Ready to discover the Barcelona’s secret corners? At LOCK & enjoy!, we invite you on a fascinating journey through the city’s historical, social, and cultural wonders.
For a few weeks now, we have had lockers in Barcelona so you can store your belongings while exploring the city. Free yourself from the burden and uncover the secrets of one of the world’s most important tourist destinations.
Explore Barcelona’s secret corners and experience the city like never before
Barcelona is a city full of secrets, many of which go unnoticed by both locals and tourists. We’ve prepared this article to help you plan a small route through the city to discover these hidden gems.
Air-Raid Shelters
Barcelona played an important role during the Spanish Civil War on many levels. As a result, the city council has restored several shelters and bunkers for visitors to learn more about this historical period.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Shelter 307 (Poble Sec). Located at the foot of the iconic Montjuïc mountain, it is one of the largest, with a capacity for 2,000 people. This made it one of the most heavily bombed shelters during the conflict.
- Plaça del Diamant Shelter. Situated in the Gràcia neighbourhood, it is well-preserved thanks to its humidity and temperature. It can hold up to 200 people and lies 12 metres underground. A total of 250 metres of narrow tunnels stretch beneath the square.
- Plaça de la Revolució Shelter. Also located in Gràcia, this shelter is well-lit but has a strong smell of humidity. It consists of a gallery and two infirmary rooms.
Torre Baró Castle
Torre Baró Castle is one of Barcelona’s lesser-known secret spots. This is because it is located away from the city centre, specifically in the Nou Barris district.
This early 20th-century structure was initially intended to be a hotel, but the project was abandoned and fell into disuse. It wasn’t until 1989 that it was restored and declared a historical heritage site by Barcelona City Council.
The most striking feature of the castle is its viewpoint, offering stunning 360º views. Free guided tours are available to explore the history of this fascinating site in detail.
Tamarita Gardens
The Tamarita Gardens are another hidden gem, offering a magical atmosphere that seems from another era. This spot recalls a time when Catalan bourgeoisie built mansions surrounded by gardens in the higher parts of the neighbourhoods.
It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy some peace, as it is far from the city centre’s noise. It’s also a romantic spot for a stroll with your partner or even for a picnic.
Cloister of the Church of Santa Anna
In the middle of Santa Anna Street, a door leads you directly to the Church of Santa Anna.
Inside lies one of Barcelona’s most beautiful and oldest cloisters (15th century). It is in Gothic style, just like the church’s chapter house. The atmosphere is incredible, and you can feel the history through its ancient walls.
The entrance fee is just €2. At LOCK & enjoy!, we recommend visiting the cloister during weekdays, as weekends often have religious celebrations.
Arús Library
The Arús Library is one of Barcelona’s most important literary archives due to its unique book collection. It is located on Passeig de Sant Joan, very close to our luggage lockers near the Sagrada Familia.
The library houses a total of 75,000 volumes, with content focusing on Freemasonry, anarchism, federal republicanism, and the labour movement, among other topics.
We recommend a guided tour for only €17, as it’s the best way to understand this remarkable place. It’s better to visit in the afternoon, as students and researchers often use it in the morning.
Sert Passage
If you’ve visited Barcelona before, you’ve likely passed through this street without noticing its beauty.
It’s a small oasis of nature and tranquillity, with plants adorning the street and balconies, as well as abundant natural light. Years ago, this was a neglected street, but it has now become a charming area with apartments and offices.
We encourage you to sit at one of the local bars and soak up the calm atmosphere. For example, at Bitxo, you can enjoy excellent tapas and fine wine.
Casa de les Punxes
Also known as Casa Terradas, this building is located in Barcelona’s Eixample district, specifically on Roselló Street. In 1975, it was declared a national historic monument.
This modernist-style building was designed for each of architect Bartomeu Terradas’ daughters. It resembles an old medieval castle with its six pointed towers, hence its name.
While it is privately owned and not open to the public, it is currently used for events and coworking spaces.
Take the opportunity to snap some unforgettable photos of one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings.
Enjoy Barcelona’s secret corners! Plan your trip in advance to take advantage of our discounts and promotions for early reservations at our lockers.
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