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Ball’s in your court – will you be in the stands or will you be taking to the fields? Join us in exploring the sports in Barcelona, from venues to sports bars to awesome vacation areas.
On Your Feet or On the Edge of Your Seat
The heart of Catalonia is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its captivating history and architecture, but it is also a paradise for sports enthusiasts. The world-class stadiums, lively bars, and facilities for sports in Barcelona cater to ardent fans, adrenaline-chasing visitors, and everyone in between.
It comes as no surprise that Barcelonians have a passion for soccer. However, it may be news to some that this city also holds high regard for other sports like basketball, roller field hockey, handball, and beach volleyball. The last one is especially interesting because, up until 1992, Barcelona’s coastline had never been used for leisure!
It’s time to bid adieu to your flat screens and conventional gyms because we’re straight up pulling you to the stands and to the fields. Read on to discover some of the top places to enjoy sports in Barcelona.
Live Sports Venues in Barcelona
Sports in Barcelona unite fans from all corners of the globe, eager to enjoy exciting games and yearly happenings. Check out these top sports spots and cheer on your favorite team:
CAMP NOU STADIUM
Camp Nou Stadium, the home base of the famous FC Barcelona, is a dream visit for soccer fans. Here, you can feel the crowd’s energy as you watch stunning matches featuring top-tier players. Make sure you catch the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, a friendly pre-season event that highlights the team’s skills.
PALAU BLAUGRANA
Right next to Camp Nou, Palau Blaugrana is where FC Barcelona’s basketball and handball teams show what they’re made of. Enjoy action-packed matches like the Spanish Basketball League and the ASOBAL Handball League in a buzzing setting.
CIRCUIT DE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA
If you’re into motor racing, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is your spot. It has the latest facilities for racing fans, especially those who want to see the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix and the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix.
PALAU SANT JORDI
The Palau Sant Jordi, a multi-purpose indoor venue, hosts a variety of sports events like basketball, handball, volleyball, and gymnastics. Some of the major events held here include the Spanish Basketball Cup and the Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Sports Bars & Sports Pubs in Barcelona
With a variety of tasty food and drink options, these establishments prove that, sometimes, sports in Barcelona are better enjoyed through a large TV and with a beer in hand:
COCOVAIL
C/ d’Aragó, 284 | +34 937 82 24 79
CocoVail, renowned for its selection of craft beers, is also a prime spot for NFL fans in Barcelona. Witness the season’s finest National Football League games every Sunday, or enjoy NBA, NHL, MLB, and international soccer games, including El Clasico and the Champions League Final, on any other day of the week. Did we mention that this is also the best place for college sports fans?
BELUSHI’S BAR
C/ de Bergara, 3 | +34 931 75 14 01
The newly refurbished Belushi’s Bar is a global sports hotspot that boasts ten HD plasma TVs, three large projectors, a delicious menu, and drink promos that are hard to turn down. This energetic bar features the latest games from the NFL, NHL, NBA, baseball, rugby, cricket, and Aussie rules. They also screen La Liga, Premier League, and Champions League games.
THE OLD IRISH PUB
Rambla dels Caputxins | +34 935 95 65 65
Situated on Las Ramblas, The Old Irish Pub offers an intimate setting with 11 HD TVs and a projector, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the game. Catch Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League matches, along with a host of other sports. Savor a selection of draught beers and ciders, complemented by a hearty menu featuring burgers, nachos, wings, and ribs – the ideal ensemble for an evening brimming with sports.
SONORA SPORTS TAVERN
C/ de Pamplona, 96 | +34 933 00 33 69
Beloved by locals, Sonora Sports Tavern is a spacious beer hall ideal for watching Barca and other La Liga teams in action. Though their primary focus is local games, they do occasionally screen other sports events. With its wide screens and exuberant ambiance, Sonora is a top choice for fans during big 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 extends beyond the norm to deliver a complete sports experience. With eight screens, including plasma TVs and king-sized projectors, they air events like the English Premiership, Rugby Six Nations, Golf Ryder Cup, Formula 1 Racing, and ice hockey tournaments. Complementing this with welcoming staff, delectable pub food, and a broad range of ales, beers, and stouts on tap, Flaherty’s delivers a pulsating atmosphere for every match.
