5 Unique Experiences To Be Had This Summer In Barcelona, Spain

Beach-hugging, bohemian, cosmopolitan, original, international – the list of adjectives to describe the gorgeous city of Barcelona could easily go on forever. Particularly in the summer months, the Catalonian capital is undoubtedly one of the best places to be on the Mediterranean. Here we detail a few experiences all summertime visitors must try in Barcelona this year. 

Beach Hop Down the Coastline

It’s clear Barcelona has one advantage over other touristic Spanish cities like Madrid and Granada: it’s bordered by water. With a variety of different ‘platges’ just a short walking distance from the city center, those touring Barcelona can sightsee and tan by the ocean’s edge all in the same afternoon. They can also enjoy a game of volleyball or paddleboard out into the sunset at some of the city’s best seaside wonderlands. One thing’s for certain – it won’t be easy to forget a day spent by the Mediterranean. 

Play Poker at the World-Famous Casino Barcelona

After you’ve had a long day of sunbathing and tapas tasting head on down to Barcelona’s elite gaming destination, the Barcelona Casino. This venue attracts numerous visitors each year, both locals and tourists alike, and is well-known for playing host to certain legs of the famous European Poker Tour as it has previously come to the city during the summer. In terms of poker gameplay, both cash games and tournaments are prevalent, with the poker room being open every day from 2 pm. 

Here, the most popular form of poker, Texas Hold’em, is available for play as well as Omaha poker; the main difference with Omaha is that players receive four-hole cards instead of two. Although all levels of experience are welcomed at the table, it’s a good idea for beginners to review the basics of the game before diving in. Fortunately, Texas Hold’em can be largely understood in just a few minutes once players come to an understanding of Poker Hand Rankings and the rules that follow them. So, what are you waiting for? A summer night full of thrills and spills in Catalonia’s bustling capital is right around the corner.

Go on a Tapas Tour

Everyone knows that Spain is famous for its food. Paella, patatas bravas, gazpacho, pimientos de padrón, tortilla de patatas, and jamón in its many varieties show there is clearly no shortage of tasty options here. The same is true for Barcelona, with dozens of different tapas restaurants awaiting hungry customers around every corner. The best part is that, even if you don’t know where exactly to eat, you can sign up for something called a ‘tapas tour’; this involves experts guiding tourists to the best spots. Visitors can munch on a sampling of different dishes and get the full quintessential tapas experience. 

Get Lost in Parc del Laberint D’Horta

Barcelona is full of many green parks and nature hotspots to enjoy. One of these is especially unique, featuring an incredible maze made entirely from immaculately manicured hedges. The historical Parc del Laberint D’Horta is a majestic garden that beckons all visitors to admire its intricate statues and neoclassical, romantic style. This is a great place for a summer picnic in the grass or simply a peaceful, open-air stroll after dinner. 

Enjoy a Refreshing Drink atop a Rooftop 

Another great thing about Barcelona in the summer is its wide variety of free rooftop restaurants and bars that are open for visitors. Although these are commonly connected to hotels or resorts, taking an elevator up to the top floor even if you are not a guest is normally not a problem (in some cases a reservation may be necessary). When the heat becomes a bit intense, dip into one of these locations for a refreshing drink and a great, photo-worthy view. Some of the best are the Pulitzer Terrace at Hotel Pulitzer, the Yurbban Trafalgar Rooftop, and La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel. 

If this article has inspired you to start planning a trip to a new destination this summer, make sure that destination is none other than beautiful, sunshiny Barcelona.