What to do in Barcelona in April: Fairs, Markets and Love

Barcelona in April is a springtime delight. Although we have our fair share of showers, the days are warmer and longer, and there’s plenty to head outside for.

With temperatures averaging 20 degrees and a stunning blue sky overhead, you can walk around in the afternoons without a coat and extra layers in your bag or backpack.

While you’ll find the streets a little busier, particularly over the Easter weekend, Barcelona is still a brilliant choice for a trip away in April. From fairs and celebrations to the Catalan Valentine’s Day, we’ve got it all covered in this handy blog.

Palo Market Fest – Artesanal Market

When: April 1 and 2, 2023

Where: Calle Pellaires, 30  (Selva del Mar neighbourhood)

Price: 5€ (buy your ticket online, available on the Monday before the event)

Website: https://palomarketfest.com/en

This market is one of the best in the city and takes place just once per month.

In a world where buying local is becoming increasingly difficult, Palo Alto showcases shops, restaurants, and independent designers from Catalonia and other parts of Spain, in a fun and relaxed market setting.

Try delicious food and drink and shop for locally-made clothes, bags, shoes and toiletries over the course of the day. There’s also live music and DJ performances, as well as pop-up bars, so you can wile away the afternoon, before heading out for the evening.

Mercat de la Terra Barcelona (Slow Food Barcelona)

When: Every Saturday from 0900-1500h

Where: Parc de las Tres Chimeneas in Barcelona, Avenue Paral·lel, 45, Poble Sec

Price: Free entry

Website: https://slowfood.barcelona/

This is a farmer’s market organised by Slow Food Barcelona which has been around since 2015. Each weekend, hundreds of people visit to taste food, learn more about local gastronomic culture and generally enjoy themselves.

This market is a reference for responsible consumption, local produce, organic agriculture and sustainability, with more than 40 producers represented.

Part of the Earth Markets network of Slow Food International, you won’t want to skip this if you’re a real foodie.

Día de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day)

When: Sunday, April 23, 2023

Where: The whole city will be celebrating

Price: The price of a red rose, a good book… and maybe a nice dinner!

Love is in the air and so is the smell of roses. The streets of Barcelona are filled to the brim with the red flowers of romance and you’ll find that there are also more booksellers than usual. What could be the cause of so much amorousness? Isn’t Valentine’s Day in February?

Barcelona Valentine’s Day – Saint George’s Day

British readers will know that Saint George is the patron saint of England, but he is also the patron saint of Barcelona and Saint George’s Cross also forms a part of the flag of Barcelona.

The legend is the same: a dashing knight rescues a damsel in distress from an evil dragon, but the day is characterised by exchanging specific gifts: roses and books.

The gifting of roses is more self-explanatory. The books came about as Shakespeare and Cervantes – two great authors and playwrights – were said to have died on April 23.

Traditionally men gifted roses to women, and women books to men, but nowadays most couples gift each other both books and roses. So, if you’re with your sweetheart in Barcelona on el día de Sant Jordi, don’t panic about what to buy! You’ll be able to purchase a rose and a book on Las Ramblas, the central street in Barcelona.

Feria de Abril de Catalunya (April Fair)

When: Dates to be confirmed (event takes place at the end of April)

Where: Parc del Forum

Price: To be confirmed

If you find yourself in northern Spain instead of southern Spain at the end of April, you can still capture some of that Andalusian magic at the Feria de Abril de Catalunya.

Easter (Holy Week) is a huge celebration in the southern community of Andalucía, with a combination of religious solemnity and colourful frivolity in the streets. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, sees the whole community come together to pray and also to party at the Feria de Abril de Sevilla.

While it pales in comparison in terms of size, the Feria de Abril de Catalunya is organised by the Federación de Entidades Culturales Andaluzas en Catalunya, or FECAC for short, a group dedicated to bringing Andalusian traditions to Catalonia.

