What to Do During the America’s Cup in Barcelona Beyond Traditional Tourism?

The America’s Cup is docking in Barcelona for the first time, bringing the world’s most prestigious sailing competition to the Catalan capital for its 37th edition. The championship kicks off on August 22 with the preliminary regatta and culminates on October 12 with the start of the two-week final series. Spectators can enjoy the races from various vantage points including Port Vell, Moll de la Fusta, and Port Olímpic. The event area and its surrounding neighborhoods provide a wide range of leisure activities, offering visitors a chance to explore and experience the vibrant city throughout the competition.

Barcelona offers a diverse array of activities and experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. Once you have visited the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, here is a tourist guide around the competition to enjoy other activities beyond the well-known landmarks.

Activities at the Port of Barcelona

Around the port where the competition takes place, water sports enthusiasts can indulge in various activities on the Mediterranean. Visitors can enjoy paddle surfing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and other nautical disciplines in the sea.

After enjoying water sports, there’s nothing better than savoring a delicious meal with the best views. Two of the most famous and exclusive restaurants are located in the W Barcelona hotel. On the ground floor, Fire, a grill restaurant by the sea specializing in vegetables, meats, and fish. On the 26th floor, Noxe, a sushi restaurant that opened less than a year ago, offers a culinary journey to Japan with exquisite cocktails and night-time DJs.

Along the waterfront, several restaurants have opened in recent years, making the port a gastronomic hotspot for savoring the best of Spanish and Catalan cuisine. For a delicious paella, head to Maná 75. For outstanding rice dishes in a modern beach bar setting, try Pez Vela. For Mediterranean dishes with a casual touch, visit Port Vela.

Near the port, in the Barceloneta neighborhood, Bar Leo is a must-visit spot for those wanting to experience local Barcelona. Founded in 1978 in honor of rumba legend, Bambino, this flamenco bar remains a vibrant and authentic venue where fans can enjoy live flamenco music while sipping vermouth and savoring calamari and patatas bravas. For excellent Galician seafood in a storied setting, visit Carballeira restaurant.

Montjuic: A Treasure to Discover

Next to the port lies one of Barcelona’s most special places: Montjuic. From this hill, you can watch the sailing competitions while also exploring a site steeped in the city’s history and culture. Montjuïc saw significant development during the 1929 International Exposition, resulting in many of the attractions that both locals and tourists enjoy today. These include the Magic Fountain, the Flower Market, and Poble Espanyol, which houses the renowned Tablao de Carmen.

A must-visit is Montjuic Castle,offering panoramic views of the entire city—from the sea to Tibidabo Mountain, and from El Prat to Baix Llobregat. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions. For museum enthusiasts, a walk from Plaza de España towards Montjuic reveals several cultural gems: the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), the CaixaForum a bit further up the hill, and the Joan Miró Foundation near the cable car station (also worth a ride). For those who enjoy music and theater, the Grec Theatre is an excellent venue, hosting part of the Grec Festival program until August 4. This provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy top artistic performances in the open air.

The Flamenco Experience at the Tablao de Carmen

One of the most celebrated attractions in Barcelona is undoubtedly Poble Espanyol. Built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition, Poble Espanyol was designed to capture the essence of Spanish villages and has since become one of the city’s most vibrant leisure and cultural spots. In the Andalusian quarter, you’ll find the Tablao de Carmen, which opened in 1988 in honor of the unforgettable Barcelona dancer Carmen Amaya. An icon of 20th-century flamenco, Amaya revolutionized the dance with her unparalleled artistry. At the age of 13, she performed for King Alfonso XIII in the courtyard that is now part of our iconic tablao.

Flamenco is a symbol of Spanish culture and one of Spain’s biggest tourist attractions. This vibrant art form, originating in the south of the country, has captivated audiences worldwide. It quickly spread across Spain, establishing strong roots in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where it continues to thrive both within and beyond the country’s borders.

Enjoying a flamenco performance means experiencing the deep history and vibrant art of Barcelona and Spain. It’s a cultural tradition that is both deeply rooted and uniquely special. The perfect “final touch” to a vacation in the Catalan Mediterranean is an evening of flamenco guitar, singing, and dancing. The Tablao de Carmen is the best place to immerse yourself in this experience, with flamenco as its proud banner.