trucks and live music to boot.
Beach Time In Barceloneta
Clocking in 300 days of sunshine a year, you’re practically guaranteed some rays on your next trip to Spain. That’s why our perfect Sunday in barce involves soaking up some much needed vitamin D on the Barceloneta beach.
If you’re feeling peckish after some R&R, talk a walk up the beach and hit our locals-only sub spot, Bo de B, that whips up made-to-order bocadillos for those in-the-know everyday till 11:30 PM. Disclaimer: it’s cash only and these sammies are big, so bring your euros and your appetite!
MACBA-Museum of Contemporary Art Barcelona
When you’re looking to stay inside for the day, delve into Barcelona’s rich collection of modern art archives at MACBA, open every Sunday. MACBA is located near some of our fave brunchelona breakfast spots, so we recommend you pair the two for the perfect Sunday morning one-two punch.
Paella Party
Traditionalists know, Paella is a meal best reserved for lazy sunday afternoons in Barcelona. Make like a local on your next vacay and make check out our top recs for as authentic-as-they-come Spanish comfort food, open all 7 days of the week. A few of our favorite spots are 7 Portes, Can Solé, Elche, and L’Arrosseria Xátiva.
Trek To The Bunkers del Carmel
Our go-to move for an impromptu date involves a bottle of cava, some bodega buys, and a little bit of hiking to the Bunkers Del Carmel. This insta-famous spot is host to locals, students, and travelers alike ISO the perfect sunset-viewing spot. Offering a panoramic view of every Barcelona barrio stretching out to the Barceloneta beach, the Bunkers Del Carmel is your catch-all strategy for Sunday night plans in a snap.