They bring as much authenticity to proceedings as possible and invite all of us to share in the cultural differences and festivities of another part of Spain. Expect exhilarating rides and games, delicious food, the music of southern Spain (including the world-famous music and dance style Flamenco), with bright colours all around.

Additional ideas

If you’re not here for the Feria de Abril de Catalunya but still want to experience Flamenco, we also offer an amazing Flamenco experience in Poble Espanyol. See our blog on Flamenco in Barcelona for more.

This blog was originally published on March 15, 2019, and updated on March 14, 2023.

Mobile World Congress 2023: Top 3 Places for Power Lunches

Barcelona opens the floodgates to business executives from around the globe as the Mobile World Congress gets ready to kick off. 

This is one of the busiest commercial weeks of the Barcelona calendar, as we welcome companies from all corners of the world of mobile communication.

In 2023, The Mobile World Congress (MWC) takes place from Monday, February 27, through to Thursday, March 2 in the facilities of the Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, making the city the world capital of technology for several days.

See the official website for more.

Understanding the demanding nature of international trade shows is to also understand the need for exceptional ‘escape-route’ eateries for those all-important power lunches.

At BarcelonaTours, we offer several types of Executive Services:

  • Transport: group transfer and private car services
  • Private group dinners
  • Private, guided city tours

Get in touch, and tell us how we can make your stay a more comfortable and rewarding experience.

For those of you who don’t get your itineraries and reservations organised in advance, here are our three top places to escape the hustle and bustle of the Mobile World Congress trade show and impress your clients with the best impromptu power lunch houses in town.

 

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

 

MWC: Top 3 Power Lunch Restaurants

Ciutat Comtal (Ciudad Condal)

Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007 Barcelona, España

This restaurant is impressive from the get-go. Its prestigious location at the beginning of Rambla de Catalunya sits on a junction of some of the most beautiful buildings in the city and is a stone’s throw away from Placa de Catalunya.

The warm and welcoming staff will sit you in your desired area, restaurant, bar, or outside terrace and make you and your clients feel looked after from start to finish.

Ciutat Comtal (Ciudad Condal) is the ideal restaurant for an impromptu business dinner or lunch as it doesn’t take reservations.

Due to its popularity, it is advised to head there before the crowds – 2 pm onwards for lunch, and 8 pm onwards for dinner.

This place has a business buzz throughout the day as it’s a favourite with the local financial traders that work in the area. It is also one of the most tourist-friendly eateries in this city, with high-quality tapas. An all-round crowd-pleaser for those that are looking for the perfect ‘eating meeting’.

Cerveceria Catalana

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 236, 08008 Barcelona

Cerveceria Catalana offers the ‘wow’ factor from the moment you step through the doors. The array of delicious dishes displayed on both bars within the entrance will have you salivating before you’ve even been seated.

This restaurant has been a favourite with local businesspeople for years, due to its exceptional value for money, quality local cuisine, and speedy service. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and energetic.

The fashionable clientele and decor promise to suitably impress colleagues and clients alike with creative dishes that are bursting with flavour and house wines at staggeringly low prices.

La Flauta

Address: Two locations – Carrer de Aribau23 and Rambla Catalunya, 91

La Flauta is the most traditional and elaborately decorated of the three and is worth a visit for the breathtaking flower displays intermingled with the most finely tailored suits in town.

This place is an institution for the city’s most discerning business people and is a constant flurry of business activity, from power breakfasts and brunches, right through to power spritzers and supers.

Take your place at the bar for unadulterated attention, and record-breaking service time, or while away your business negotiations in the gorgeously generous dining room. Whilst the walls are adorned, floor to ceiling, with a staggering selection of fine wines, the menu leaves no palette wanting and offers Spanish cuisine at its finest.

The dishes are constantly being revised here so make sure to ask the waiters for their recommendations. The ‘menu del dia’ (menu of the day) is exceptional value for money and the speedy service will leave more than enough time for sampling their renowned carajillo coffee (with baileys or whiskey) with a slice of one of their homemade cakes.

