Although Barcelona is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious cuisines, tanning on Barceloneta Beach in January or snacking on hot chocolate on Barcelona’s chocolate street in July might not be the most ideal. To make the most of your time in Barcelona, enjoying all of the incredible museums, stunning lookout points and special Catalan events and traditions, it is important to know the best times to enjoy different activities and excursions in Barcelona. In order to not miss out on the Barcelona highlights, this seasonal breakdown details what to do when in Barcelona.
🚊 How to use the Barcelona Metro: transport cards, schedules, routes and more
Spending the summer in Barcelona
The sun shines down on you as you sip your refreshing sangria, looking out at the Barcelona skyline. This is a summer in Barcelona. While it is hot, the weather is perfect for you to live out all of your beach time dreams or dance around to one of the many Barcelona music festivals. The possibilities of what to do during a summer in Barcelona are endless.
Get a drink at one of the many Barcelona rooftop bars
Barcelona has a breathtaking skyline, and the city knows this because many hotels and restaurants take advantage of this with their rooftop bars all throughout the city. Enjoy the beautiful Barcelona architecture while drinking a delicious cocktail under the sun. Depending if you want to be close to the coast or have first-class views of the Barcelona Cathedral, there is a rooftop for every preference.
🍸 5 best rooftop bars in Barcelona for an unforgettable drinking experience
Bask in the sun on the Barcelona beaches
With nine different beaches along the Barcelona coast, there is a beach experience for everyone. Barcelona summers are the perfect time to get relax on the sand or get out in the ocean to surf some waves. The beaches also have amazing amenities such as playgrounds, ping pong tables and ice cream stands. And if you are close to the beach, fresh seafood and paella is not that far away. Summers in Barcelona are the best time to enjoy the beach before grabbing a delicious pan of traditional paella for lunch.
Dance the day away at a Barcelona music festival
Every year, people flock to Barcelona in the summer to take part in one of the many world-renowned music festivals. The oldest electronic music festival in Barcelona is called Sónar, and it takes place in mid-June. Sónar puts a huge emphasis on using music to promote technology and creativity. Cruïlla is another very popular festival that takes place at the beginning of July. The Cruïlla festival takes place right by the sea and welcomes all types of music with a focus on social responsibility and sustainability. These are just two very popular music festivals during the summer, but there are many more all over Barcelona.
One of the most popular festivals I must mention is Primavera Sound. Primavera Sound actually takes place at the end of May and beginning of June, so more of a springtime setting, but it brings in some of the biggest international artists. In 2023, artists such as Rosalía, Calvin Harris, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar and Pet Shop Boys, just to name a few, will be performing. It is one of the largest music festivals you do not want to miss.
Fun fall activities in Barcelona
The crisp wind chill in the Barcelona air marks the start of fall. While the weather is still very enjoyable, you may want to start transitioning to indoor activities such as touring the famous Barcelona architecture or seeing a show at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Or you can get a little spooky with a tour of the Poblenou cemetery on All Saints Day. Watch the leaves change colour as you discover more of the amazing Barcelona fall activities.
Explore Gaudí’s famous architectural works
Along Passeig de Gràcia, you can find several of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Both are private residences that Gaudí designed in the early 1900s, challenging the traditional rules of design. They both have incredible rooftop views and unique architectural features down to the shape of the doorknobs. Touring these homes is best in the fall because you can be inside if it is cold, while still enjoying the beautiful sunset from the roof.
Take a nighttime tour of the Poblenou cemetery
Every fall, people go to the Barcelona cemeteries to pay respects to their loved ones on All Saints Day. As one of the first cemeteries in Barcelona, the Poblenou cemetery always hosts a nighttime tour to celebrate the All Saints Festival. This tour features several themed characters to spice up the tour and explain the history and importance of the cemetery. You will also visit some of the most famous gravestones where very prominent people are buried. Although you can tour the Poblenou cemetery during the day any time of year, there is something special about being led around the graveyard by candlelight during the slight chill of a Barcelona fall.
See a show at the Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Gran Teatre del Liceu, also known as El Liceu, opened in 1847, making it the oldest theatre in Barcelona. It is a prestigious music hall that hosts concerts, operas and ballets. Constantly featuring new artists and productions, there is always something exciting to see at El Liceu. Attending a show at El Liceu is the perfect fall activity since you can avoid the chilly fall evening weather with the comfort of a red plush chair and mood lighting.
What to do during winter in Barcelona
While winters in Barcelona are fairly mild, there can still be a strong windchill and it is not the most pleasant to be outdoors. But no worries, there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona in the wintertime from enjoying the delicious hot chocolate to taking part in the huge celebration of Carnival. There are also many indoor museums and experiences that can provide a nice escape from the cold.
Try the famous hot chocolate on Carrer Petritxol
Calling all chocolate fans! Visiting Carrer Petritxol, also known as chocolate street, is a must during winter in Barcelona. Carrer Petritxol is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, known for being the site of many chocolate shops that serve authentic hot chocolate and churros. They also have many other classic Catalan desserts for those who would like to try some of the other traditional sweets. Carrer Petritxol is the perfect stop to warm you up with a tasty treat on a cold winter day in Barcelona.
