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Your itinerary deserves a proper “kickoff.” Find out where to catch the action and where to set up camp.
Sportsman’s Paradise
Barcelona, a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, is also a haven for sports enthusiasts. Die-hard fans and active, thrill-seeking travelers will easily feel at home here, especially with the array of world-class stadiums, charming sports bars, and fitness facilities.
At the mention of the city’s name, one immediately thinks of soccer. However, Barcelona shares the same passion for basketball, roller field hockey, and handball. Barcelonians also love beach volleyball, which is definitely something for a city whose coastline wasn’t used for leisure up until 1992!
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the best sports destinations this lively city has to offer. Whether you’re looking to witness thrilling matches or get active yourself, here are the places to experience the best of Barcelona’s sports scene.
Live Sports Destinations in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city where passionate sports fans come together to witness thrilling matches and annual events. Head over to some of these top sports venues to cheer for your favorite team:
PALAU BLAUGRANA
Adjacent to Camp Nou, Palau Blaugrana is where FC Barcelona’s basketball and handball teams demonstrate their prowess. Catch heart-pounding matches, including the Spanish Basketball League and the ASOBAL Handball League, amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
CAMP NOU STADIUM
Home to the iconic FC Barcelona, Camp Nou Stadium is a must-visit for football enthusiasts. Experience the thunderous roars of the crowd as you watch mesmerizing matches featuring world-class players. Don’t miss the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, a pre-season, friendly tournament that showcases the team’s talent.
CIRCUIT DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA
For motorsport enthusiasts, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers state-of-the-art facilities for racing aficionados. Witness high-speed thrills during the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix and the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix.
PALAU SANT JORDI
A multi-purpose indoor arena, Palau Sant Jordi hosts a wide range of sports events, including basketball, handball, volleyball, and gymnastics. Be part of the excitement during the Spanish Basketball Cup or the Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where top athletes showcase their skills.
Barcelona Sports Bars
When you’re in Barcelona and craving a lively atmosphere to catch your favorite sports events, look no further than these top sports bars. From big screens to mouthwatering food and drink options, these bars cater to fans from all corners of the sporting world:
COCOVAIL
C/ d’Aragó, 284 | +34 937 82 24 79
CocoVail, the city’s premier craft beer bar, doubles as the ultimate NFL destination in Barcelona. Catch the best matchups from the National Football League every Sunday during the season, alongside NBA, NHL, MLB, and international soccer games like El Clasico and the Champions League Final. College sports enthusiasts will also find their fix here. And with tempting drink and food promos, CocoVail ensures you have the perfect spot to witness all the excitement.
BELUSHI’S BAR
C/ de Bergara, 3 | +34 931 75 14 01
Recently refitted, Belushi’s Bar is an international hub that ensures you won’t miss a single sporting action. With ten HD plasma TVs and three giant projectors, this vibrant bar showcases the latest matches. Be it from the NFL, NHL, NBA, baseball, rugby, cricket, and Aussie rules. Whether it’s La Liga, the Premier League, or the Champions League, they’ve got you covered. And with their irresistible drink promos and delicious menu, you’re in for an unforgettable game day experience.
THE OLD IRISH PUB
Rambla dels Caputxins | +34 935 95 65 65
Conveniently located on Las Ramblas, The Old Irish Pub offers a cozy setting with 11 high-definition TVs and a projector to ensure you never miss a moment of the action. Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League matches are a given, but they also cater to other sporting events. Enjoy a wide range of draught beers and ciders along with a delicious menu featuring burgers, nachos, wings, and ribs – the perfect combination for a sports-filled evening.
SONORA SPORTS TAVERN
C/ de Pamplona, 96 | +34 933 00 33 69
A favorite among locals, Sonora Sports Tavern is a spacious beer hall perfect for catching Barca in action and other La Liga matches. While their focus is on the local scene, they occasionally screen other games and sports events. With its large screens and lively atmosphere, Sonora is a go-to spot for fans during major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championships.
FLAHERTY’S IRISH BAR
Plaça de Joaquim Xirau, s/n | +34 934 12 62 63
Flaherty’s is a sports haven that goes above and beyond to cater to fans. With eight TVs, including plasma screens and king-size projectors, they broadcast the English Premiership, Rugby Six Nations, Golf Ryder Cup, Formula 1 Racing, ice hockey tournaments, and more. Plus, their friendly staff, lip-smacking pub grub, and an impressive range of ales, beers, and stouts on tap create an electric atmosphere for every game.