Must-Try Sports in Barcelona
Not just a feast for spectators, these sports in Barcelona invite anyone to participate and enjoy a range of thrilling physical activities. Strap on your trainers and immerse yourself in some of these enticing sports experiences:
CYCLING
Hire a bike from Bike Rental Barcelona (Carrer de Montserrat, 8, Bajo 2) and navigate picturesque trails in the city such as those in the Gothic Quarter. You can also witness or take part in the annual Volta a Catalunya and Vuelta a España races.
SKI
Even though Barcelona is famed for its sunny climate, you can still enjoy a winter adventure just a short journey away. Head over to the La Molina Ski Resort in the Pyrenees Mountains to get your winter skiing or snowboarding fix.
SWIMMING
Take a dip in the inviting waters off Barcelona’s beaches or enjoy a swim at the OKEYMAS CEM Parc de la Ciutadella (Passeig de Circumvaŀlació, 1). Open to all ages, situated near other sports facilities, and conveniently close to Barcelona Zoo, this pool is an excellent spot for family outings!
GOLF
Barcelona boasts an array of stunning golf courses for those aiming to refine their skills. The Real Club de Golf El Prat (Plans de Bonvilar, 17) is a prestigious golf club featuring two 18-hole championship courses. It also hosts the annual Spanish Open tournament.
KITE SURFING
Experience the exhilarating thrill of kitesurfing along Barcelona’s stunning coastline. Visit popular locations like Castelldefels, Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, or Cabrera de Mar to catch the winds and the waves. If you want to brush up on some watersports lessons, we recommend the all-skill-levels-friendly Mojokite.
Places to Find Hotels in Barcelona
When it comes to an unforgettable sports vacation, securing the right accommodation can make all the difference. Consider these districts to get the best and quickest access to sports in Barcelona:
- EL RAVAL: This hip, bohemian quarter, close to Palau Sant Jordi and Barcelona Skatepark, is rich in unique shops and quaint cafes like Café de les Delícies.
- SANTS: Though Sants is a busier district than most, it has excellent transport connections (Sants Estació & Plaça de Sants). Staying here means being a ride away from Camp Nou Stadium and other key city attractions.
- POBLE-SEC: Situated near Montjuïc Mountain, this dynamic neighborhood is famous for its tapas bars, cafes, and attractions like Palau Sant Jordi and Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
- POBLENOU: Poblenou offers a more laid-back ambiance, perhaps due to its proximity to the coast. Staying here gives you easy access to Barcelona’s beaches and the delightful Rambla de Poble Nou, home to a variety of bars, shops, and eateries.
- BARRI GÒTIC: This historic quarter is defined by narrow streets, Gothic architecture, and renowned attractions like the Cathedral of Barcelona, Els 4 Gats café, and boutique shops along Portal de l’Àngel. If you like history just as much as you like sports, then this is the place for you!
Capture the Sportsman Spirit With Hotala
Sports in Barcelona is about heritage just as much as it is about athleticism and adventure. With its many facilities, this city offers a dynamic experience for those with a love for both sports and travel. Be it reveling in live matches at the Camp Nou Stadium or exploring heart-pumping activities like paddle tennis or beach yoga, this Catalonian city is truly the place to catch the sportsman spirit.
As you put together an itinerary, remember to select lodgings that address your preferences and keep you near the pulsating hub of activity. With Hotala, you’re granted access to thousands of hotels, resorts, and vacation homes in Barcelona and out. Moreover, you’ll enjoy a consistent influx of travel information, crafted to match your adventurous spirit. Plan unforgettable, action-packed vacations with Hotala today, and experience the vibrant pulse of Barcelona sports like never before!
TLDR
This bustling city in Catalonia is teeming with action. Experience sports in Barcelona through exhilarating live games at iconic venues like Camp Nou Stadium and Palau Sant Jordi, or cheer on your team at local sports bars such as CocoVail or Belushi’s Bar. Indulge in active pursuits like cycling, skiing in the nearby Pyrenees, honing your golf swing at Real Club de Golf El Prat, swimming at OKEYMAS CEM Parc de la Ciutadella, or kite surfing along Barcelona’s beautiful beaches. When seeking accommodations, consider districts like El Raval, Sants, Poble Sec, Poblenou, or Barri Gòtic for their proximity to sports venues, as well as convenient access to other attractions, eateries, and shopping spots. Organize your sports-themed vacation and find the best-value deals on hotels and resorts with Hotala.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Moosa Moseneke
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