It's that time of year when the store windows start to display heart-shaped chocolate boxes and the streets begin to fill with flower bouquets of all types and colors. That’s right, it is Valentine’s Day 2023 — the holiday of love. Although Valentine's Day is celebrated all over the world, it is not celebrated traditionally in Barcelona. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to find romance in this beautiful city. Whether you are looking for a sunset boat ride drinking cava in the Mediterranean or exploring the grounds of the beautiful castle at the summit of Montjuïc mountain is more your speed, Barcelona has it all. Use this guide to find everything from romantic restaurants in Barcelona to museums to parks to make your Valentine’s Day 2023 extra special this year!
💝 How to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2023 in Barcelona the American way
Romantic restaurants in Barcelona for Valentine's Day 2023
Barcelona is known for bringing people together with its flavourful variety of food. Therefore, a delicious and romantic dining experience is a must to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Here are some food recommendations from the most romantic restaurants in Barcelona you will fall in love with during Valentine's Day.
Brunch
Hardware Société
To start the day off right, Hardware Société (193 Carrer de Valencia) is exactly what you need. This originally Australian restaurant has a chic pink yet clean interior aesthetic as well as an outdoor dining terrace. Their selection of house-made cakes as well as their delicious delicacies such as fried brioche and prawn grebiche make it the perfect spot for Valentine’s brunch!
EatMyTrip Brunch and Bakery
Known for its creative and beautifully crafted brunch options, EatMyTrip (Carrer del Consell de Cent, 378) is an enticing spot for Valentine’s Day brunch. Their pink chai latte topped with a heart makes a splendid Valentine’s Day morning drink that is on theme with the holiday. The magic french toast and pancake party dishes are also served with a tower of pink cotton candy, making for a beautiful and photogenic brunch!
Dinner
Antigua Restaurant
For a restaurant experience centred around warmth and romance this Valentine's Day 2023, Antigua (Carrer de Marià Cubí, 59) is the place to be. Antigua provides a mood-lighting interior with glowing chandeliers and candles creating and aroma of comfort. Specializing in romance, Antigua has a romantic experience package for €38 that takes different elements of their Mediterranean cuisine to create a flavourful experience, from Cantabrian spider crab to herb-infused water pears. They also offer a Valentine’s Day tasting menu for €60 where Mediterranean cuisine is paired with a variety of red and white wines as well as cava.
El Chalet El Palace
If you are looking for a unique and elegant Valentine’s Day experience, try celebrating at El Chalet El Palace (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668), a pop-up restaurant designed to resemble a wooden cabin in the Alps. All of the food is inspired by this mountainous region such as onion soup, fondue and Swiss sausage. This menu includes water and coffee as well all for €49. It is also important to mention that this experience is hosted by the Hotel El Palace in Barcelona, which has also planned a whole Valentine’s Week of activities you can check out here.
Le Cucine Mandarosso
Nothing is more romantic than a glass of wine and some pasta. Le Cucine Mandarosso (Carrer de Verdaguer i Callís 4) is a quaint yet comforting choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner. You can feel the connection and love in this family-owned Italian restaurant. The place is fairly small, making it the perfect intimate space for a date. They have a wide variety of pasta from lasagna to fettuccine, as well as a range of desserts including gelato, cannolis and tiramisu. The moody ambiance and delicious food make for a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner.
Dessert
Escribà
Known as the ‘Mozart of chocolate,’ Christian Escribà, the owner of Escribà, uses chocolate to express himself. Escribà (Rambla de les Flors 83) is the best place to purchase magnificent boxes of chocolates to complete your Valentine’s Day. For €32 they sell an assortment of chocolates in a Valentine’s Day flowerpot.
Dolceria de la Colmena
Located just down the street from the Barcelona Cathedral, Dolceria de la Colmena (Via Laietana, 21) is a romantic place to grab one of the many authentic pastries to eat while listening to the beautiful music in front of the church. The options range from cream-filled pastries to chocolate-dipped shortbread to flavourful meringue. These pastries will make for a sweet Valentine’s treat!
Things to do in Barcelona on Valentine’s Day
If you are wanting to stay local to the city, but still want to experience something meaningful this Valentine’s Day in Barcelona, here are several exciting options sure to spur up romance. What to do in Barcelona on Valentine's Day 2023?
Montjuïc Castle
Take a romantic excursion up to the top of Montjuïc Mountain to explore the fortress from 1640 that makes up Montjuïc Castle today. Aside from the castle itself, there is so much to explore such as the beautiful garden courtyards and the view from the top overlooking the entire city. Tickets can be purchased online for varying tours, but you can also just wander around the grounds on your own. This place holds so much history and beauty making it a special spot for Valentine’s Day.
Romantic Sunset Boat Tour
There is no better way to enjoy a sunny Valentine’s Day than getting out on the Mediterranean and basking in the sun while the wind blows through your hair. Barcelona offers many different types of boat tours, so you can customize the tour to your liking. Many offer private boating experiences with cava and charcuterie to snack on while watching the sun shine over the water. It does not get much more romantic than that.
Paella Cooking Class
For those who love a tasty experience, Barcelona has a large selection of cooking classes! There are cocktail mixology classes as well as tapas classes, but one of the most unique options is a paella cooking class in Barcelona. The Paella Club offers cooking classes daily where people learn to prepare their own paella to consume later with wine. While the food is cooking, they will also get to try some chef specialties. This experience is very unique and can be a very delightful Valentine’s Day date.
Sunset at Carmel Bunkers
To see the sunset as you have never seen before, spend your Valentine’s Day at the Carmel Bunkers in Barcelona, looking over the entire city from the sky. Picnic at the top of the Bunkers while enjoying the breathtaking views as the sun reflects over the cityscape. It is a bit of a steep climb to get to the top, but so worth it.
Museums and Parks in Barcelona for Valentine's Day
There are so many attractions to visit all throughout Barcelona for entertaining and romantic Valentine’s Day dates. These are just a few of the incredible museums and parks around the city.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
As the city’s oldest conserved garden, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a park full of romance and history. There is so much to explore in this labyrinth of greenery guiding you to small pools of water and sculptures. It is the perfect Valentine’s Day date for long walks and talks as you may get lost exploring the park together!
Picasso Museum
For those who are more artistically inclined, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a great place to spend your Valentine’s Day. With over four thousand pieces of art, you will never run out of conversation topics or artwork to discover. The museum also holds his famous “Las Meninas" series from 1957. The Picasso Museum has a capacity so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
Museum of Illusions
Less of the traditional romantic date, the Museum of Illusions will provide a unique and photo-worthy Valentine’s Day. The museum is full of 3D paintings that will make your photos come to life. One second you could be surfing the largest wave and the next you being abducted by aliens. This museum is sure to keep things exciting!
Palau de les Heures
Visit this romantic 19th-century French-styled chateau right in Barcelona. The Palau de les Heures has a beautiful Renaissance garden has everything from flower beds to orange trees to magnolias. Exploring the beautiful palace garden landscape will make for a peaceful date away from the bustle of the city.