All that is left is to say bon profit! and enjoy your time in Barcelona.

This was originally posted in September 2019 and updated in February 2022 and 2023.

What to do in Barcelona in February: Carnival 2023, Festivals and Calçotadas!

Are you visiting Barcelona in February and want to know what to do? If so, BarcelonaTours has you covered.

February is a great month to visit Barcelona and this year is no different, with lots of activities and things to see and do. The evenings might be cooler, but there’s still warm sunshine in the afternoons and bright blue skies for wintery walks – plus plenty to see and do in the city.

Although February is the shortest month of the year, you won’t be short on options for how to enjoy your time! As well as some important festivals and the Barcelona city carnival, the Mobile World Congress is also happening this month. See our blog about MWC 2023, here. 

To plan events in Barcelona, please visit our Team Building and Activities pages, or see our Executive Services which include airport transfers and Restaurants for Groups.

Llum BCN “light arts” Festival 2023

When: Feb 3-5

Where: Poblenou and Glories

Price: Free

This is the festival of lights that Barcelona holds every year. The neighbourhood of Poblenou lights up for three nights in February and is an area of the city originally filled with textile factories and surrounded by residential buildings.

When this industry collapsed, the area suffered greatly, falling into a state of disrepair. Thankfully, as with many parts of Barcelona, it was the 1992 Olympics that saw some life brought back into this neighbourhood. Renovations, as well as bright and exciting ideas being trialed in the area, have revived the once ailing “barrio” and this year it will host the equally bright and exciting Llum Festival.

This festival focuses on the talent of artists from all over the world, as well as local students, to create immersive experiences with light. As night falls, Poblenou is ignited by lights of every colour, as well as areas with light projections set to music and sound – in particular around the Disseny Hub Barcelona (the Design Museum) which is an amazing building with fountains around the edge.

Llum festival is held every year, so be sure to make a note for 2024. To learn more, visit this page.

 

Catch a glimpse of Los Gegants during the Santa Eulàlia festival. Credit: José Pestana.

Santa Eulàlia Festival 2023

When: Feb 12

Where: Around the city centre, mainly in the Gothic Quarter

Price: Free

Also known simply as the Winter Festival, the Festival of Santa Eulàlia (Festes de Santa Eulàlia) celebrates Barcelona’s lesser-known Patron Saint, Saint Eulàlia.

Eulàlia was a 13-year-old girl who, during the 3rd century AD, was punished by the Romans for refusing the recant her Christianity. As the tawdry tale goes, the Romans decided to make an example of her, subjecting the young girl to 13 tortures – one for each year of her life – eventually decapitating her.

One story says that moments after her head was removed, doves flew out of her neck, signifying that God had blessed her. Interestingly, inside the Barcelona Cathedral, which is dedicated to Santa Eulàlia, 13 white geese are kept in the beautiful cloister.

Highlights of the celebration include showcases of popular Catalan traditions, such as Castells (human towers), gegants, correfocs – you can find our full explanation of these traditions in our September blog – and sardanas. A sardana is a traditional dance that involves precise footwork and timing; the steps might look easy but it’s hard to do this perfectly! If you’re not around the weekend of this winter festival, you can see sardanas every Sunday in front of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral, amongst other buildings (such as the Town Hall), opens its doors for free on February 12, the official day of Santa Eulàlia, with the crypt under the Cathedral only opening on that special day. In the crypt, you will find the ornate sarcophagus, carved in the 15th century, which supposedly holds Eulàlia’s remains.

To learn more, visit this page.

Barcelona Carnival 2023

Barcelona Carnaval: the Taronjada is a key event of Carnival and is designed for the whole family. See it in the Born/Ribera district. Credit: OK Apartment

When: Feb 16-22

Where: All over the city

Price: Mostly free

Carnival takes place in different countries around the world, with the underlying principle of enjoyment and freedom of expression. The date for Carnival (or Carnaval) changes each year depending on the lunar calendar and is celebrated the week before Lent begins.

