IS BARCELONA GOOD FOR HEN DOS?
Barcelona is one of the go-to places for brides-to-be and we can see why – this sun-kissed city on the Mediterranean has the best of both worlds: technicolour nights out and action packed days. Depending on your vibe, you can do anything from slow, honey-gold mornings out on a terrace in the city, to adventuring up the coast to the Costa Brava, then glamming up for a night out. Lucky for your upcoming hen do, we’ve sorted a jam-packed itinerary where you can soak up both the sun and the sangria.
HEN PARTY IDEAS BARCELONA
For the nature girlies
- Day Trip To Costa Brava
Keen to get in some adventure before the party kicks off? Stretching from the French border to Blanes, just north of the city, this iconic holiday destination is perfect for those craving a dose of nature to break up their time in the bustling city. Lay back on the shore, sticky-beak the Dali House, or hike a slice of the 200 km coastal walk – you’ll be spoilt for choice both for beaches and cultural sites.
If you’re looking for a planned tour, Stoke Travel’s Costa Brava Kayaking & Snorkeling package will take you and your mates up to explore one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Including return transfers from Barcelona and a packed picnic lunch and water, our guide will take you to all of our favourite, hidden coves along this stretch of pristine coastline. When we get back to the city, we’ll sort you out with a beer or sangria before you head off to continue your wild night.
- Montserrat
This multi-peaked mountain range on the outskirts of Barcelona offers some of the most impressive views of Catalonia, if you can turn away from the spectacular formations. Set aside a day to complete the 7km hike to the top – winding up through the steep mountains, you’ll pass through a local village and be met at the top with the beautiful Monastery, Sant Benet de Montserrat, and the most charming chapel nestled into the landscape, Capella de la Santa Cova.
For the artsy-farts
It’s difficult not to stop and admire the modern architectural marvels that are Antonio Gaudi’s work as you explore the city – with 12 buildings across Barcelona, you’ll find yourself stumbling upon one or two even if you aren’t seeking them out. Pre-book a tour of the Sagrada Familia: we recommend the audio guide, so that you can take in the grandiosity at your own pace.
Housing an impressive 4,200 works by the infamous artist, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is your next stop on the artsy tour of the city. Not only did the artist live in Barcelona, he studied in this city at the prestigious school of fine arts, honing his craft that is known around the world as some of the best. It was due to these formative years spent in the region that a large number of his works was donated to the city. It’s in this museum that you’ll find pieces from the artist’s Blue Period, alongside ceramics, sculptures and drawings from Picasso’s formative years.
For the loose units
- Barcelona Party Package
Stoke Travel’s lethal Barcelona nightlife package. We know this city like the back of our hand, so best believe you’re in for a big one with this package. Included is a 3 hour private open bar at our beachside venue to pregame, before making our way across to Shoko. Awarded one of the Top 100 Clubs in the World, Shoko is a seductive club smack bang on the shore of Somorrostro Beach. A packed and pumping dancefloor with a larger than life DJ set – this is a club club. Shake your booty here until morning, then wander to the sand to watch the sunrise.
- Barcelona Boat Party
What better way to revel in that summer feeling than getting out onto the water? Stoke’s Barcelona Boat Parties offer a range of options to fit the vibe you’re looking for: from booze cruises for the loose units, a brunch cruise to kick off your day, a paella and swim option to refuel before heading back into the city, or even a private charter – Stoke’s got you sorted.
BEST PLACES TO DRINK IN BARCELONA FOR A HEN DO
Leave your heels at home for this one. Razzmatazz is a labyrinth of clubbing – 5 dancefloors, all floors boasting a different soundscape and vibe. This iconic club is an industrial space converted into one of the best nights out you’ve had in a long while, though a decent part of that night could be getting lost between the floors. It’s best to head to Razzmatazz late: get there after midnight and boogy into the early hours of the morning. Multiple stages and queer friendly, it’s the techno space of your dreams.
Located on the Barceloneta boardwalk is one of the city’s most popular clubs – Opium. Take in the views of the mediterranean sea while the thump of club base zings through your chest. With its proximity to the beach, you might even catch the sunrise if you stay until the end of the party.
If opulence is what you’re looking for, Paradiso is for you. Boasting an array of awards, including Number 1 for The World’s Best Bars, 2022, the artistry poured into these cocktails is more akin to magic than bartending. Drinks are pretty pricey, but considering the creation of each drink is a performance in itself, it’s worth the extra cost.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BARCELONA FOR A HEN DO
A fun and colourful tex-mex restaurant near Barceloneta waterfront. Carabela’s is the perfect place to cool down with a frozen cocktail after a sweaty day on the sand. Friendly, fast service and generous serving sizes – this is the perfect place to stop in for a cheap lunch.
Perikete
Perikete is an authentic tapas bar, boasting fresh market seafood and an extensive wine list. They don’t accept reservations, so scoring a table might be tricky but it’s worth a shot; the tapas is some of the best in the area and if you luck out, it might be one of the best feeds you have in Barcelona.
A chic vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Raval, Sesamo offers a menu that is a creative fusion of Italian and international cuisine. The cosy, rustic atmosphere combined with attentive service will leave you wanting more, no matter how full your belly is. At €38 each to experience the tasting menu, the slightly elevated price is worth the dining experience.