Unusual Things To Do In Barcelona That Are Not In Your Guidebook

In the district of El Carmel, high above the on top of the Turó de la Rovira hill, sit the Bunkers del Carmel - old underground military bunkers that offer the best view of the city. Walk up the alley between houses and pop out on the old concrete platforms; here you’ll find a great view of the whole city. One of the best hidden gems in Barcelona, the bunkers were constructed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War to defend against attacks from fascists. After the war, extreme poverty rose under the Franco regime and the bunkers became social housing and shelter for many locals. During the 40s and 50s, the area was referred to as the Cannons neighbourhood and in the 50s and 60s provided shelter for over 3000 people. During the 1992 Olympic Games, in a bid to “clean up the city”, the Barcelona City Council rehoused all the residents living there in flats within the city, abandoning the area entirely. Virtually forgotten, except besides the few locals who head up for sunset drinks, the Bunkers del Carmel is an amazing spot to visit. Don’t miss one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets and incredible panoramic views of the city. Gather at the bunkers, watch the sunset and enjoy a night time picnic.

Of the wide variety of Catalan cuisine, who would have thought that an onion could be so cherished? One of the most-loved foods in the northern region of Spain, the calçot is a cross between a spring onion and leek. Native to Valls, Tarragona, situated about 100 kilometers from Barcelona, the calçot is a sweet, tender and delicious treat. Tradition sees a winter or spring BBQ called a calçotada, between the months of December and March, when the vegetables are in season. Once the calçot are grilled, charred and served, you put on a bib, peel back the charred layer, and dip them in a delicious, nutty, romesco sauce. A truly delicious Catalan tradition, head to a calçotada; one of the best places to eat the calçots in Barcelona. A wildly popular thing to do and one of the more unique experiences in Barcelona, as well as the tradition that comes with them, eating calçots is a cool experience not to be missed.

Looking for free things to do in Barcelona? Tucked away in a small square just a stone’s throw from the cathedral is Barcelona’s most poignantly beautiful mural of street art. ‘El Món Neix en Cada Besada' (The World Begins With Every Kiss) is the name of the piece, and it was originally installed as part of Barcelona’s Tricentenary celebrations, but it is so well-loved among the community that it was never taken down. Zig-zag your way through the old, winding streets and stop by the art, get up close and personal with the hidden gem “kissers” who are made up of thousands of tiny, colorful mosaic tiles. Look closely and you’ll see each mosaic is actually a photograph, all of which were submitted by locals for the project - every photo shows an interpretation of love. Undiscovered Barcelona is full of little hidden spots like this to stop by and admire.