Best Things to Do This Winter in Barcelona

With winter comes shorter days, colder weather, and the need to find new ways to entertain yourself. If you're looking for things to do this winter in Barcelona, we've got you covered.

From exploring the city's Christmas markets to visiting some of its most iconic landmarks, here are the best things to do in Barcelona this winter.

Top Attractions

1. Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: This is one of the most atmospheric areas of Barcelona, with its medieval streets and buildings, as well as some Roman ruins thrown in for good measure. The best way to explore is simply to walk around and get lost!

2. Visit Park Güell: This famous park was designed by Antoni Gaudí and is full of his unique style. It’s a great place to take a stroll, take some photos, and enjoy the views of Barcelona.

3. Check out the Christmas markets: There are lots of different Christmas markets to choose from in Barcelona, each with its own atmosphere. From traditional Spanish Christmas markets to more modern ones, there’s something for everyone.

4. Take a day trip to Montserrat: This beautiful mountain is about an hour from Barcelona by train and is well worth a visit. You can hike up to the top, take the cable car, or just enjoy the views from the monastery at the top.

5. See a Flamenco show: Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture, and Barcelona is a great place to see it. There are several venues where you can see shows ranging from traditional performances to more modern interpretations.

Museums and Galleries

There are many excellent museums and galleries in Barcelona that are worth visiting, especially during the winter months when temperatures can be quite cold.

Here are some of the best ones to check out:

1. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA): This world-renowned museum is one of the most important contemporary art museums in Europe and houses an excellent collection of work by Spanish and international artists.

2. The Picasso Museum: This museum is dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and features a large collection of his works.

3. The Joan Miro Foundation: This foundation is dedicated to the work of Joan Miro, another pivotal figure in 20th-century art, and features a wide range of his paintings, sculptures, and other works.

4. The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC): This massive museum is one of the largest in Spain and features a vast collection of art from a variety of periods and cultures.

Parks and Gardens

Barcelona is a beautiful city to visit in the wintertime, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy despite the cooler temperatures.

If you're looking to spend some time in nature, there are several parks and gardens that are perfect for a winter stroll.

Here are some of the best ones to visit:

Park Guell: This world-famous park is one of Antoni Gaudi's most iconic works, and it's a great place to enjoy some stunning views of the city. The park is especially beautiful in the winter when it's covered in snow.

Jardin de la Ciutadella: This large park is located in the heart of Barcelona and is perfect for a leisurely stroll on a winter day. It's also home to a number of museums and attractions, so you can make a day of it.

Collserola Park: This huge park is located just outside of Barcelona and offers stunning views of the city. It's a great place to go for a hike or bike ride, and you can also find several restaurants and cafes if you need to warm up.

Shopping

There are so many great places to go shopping in Barcelona, whether you’re looking for designer brands, vintage finds, or local produce. Here are just a few of the best:

El Corte Inglés:

This iconic Spanish department store is a great place to find all sorts of things, from clothes and cosmetics to electronics and homeware. There are several branches in Barcelona, including one opposite Sants Station.

La Roca Village:

This designer outlet village is about 40 minutes from the city center by car or bus. It’s home to over 130 stores, with big names like Nike, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Guess. There’s also a food court and playground for the kids.

Mercat de la Boqueria:

This world-famous market on Las Ramblas is a must-visit for any foodie. You’ll find fresh produce, seafood, cured meats, cheese, and much more. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat if you get peckish!

Mercat de Sant Antoni:

This is another great market for foodies, with over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, and more. It’s located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, which is also home to plenty of great bars and restaurants.

Born Neighborhood:

This trendy neighborhood is full of cute cafes, independent shops, and designer boutiques. It’s the perfect place to do some people-watching while you enjoy some retail therapy!

Catalan Cuisine

Winter in Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without trying some traditional Catalan cuisine.

Some of the best dishes to try include escudella (a type of stew), espinacs a la Catalana (spinach with pine nuts and raisins), and crema Catalana (a custard dessert).

Barcelona is also home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, so if you’re feeling fancy, be sure to make a reservation at one of these!

Other great things to do in Barcelona during the winter months include visiting the Gothic Quarter, taking a day trip to Montserrat, or going skiing in the nearby Pyrenees Mountains.

And of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing some of its famous architecture, like Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia or Park Guell.

Winter Festivals

As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, many people begin to feel the winter blues. Luckily, Barcelona knows how to keep its residents and visitors entertained during the colder months with a variety of winter festivals.

Here are some of the best things to do this winter in Barcelona:

Barcelona Winter Festival:

This festival takes place every year from December 21st to January 6th in Plaça de Catalunya. It includes a large ice skating rink, a traditional Christmas market, and a Ferris wheel.

Festes de Sant Narcís:

Saint Narcís is the patron saint of Girona, and his festival is celebrated with a week of cultural and musical events from October 28th to November 4th. The festival's highlight is the “Correfoc,” or fire run, which takes place on October 31st. Participants dress up as demons and run through the streets while spraying fireworks at onlookers!

Diwali Festival:

This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated every year in mid-November. The main event takes place in Passeig de Gracia, where there is a parade of floats decorated with lights and original costumes. After the parade, there is a traditional puja ceremony followed by a fireworks display.

Mercat de Nadal:

This Christmas market takes place in Plaça Sant Jaume from December 7th to 23rd. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for your friends and family, as well as traditional holiday foods like churros con chocolate and turrón.

Nightlife

Barcelona offers plenty to offer if you’re looking for some nightlife action this winter. The city is well-known for its lively nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs to keep you entertained.

Here are some of the best things to do this winter in Barcelona:

Check out one of Barcelona’s many rooftop bars. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a few drinks while taking in the stunning views of the city.

If you’re a fan of live music, make sure to catch a show at one of Barcelona’s many music venues. You can find everything from jazz clubs to rock bars.

Barcelona is also home to some great dance clubs. If you’re looking to let loose and have some fun, make sure to check out one of these spots.

For something a bit different, why not check out one of Barcelona’s speakeasies? These hidden bars are the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Day Trips from Barcelona

There are plenty of great day trips that you can take from Barcelona during the winter months.

Here are some of our top picks:

Tossa de Mar: This charming seaside town is just a short drive from Barcelona. Stroll along the promenade, explore the medieval castle and enjoy the fresh seafood.

Girona: This historic city is home to a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, as well as the famous La Rambla. Take a day to wander around and explore all that Girona has to offer.

Montserrat: This mountain range is a short train ride from Barcelona. Hike to the top for breathtaking views, or visit the Montserrat Abbey.

Sitges: This beach town is a popular weekend getaway for locals. Sitges is known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches.