29/10/2024
Barcelona Unseen: 4 unique experiences to explore
the city from a different perspective
Do you want to discover the lesser-known Barcelona? The city is famous for iconic spots like Park Güell, Montjuïc, and the Sagrada Familia. But if you’re looking to experience Barcelona from a different perspective, exploring its hidden and surprising corners is a must. Ready to join us?
At BYPILLOW, you’ll find the best hotels in Barcelona, so you can explore the city at your own pace. That’s why we’ve prepared this article to reveal Barcelona’s secret places that will help you uncover another side of the city. If you love authentic and unique spots, this is for you! 😉
Poblenou Cemetery: art and serenity
Poblenou Cemetery is one of those hidden places in Barcelona, perfect for seeing another side of the city. It’s a space where history, art, and sculpture come together in a unique way.
Founded in the early 19th century, this cemetery is an open-air museum that showcases the cultural and architectural richness of the city from an unusual perspective. Its nostalgic and mysterious atmosphere makes it a must-see for anyone wanting to explore a lesser-known side of Barcelona.
Among its corners, the impressive sculpture “The Kiss of Death” stands out. This marble statue, famous for its technique, realism, and emotional intensity, shows a winged skeleton gently kissing the forehead of a young man on his deathbed, evoking both peace and unease.
It symbolizes the inevitable passage of time and the end of life, while also representing the poetic transition to the afterlife. This piece exemplifies how funeral art can move us and make us reflect on our own mortality.
Visiting Poblenou Cemetery is an opportunity to see a different Barcelona, one that reveals its more melancholic, artistic, and profound side. An experience that will undoubtedly leave a mark on your memory and allow you to see Barcelona with new eyes.
If you’re looking for boutique hotels in Barcelona that offer you a peaceful refuge during your getaway, BYPILLOW has just what you’re looking for. Discover our hotels in central Barcelona and choose the one that best suits your preferences:
BYPILLOW Mothern
BYPILLOW House
BYPILLOW Twenty
BYPILLOW Wander
BYPILLOW Ramblas
Cactus Park in Montjuïc: Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens
The Cactus Park in Montjuïc, known as the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, is a hidden treasure of Barcelona that will surprise you with its beauty. Located on the slopes of Montjuïc, this garden is home to one of the most spectacular collections of cacti and succulents in Europe, with species from various parts of the world, from Central and South America to Africa and Asia.
What makes this garden special is the almost surreal atmosphere you feel when walking among the plants. Some of the cacti, several meters tall, stand like living sculptures, giving you the sense of walking through distant deserts. The contrast between the arid vegetation and the Mediterranean views is truly breathtaking.
Besides its flora, Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens offers a privileged location with panoramic views of Barcelona and its coast. From here, you can take in a unique view of the port, the city, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a paradise for botany enthusiasts and those looking for different experiences.
Despite being one of Barcelona’s most fascinating gardens, this park remains a well-kept secret, unknown to most tourists and, surprisingly, even to many locals. Visiting the Cactus Park in Montjuïc is a way to discover a different Barcelona, where the most exotic nature blends with the city’s Mediterranean character.
This experience invites you to look with new eyes and rediscover the natural wealth that Barcelona hides. Are you ready to explore it?
Authentic wine cellars of Barcelona: a journey through time
Barcelona’s wine cellars are places where time seems to stand still. Beyond trendy bars and tourist restaurants, these traditional cellars keep the city’s tradition and flavor alive. Stepping into these spaces, you’ll discover a side of Barcelona that few know, full of unique stories, aromas, and flavors.
Here are two authentic Barcelona wine cellars that we personally love! 🙂
Sant Medir Winery in La Bordeta
Address: Carrer de Sant Medir, 6, Sants-Montjuïc, 08028 Barcelona
Located in the La Bordeta neighborhood, Sant Medir Winery is a 20th-century establishment that has preserved its small-town cellar charm within the city. Here, wine is served in bulk, as it was done in the past, giving visitors a unique and traditional experience. It’s a place with a nostalgic feel, perfect for those looking to connect with Barcelona’s most authentic essence, far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Massana Winery in Horta
Address: Carrer d’Horta, 1, Horta-Guinardó, 08031 Barcelona
In the Horta neighborhood, you’ll find Massana Winery, founded in 1930 and still going strong. This cellar has withstood the test of time, maintaining its authenticity and neighborhood spirit. Locals still come here to buy wine in bulk, in an environment that feels like it’s from another era.
The mosaic floors, the rows of bottles on wooden shelves, and the friendly service create an atmosphere that evokes the spirit of traditional cellars. It’s one of the last places in the city where you can experience this, a nearly untouched corner where modernity hasn’t erased the traces of tradition.
But there’s more! Barcelona’s authentic cellars allow you to discover the city from a different perspective and, of course, enjoy delicious wines. These cellars invite you to savor the soul of Barcelona in every glass.
Granja Viader: a local secret
Address: Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Granja Viader is one of those spots with a personality all its own. Hidden in the Raval neighborhood, it preserves the purest essence of Barcelona’s tradition. Since its founding in the 19th century, this dairy shop has become an icon of the city’s history. Over the years, Granja Viader has managed to retain its timeless character, making it an essential stop for an authentic experience.
In this dairy, you’ll find a variety of fresh, creamy shakes made from natural ingredients. But what makes it unique is that it’s where Cacaolat, Catalonia’s most famous chocolate drink, was created. Tasting it here is a one-of-a-kind experience. The recipe has remained the same for decades, and its unparalleled flavor makes you feel part of a tradition that has lasted for generations.
The space itself is a journey back in time: the classic furniture, the old tiles, and the shelves filled with traditional products immerse you in an atmosphere where the past comes to life. Every corner of Granja Viader tells a story, and each detail of the place has been preserved with the respect and dedication that only special places can achieve.
Beyond the famous Cacaolat, Granja Viader is also known for its delicious homemade desserts, like custards, flans, and cakes, which are perfect for accompanying your snacks.
This hidden gem in Barcelona is a space where generations of locals have shared snacks, stories, and moments that form part of the city’s DNA. A well-kept secret in the heart of the Raval that invites you to discover an experience full of history, culture, and flavors you’ll never forget 😉
Now that you know the lesser-known and more authentic side of Barcelona, it’s time to plan your trip to the city. At BYPILLOW, you’ll find accommodations in Barcelona to suit your preferences. Visit our website and find hotels in the Gothic Quarter, hotels on Las Ramblas, and other centrally located hotels. We’ll help you fully enjoy the city and uncover all its secrets 🙂