You've probably experienced watching a movie in an outdoor theater. Heck, it wasn't that long ago when drive-ins were the most popular hang-outs for the youth. In Europe, in particular, outdoor cinemas are much more common. There are so many in this continent that show movies in beautiful gardens, under the stars, and even offer food and cocktails at the same time. But have you ever watched a film on the beach? As in a full-on cinematic experience by the sea? No, then you should check out the special screenings of Cinema Lliure. They often hold them by the beaches near Barcelona!
Source: Cinema Lliure
You probably want to see your dinner while you eat it. The presentation, after all, is a huge part of the fine dining experience. But along Passeig de Picasso in Barcelona, an area the famous painter knows so well, a special restaurant keeps their customers in suspense. Dans le Noir offers the very unique experience of dining in the dark. Unless you've eaten here before you know what's up, you'll literally won't see what you're eating when you go for dinner here. You'll just trust that your waiter got your order right. And it's only when you take that first bite will you find out if he did!
Source: Dans le Noir
You could say that Barcelona isn't exactly the capital of chocolate. Nearby countries such as Belgium and Switzerland, maybe, but Spain, not likely. Though the country, as well as the Catalan capital, is well-known for its churros and chocolate treats, that's about it. However, just because Barcelona isn't home to the finest chocolates in the world, doesn't mean they don't know their stuff. In fact, they even have a full-blown museum dedicated to the treat. From its ancient origins to how it became the sweet phenomenon it is now, the Museu de la Xocolata gives you a close look at the history of chocolate.
Source: Museu de la Xocolata
Why stop there? Here in Barcelona, there are a ton of spas and specialty massage parlor wherein they use chocolate to release all of your tension. And no, they don't feed it to you, the chocolate is actually used as an oil, spread all over your body as if you were a slice of bread. More than just its sweet taste. warm melted chocolate is actually as soothing as oil and lotion. And a lot of times, it's more slippery too, allowing the masseur to really edge off your stress. By the end of your session, you won't just feel relaxed, you'll probably crave some chocolate too!
Source: PXFuel.com
Now let's talk about another aphrodisiac, namely erotica. If you think that pornography is more of a modern invention, think again. Barcelona's own Museu de l'Erotica details the history of erotica and eroticism in an educational and interesting way. But make no mistake, you won't necessarily see full-blown porn here. But rather, you'll learn all the different instruments, methods, and even moves that people from before made use of in fulfilling their sexual desires.
Source: Erotic Museum of Barcelona Facebook Page
Like many European cities of its kind, Barcelona has its fair share of fountains. There are the grand ones that decorate the city's many plazas. There are also the more serene ones, usually found in the grand churches and basilica. But there's one in particular that you can guarantee you won't find in any other city. In the Joan Miró Foundation museum at Joan Miró Foundation, they have one of the world's only mercury fountains. This beautiful structure drips in toxic mercury, making it a site that not a lot of people should get near to. However, it's still worth visiting for the stunning visuals alone.
Source: Flickr.com/ Marlene Wilson
Ever wondered what it must feel like living like an Eskimo? To be surrounded by nothing but ice. Well, though it's not exactly Antarctica, IceBarcelona will give you the exact same feeling. This special bar has one specialty: to chill their guests in their ice-filled establishment. Huge blocks of ice act as both decoration and furniture in this space, making it quite the nightlife spot for those who want a unique club experience. Don't worry though, as guests are given warm puffer coats to wear inside so that you won't freeze to death before the night is through.
Source: Icebarcelona Facebook Page
There's really nothing like riding a rickshaw... literally! These bicycle-operated transportation systems are truly one-of-a-kind. Whoever thought of having one lone cyclist wheeling around an entire carriage of one-to-two people must have been bored to death. However, there's no denying that they are fun to ride. And more often than not, the cyclists who offer to take you anywhere via rickshaw like what they do. They enjoy the challenge. Though more common in Asia, you can still ride a good number of rickshaws here in Barcelona. And seeing the beautiful city from your bike-drawn carriage is quite a unique experience indeed!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Every April, if you happen to be in Barcelona, make sure you have a pillow ready. Here at the Catalan capital, they celebrate the International Pillow fight day, and though it’s not exactly an official Spanish holiday, they take it very seriously. Locals and tourists alike head to the streets with a pillow and partake in the biggest pillow fight in the world. People you don't know nor have never met will suddenly pillage you with their feather-filled cushions. And seeing all of those fluff rain down the city is quite the sight. Just make sure to bring your own and don't be too aggressive with your pillow. Remember, you're there to have fun!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona's Gràcia Festival every August is a must-see for two reasons. The first is that it's practically the city's biggest fiesta. People from all walks of life gather around and partake in gigantic feasts all lined-up in the city's beautiful streets. It's such a sight to behold: people from different backgrounds congregate and just be merry for a few days of the year. But secondly, the festival also brings out the most creative in residents. Through the years, the Gràcia Festival has become a competitive contest for street decorations. And what Barcelonians come up with year after year are quite outstanding!
Source: Flickr.com/ Oh-Barcelona.com
Barcelona is more than just the beautiful city you see on postcards. Moreover, it's also more than the Catalan paradise you see in films. This city holds a few unique experiences you won't find anywhere else!