Want to follow in the footsteps of your favorite karate kids in Barcelona? Whether you’re rolling like Terry Silver or working with a Johnny Lawrence-level budget, this guide has you covered! Season 6’s Sekai Taikai brought our favorite dojos to the stunning streets of Barcelona, and you can capture that same spirit without maxing out your credit card. No need to break a leg (or the bank) to have an epic time in Barcelona!
If you want to walk in the footsteps of “Cobra Kai,” W Barcelona is the place to do it. Known as “La Vela” for its sail-like shape, this 26-story hotel towers over the harbor, giving you incredible views of the yachts and the Mediterranean. Inside, the vibe is sleek and modern, with rooms designed in cool grays and creams that scream comfort.
The restaurant options range from bold Peruvian flavors at COYA to elevated Japanese cuisine at NOXE, while the W Lounge offers innovative cocktails with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Afterward, you can chill by the pool, unwind at the spa, or even check out the manmade beach. It’s all about balancing adventure and relaxation.
Want to dive deeper into the local flavor? Consider signing up for a food tour to explore the best tapas and hidden culinary gems around the city so you don’t end up eating chimichangas like Johnny!
This place has the luxury you’d expect from the dojo masters, but if you’re on a Johnny Lawrence budget, don’t stress—there are plenty of other spots nearby to live your Barcelona adventure.
Choose Your Dojo – Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do? 🐍🆚🦅🌳
Don’t forget to bring your favorite shirt—Harry’s totally rocking the Strike First Cobra Logo T-Shirt, while Audrey’s undeniably showing her Miyagi-Do spirit with the Miyagi-Do Karate Eagle Fang Bonsai Tree Dojo Logo T-Shirt. Which dojo will you represent?
Follow in the Footsteps of Cobra Kai
Want to live the “Cobra Kai” life for real? Start with W Barcelona. With jaw-dropping views, killer design, and all the amenities you could need, it’s the spot to channel your inner dojo master.
Dreamy Beachfront Location
And the location? Think of it as your personal dojo for beach vibes. Perched on San Sebastian Beach, the W Barcelona gives you direct access to Barceloneta Beach, where people-watching is an Olympic sport. Whether you’re checking out the local characters or soaking up the sun like you’re about to land a perfect crane kick, this spot has got you covered. It’s your prime beachside real estate, no tournament required.
🏨 W Barcelona > Check Availability
Want a room that’s as epic as your trip? The Marvelous Suite at W Barcelona has you covered. Kick back on your private terrace, soak in the sea views, and enjoy all the perks—king bed, walk-in shower, and your own coffee stash. It’s like a vacation upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Popular Attractions Nearby
And, when you’re done pretending you’re in a “Cobra Kai” montage, you’re just a short walk away from some of the best spots in the city:
- 🎨 Museu Picasso: Take in Picasso’s early masterpieces and impress everyone with your newfound knowledge of art. (Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel!)
- 🚶♂️ Las Ramblas: This iconic street is buzzing 24/7, packed with food, street performers, and, well, people you’ll want to stare at. (It’s right around the corner—basically in your backyard.)
- 😋 La Boqueria Market: Hungry? This market is a paradise for food lovers, with fresh produce, tapas, and all the snacks your heart desires. (Also minutes from the hotel!)
- 🎻 Palau de la Musica Catalana: A concert hall that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s fancy, beautiful, and definitely worth a visit. (Only a 15-minute walk.)
- ⛲ Ciutadella Park: Perfect for a break from the city’s buzz. Relax, have a picnic, or practice your best kata moves under the sun. (Only a 20-minute stroll away!)
🏨 Mid-Range – Balance Like Miyagi-Do
If you’re looking to strike a balance between Terry Silver’s opulence and Johnny Lawrence’s practicality, the H10 Madison is where you want to be. Nestled in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, this hotel is just steps from the Barcelona Cathedral and hidden alleyways full of cozy, medieval vibes (with much better food than in the 1400s).
The rooms are spacious, and stylish, and have views that make the rooftop terrace a must. And the location? Perfect. You’re just a short walk from Las Ramblas, the Arc de Triomf, and even the beach. Plus, tons of tasty eats are nearby, from tacos to sushi. It’s classy without the crazy price tag.
🏨 H10 Madison > Check Availability
🏨 Budget – Smart and Thrifty Like Johnny
If you’re working with a tighter budget (but want something more comfortable than Johnny’s 1993 Dodge Caravan), you can still find great places to stay without sacrificing your experience. Check out our list of the best budget-savvy accommodations here. The goal is to spend less time in your hotel and save your cash for tapas tours and extra rounds of sangria, rather than high hotel bills!
