As a reader of Luxury Travel Blog, we know that you are someone that appreciates the finer things of life and experiencing the best that the world has to offer. If you want to experience luxury, there is no better location than Barcelona, Spain. Whether visiting for a short while, or taking a longer stay in the Catalan capital, there is a plethora of exciting and extravagant activities that you can get up to.
We have comprised our list of the most luxurious things to do in Barcelona, ranging from sumptuous culinary delights to taking to the skies at high speeds to experience the city from an angle that few have experienced.
Hot air balloon flight
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the sublime Catalonian landscape near to Barcelona, on an early morning hot-air balloon excursion. Marvel at the city of Barcelona below, the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Reach heights of up to 3,000 feet in the sky during your flight, which can last anywhere between 1-5 hours depending on your preference for the length of your flight. Similarly, you can choose to take a private hot-air balloon tour with just you, your friends or family, or to share the experience with other luxury travel seekers in Barcelona. After the flight, head back down to earth for a spot of brunch and a glass of sparkling wine to top off a spectacular day.
Sunset sailing experience in the Port Vell
As night draws on the Catalan capital, the city delights spectators with its magical sunset skies. There are little better places to watch Barcelona’s sunsets, than by a luxurious private sailing trip along the coast.
Join a professional skipper on a magnificent yacht on the Port Vell marina, taking in the stunning views of the city, coastline of Catalonia and the candy-floss pink skies of the setting sun. Spot the iconic landmarks of Barcelona from the waters, such as the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, and Tibidabo Church. Enjoy some snacks and beverages as you sail across the sea and depending on the time of year, you could jump in for a swim too!
Walking tapas and wine tour
Discover Catalonian and Spanish food traditions the best and most authentic way, by joining a guided tapas and wine tour through the city’s neighbourhoods. Learn the etiquette, history and art of the ‘tapas’ style of dining, and sample some of the excellent local, homegrown Catalonian wines.
The tour can be catered to your needs, make it a private tour with just you and your host, choose your preferred neighbourhood, and the length that you would like to spend sampling the culinary delights. Get ready to fall in love with Barcelona’s atmosphere and delicious flavours, as you try the best tapas in town and the finest Catalonian wines to accompany. This is an excellent way to discover the best spots and the rich history, that you may not have encountered without an expert’s advice.
Private bike tour of Gaudí’s Masterpieces
Enjoy the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudí via a private bike tour with an expert local. Let the unique stories of the artist’s life bring a deeper meaning to the visual delights of his iconic landmarks of Barcelona and fall in love even deeper with this marvellous city.
Choose your local guide that you would prefer to take you round the city and gain real local insights from your host about the monuments, and of Gaudí’s fascinating and unique life story. This is a fun way to soak up the city’s rich history and culture, as well as seeing more of the fantastic city while cycling in between spots. Learn about the famous Sagrada Familia, relax at the Parc de la Ciutadella, and admire some of Antonio Gaudí’s early and lesser-known works, such as Casa Calvet and Plaça Reial.
Rooftop cocktails next to the city skyline
Sip on sumptuous cocktails while taking in the panoramic views of the city from one of the many splendid rooftop bars that Barcelona has to offer. Whether for the midday sun or a serene sunset, and at any time of year, the rooftop bars are an excellent choice for a luxurious day out in Barcelona.
One of our personal favourite rooftop bars in Barcelona is La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel. Found on one of the most luxurious streets in Spain, Passeig de Gràcia, this spectacular rooftop bar boasts striking 360-degree panoramic views of the Barcelona cityscape. La Dolce Vitae earned the title of Best European Hotel Rooftop in 2019, thanks to its Michelin-starred food and its excellent selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails. Live a day of luxury sampling the culinary delights while gazing out to the landmarks of the Sagrada Familia and Agbar Tower.
Helicopter ride down the coast
Take to the skies once more to experience the breathtaking city in all its glory! Head to Barcelona’s downtown heliport pad and climb aboard and feel your adrenaline pump as the helicopter roars into action to ascend into the skies.
View Barcelona’s long and beautiful coast in a completely different way, trace the curves of Barceloneta beach and see the once humungous-seeming Sagrada Familia appear small in the landscape of the Catalan capital. The helicopters can accommodate up to 5 passengers, so either head as a group or share the moment with other luxury-travel seekers. Taking a helicopter ride will make for unforgettable memories of your time in Barcelona.
Private photo-shooting
It is well known that Barcelona makes for the perfect ‘instagrammable’ spot thanks to its rich, historical landmarks and astonishing views, but why not make yourself the star of the shots? Book a private photoshoot session with the backdrop of Barcelona’s sights as your inspiration.
A photo session is a fantastic gift for a loved one, or simply to commemorate your unforgettable time in Barcelona. Head alone for a solo-shoot, or with your partner, friends, or family, with professional pictures taken that you can cherish forever. Book in with a provider and they can recommend the best locations and times of day for the best lighting.
Drive on the Formula One Barcelona racing track
Home of the Spanish Grand Prix for almost 30 years, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya isn’t just for the F1 professional racing car drivers to enjoy. Join the Williams Racing team for the day and experience driving around the track driving a Formula Renault 2.0 for your initial laps, before later experiencing the adrenaline of an actual Formula 1 car!
An instructor will take you through the technical and safety briefing about driving a race car, before trying it out yourself on the track and receiving advice and tips from the instructor on your skills. Stop for lunch, then get back out on the track for your formula 1 lessons and finish off the day with a champagne cocktail. Truly the best experience for any car enthusiast, and you even receive a driving certificate at the end of your day to prove you drove round the same track as some of the greatest drivers of all time!
Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long term apartments across Barcelona.
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