Cool facts about Barcelona you didn’t see coming!
This beautiful city full of… surprises! Whether you’ve been here before or it’s still on your bucket list, these fun facts will make you see Barcelona in a whole new way (we promise).
Scroll down to discover them all!
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#1 Barcelona’s a Michelin-star powerhouse
There are 29 restaurants in the city with a total of 39 Michelin stars! That’s a lot of stars.
#2 It has 2 official languages
In Barcelona, both Catalan and Spanish are official languages.
#3 Sagrada Família is taking its time
Construction on the Sagrada Família started in 1882… and it’s still going. Yep, it’s been under construction for more than 140 years. Just for perspective: the Egyptian pyramids took about 10-20.
#4 There are 9 UNESCO sites in the city
Barcelona is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Seven of them were designed by the one and only Gaudí.
#5 World Book Day started here
The idea for World Book Day came from Barcelona in 1922, thanks to Vicente Clavel, a local publisher. It was originally on Cervantes’ birthday (October 7), then moved to his death date (April 23). On that day, the city also celebrates Sant Jordi’s Day when locals give each other books and roses; it’s like Valentine’s Day but… for book lovers!
#6 Camp Nou is Europe’s biggest stadium
If you’re into soccer, Camp Nou is for you. It’s the largest stadium in Europe and can fit almost 100,000 fans. That’s a lot of team spirit.
#7 Beaches are artificial
Barcelona’s now-famous beaches didn’t always exist. The city imported sand from Egypt and other places to get ready for the 1992 Olympics!
#8 There are 12 abandoned metro stations
12 ghost metro stations are hidden under the city. Some were closed, some never finished, and others are part of spooky urban legends. Next time you ride the metro, keep an eye out. 👻
#9 The Eiffel Tower almost ended up here (maybe)
According to an urban legend, Gustave Eiffel wanted to build his tower in Barcelona first. The city allegedly said “no, thanks” so he took it to Paris. Is it true? Who knows! But it’s definitely fun to imagine how different Barcelona’s skyline could’ve looked.
Planning to hop from Barcelona to Paris? Don’t miss our guide to the unmissable concerts in Paris in 2025 for your next music-filled getaway.
#10 MEININGER Hotels is opening a new hotel here soon!
Big news: a brand-new MEININGER hotel is opening in Barcelona by the end of 2026. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or family, you’ll have a comfy, budget-friendly stay in this beautiful city. 😉
Want more quirky trivia? Check out our list of fun facts about Munich for surprises from another must-visit European city.
Cool facts about Barcelona: FAQs
How many Michelin stars are there in Barcelona?
Barcelona shines bright in the culinary world! The city boasts 29 restaurants that have earned a total of 39 Michelin stars. Whether you’re into fine dining or just love discovering new flavors, Barcelona has plenty of delicious surprises waiting for you.
What languages are spoken in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, you’ll hear both Catalan and Spanish spoken throughout the city. They’re the official languages, and locals often switch between the two. It’s part of what makes the city’s culture so rich and unique. You might even pick up a few Catalan words during your stay!
Why is the Sagrada Família still under construction?
The iconic Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882—yep, more than 140 years! Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this one-of-a-kind basilica is still being completed with great care and attention to detail. It’s a living masterpiece that keeps evolving.
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in Barcelona?
Barcelona is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even more impressive? Seven of them were designed by Gaudí, the genius behind some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Exploring Barcelona means walking through a museum of architecture under the open sky.
Where did World Book Day originate?
Surprise—World Book Day started in Barcelona back in 1922! It was the brainchild of local publisher Vicente Clavel. The celebration now takes place on April 23, which is also Sant Jordi’s Day, a local tradition where people gift books and roses. It’s a beautiful mix of romance and reading.
What’s special about Camp Nou stadium?
If you’re a soccer fan, you’ll love this: Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe! It can welcome almost 100,000 fans and is the proud home of FC Barcelona. Catching a match there is an unforgettable experience filled with energy and passion.
Are Barcelona’s beaches natural?
Believe it or not, most of Barcelona’s beaches are man-made. The city brought in sand—some even from Egypt—to prepare for the 1992 Olympics. Today, they’re a big part of Barcelona’s sunny charm and a must-visit spot during your trip.
Are there ghost metro stations in Barcelona?
Yes! Barcelona has 12 abandoned metro stations hiding underground. Some were never completed, others were shut down, and a few have sparked local legends. Next time you’re on the metro, imagine the hidden tunnels beneath your feet. Spooky, right?
Did the Eiffel Tower almost get built in Barcelona?
It’s a fun urban legend: Gustave Eiffel originally wanted to build the Eiffel Tower in Barcelona, but the city reportedly turned him down. So he took the idea to Paris instead. True or not, it’s fun to picture Barcelona’s skyline with that famous tower!
Is MEININGER Hotels opening a hotel in Barcelona?
Yes! MEININGER Hotels is opening a brand-new hotel in Barcelona by the end of 2026. Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or as a family, you’ll enjoy a budget-friendly stay with all the comfy perks MEININGER is known for. We can’t wait to welcome you!
🛎️ Where should I stay in Barcelona?
Got curious after reading all those Fun Facts about Barcelona? Then it’s time for a trip!
The brand-new MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via is the perfect base to explore it all.
Centrally located, well-connected, and super comfy after a day full of sightseeing, tapas, and beach vibes.
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Address: Carrer de la Botànica 41, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
