To travel through history, Barcelona invites you to get lost in alleys where time seems to have stood still, such as the Gothic Quarter and the Raval, two fundamental enclaves of Barcelona’s old town. And through the little streets of Born and Barceloneta, where you can appreciate the charm of the old fishermen’s neighborhoods of the riverside, while in the Eixample you can walk along the regular layout of the positivist architecture of Idelfonso Cerdà. History and modernity come together in Barcelona as in few other cities in the world. In Barcelona, art is the protagonist: contemporary art can be found at the MACBA and the CCCB; classical art is exhibited at the MNAC. The world’s finest collection of works from the great cubist’s youthful period is housed in the Picasso Museum. In addition to these, there are other sites linked to design and decorative arts, such as the Disseny HUB. Barcelona, of course, is also home to the best of Catalan modernism: La Pedrera, Casa Battló and the Sagrada Familia basilica, the three architectural jewels of Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona also offers you to travel with your palate. There the Mediterranean gastronomy finds a privileged enclave, with typical dishes that can be tasted after a walk along the coast: paellas, seafood, fresh fish, fideuas and other delicacies. And sports lovers, especially soccer lovers, have in the Camp Nou of FC Barcelona one of the most important and most historic temples of the discipline. But also the Barcelona Olympic Games, held in 1992, have left their mark on the neighborhood of the Olympic Village and Montjuïc.
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Best time to travel
Any time of the year is perfect to travel to Barcelona, especially for two reasons. First, because of the mild climate offered by the city, where it is never too cold or too hot. And, secondly, because there are always activities of all kinds to enjoy during the vacations. It is a city that is in permanent movement, 365 days a year.
Weather
During the spring in Barcelona, rainfall is more abundant than throughout the year, but with the advantage that it is a city in which, in general, it rains very little. The average rainfall for the three months of spring is 8 to 10 days, and it is never constant or heavy, but rather intermittent and gentle. And during the evenings, the pleasant breeze of the Mediterranean arrives and you can fully enjoy the terraces and bars.
Events & Parties
For literature lovers, Sant Jordi is celebrated on April 23: publishers and bookstores take to the streets to celebrate International Book Day and the whole city is filled with letters. It is also the season of the Primavera Sound festival, which hosts the best bands and soloists of the world scene; a luxury event for those who enjoy indie and modern music.
Price evolution
The city in spring is usually a bit more expensive than in autumn or winter, especially in terms of flights and accommodations. But it is always a cheaper season than summer.
Weather
Heat and humidity are present during Barcelona’s summer, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 33 degrees, with very little rainfall and humidity always on the rise. Fortunately, Barcelona’s beach line is very wide, so you can cool off and get through the summer heat in the best possible way.
Events & Parties
The first days of summer in Barcelona are those of the San Juan festival, June 23 and 24, with bonfires, firecrackers and nightly celebrations. It is also a time of many recreational and leisure activities on the beach (concerts, open-air cinema, free dance classes) and the great electronic music and technology festival Sonar.
Price evolution
Summer is the time when the costs of traveling to Barcelona are usually the highest, because it is the vacation of the vast majority of Europeans and Europeans. Therefore, the Catalan capital is a highly sought-after destination at this time of the year, which generates an increase in demand and the prices of flights and accommodation as well.
September – December Autumn in Barcelona is very mild and the influx of tourists is usually much lower than in summer. A temperate climate, with few cold days and most of them with temperatures ranging between 9 and 23 degrees Celsius. And a perfect time to enjoy the city in peace and quiet.
Weather
Autumn in Barcelona is usually a prodigal time of rains that, some years, can be more abundant than in spring. But always within the moderation of the Mediterranean climate: mild, intermittent and with little or little wind. It is not necessary to wear a warm coat, because the weather is usually mild and quite pleasant.
Events & Parties
The beginning of autumn in Barcelona is marked by the festivities of the patron saint of the city: the Mercè Festival. They generally run from September 23 to 30 and are highlighted by a large number of concerts and outdoor activities for all audiences.
Price evolution
The cheapest time to travel to Barcelona is undoubtedly autumn, because the demand decreases considerably compared to summer and there are many more possibilities and offers for flights and hotels. And it coincides with the fact that it is a very quiet time to enjoy the city, with far fewer tourists than in other seasons of the year.
December – March Traveling to Barcelona in winter is ideal for those who enjoy the Christmas vacation atmosphere, but without the snow and extreme cold of other parts of Europe. Average temperatures range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius, so it is not too cold, although it is advisable to dress warmly.
Weather
Rainfall during the three winter months in Barcelona is very low and it usually rains much less than in autumn. In general, in winter it rains two or three days a month in Barcelona, no more. And although it is cold, temperatures are quite moderate, as in most of the Mediterranean.
Events & Parties
Christmas markets and the end-of-year celebration atmosphere are the protagonists of Barcelona’s winter, with garlands, carols and colors in the Santa Llucia market, the Three Kings Fair and the Three Kings Parade. And the winter has a luxurious closing with the carnivals.
Price evolution
Christmas charm and New Year’s Eve festivities tend to attract a specific type of tourism that drives up the prices of flights and accommodation in Barcelona during the winter. While it does not reach the point of spring or summer, the cost of the stay is usually somewhat higher than in the fall.
What to see and do
How to get from the airport
There are many options to reach the city of Barcelona from El Prat airport, which has two terminals, T1 and T2. One is located next to the other, which greatly simplifies the way to get there by different means of transportation.
Where to stay
Photo galleries
