Activities, Food and Accommodation for Groups in Barcelona: An Unforgettable Experience

Barcelona, the jewel of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is a destination that has much to offer travelers looking for a unique experience. Whether you’re planning a corporate trip, a getaway with friends or a family reunion, Barcelona has activities, food and accommodations for groups that will satisfy all tastes and budgets. In this article, we’ll guide you through an exciting adventure in this Catalan city, highlighting the best group activities, places to enjoy delicious local food and accommodation options that will make your stay unforgettable.

Original activities for groups in Barcelona

Beyond the traditional sightseeing tours, Barcelona has a lot to offer in terms of original activities that will make your group’s visit unforgettable. Here are several original activities for groups in Barcelona that will help you explore the city from a different perspective.

We will start with something you can’t miss and that is exploring the iconic places of Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell or the Gothic Quarter. 

You can discover Barcelona’s vibrant street art on an exciting urban art tour through the neighborhoods of El Raval and Poblenou. Stunning murals and artwork by local and international artists decorate the city’s streets, and an expert guide will take you to the highlights.

You can marvel visually through the magic of Casa Batlló, a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, on a night visit. The special lighting of the house transforms it into a magical and unique place.

You can be physically active by touring the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, on electric bicycles. An active and fun way to explore Gaudí’s architectural legacy.

Dare to embark on a treasure hunt or similar activity in the Labyrinth of Horta, one of the oldest gardens in Barcelona. A charming place to explore in a group.

If you want to combine your trip with quality time, we recommend organizing a relaxing picnic in Ciutadella Park and enjoying lunch in the open air. In addition, you can rent rowboats on the lake for an even more memorable experience.

If you like sensory experiences for the palate, take your group to a cava cellar in the picturesque Penedès region. There you can learn about the cava making process, explore the subway cellars and, of course, taste these bubbly delights. Another option for the palate is to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s rich gastronomic scene with a visit to the local markets. Plan a gastronomic route that includes stops at iconic markets such as La Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni, where you can sample local tapas, cheeses and cured meats.

If you like to bring out your creativity, we encourage you to participate in creative workshops, such as painting, ceramics or jewelry making, to do something artistic together.

Evening activities for groups in Barcelona

Here are some options to enjoy the night in this vibrant city. Barcelona is known for its flamenco scene. Attending a live flamenco show is an exciting experience. You can find shows in places like Tablao Cordobes, Palacio del Flamenco or Tablao de Carmen. If you are interested in opera or theater, check the program of the Gran Teatre del Liceu or the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya to enjoy an evening performance.

You can also discover the city by night with guided tours of legends and mystery through the historic streets of Barcelona to learn intriguing stories of the city. If you are attracted by astronomy do not hesitate to visit the Observatori Fabra, located in the Collserola mountain, where you will have the opportunity to observe the starry sky and learn about constellations and astronomical phenomena.

Fun is guaranteed by singing at a karaoke bar with your friends and take the opportunity to tie in with a growing cocktail scene by visiting cocktail bars such as Dry Martini, Paradiso or Boadas Cocktail Bar for creative drinks.If you dare to dance until dawn you can do it in clubs like Razzmatazz, Sutton Club, CDLC (Carpe Diem Lounge Club) or Pacha Barcelona.

Group lunch in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that offers a wide variety of dining options for tour groups. Here are some places where you can consider eating in Barcelona if you are a large group:

• Paella restaurants: there are restaurants specialized in paella that offer menus for groups such as Port Vela, located next to the W Hotel. 
• Tapas and pintxos: Barcelona is famous for its tapas and pintxos. You can find bars and restaurants that specialize in these small dishes, ideal for sharing in a group. Some popular places include El Xampanyet, Cervecería Catalana and Ciudad Condal.
• Food markets: The Boqueria Market (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria) and Santa Caterina Market are two popular places to sample the local cuisine. You can find a variety of food stalls and restaurants in these markets.
• Restaurants with set menus: many restaurants in Barcelona offer set menus at affordable prices such as Jardí de l’apat, located 200 meters from the entrance of Park Güell. This can be a good option for groups, as they usually include several dishes and drinks.
• Restaurants with international cuisine: if your group has varied tastes, Barcelona also offers a large number of restaurants with international cuisine, such as Italian, Japanese, Mexican, etc. Some examples are El Argentino with Argentinean gastronomy, Thai Barcelona with Thai gastronomy or Flax & Kale – Passage with Italian gastronomy.

Vegetarian and vegan options in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, so you will find several vegetarian restaurants suitable for groups. Here are some recommendations:

• Veggie Garden: located in the Gothic Quarter, Veggie Garden offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including international cuisine options. They have space for groups and special menus for events.
• Väcka: is a vegan restaurant offering creative and delicious dishes, and is suitable for small groups. Its menu includes Mediterranean cuisine options and international dishes.
• CatBar: vegetarian and vegan options with a touch of burgers and craft beers can be a fun option for groups.
• Amaltea: has been in operation for decades in Barcelona and is known for its homemade and healthy food. They offer special menus for groups.
• Teresa Carles: is one of the best known places in Barcelona for vegetarian and vegan food. They offer a wide variety of healthy and delicious dishes in a modern atmosphere. They also have specific menus for groups.

Group lodging in Barcelona

Finding accommodation for tour groups is relatively easy, as the city offers a wide variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options for suitable accommodation for tour groups in Barcelona:

• Group hotels: offer rooms designed specifically for groups, with several beds and amenities to meet the needs of a large group. Some hotels also have special rates for groups. Some hotel chains to consider include NH, Meliá or Accor.
• Tourist apartments: these are ideal for groups, as they usually have multiple rooms and common areas. You can find apartments in different parts of the city, from the historic center to the coastal areas such as the Gothic Quarter, Gràcia, Poblenou or La Barceloneta.
• Student residences: during non-class periods, some student residences can offer accommodation to tour groups at competitive prices. These options often include facilities such as shared kitchens and common areas like Resa Housing, Melon District or Residencia Onix.
• Hostels: If your group is looking for budget accommodation options, hostels and hostels can be an excellent choice. Many of them offer shared or private rooms for groups such as Generator Hostel Barcelona, TOC Hostel Barcelona or Kabul Party Hostel.
• Accommodation in the suburbs: If you are looking for a more economical option, you might consider staying in the outskirts of Barcelona and using public transportation to get to the city center. This could include options such as hotels in the metropolitan area like Sitges, Castelldefels or Vilanova i la Geltrú.

Tips on group travel in Barcelona

Start planning your trip well in advance and it may be worthwhile to designate a person or group leader responsible for coordination and communication. 

While it is important to have an itinerary, it is also essential to be flexible. Allow yourself free time to explore and enjoy the city without a strict plan. Research transportation options in Barcelona, including metro, bus and train schedules. Make sure everyone in the group has copies of important documents such as passports and identification cards. Also, establish a meeting point in case someone gets lost.

Establish a clear budget and communicate expected expenses to all members of the group. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is prepared. Remember to be respectful of local culture and customs and learning a few phrases in Spanish or Catalan can be useful and appreciated by the locals. Keep an eye on your belongings and make sure everyone in the group is aware of potential security risks, such as open wallets or backpacks in crowded places.

Conclusion on group activities in Barcelona

Barcelona is an exciting city with a wealth of things to see and do. With careful planning and an open mind, your group trip to Barcelona can be an unforgettable experience.