What to do

The most outstanding constructions of Antoni Gaudí – icons of Catalan modernism – offer exclusive experiences, such as tours with an aperitif at Casa Vicens or night tours with a concert at Casa Batlló. The city is also home to initiatives aimed at art lovers all year round. The third weekend of September is Barcelona Gallery Weekend, which is aimed at collectors, while auction houses regularly hold one-time sales. Modernism also defines the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a work by legendary architect Lluís Domenech i Montaner and a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997. This is where the city’s best operas are performed, while the auditorium is also home to the Orfeón Català, the city’s choir, founded in 1891.

Even more exotic than all that modernism is the award-winning Mayan Luxury Spa. Located in the Palace Hotel (formerly the Ritz), it’s the only spa with a temazcal in Spain. This pre-Hispanic Mayan sauna works with the heat of volcanic stones and medicinal herbs, offering rituals carried out by an authentic temazcaltzin or shaman. The Natura Bissé treatments, by contrast, are from a local cosmetics brand founded 44 years ago. Try out its products in the spa on the 43rd floor of the Hotel Arts Barcelona, with incredible views of the Mediterranean.

The sea is one of the city’s main attractions, but only a privileged few get to enjoy it from the most modern yachts and sailboats on the market. Companies such as This Is Med rent them with a skipper and chef on board, and complement the sailing with experiences such as wine tastings and winery visits. Winery Pereleda is an hour and a half by car from the city; opened in 2023 after an investment of 46 million euros, it’s located underground with a medieval castle on the surface. Its portfolio of visits allows you to taste the best wines and cavas in the collection. You can also get there with a helicopter from Mach Helicopters, which specialises in gastronomic and wine tourism flights.