This year it falls in February and it will be another colourful spectacular not to be missed. Catch people dressed in traditional carnival costumes, donning masks and creative makeup, parading down the streets. You can take part in various local activities around the city. For a full programme (in Catalan only) go here.

Since there’s so much on offer, for some event highlights, take a look at this article from El Naciónal (in English), which tells you the main places to be to catch the best parts of this week-long fiesta.

Calçots: A classic Catalan Dish

Calçots cooking over a traditional barbecue – traditionally enjoyed with delicious romesco sauce. Credit: Sílvia Martín

When: Saturdays & Sundays

Where: All around the city

Price: Varies from place to place, but a full menu will include: calçots, a selection of meats, romesco sauce (absolutely delicious!), bread, wine & water.

If you haven’t come across the term “celebrity vegetable”, we are not surprised! However, it is possibly the best way to describe calçots, a vegetable that is eaten with great enthusiasm across Cataluña when they are in season (November to April). Try them in Barcelona in February.

The calçot is a type of onion (akin to a big spring onion), with a flavour similar to leeks. They are traditionally barbecued over an open flame until the outside layer of skin is blackened and the insides are soft; you then remove the burnt outer skin, dip the calçot in romesco sauce – traditionally made with nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts, blended with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and other smoky delights – and lower it into your mouth from over your head.

Wherever you eat these delicious calçots, bibs and gloves are usually provided so this messy treat doesn’t spoil your clothes. People usually down around 15 or so, before the second course of the meal – grilled meats with bread and more romesco sauce.

Locals will buy all the ingredients and head out to the countryside in order to hold their own barbecues. If you’re on vacation, there are many restaurants across Barcelona in February that offer calçots. But if you want to really get into the spirit of the season, you should visit one of the street barbecues that take place almost every weekend in a different part of the city.

In February/early March, you will find a “calçotada” (the name for these barbecues) in various locations.

This blog was originally posted in January 2019 and updated in February 2020 and 2023.

What to do in Barcelona in December: Markets, Meals & Merry Making

Barcelona in December: the Christmas lights are up, there’s the distinct smell of roasted chestnuts, and a feeling of warmth – even though it’s cold outside. This old city doesn’t stop just because it’s chilly in the streets and the wind is blowing leaves around the ankles of the locals. There’s still plenty to see and do in Barcelona in December. Read on to find out how to make the most of this month in this Mediterranean city.

Barcelona Christmas Markets

Europe is known for its pop-up Christmas markets. And when that first market stall appears, it immediately feels like the festive season has begun.

Barcelona will be covered in great Christmas markets selling traditional goodies throughout the month of December, with plants, decorations, gifts and food available from little tables decorated with Christmas lights.

Although there are many markets, one of the most well-known is La Fira de Santa Llúcia taking place from November 25 to December 23, 2022.

People enjoying La Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona: Photo by Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Creative Commons Licence.

La Fira de Santa Llúcia

Arguably the most famous Christmas market in Barcelona, La Fira de Santa Llúcia is located directly in front of the Barcelona Cathedral (Avenida de la Catedral). The square, Plaza Nova, has ample space for the stalls and is filled with twinkling Christmas lights.

The first historical mention of the fair being held in this location is in 1786, which means it’s celebrating its 236th year!

While it was originally a one-day event to honour Saint Lucia, whose day is celebrated on December 13, the fair gradually grew into the big, festive, market that you will find in Barcelona today. They proudly announce that even in 1860, when Barcelona was beset with a terrible case of yellow fever, the Christmas fair went ahead.

What to buy: all things artisan and handmade – Nativity figurines, musical instruments, plants, jewellery and other pretty gifts to take home for family and friends.

Other activities: there are various activities happening (see more here), including music, dancing and activities for kids. Look out for the traditional parade of the “gegants”, or giants, which will be carried around the Gothic Quarter.

