Barcelona in winter | 20 things to do in winter in Barcelona

If you asked me about Barcelona a couple of months ago, I would say:” It doesn’t inspire me”. However, things changed the first moment I stepped into the city. The colours, the architecture and the beautiful surroundings made me say:” Wow” from the first instant. We spent a couple of days in Barcelona in winter, and we absolutely loved it.

We were able to admire the gorgeous Christmas decorations in Barcelona, plus in winter, the city is not so busy. So after falling in love with the Catalonia Captial, we decided to put together an excellent and complete guide of all the things to do in winter in Barcelona.

This winter escape will cover some essential attractions and even traditional activities to do during the Christmas period. So be ready because we will show you how great and unique is winter in Barcelona.

Plan your gateway in Europe having in mind Barcelona in wintertime is a good idea. We assure you that the city will not disappoint at all. We personally experienced Barcelona in Christmas and it’s unique and beautiful like no others.

We were surprisingly impressed by the mild temperature in Barcelona in winter; in fact, we could enjoy a beer on the rooftop bar without wearing a winter jacket. Of course, the average temperature can vary from month to month, but below, we have highlighted how Barcelona in winter weather looks like. Of course, always remember to bring an extra jumper if the temperatures drop. 

Barcelona in November

After the beautiful autumn break, November marks the beginning of the winter season. November in Barcelona tends to be mild, with 8-10 days of rain throughout the entire month. The temperature is not that bad as it’s approximately around 18 degrees.

Barcelona in December

With an average temperature of 15 degrees, December in Barcelona is perfect for a winter escape in Europe. Less crowded than usual, Barcelona offers excellent weather with only a few days of rain in December. As we mentioned before, we were lucky enough to enjoy warm and sunny days over December without wearing our winter coats. It was the best thing ever coming from a rainy and foggy London. 

Barcelona weather in January

If you’re expecting 0 degrees in Barcelona in January, you’re unlikely to experience that. With a high temperature of 14 degrees and a minimum of 5, January tends to be a bit colder than the previous month, but the climate increases significantly during the day. 

Barcelona weather in February

Sunny daylight and drizzle and a few rainy days, February weather in Barcelona is similar to January. With a high temperature of 14 degrees and a low of 6, the weather in Barcelona in February is static. Remember that things can change due to the current climate changes, but still, Barcelona during those months is pretty nice, even if a bit cold. 

Why should you visit Barcelona in the winter?

Barcelona has a lot to offer. We know that spring in Barcelona might sound better than winter, but we assure you that this city never gets old. Although every town has different aspects defined by the month, you can choose the suitable period to visit. Well, Barcelona is always beautiful, even in winter. We love spending winter breaks in Europe and this year we had to visit Barcelona. The city was just perfect, less crowded than summer and more focused on Barcelona’s winter activities. 

We had the fantastic opportunity to experience proper Catalan Christmas traditions, with the beautiful Christmas market at Fira de Santa Llucia and the tradition behind Tio de Nadal. Our winter in Barcelona was just magical, and plenty of sweets to try during this time of the year.

Book a free walking tour in Barcelona

There is nothing better than doing it with a local when it comes to exploring a new city. They know all the fun facts, the history and the secrets of the town. Starting your Barcelona in winter with a bit of walking around the city is the perfect way to warm you up and explore the enchanting surroundings. You’ll be visiting Barcelona’s famous streets, like La Rambla, till reaching the fascinating Gothic Quarter. However, the free walking tour of Barcelona is not just that. You will be exploring the narrow mediaeval streets around the El Born area. Thanks to the local guide, you’ll love your time around Barcelona while exploring fun facts and secrets.

Experience La Pedrera by night

You can’t leave Barcelona without checking Gaudi’s most famous masterpieces. From the Sagrada Familia to Gaudi’s first work, Casa Vicens, La Pedrera is another creation known as Casa Mila. This unusual building with gothic balconies and an incredible rooftop is today one of the top attractions in Barcelona. Even if La Pedrera is one of the most visited places in Barcelona, experiencing it by night might change your mind.

With a bit of a tour of the inside of Casa Mila, admiring Gaudi’s different works, you will be ending your time with an incredible audiovisual display on the roof terrace. 

Admire Gaudi’s first house

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Casa Vicens is Gaudi’s first masterpiece. For us, it was the first place that we visited during our winter itinerary in Barcelona and to be honest; we were speechless from the first moment we stepped in. Built in 1883, Casa Vicens is Gaudi’s first major project and certainly can’t be missed during your time in Barcelona.

Casa Vicens is an innovative masterpiece not fully understood at the beginning, but while walking around it, you can admire the ingeniousness of Gaudi by simple features.

Hidden doors where a wooden ramp would come out to secure the house’s doors. The adjustable white windows are designed to make the home fresh during the hot summer months. If you’re already falling in love with Barcelona, try to book your guided tour to know more about the history behind Casa Vicens.