Nearby Attractions – Things to Do in Barcelona
Whether you’re staying at the Westin or a budget-friendly hostel, you’ll find Barcelona’s stunning architecture, rich culture, and energetic vibe impossible to miss. If you want to experience the magic of Barcelona like your favorite “Cobra Kai” characters, here are some must-see spots in the city.
Must-See Spots!
- ⛪ La Sagrada Familia: This iconic, unfinished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi is a must-see. Book a tour early so you can skip the lines—trust us, you’ll want to get inside this awe-inspiring basilica.
- Join the free walking tour starting at Plaza de Catalunya (across from the Apple store) for a 2.5-hour journey through Barcelona’s L’Eixample neighborhood. You’ll see iconic Gaudi masterpieces like Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera), learn about the fascinating history of the Sagrada Familia, and uncover hidden symbolism—all with just a 3€ reservation fee.
- 🏰 Montjuic Hill: Take a cable car up this historic hill to get sweeping views of the city and explore the Montjuic Castle, and view the Olympic Stadium. It’s a perfect spot to meditate on life, karate-style.
- 🖤 Gothic Quarter: Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter and discover hidden gems—perfect for channeling your inner Daniel LaRusso reminiscing on the life of Mr. Miyogi, and soaking in the rich history.
- 🌳 Park Guell: Another Gaudi wonder! Tour the whimsical park and explore its colorful mosaics, gardens, and amazing views.
🔥 BBQ Experience in Downtown Penthouse with Chef Victor! 🔥
Get ready for a BBQ experience that goes beyond your average tourist trap. Join Kiira and Victor, your laid-back, food-loving hosts, for a personalized BBQ bash in their epic Barcelona penthouse. Whether you’re a carnivore or plant-based pro, they’ve got you covered with a menu that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance.
- When: 8:00 PM (3.5 hours)
- Where: Downtown Barcelona (you won’t get lost, we promise!)
- Guests: 10 maximum – so you’ll actually get to chat with everyone!
- Included: Aperitivo drink, cheese & fuet bites, classic choripan, premium meat cuts or plant-based burgers, veggie skewers, homemade Babaganush, and 3 glasses of wine
- Food Safety Certified: Because safety’s cool.
- Pro Tip: This BBQ is outdoors, so pack a jumper if it’s winter or sunscreen if you’re coming in summer!
And hey, while you’re at it, this is your chance to ask all the weird questions you’ve been too shy to ask any local. Ever wonder why the Spanish seem to eat dinner so late? Or how they REALLY feel about tapas? Now’s your moment!
Free & Budget-Friendly “Cobra Kai” Experiences
Good news: You don’t need a black belt in finance to enjoy Barcelona’s top attractions. Whether you’re on a budget or just want to balance out your splurges, there are plenty of free (or nearly free) experiences that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Train Like a Champion
- 🏖️ Barceloneta Beach: Get up early and practice your kata on the beach at sunrise. It’s the perfect way to start your day—plus, it’s free! (Bonus points if you try the “crane kick.”)
- 🌴 Parc de la Ciutadella: Join one of the free workout groups in this lush, green park or simply enjoy the sights. It’s the perfect place to stretch those limbs after a long flight.
- 🥋 Local Dojos: Drop-in classes are available at various dojos around the city, so you can keep your training sharp while exploring Barcelona. Remember, fear does not exist in this dojo!
Explore Filming Locations
- 🖤 Gothic Quarter: Step into the cobbled streets where the “Cobra Kai” gang walked. It’s a free adventure and a great spot for some classic Instagram shots.
- 🏟️ Montjuic Hill: Head to Montjuïc National Palace to see the stairs Miyagi-Do exercised on before the final tournament. Also, feel free to roam the grounds and get a feel for the history. A true classic spot for any “Cobra Kai” fan.
- 🚶♂️ La Rambla: Take a stroll down this famous street and imagine yourself walking alongside your favorite characters.
Keep reading to see all of the filming locations below!
🎮 Level Up Your Savings with Go City Pass 🎮
If you’re looking to save a little extra cash to splurge on tapas or “Cobra Kai” merch, the Go City Barcelona Pass is your secret weapon. Think of it as your “crane kick” to saving big while hitting the city’s top attractions.
Why Go City is Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash
The All-Inclusive Pass grants unlimited access to over 40 attractions, including Barcelona’s must-sees like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo. Prefer flexibility? The Explorer Pass lets you pick 3-7 attractions over 60 days. With skip-the-line access, you’ll breeze past crowds and get straight to the action—no time wasted, just like a Cobra Kai strike. To maximize your pass, plan ahead and hit the top sites early to make the most of your time and money.