Magical Meals

There are so many delicious, comfort foods in Catalonia to keep you warm on a cold winter day. We’ve selected three dishes to look out for on local menus.

Arroz caldoso (Rice in broth)

Arroz Caldoso is an excellent dish to try in Barcelona in December. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Everyone has heard of paella, the traditional rice dish from Valencia, Spain. However, we recommend trying arroz caldoso instead. Sometimes you will also see a version called arroz meloso… delicious! This type of rice is more liquid (caldoso) and comes with a rich, tasty stock, or caldo, with various ingredients which may include seafood or other types of meat. The most luxurious version is usually with lobster (bogavante)!

This dish will warm you right to the core and there are many options to choose from.

If you fancy trying your hand at cooking paella, and learning about the other great rice and tapas dishes in Spain, then we recommend our Paella Cooking Class.

Lentejas (Lentils)

Lentils (lentejas) are very popular in Catalonia (and Spain in general). They still form a staple part of the day-to-day diet of many Spanish people.

They are eaten in many different ways, but in winter you will find hot and hearty lentil stews on many local menus. The dishes include a base of cooked lentils with potatoes, meat (maybe chorizo or another type of cured sausage), tomatoes, garlic and some fragrant additions like rosemary, thyme or bay leaves.

Churros con Chocolate (Spanish donuts with Chocolate)

Churros con chocolate – Spanish donuts with chocolate – are a popular treat in December.

Now, you may not find churros con chocolate in the same restaurant as your rice and lentils, but it’s worth taking a walk to find excellent churros with thick, melted chocolate.

Take a walk down Carrer de Petritxol – the street that is known as the chocolate street – for the best of the best when it comes to this traditional treat. For the locals, it’s not a dessert but a snack which is eaten in the early evening, around 5 or 6 pm. Of course, you can eat it whenever you like!

Take your churros dusted with icing sugar, dip them in chocolate or even chocolate topped with whipped cream, it’s up to you.

Merry Making: Polaroids, Parties and Flamenco

Team building activities Barcelona Photo Treasure HuntJust like the rest of the year, Barcelona in December is all about eating, drinking and enjoying yourself! If the markets and delicious meals aren’t enough, get in touch with BarcelonaTours and we will help organise an amazing activity for you.

One of our most popular is the Barcelona Photo Treasure Hunt (which is a guaranteed good time). Visit different parts of the city taking photos with vintage Polaroid cameras and take home a keepsake album.

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to the Poble Espanyol (the Spanish village), and see this recreation of traditional Spanish architecture decorated for the festive season. Finish the visit off with an amazing Flamenco Show with Tapas or a three-course dinner and drinks.

Company Christmas Parties

Are you planning your office Christmas party in Barcelona? Get in touch with BarcelonaTours to start planning the best Christmas party in town! From private venues and group dinners in some of the best places in the city to dancing all night with VIP tables, we can help you put together an unforgettable evening.

Contact us here, email info@barcelonatours.net or call +34 935 008 226.

This blog was originally posted in 2018. It was updated on November 14, 2019, and November 22, 2022.

Team Building: A Flamenco Class in Barcelona

Private Flamenco Class in Barcelona

BarcelonaTours has been offering a private flamenco class for team building and group activities in Barcelona for many years. It has always been one of our most popular activities, and today we decided to put the spotlight on this activity and one of our hardworking teachers, Lucero.

What is flamenco?

If you type the word “flamenco” into a search engine, you’ll find the following definition: a style of Spanish music, played especially on the guitar and accompanied by singing and dancing.

As is often the problem when describing music and movement, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the passion and drive that goes into flamenco music and dancing.

Why does a flamenco class for team building make great activity?

First and foremost, a flamenco class for team building engages your team members in an activity that is directly related to Spain and Spanish traditions. While Flamenco is not native to Barcelona, it’s still popular and people love to hear the music and go to shows.

