When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Most visitors tend to come during the height of summer for a long weekend, but given that the streets can get rammed, which can upset locals, the best time to enjoy the sights, beaches and weather in the most respectful way would be in the autumn.

Going just shy of the most popular season will mean that queues are shorter, restaurant reservations are less of a nightmare to make and it generally gives you a much more relaxed visit because you aren’t packed into narrow streets like sardines. Also, choosing to go in September or October still gives you excellent weather.

For example, in September, the daytime temperature on average sits at around 26℃, which drops to 24℃ in October. However, these temperatures are just a few degrees lower than in July and August and are much more comfortable for visitors wanting to roam the city and walk all over the place.

Nevertheless, the summertime is popular for a reason. Music festivals are being celebrated and there is glorious sunshine. From late May to July there are average temperatures in the mid to high twenties, making it an enjoyable time of year to visit.

August tends to be incredibly hot and humid, meaning that unless you’re planning to spend every day at the beach, you may find the heat unbearable whilst exploring the city. This time of year also tends to be packed full of tourists wanting to see Gaudí’s architecture and the city’s landmarks in a short amount of time, leading to very busy streets around the main attractions and holiday rentals being booked up quickly.

If you’re considering springtime for your trip to the city, you can expect lower temperatures, that also come with cheaper prices and fewer people. You can explore Barcelona’s sights and food culture at a less rushed and hectic pace, as well as enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches as the area is just starting to warm up. That being said, this season is much more suited to sightseeing visitors as opposed to those who want to relax on the beaches because the water temperature is just a little bit too cold for swimming. It’s still a brilliant time to explore this Catalonian city, but definitely bring some jackets with you to stop you from feeling chilly during the morning and evening.

Even winter couldn’t be considered a bad time to visit. With prices dropping even further, there are still loads of things to do during this low season as the cultural vibe doesn’t stop for winter.

You can still walk around the virtually tourist-free streets, explore the Old Town, eat some delicious tapas and visit gorgeous buildings. The temperatures may be lower, but they’re still pretty mild. In fact, crisp, sunny days are often enjoyed by visitors during this season and for many, it’s the perfect time to visit the parks and places of interest.

What is there to do in Barcelona?

There is an endless list of amazing things to do in Barcelona at all times of the year, but one of the main attractions has to be its distinctive architecture.

• Antoni Gaudí’s cultural legacy and work inspired by nature can be seen all around the city.
• You can visit his Casa Batlló with a wavy facade made of broken ceramic tiles in a mosaic pattern that shimmers in the sunshine and a roof that looks like dragon scales.
• Nearby is Casa Milà, which has an exterior made of stone and features an awesome roof terrace with fantastic views. If you wanted to learn more about the famous architect’s start in life and his career, his first major project, called Casa Vicens, is a great place to go. This work is inspired by the art from the Near and Far East, as well as Islamic architecture creating a colourful mix of inspiration all in one house. There is also the famous Sagrada Familia, which has never properly been finished but still showcases the architect’s unique style and continues to stun visitors.
• If you’re looking for a mix of manmade and natural, there is no better place to visit than Parque Güell, which includes a mosaic salamander, terrace and roofing, along with beautiful columns and fountains surrounded by trees and wildlife.Be sure to book in advance online, so that you can see everything that you fancy visiting.

Depending on what time you visit, you may be able to catch some exciting music festivals including Primavera Sound, which is normally held within the first two weekends in June.

• The likes of Tame Impala, The National, Yo La Tengo and even Radiohead have played at this festival over the years and for those who love live music, this festival is a must!
• There is also the Cruilla Festival in June, which is renowned for its mix of genres, up-and-coming acts and brilliant location next to the beach. Plus, you can get a day ticket or a ticket for the full weekend, giving you some flexibility to see the acts you want to listen to.

Another excellent summer festival is the Vida Festival which normally includes a line-up of rock and pop acts and is held just south of the city in Masia d'en Cabanyes, allowing you to listen to music in the natural, beautiful woodlands.

If you’re not a festival person, but you love concerts and live music, a gorgeous venue to check out is the Palau de la Música, which you can visit in its own right to see the stained-glass features, outdoor mosaic columns and breathtaking theatre room. There are often classical, jazz, opera and flamenco music concerts too.

All year round, the food never fails to impress. The gastronomy in Barcelona is absolutely delicious and you can find tasty food and drink all over the city. It is easy to find typically Spanish food such as paella, churros, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette) and various tapas dishes, as well as more typically Catalan food.

For example, on lots of menus, there is crema catalana, which is a creamy custard dessert flavoured with lemon and cinnamon, with a caramelised sugar layer on top. For a savoury option, there is pa amb tomàquet, which is a simple food consisting of good quality bread with tomato and garlic rubbed on top of it with flavoursome olive oil.

There are so many options to explore traditionally Spanish and Catalan food in fantastic surroundings, one of which being the popular restaurant El Nacional, which is divided up into different sections that showcase the city’s food and drink (just in case you’re still deciding between seafood, tapas or grilled meats) with interiors inspired by the art-deco style.

If you’re staying in accommodation that allows you to cook your own food, you could buy some fresh fruits and vegetables, sweets, cakes, meats, fish and so much more in the Mercado de La Boqueria, if you fancied staying in for a night and eating all the tasty produce.

What should I know before visiting Barcelona?

There is more than one language spoken

Barcelona is part of Spain, therefore Spanish is spoken by the majority of people who live there. The language spoken by most locals is Catalán, so whilst your Spanish skills will definitely be enough and you can generally get by with English, you could always learn a few extra phrases. For example, instead of saying Buenos Días (good morning), say Bon día!

The metro will be your best friend

The Barcelona metro system is simply fantastic. With a line that runs from the airport to the city and links to loads of different areas, it’s great to take advantage of if you have a schedule to stick to, or if your feet start hurting. You can buy a ticket per journey, or a travel card that suits the duration of your trip online or at the station. 

Watch out for pickpockets

Like most major European cities, it’s best to watch your valuables, especially in tourist areas and on the metro. People may try to cause a scene on the train to distract you before nabbing wallets and purses, or they may subtly take items from your bag. Just be aware of your surroundings or perhaps even invest in a theft-proof backpack if you plan on travelling around with baggage and need some peace of mind.