Money-Saving Tips
Transportation
- Pick up a T-Casual transport card for easy access to metro, bus, and tram rides. It’s good for 10 trips—super convenient and cost-effective.
- Consider the Go City Pass if you’re planning on hitting a lot of museums or attractions—it covers both transport and entry to many sites.
- Walking is free! The city center is compact, so walking can get you to many top spots without spending a dime.
Best Free Views (Better Than Any Hotel Rooftop!)
- Bunkers del Carmel: You’ll get panoramic views of the whole city. Best part? It’s totally free!
- Montjuic: Overlooking the harbor, this is another spot for stunning views. Perfect for sunset vibes.
- Park Guell: You don’t have to pay to enjoy the beauty of the park’s free areas—and the views of the city are epic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Cobra Kai’s Barcelona Adventure
Q: What locations in Spain were featured in “Cobra Kai” Season 6?
A: Season 6 of “Cobra Kai” takes us to the sunny streets of Barcelona, but not everything you see was filmed there. Here’s the lowdown on the real spots:
1. The W Barcelona (Sail Hotel)
The teams stay at this swanky beachfront hotel in the Barceloneta district. You can’t miss it—its sail-like design sticks out like a sore thumb. But, fun fact, most of the action at the tournament itself was filmed in Atlanta.
2. Barcelona Aquarium (Port Vell)
You’ll catch an exterior shot of this aquarium in Episode 6, “Benvinguts a Barcelona”. But the interior scenes? Totally filmed at Georgia Aquarium’s underwater tunnel in Atlanta.
3. Barcelona Cathedral Apse
In “Dog in the Fight,” Daniel gets dropped off at the Barcelona Cathedral. However, they likely filmed in the early morning to avoid the crowds that typically crowd the Gothic Quarter.
4. San Sebastian Beach
For those beach scenes, the show took advantage of Barcelona’s San Sebastian beach, located near the W Hotel. Here, we see some memorable moments between Samantha and Axel.
5. Hospital de Sant Pau (Interior)
This historic Art Nouveau building hosts some of Miyagi-Do’s intense training moments. It’s one of Barcelona’s must-see landmarks—talk about a great backdrop for karate.
6. Montjuic Hill-Montjuïc National Palace
The viewpoints at the top of the monumental staircase on Montjuic at Montjuïc National Palace make for a striking setting—you can even see the four columns like in the series!
7. Placa Reial
A beautiful, palm-lined square in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, known for its neoclassical architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and charming cafés. This is where Johnny chilled with a beer next to the fountain.
Besalu Medieval Bridge
This gem is outside Barcelona, in the Girona region. Besalu’s stunning medieval architecture and iconic bridge take center stage during some training scenes.
Sant Miquel del Fai
This cliffside 11th-century monastery, perched in the Sant Llorenc del Munt Natural Park, is another notable training location featured outside Barcelona. Talk about a spiritual training ground.
✈️ Begin Planning Your Unforgettable Spain Vacation Now!
Q: Was the entire tournament filmed in Barcelona?
A: Nope, the Sekai Taikai Tournament is a major event, but most of it was filmed at The Eastern in Atlanta, Georgia. The Barcelona locations provided the stunning backdrop for the story but didn’t host the tournament action itself.
Q: Are there any real places I can visit in Barcelona?
A: Absolutely! Barcelona’s charm is in its history, culture, and architecture. While “Cobra Kai” used creative filming techniques, you can still visit the W Hotel, the Barcelona Aquarium, the Gothic Quarter, and the Hospital de Sant Pau for a taste of the city’s vibe. Just remember, there might not be any epic karate fights waiting for you… or maybe there will be. You never know!
Q: Was the beach in Barcelona really used for the show?
A: Yep! The beach scenes with Samantha and Axel were filmed at San Sebastian Beach, located near the W Barcelona. Perfect for a little fictional martial arts action by the sea.
Q: What is Besalu, and why is it in the show?
A: Besalu is a medieval town outside Barcelona, known for its incredible Romanesque architecture. It’s an absolutely beautiful spot for filming, especially for scenes involving the dojo’s intense training. If you’re into history and scenery, it’s a place worth visiting—karate chops optional!
Remember what Mr. Miyagi said: “Balance is key.” Mix in a few splurge-worthy activities with your budget-friendly ones, and you’ll have the perfect Barcelona adventure. Whether you’re staying at the Westin or a cozy hostel, Barcelona’s charm—and the spirit of karate—are within reach for every budget. Strike first, strike hard, but don’t break your budget! 🥋✨
Note: Book well in advance for the best deals—Barcelona’s one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet! And maybe don’t try any crane kicks near historic monuments. Trust us.
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