Hidden Gems in Barcelona: 7 Unique and Surprising Experience, Barcelona, Spain

Seen the Sagrada Família? Great. Now let’s go underground. Or into a garden maze. Or onto a glowing paddleboard at midnight.

Barcelona has no shortage of iconic sights - but what makes a trip truly yours are the unexpected moments. The stories you didn’t plan for. The places you wouldn’t have found without a nudge.

And yes - many of these are just a short walk or metro ride from the hotels we featured in our Unique Places to Stay in Barcelona guide.

Tucked away in the quiet hills of Horta, far from the Gothic bustle and beach crowds, lies one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets: a neoclassical garden maze straight out of a fairytale. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through sculpted hedges, whispering fountains, and mossy statues - this is where it happens.

Built in 1791 by the Desvalls family (who lived in the adjoining palace), the labyrinth is the oldest preserved garden in the city. It’s designed in Italian neoclassical style, complete with a cypress maze, Greek-style pavilions, and a statue of Eros at its center. Later additions added a romantic touch - think cascades, staircases, and hidden grottos.

Because it’s quiet. It’s weirdly cinematic. And it’s not on the standard tourist route. You won’t need more than 1-2 hours here, but you’ll leave feeling like you stepped into a different century. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).