Step inside Casa Battló

Without any doubt, Casa Batlló is a unique architectural masterpiece. Designed by the amazing Antoni Gaudi is one of the must-visit attractions in Barcelona. With its distinctive facade and impressive interior, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Casa Battlo in Barcelona in winter. During the festive seasons, you can witness the unique light show on the façade!

Go Ice skating | Barcelona winter

As we mentioned before, the weather in Barcelona in winter is rarely cold and rainy, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t go ice skating. Going ice skating is a typical winter activity in Barcelona that locals and tourists love to do. I mean, it’s fun, especially for newbies.

There are several places to go ice skating in Barcelona,  the most popular one is in Les Cortes, or you can always choose the ice rink next to the famous Camp Nou stadium. So enjoy your winter in Barcelona and make the most of it.

Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate after Casa Amatller tour

For sure, while strolling around Barcelona, you will notice Casa Amatller. However, you can’t miss it as it’s located just next to Casa Batllo. With its modernist style, Casa Amatller was designed by Catalan architect Josep Cadafalch. This fantastic building combines the neo-Gothic style with a ridged facade inspired by Netherland’s houses. 

Together with Casa Batllo, Casa Lleo- Morena, Casa Amatller is part of Barcelona’s three most important buildings and is part of the block known as “Illa de la Discordia” – block of discord – marked for its unique and contrasting modern buildings.

After your tour inside Casa Amatller, stop at the chocolate shop to grab some delicious and tasty souvenirs and a hot chocolate for yourself to warm you up during your winter in Barcelona.

Check out the beautiful Christmas lights along Passeig de Gracia

It’s not winter in Barcelona without some Christmas vibes. I think this is one of the main reasons we love travelling during Christmas time, the decorations and the atmosphere are completely different. Barcelona Christmas vibes end on the 6th of January with “La llegada de Los Reyes Magos” when the Three Kings arrive to bring presents.

Walk along Passeig de Gracia and admire the beautiful Christmas lights illuminating Barcelona’s city centre. For a great shot of the Christmas lights in Barcelona, wait for the traffic light and grab your camera. You won’t regret it. 

Visit Sagrada Familia

Designed by the great architect Antoni Gaudi, Sagrada Familia is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been consecrated and proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. With an incredible combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau, Gaudi dedicated the remainder of his life to this project still under construction. Today, Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most important and most visited monuments.

This stunning basilica standing in the heart of the city centre is absolutely worth visiting. Being in Barcelona and not stepping inside this incredible masterpiece is impossible. Remember that Sagrada Familia is not Barcelona Cathedral.

This often causes confusion, but the cathedral of Barcelona is the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. Visit Sagrada Familia and grab your tickets in advance, as it is likely to be sold out soon.

Grab a drink on the top of the Ayre hotel rooftop 

Imagine drinking a beer on the rooftop bar while admiring a stunning view over the Sagrada Familia with the sun shining over the city. While planning your winter in Barcelona, keep in mind that this is possible. It was December in Barcelona, and we were with our friends drinking and enjoying the warm temperature on the top of Ayre hotel without our coats.

Ayre hotel offers an incredible view of the Sagrada Familia, and there is no better way to grab a drink and snap a couple of pictures. The rooftop bar is not expensive at all. We paid for two beers and one glass of wine, just 10 euros. Yes, only 10 euros for three drinks with a stunning view.

They only accept reservations one week before, so make sure to add them to your calendar and grab your table here.

Stroll around the Gothic quarter

Maybe one of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona, the gothic quarter is the oldest part of the city and includes some of the most famous landmarks in Spain. The gothic quarter is a must-see, from the stunning Barcelona Cathedral to the famous Columbus monument.

Thanks to its narrow streets and secret places, this area will be your favourite from the first moment you step inside Barcelona. 

Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise from Bunker del Carmel

Waking up early, grabbing a croissant to take away, preparing the camera and doing a little hike to reach Bunker del Carmel are the best things to do in Barcelona. Known as MUHBA Turó de la Rovira, this spot became popular today among locals and tourists.

In fact, during summer, you will find many people sitting and waiting for the incredible sunset. When planning your visit, check the weather in advance as it might be windy from the top of the viewpoint. 

Check out the gorgeous Park Güell

If you’re thinking of skipping Park Guell during your time in Barcelona, we’re here to change your mind. We know that Barcelona is comprehensive and it’s almost impossible to see everything, especially if you have just a couple of days. 

Built-in 1914 and opened to the public in 1926, in 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site under “Works of Gaudi”.

If you’re in love with Gaudi’s works, Park Guell needs to be on your list as well. You can pre-book your tickets online and avoid queueing on the day.

