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If you have some time to kill during a layover at Barcelona Airport or you’re waiting before your departure, you don’t have to be trapped inside the terminal. The area around Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) actually offers some hidden gems that are perfect for relaxing or exploring without venturing into the busy city centre.

Whether you've got a couple of hours or half a day, here’s how to turn that waiting time into something memorable. And yes, we’ll include what to do with your luggage while you’re on the go.

Store your luggage at Barcelona Airport with LUGGit

Before stepping a foot away from the airport, find a place to drop off your luggage. At Barcelona Airport, you can use LUGGit, a door‑to‑door luggage transfer and storage service.

Here’s how it works:

When you land at Barcelona El Prat, a LUGGit Keeper comes directly to your terminal and picks up your bags (no hunting for lockers!).
Then, when you’re ready, they’ll deliver your luggage anywhere in Barcelona: your hotel, an Airbnb, or even back to the airport.

You can book via LUGGit’s website or app (Android and IOS). Your luggage is sealed, tracked, and insured for total safety.

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Best things to do near Barcelona Airport

Explore El Prat de Llobregat

Transport: 5–15 min by taxi or L9 metro

The closest town to the airport is El Prat de Llobregat. It’s a nice place to get away from the bustle of the city, with more local vibes, and surrounded by natural parks and the Llobregat River Delta.

Enjoy some Spanish food in El Prat, away from the overpriced airport prices, and you’ll find very local, seasonal cuisine in small restaurants and markets. The town is known for its agricultural products, especially the El Prat artichoke, and there’s even an Artichoke Festival you can visit during March and April. We recommend you try Cafè L'Artesà (in the photo), Cèntric Gastrobar, or Casa Faustino.

Go shopping at Viladecans The Style Outlets

Transport: 5 min by taxi or 13 min by bus

Viladecans is another small town in the area. It’s a residential town, but a nice stop if you’re interested in some shopping, since it’s home to the Viladecans The Style Outlets, a modern outlet shopping center with big-name brands at discounted prices. Perfect for snagging some last-minute gifts.

Reconnect with nature at Delta del Llobregat Natural Park

Transport: 10 min by taxi

Less than 5 km south of the airport lies the Delta del Llobregat Natural Park, a protected area perfect for birdwatching, as it is a strategic point in bird migration routes. Take a walk on the boardwalk and spot some of the flamingos in the wetlands (if you’re visiting during winter). It’s flat, accessible, and perfect for recharging in quiet surroundings before a flight.

Relax at the beach

If you’re visiting during summer and the sun’s out, head to the sandy shores. You can dip a toe in the Mediterranean Sea and sip drinks at a seaside bar, on beaches that are less touristy and more peaceful.

Gavà and Castelldefels Beach - about 10 minutes by taxi, with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Playa del Prat - around 15 minutes by taxi, right south of the airport. It’s very uncrowded and you’re right under the flight path for takeoffs and landings, so you can do some plane-spotting.

Get pampered at Aqua Salon Spa

Transport: located inside Terminal 1 (free shuttle from T2)

After a long flight, a spa session can do wonders. Technically, this option isn’t near the airport, because you don’t even have to leave it! Head to the Aqua Salon Spa inside Terminal 1 and enjoy their services like manicures and pedicures, massages, and facial treatments. Perfect for resetting your body and mind before your next journey.

Visit the Aeronautical Cultural Center

Transport: 15 min walk from Terminal 2 or bus from T1

Another option within the Airport is the Aeronautical Cultural Center, a civil aviation exhibit featuring aircraft from various periods of history, including World War II and the Spanish Civil War. If you’re an aviation enthusiast or you’re traveling with kids, this is a great stop. It’s also free to visit (although donations are recommended). They’re closed on some specific dates, so check their schedule before visiting.

Try indoor skydiving at Windoor Realfly Barcelona

Located in Cornellà de Llobregat, Windoor Realfly Barcelona offers the thrilling experience of indoor skydiving (no parachute required). You’ll float in a vertical wind tunnel, guided by professional instructors, feeling the adrenaline of free-fall.

It’s an activity for all ages, making it great for both families and solo travelers looking for something different. The facility also has a café and viewing area, so even if you’re not flying yourself, you can just watch and relax.

Solve a puzzle at Synergo Escape Room

Transport: 10 min by taxi or 20 min by metro

If you’re in the mood for a challenge, Synergo Escape Room in El Prat de Llobregat delivers brain-teasing, immersive experiences. Synergo offers two different themed escape games, with one of them adapted for families with children, where you and your team must solve puzzles and uncover secrets in 80 minutes.

Visit the CRAM Foundation (marine animal rescue)

Time to get there: 18 minutes by taxi

For something educational, visit CRAM – Fundació per la Conservació i Recuperació d'Animals Marins, located near the beach in El Prat. This non-profit foundation is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals like sea turtles and dolphins, as well as researching ocean health and raising awareness about marine conservation.

Visitors can join guided tours on weekends and holidays, where you’ll learn about the foundation’s work and meet some of the animals under care. You need to book in advance and be aware that tours are usually in Spanish.

Tour the Estrella Damm brewery

Transport: 10 min by taxi or 20 min by metro

Beer lovers, take note: the Estrella Damm Factory, located in El Prat de Llobregat, offers guided tours that take you behind the scenes of one of Spain’s most iconic beers. Learn about the brewing process and the brand’s 150+ years of history, followed, of course, by a tasting session. Tours need to be booked ahead, and they’re available every day of the week.

FAQs about what to do near Barcelona Airport

What areas are close to Barcelona Airport?

The closest areas are El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, Castelldefels, and Gavà. All of them are reachable in under 20 minutes by taxi and are accessible via public transport too.

How close is Barcelona Airport to the city center?

About 15–20 km. A taxi ride takes 20 to 30 minutes, while public transport (like the Aerobús or L9 Metro) can take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Is it worth leaving the airport for a short layover?

If you have at least 3 hours of free time, then yes. Just remember, you should allow at least 2 hours to get back through security and reach your gate.

How far is the beach from Barcelona Airport?

You’ve got several beaches less than 15 minutes away: Gavà, Castelldefels, and Playa del Prat.

Explore Barcelona luggage-free

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