☕️ Exploring Carrer Petritxol: the Barcelona street with the best hot chocolate
Learn more about Catalan history and culture at the Barcelona museums
Barcelona has a museum for every interest area where you can see classic pieces such as Picasso’s Las Meninas series, or modern creations such as Moco Museum’s Diamond Matrix. If art is not as much your speed you can visit the Museu de la Xocolata or the Chocolate Museum, and learn all about its significance in Barcelona. You can also go to Poble Espanyol which is an open-air museum that also hosts concerts and crafting workshops. In a city as artistic and creative as Barcelona, there is always something new to discover.
🖼 6 best Barcelona museums for an immersive Catalan experience
Celebrate Carnival the Catalan way
One of the biggest celebrations in Barcelona and the neighboring city of Sitges is Carnival. Carnival takes place every year, usually in February following Lent, to celebrate a time of freedom and indulgence. All over the city, people dress up in colourful outfits – the more sparkles and feathers the better – and parade around the city to celebrate the Carnival King. There are several special traditions and customs practiced during the week of Carnival, as well as traditional Catalan foods that are enjoyed during this time. It is such a fun time to be in Barcelona to immerse yourself in the Catalan culture and enjoy all of the festivities of this valued tradition.
🎉 The best photos of Sitges Carnival 2023 and its Debauchery Parade
Enjoying spring in Barcelona
Spring in Barcelona is a special time because there is a new freshness in the air as plants start to grow and the leaves turn back to green. This nice weather is perfect to enjoy all of Barcelona’s outdoor activities such as renting a rowboat in Ciutadella Park or attending an FC Barcelona game at the Camp Nou stadium. Spring brings a new life into the city as well as new special cuisine such as the traditional Catalan calçots. There is lots to explore and try during spring in Barcelona.
Experiencing the Catalan tradition of calçotada
Every year, the people of Barcelona await the start of spring to enjoy calçotada. Calçots are a type of spring onion that is grown in Catalonia, freshest at the beginning of the spring season. Calçots have been a special dish in Catalonia for over 100 years and are a staple in the springtime diet. There is truly nothing like them in that they are prepared by burning them and then peeling away the blackened layer. You then lower them into your mouth for a sweet and tasty surprise. Everyone should have the chance to experience this unique Catalan springtime tradition.
🍴 What are calçots? The tradition and importance of the calçotada in Catalonia
Watch an FC Barcelona game at Camp Nou
You cannot come to Barcelona and not experience an FC Barcelona game. With one of the best men's and women's football teams in the world, it is an experience like no other. Be prepared to leave impressed and in awe of all of the skill on the field. The Camp Nou stadium is also a masterpiece to see itself. While the football season goes from August until May, spring is one of the best times to see a game because the weather is perfect so you are not too hot or too cold, but comfortable with the support of your blue and red-striped FC Barcelona scarf - a necessary souvenir.
⚽ Experiencing my first FC Barcelona women’s game as an American
Rowboat around Ciutadella Park
Barcelona is full of many green spaces and parks perfect for a nice stroll or picnic. But beyond that, you can visit one of Barcelona’s largest spaces, Ciutadella Park, and rent a rowboat out on the pond. The rowboats can be rented by the hour for a very affordable price. Located in the center of Barcelona, it is a great place to relax while watching the green parrots fly over the pond. The spring weather provides a great ambiance while you row your boat through the park.
Best Barcelona excursions to partake in all year round
While there are certain activities that are better fit for certain seasons in Barcelona, there are many exciting Barcelona staples that are fun all year long. Check out these best Barcelona pastimes to enjoy any time of the year.
Stop by one of the many magnificent Barcelona churches and cathedrals
There is so much rich Catalan history in the beautiful churches all over Barcelona. Transport yourself back hundreds of years when visiting these Gothic and Neo-Gothic wonders. While everyone knows about the Sagrada Família, there are so many other churches hidden in the different plazas and squares throughout the city. You will not regret the magical experience of the sunlight shining through the detailed stained glass windows as you take your first steps down through the nave.
🎟 All about Sagrada Família: tickets, when to go and what to see in Barcelona's famous monument
Find unique pieces at the Barcelona flea markets
Barcelona is an international city full of fashionable and vintage clothing. This makes it the perfect city for flea markets, and wow, they have lots to choose from. One of the most popular flea market festivals is Palo Market Fest. It takes place the first weekend of every month and features food trucks, live music and clothing and jewelry stands. There is something for everyone. There is a small entry ticket fee, but it is well worth it for all that waits for you inside.
🛍 5 best flea markets in Barcelona: where to find the most unique pieces with the best price
Wander around Park Güell
Well-known around the world, Gaudí’s Park Güell is a must-see any time of the year. What started off as a residential park for the wealthy is now one of the most popular tourist spots, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a lot to see at the park from the mosaic decor to the unique rock structures. You can get lost in there for hours if you choose. There is also an extraordinary lookout point of the entire city. Park Güell is one of those spots that is incredible no matter when you choose to visit, making it one of the top Barcelona attractions.