Secondly, it’s likely to be something your group has never tried before. This is not a team building activity you’re likely to be able to find outside Spain so it’s a great idea to give it a try while you’re here!

How does a Flamenco Class for Team Building work?

Learning some basic clapping rhythms and steps is a fun and appealing way to get people to let loose and try something new. There’s no need to worry about people feeling embarrassed about being better or worse at flamenco because everyone is a beginner.

Finally, the start time and location are easily adjusted to suit your needs. It’s suitable if you have a spare hour during a busy itinerary and would like a teacher sent to the hotel or venue. Alternatively, our teacher Lucero has her own flamenco school in the charming Gracia neighbourhood.

Extras for a complete flamenco experience

For a full flamenco experience, have a flamenco class in Barcelona followed by our Flamenco Night at Poble Espanyol. We can also organise live flamenco music and bands, get in touch to find out more.

To read more about the history of how this Andalusian music and dance came to Barcelona, you can read our Flamenco in Barcelona blog. In this blog, we’re more interested in the passion and drive that makes someone want to become a flamenco dancer and a flamenco teacher.

Interview with a Professional Flamenco Teacher

BarcelonaTours has been fortunate to work with Lucero for a very long time and our groups have always loved her classes. We interviewed Lucero to find out more about her life and her flamenco school.

Learn to dance Flamenco in Barcelona

When did you start dancing flamenco?

I started dancing at the age of four. First, I did an introduction to dance, then continued with Spanish classical dancing and ballet. When I turned 18, I started dancing flamenco.

Who was your inspiration?

My parents were very supportive and took me to the dance school. After that, I decided to continue, and my inspiration to do so was my fellow dancers and professors at the dance school.

How long have you had your own dance school?

I have been teaching flamenco for more than 20 years. I’ve also had my own dance school under my own name, Lucero Cárdenas, for the last 12 years.

Most of our clients book a one-hour class, so what can they expect to learn in this time?

An hour is great to give people an introduction to flamenco. We begin with a brief history of flamenco and its origins, to put the flamenco universe in context for the participants. Then we move on to the dynamic part!

We will practice the rhythm of flamenco with “las palmas” (rhythmic clapping), learn the basic steps and finish by learning some choreography. Above all, we will be teaching the participants how much fun it is to dance flamenco!

Do you have a favourite place in Barcelona to listen to flamenco music?

I really like El Tarantos, but my school is a great place too! There are shows once a month and the setting is very intimate.

What about a favourite flamenco song and/or artist?

I like so many artists. An example would be La Macanita and their song “Tierra Adentro”.

Plans for the Flamenco School

The pandemic made us realise more than ever the importance of dancing, taking care of our bodies and exercising. We want to be able to share this dance with a wider audience, so they can also benefit from the joys of flamenco. We want to reach more people, share our passion and teach them the benefits of flamenco, so as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderfully expressive dance for themselves.

  • Keeping the school open all year round
  • Providing intensive Summer courses
  • Offering  Private lessons to clients
  • Increasing our presence on social media
  • Inviting renowned musicians and artists to our school
  • Collaborating  with different companies in our sector
  • Sharing our passion for authentic flamenco with our students

A big thank you to Lucero for sharing her story and her plans with us!

Team Building and Group Travel Services in Barcelona

As well as offering a flamenco class for team building, BarcelonaTours can help you plan your whole corporate event in Barcelona. Visit our Team Building Activities page and our Group Travel Services page for more information, then drop us a line at info@barcelonatours.net.

This blog was originally published on June 25, 2021, and updated on October 25, 2022.

What to do in Barcelona in November: Roasted Chestnuts and Castanets!

visit barcelona in november for some winter fun

It’s starting to get chilly out there! But don’t worry, Barcelona in November is still a great time to visit.

Though Barcelona is on the Mediterranean the sea breezes start to turn cooler. However, a blustery walk along the seafront is still good fun!

And while Barcelona still has the odd warm day and the sun still shines, there are also plenty of great activities to keep you entertained, no matter the weather.

