There are plenty of things to do after dinner in Barcelona, whether you're looking for quiet evenings down by the marina or lively nights out clubbing or something in between. With everybody fully rested after a siesta and fully fed after dinner, the city really comes alive after the sun sets.

Barcelona's famed architecture takes on a different light at night, and whether you want to sit back and take in live music or art displays, or take part in some light exercise to walk off the tapas, you're spoilt for choices year-round. We've put together a list of the best things you can do after dinner in Barcelona to help you plan your trip.

  • 1

    Barcelona rooftop bars

    Overlook the nighttime cityscape with a cocktail or a cava

    Barcelona rooftop bars
    • Nightlife

    Rooftop bars are arguably the best venues for admiring Barcelona’s striking architecture. The city has a wide array of rooftop terraces and bars across all districts, each of which offers picturesque views and excellent vibes.

    Overlooking Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter, Panoramic Terrace at Hotel Colon is a great place for live music and drinks throughout the afternoon and evening. In Example, La Terraze at Hotel Negresco Princess is known for its infinity pool. If you're really looking to party, check out Eclipse on the 26th floor of W Barcelona. Here, you can enjoy a night of dancing with excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea.

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  • 2

    Sunset cruise

    Sail the city’s coastline in front of a Mediterranean sunset

    Sunset cruise
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    A sunset cruise takes you across the Mediterranean Sea, one of Barcelona’s most striking natural settings. Fittingly, most boats and yachts set sail from Port Olimpic, which hosted the 1992 Olympic’s sailing competitions.

    You can book a table on a shared dining cruise with up to 12 other passengers. If you want to treat that special someone to a romantic evening, booking your own private vessel is a popular option. Those looking for more of a buzz can sail at sunset with live DJs on a champagne sunset cruise.

  • 3

    Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

    Music and lights combine for a dazzling dance of water

    Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
    • Budget
    • Nightlife

    Barcelona's Font Magica de Montjuïc (Magic Fountain of Montjuïc) is a popular landmark in Avinguda Maria Cristina. While it’s beautiful any time of the day, it really comes alive after sunset. During peak season, it hosts dazzling music and light show several times per night.

    The fountain lights up with a show of synchronised colour, music, and water jets that shoot up to a height of 50 metres. The 15-minute-long displays are very popular, so get there early to guarantee the best view.

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    Location: Plaça de Carles Buïgas, 1, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

    Map
  • 4

    Night-time bicycle tour

    Take in the city’s buzz and admire the landmarks on 2 wheels

    Night-time bicycle tour
    • Nightlife

    Night-time bicycle tours of Barcelona are excellent if you want to stay active during your holiday. Exploring on 2 wheels lets you discover many of the city’s neighbourhoods in a single evening. Tours typically take you on a journey through Ciutat Vella (Old City) and its surrounding areas.

    You’ll see striking landmarks such as the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Batlló. Along the way, you’ll be able to sample tapas and sangria at some of the city’s most popular bars.

  • 5

    Gran Teatre del Liceu

    Enjoy classic theatre at one of Spain’s most celebrated venues

    Gran Teatre del Liceu
    • Nightlife

    Gran Teatre del Liceu is a notable opera house on Barcelona’s La Rambla. For over 150 years, it has been showcasing a wide range of classical music and opera performances. You can easily get there by train, with the Liceu metro station just next door.

    Gran Teatre del Liceu is known for hosting some of the most famed composers of all time, including Verdi and Wagner. You can also enjoy seasonal classical plays, such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

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    Location: La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

    Phone: +34 (0)934 85 99 00

    Map
  • 6

    Barcelona ghost tour

    Uncover hidden mysteries on a spooky evening tour

    Barcelona ghost tour
    • History
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the oldest section of Barcelona, which dates back to 133 BC. Plenty of macabre events have taken place here throughout that long history, resulting in a few eerie rumours and ghost sightings.

    A Barcelona ghost tour includes a knowledgeable guide sharing gruesome stories about the city’s churchyards and iconic landmarks like the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Some tours even come with an app for you to delve further into Barcelona’s sombre history.

  • 7

    Watch Barcelona FC

    Witness one of the world’s best football clubs at their home ground

    Watch Barcelona FC
    • Nightlife

    Watching FC Barcelona should be on your to-do list when visiting Barcelona. The Spanish football season runs from August to May each year. Lots of games kick off at 8 pm, so you'll have a good chance of catching a home game while you’re here.

    With a capacity of over 99,000, the Nou Camp is the biggest stadium in Europe. It’s also a sight to behold in itself. There’s always an extra level of buzz during night games, so make sure to include at least one match in your Barcelona travel itinerary.

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    Location: C. d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

    Phone: +34 (0)902 18 99 00

    Map
  • 8

    Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

    Watch authentic Spanish dancers at one of Barcelona’s best halls

    Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
    • Nightlife

    Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is one of the best places to catch flamenco shows in Barcelona. Located in central Las Ramblas, this family-run tablao has been hosting live music and entertainment since 1970. There’s an onsite bar selling wines and sangrias, as well as a restaurant serving over 44 local specialities.

    Some of Spain’s most celebrated flamenco artists have graced the stage at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes. You’ll witness professional dancers showing off their moves to a band of guitarists and castanet players in the background.

    Location: La Rambla, 35, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

    Phone: +34 (0)933 17 57 11

    Map

    photo by See1,Do1,Teach1 (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Cinema Lliure a la Platja

    Watch a movie on the beach after sunset

    Cinema Lliure a la Platja
    • Nightlife

    Every summer, Cinema Lliure a la Platja sets up a free cinema on selected beaches along the Catalan coast. If you’re in Barcelona, this event takes place on San Sebastian Beach, around 3.3 km southeast of Ciutat Vella (Old City) Barcelona.

    Cinema Lliure a la Platja shows a variety of films from the local scene and international film festivals. Due to its popularity, seats are very limited so make sure you book in advance or get there early. Pack some refreshments and settle under the stars before immersing yourself in Catalonia’s rich independent film scene.

    Location: Lloc Platja de Sant Miquel, 102P, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

    Open: July–August

    Phone: +34 (0)932 07 08 34

    Map

    photo by Ajuntament del Prat (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 10

    Barcelona nightclubs

    Great for a night of dancing in the capital of Catalonia

    Barcelona nightclubs
    • Nightlife

    Nightclubs in Barcelona play all types of music, so you’re sure to find somewhere that suits your taste. El Born has a thriving nightlife scene with clubs like The Mix pumping out everything from 1970s funk to deep house.

    Techno fans will feel at home at Moog, while Jamboree is excellent for fans of jazz and blues. Pacha has you covered if you're looking to dance on a beachfront terrace with a sparkling glass of Cava. Just remember to dress for the occasion – no flip-flops allowed!

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John Frodsham | Contributing Writer