Date night
1. Funny feeling
A sense of humour goes a long way in a relationship, so test out your date’s funny bone with a night of comedy. Barcelona has multiple English-language comedy clubs that welcome world-class comedians and novices alike to their stage. Guiriness Comedy Club, run by Belfast native Zara Patterson, is known for flying in professionals from Britain and Ireland on a near-monthly basis to perform at The Shamrock Irish Bar (Tallers 72) and the Wylie Brewery in Sitges. Just Kidding Barcelona, regularly hosted by the show’s co-founder Andy J. Ritchie, from Edinburgh, has a variety of stand-up comedy shows, as well as open mic nights. For a midweek chuckle, Stand-up Comedy Live takes place every Wednesday at Craft Barcelona (Paradís 4), while Barcelona Improv Group holds monthly shows at Tinta Roja (Creu dels Molers 17) and offers Sunday drop-in classes—fun, low-pressure workshops, where you can have a go at making your partner laugh.
2. Shipmate
For a night with a nautical twist, try one of Barcelona’s evening boat rides. Watch the sun set behind Tibidabo and the city lights begin to sparkle whilst gliding gently across the Mediterranean. On Orsom’s sunset cruise, you’ll sail to the smooth sounds of live jazz, or if you really want to push the boat out, Get Your Guide has a two-hour sunset sailing tour, which includes a complimentary glass of cava and the opportunity to steer the boat. As long as you’re both steady on your sea legs, you could even try becoming the captain of your own ship. GetMyBoat and Click&Boat each have hundreds of boats you can charter or rent for the ultimate privacy amongst the lapping waves.
3. Dance the night away
It takes two to tango, right? El Desbande (Mare de Déu dels Desemparats 5) offers Argentine tango classes for all levels. Taught by professionals who have mastered the hot-blooded dance, they’ll bring out the fire within you. Practise your new moves at the school’s after-hours dance parties, or try one of the city’s many dance clubs. Mojito Club (Rosselló 217) boasts popular salsa nights, and Gracia Latina (Or 19) has a fiery dance floor filled with authentic rumba, tango and bachata.
4. Nice wheels
Hang on to your date for dear life as you roll your way around the city—any excuse for some good old-fashioned hand holding. One of the city’s most popular rollerblading spots is the beachfront promenade that starts at Barceloneta and runs all the way to the Fòrum. Another well-known place to roll around is Passeig de Lluís Companys, the wide, pedestrianised boulevard connecting the Arc de Triomf with Parc de la Ciutadella. For a more casual date, show off your skills alongside the Asociación de Patinadores de Barcelona, as they race across the city every Friday night at 10.30pm. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can pick up a pair at Rental Scooter Barcelona (Salvador Espriu 63) or Inercia (Roger de Flor 10), which rent rollerblades by the hour.
5. Spice it up
If the way to your date’s heart is through the stomach, then sharpen your culinary skills at one of Barcelona’s cooking classes. bcnKITCHEN in the Born (Fusina 15), encourages you to roll up your sleeves, put on an apron and get your hands dirty in one of its many cooking classes, from creative tapas and Basque pintxos to Spanish rice, Japanese sushi and gourmet hamburgers. Cook & Taste Barcelona (Paradís 3), set in a medieval building in the Gothic Quarter, offers private courses with a focus on Catalan cuisine, and at Espai Boisà in the Eixample (Passatge de Lluís Pellicer 8), you can learn to cook healthy, organic Mediterranean recipes before savouring your handiwork with a glass of wine in the small, peaceful garden.