Sports to Try in Barcelona
Barcelona isn’t just a spectator’s paradise; it’s also a playground for sports enthusiasts seeking their own thrilling adventures. Lace up your shoes and get ready to immerse yourself in any of these exciting sports activities:
CYCLING
Rent a bike from Bike Rental Barcelona (Carrer de Montserrat, 8, Bajo 2) and pedal along scenic routes like the Gothic Quarter. You can also catch the yearly Volta a Catalunya and Vuelta a España races.
KITE SURFING
Feel the adrenaline rush as you kitesurf along the beautiful Barcelona coastline. Head to popular spots like Castelldefels, Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, or Cabrera de Mar. For the best beginner-friendly lessons with up-to-date gear, we recommend Mojokite.
SWIMMING
Dive into the refreshing waters of Barcelona’s beaches or take a swim at the OKEYMAS CEM Parc de la Ciutadella (Passeig de Circumvaŀlació, 1). This pool is open to all ages and is conveniently close to other sports facilities. Plus, it’s a walk away from the Barcelona Zoo, which makes it ideal for families or visitors with young children!
SKI
While Barcelona is known for its sunny climate, you can still hit the slopes just a short drive away. Head to the La Molina Ski Resort in the Pyrenees Mountains for a thrilling skiing or snowboarding experience every winter.
GOLF
Barcelona offers a range of stunning golf courses where you can perfect your swing. The Real Club de Golf El Prat (Plans de Bonvilar, 17) is a renowned golf club with two 18-hole championship courses. It also hosts the annual Spanish Open tournament.
Where to Book Accommodations in Barcelona
Finding the perfect accommodation is essential for a memorable stay. To ensure easy access to the sports destinations mentioned earlier, consider these conveniently located districts in Barcelona that offer a range of attractions and amenities:
- EL RAVAL: This trendy, bohemian neighborhood is close to Palau Sant Jordi and Barcelona Skatepark and features eclectic shops and cozy cafes like Café de les Delícies.
- SANTS: A bustling district with excellent transport links (Sants Estació & Plaça de Sants), Sants is ideal for accessing Camp Nou Stadium and other major attractions in the city.
- POBLE-SEC: This lively neighborhood is located near Montjuïc Mountain and is known for tapas bars, cafes, and attractions like Palau Sant Jordi and Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
- POBLENOU: Poblenou is a more relaxed area, perhaps due to it being close to the coast. Staying here puts you in proximity to Barcelona’s beaches and the charming Rambla de Poble Nou, which is host to an assortment of bars, shops, and restaurants.
- BARRI GÒTIC: This historic neighborhood boasts narrow streets, Gothic architecture, and iconic attractions. You’ll have easy access to the Cathedral of Barcelona, Els 4 Gats café, and boutique shops along Portal de l’Àngel.
It’s Always Game Time With Rent by Owner
Barcelona, a city that seamlessly combines sports, culture, and adventure, offers an exhilarating experience for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike. From witnessing live matches at Camp Nou Stadium to trying thrilling activities like paddle tennis or beach yoga, Barcelona truly is a sportsman’s paradise.
As you plan your visit, make sure to choose accommodations that cater to your needs and keep you close to the action. With Rent by Owner, you’ll have thousands of vacation rentals to choose from in Barcelona alone. Plus, you’ll have a steady stream of travel content tailored to your appetite for adrenaline. Plan memorable, action-filled holidays with Rent By Owner today!
TLDR
Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Witness thrilling live matches at Camp Nou Stadium and Palau Sant Jordi, or visit sports bars like CocoVail and Belushi’s Bar to catch your favorite games. Engage in exciting sports activities such as cycling, skiing in the nearby Pyrenees Mountains, golfing at Real Club de Golf El Prat, swimming at OKEYMAS CEM Parc de la Ciutadella, or kite surfing along the Barcelona coastline.
When booking accommodations, consider staying in districts like El Raval, Sants, Poble Sec, Poblenou, or Barri Gòtic to be close to sports destinations and enjoy the convenience of nearby attractions, shops, and cafes. Plan your sports-filled trips with ease with Rent By Owner.