Visit Palau Montjuic | Places to visit in Barcelona in the winter

Located on the hill of Montjuic, the building was the leading site in 1929 for the International exhibition. Designed by Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà in 1934, Palau Montjuic is home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. With its Spanish-renaissance building, the elliptical dome in the centre, the incredible waterfalls that cascade down the entire front of the palace, Palau Montjuic is today one of the most visited places in Barcelona. 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Spending New Year’s in Spain is extraordinary. With their 12 grapes tradition, celebrating the 31st of December – Nochevieja – in Barcelona is something you need to do at least once in your life. If you’re a Spanish lover, here is a complete list of experiences to add to your Spain bucket list. Well, in the list, there is spending New Year’s Eve. Tradition says that you eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each 12 bell dongs.

This is to bring good luck for the new year. Suppose you’re planning your winter in Barcelona and looking for activities and things to do for New Year’s Eve in Plaça d’Espanya. In that case, they do an incredible fireworks display in front of Palau Montjuic. You will find many people witnessing the start of the New Year.

Relax at the Spa | Arab baths in Barcelona

There is always an excellent excuse to spend half a day relaxing in the spa. We did it during our trip to Malaga in winter, and we had to do it in Barcelona as well.

We didn’t have excuses; we just wanted to relax before heading back to London. Aire de Barcelona is home to Arabic baths and massage services to let you relax and put your stress away. Thanks to its different pool temperatures and relaxing massage, it will restore your health and make you feel better. So surprise your partner and book an afternoon in the spa.

Experience Fira de Santa Llúcia

The annual Fira de Santa Llucia is held throughout December, where various exhibits, markets and performances are taking place around Barcelona Cathedral.

For sure, it’s the oldest and most traditional market in the city. But, thanks to its local stand and festive decorations and cute Christmas gifts, Fira de Santa Llucia is something that you need to enjoy while spending winter in Barcelona. 

Grab a Tio de Nadal

Tio de Nadal, known as Caga Tió, is an essential part of the Catalan Christmas tradition. From the 8th of December, kids can feed up this wooden log Tió until Christmas Day. Then, once the 25th of December arrives, Caga Tió pops out all the goodies and sweets for the kids.

It’s an adorable tradition, and that’s why, if you’re visiting Barcelona Christmas markets, you will see many Caga Tió around the stands. If you’re fancy, you can grab one and take it home as a souvenir from Barcelona.

Attend Sitges Carnival

If you’re thinking about Carnival, Brazil and Venice might pop into your mind. But, whether or not you can’t make it to those cities and you are in Barcelona around February, consider visiting Sitges.

Half an hour from Barcelona, this small town hosts a lovely carnival. This thrilling festival hosts incredible parades with stunning costumes.

Celebrate the Three Kings Parade

Like in Italy, even in Spain, there is a tradition in anticipation of the Three Kings’ arrival. Like all the Spanish towns across the country, Barcelona celebrates on this day La Llegada de Los Reyes – the arrival of the Three Kings. On January 5th, the streets are closed to traffic due to the parade.

Dancers, music, costumes, and decorations will be all around Barcelona streets to celebrate the Three Kings’ arrival. The real reason behind this is that when the Three Kings arrive, they bring sweets to kids from the floats along the parade. 

If you thought that nothing was happening in Barcelona in winter after Christmas, now you have another thing to add to your list for your future trip to Barcelona.

Affordable stay in Barcelona, Spain

If you’re travelling on a budget, finding good and cheap accommodation in Barcelona won’t be a problem. In fact, a great option for an affordable stay is a hostel. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling solo or with your partner; staying in a hostel is a lot of fun. We stayed in a hostel as a couple in Berlin, and we loved it. We met other travellers and ended up going out with them all the time. Check out some of the best hostels in Barcelona and have a great experience.

Girona

Located less than one hour and a half from Barcelona, Girona is a cute mediaeval town perfect if you want to plan a day trip from Barcelona in winter. With its narrow, cool streets, gothic and modern buildings, Jewish quarters, art galleries and museums, Girona is excellent for a one day escape from Barcelona. Easy to reach from Passeig de Gracia station or by car, Girona can be a great solution if you want to explore more places around Barcelona.

Montserrat

Calling all mountain lovers. If you’ve been to the Dolomites, you will love this day trip to Montserrat. Part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range, the main peaks are Sant Jeroni, Montgròs and Miranda de les Agulles. Here are a few guidelines for planning your trip to Montserrat. From Barcelona Plaça d’Espanya take R5 to Aeri Montserrat.

The train will take around one hour, and a one-way ticket will cost you around €5.25. Once you reach Aeri Montserrat, you need to take a cable car which will take you to the top. A return ticket will cost around €11.50. For more information, here is the official website.

If you don’t want to plan and think about the different tickets, you can purchase Tot Montserrat. A combined ticket where you get exclusivities from transport, culture and gastronomy.

Sitges

We’ve mentioned Sitges before when we talked about its gorgeous carnival. As Sitges is famous for its film festival and celebrations, it won’t be fair if you don’t plan a day trip from Barcelona to Sitges. But, unfortunately, the coastal town of Sitges has often been left aside.

From a wonderful walk along the coast to a delicious seafood lunch, Sitges offers a lot. Explore Garraf Natural Park, grab a drink at Casa Bacardi and stroll around the old town.

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