5 Secret Hideaway Places in Barcelona, Spain

As one of the most visited cities in Spain, Barcelona is a cultural wonderland for both tourists and residents. Though Barcelona is known for its famous attractions, such as the Barcelona Aquarium and the Picasso Museum, this lively city also has its hidden gems. Discover what Barcelona's secret places are in this mini travel guide, and include them in your travel plans to Barcelona.

1. Carmel bunkers 

The Carmel Bunkers are a hidden landmark in the hilly El Carmel neighborhood of Barcelona. These anti-aircraft concrete bunkers were built in the late 1930s during the Spanish Civil War to help defend the city against air raids.

Over 180 bunkers were strategically constructed on Turó de la Rovira hill and other high points around El Carmel. The bunkers housed machine guns and artillery used by the Republican army. Though never used for their intended purpose, the bunkers stand today as haunting reminders of Barcelona's war-torn past. Many are now covered in graffiti art, and the bunkers have become popular spots to take in panoramic views of the city skyline.

2. El Rei de la Magia 

El Rei de la Magia, which translates to King of Magic, isn't your ordinary museum. In most museums, you'll find timeless art masterpieces, important historical documents or famous sculptures. But in the El Rei de la Magia museum, you'll discover magic. From classic tricks to a magic shop, El Rei de la Magia is a magical world for families to enjoy.

3. Sala Montjuic 

Are you planning a summer trip to Barcelona? Make sure to visit the open-air cinema in Barcelona: Sala Montjuic. Located between the walls of the Montjuic Castle, Sala Montjuic is a great place to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. Also, with the Montjuic Castle right next to the open-air cinema, you can go on a guided tour of this historical monument; this location is a two-in-one attraction.

4. Parc del Laberint d'Horta 

If you're looking for a way to enjoy a relaxing setting and stay active at the same time, the Parc del Laberint d'Horta -- also known as Horta's Labyrinth Park -- is a unique park to visit. The Parc del Laberint d'Horta, in the image above, features a small maze that you can challenge yourself to go through. This park also has smaller trails that you can walk on that weave through the park's beautiful landscape. Not only is the Parc del Laberint d'Horta a relaxing setting, but it's also a historical site.

5. Placa Reial 

Take a break from the busy city side of Barcelona, and go to Placa Reial. With bars and outdoor seating, Placa Reial sets up a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere. Buildings in Placa Reial boast stunning architectural design, so you get a resting place and scenic environment in one place.

Barcelona is more than its popular tourist attractions. Go off the beaten path, and explore these great hidden gems yourself on your next trip to Barcelona. If you are looking for the best place to stay, you can never go wrong checking out Expedia. You can find great deals on hotel and accommodation.

Romantic Gardens: Horta Labyrinth Park in Barcelona

Horta Labyrinth Park in Barcelona or Parc del Laberint d'Horta as it is known in Catalan is one of those places you should not miss and yet generally overlooked due to its location in the upper limits of the city near Collserola mountains. This combination of neoclassical and romantic garden has been featured in Barcelona Photoblog before: Parc del Laberint, the Romantic Maze at Horta District so I am not going to talk about history. This time I want to remind you that Saint Valentine is just a week away and what better than a Romantic garden and the privacy of a young couple to welcome such beautiful celebration. Have you made up your mind on your St. Valentine gifts?

Horta's Labyrinth from a Child's Perspective

Absorbed in his own thoughts, subdued by the beauty of the cypress hedges tracing up the illusive path of the 18th century Neoclassical labyrinth at his feet, stands a boy, a sort of watchman that seems to be part of the decoration in the famous romantic garden. The guard at Parc del Laberint d'Horta had warned him that standing on the balustrade was not allowed but the view of the intricate design of the maze from above and the laughter of people getting lost in the wrong alley were so compelling that it is worth taking the risk of a second reprimand. In a way, I can understand the boy but this is surely a place to protect, a unique park in Barcelona with some history behind. A long, long time ago, works on the old estate of Joan Antoni Desvalls i d'Ardena Marquis of Llupià, Poal and Alfarràs, Catalan scientific and prosperous landowner, had been commissioned to Italian architect Domenico Bagutti. It was 1791. The marquis, who was a cultivated person and an artist himself, conceived the design of this romantic garden influenced by Greek mythology in close cooperation with the architect. Desvalls was vice president of the Barcelona Royal Academy of Arts and Natural Sciences for a long period of time and even wrote specialized scientific articles in the quiet of his well provided library. But turning back to the picture, the kid is looking at one of the three levels or terraces of the park, the first and lower level includes the labyrinth, behind his back the middle level features the temples with cupolas and Tuscan columns, and the upper level was meant to collect water for the garden (there's a superb pond with goldfish up there). Besides those levels which are covered with statues, busts, flower jars and fountains there are separate gardens with their own particular ambience. There's the Boxwood garden with topiary art, the Romantic with a faked cemetery, the Petit Laberint, the Domestic which is full of camellias and another devoted to moss plants called Jardi de les Molses. To complete the atmosphere of the place nothing like a small cascade away from the main path and a romantic channel leading to the Island of Love. Parc del Laberint d'Horta was opened to the public by the Town Hall in 1971 and later restored in 1994. If you want to visit the place, please check for more info here.

Romantic Gardens in Europe: Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

Parc del Laberint d'Horta is not Versailles perhaps but it has its charm and it is amidst a very bucolic environment that is above all relaxing and ideal specially for tourists tired of stressing walks around the city. What can you find here? From the point of view of resorts, very little, in fact just a bar but from the point of view of art and beauty your spirit will gain in strength. There were other similar images in Barcelona Photoblog ,taken with a poor quality camera by the way, like: Labyrinth Park in Horta

Running Kid at Parc del Laberint, Barcelona

Parc del Laberint (Maze Park) in Horta is a romantic garden at the slope of Barcelona hills. The park, a very idyllic spot and highly recommended to our visitors, has been featured in Barcelona Photoblog in the past although I plan to show two or three new pictures soon. On our way to the exit my daughter Sara and I spotted this kid running against the fence full of flower vines. I told her that there might be a good capture there as she was carrying the camera. She pointed and took a whole series. This in my opinion was the best. Hope you like it too. Of course, that would make her very happy.