Seasonal Food: Three Different Tastes

One of the best things about Catalonia is that every holiday is accompanied by something delicious to eat. This time of year, as the leaves change colour and the temperature drops, three tasty treats can be found on the streets and shelves of the city.

Catalan “Street Food”

Street food might conjure images of fried snacks on sticks, but this isn’t what’s consumed in Barcelona in November.

During the autumn and winter months, stalls (which just appear to be large, closed boxes in the street most of the year) will unlock their wooden doors and the owners will bring metal containers out onto the pavement. These become the barbeques on which delicious, Catalan street food is prepared.

Nuts and roots: Catalan food in November

These stalls, simply called paradas de castanyas, which means “chestnut stops”, are an intrinsic part of the celebration of All Saints Day, which takes place on November 1, and is a National Holiday in Spain.

Paradas de castanyas are “chestnut stops” where fresh chestnuts are roasted. A must-try in Barcelona in November.

While Halloween as a celebration is now common in Barcelona, the parties and foods of All Saints Day are still enjoyed all over Catalunya. The stalls open a week or so before the celebration and stay there for a couple of weeks afterwards, before closing up again for another year.

As their name might suggest, these stalls sell a tasty snack that is common in colder times across Europe – roasted “castanyas” or chestnuts. Wrapped in paper and sold for just a few euros a pack, they are a great way to warm your hands on a chilly evening.

The other delicious offering from the stands is boniatos, or sweet potatoes, which are wrapped in foil and roasted on the coals until soft on the inside, with a naturally rich and buttery taste.

These special huts only pop up at this time of year, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November, make sure to grab these local street snacks.

Now for dessert… 

You can find this sweet treat in bakeries all over Barcelona and they’re a must-try if you’re in Barcelona in November.

Find a bakery and grab yourself a coffee and a panellet – a sweet ball of patisserie perfection. While there are varying recipes, the traditional version includes ground almonds, sweet potato and pine nuts. Delicious!

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, we think these are the taste of autumn, so grab some to enjoy as you take in the colours of the season.

A Catalan panellet is a sweet ball of patisserie perfection!

Here are a few of our favourite bakeries you might like to try

  • Baluard Bakery, Carrer del Baluard, 38, 08003
  • La Colmena, Plaça de l’Àngel, 12, 08002
  • Ideal, Carrer Gran de Gràcia, 207, 08012.

Cathedrals and Churches in November

Europe is known for having some beautiful cathedrals and churches, and Barcelona is no exception. Even for those who are not religious, Barcelona’s churches are all lovely in their own way.

From the grand Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic quarter with its tranquil cloister and highly decorated insides to the stark shell of Santa Maria del Mar in the medieval Born neighbourhood, a fresh, crisp November day is the perfect time to visit these amazing spaces.

Some you need to pay to get into and others are free, some will hold concerts and all of them have regular masses should you wish to visit (quietly!) during a sermon. Seek out the lesser-known churches such as the one the Plaza de Sant Felip Neri in the Gothic quarter and in Plaza Virreina.

Finally, no visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Gaudi’s – almost-finished – masterpiece, Sagrada Familia.

This building, which has taken more than one hundred years to complete, is stunning both inside and out.

Stained glass windows
The stained glass windows of Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, are a must-see when you visit Barcelona.

Follow the story of its construction as you walk around the outside, where it’s clear which sections were completed long ago and those which have just been created, then head inside to discover Gaudi’s love of nature erected in stone and stained glass. The stained glass windows in the afternoon sun are divinely inspiring.

November is a great time to visit Sagrada Familia as it is less busy and, in low season, special deals on tickets are sometimes offered.

Contact us for a tailor-made tour which can be adapted to include a guided visit inside the Sagrada Familia.

Flamenco Show and Dinner

Flamenco is great at any time of the year, but in the low season, it can be even more intimate.

Poble Espanyol is a great spot for those who want to see an area most tourists don’t visit. This often-overlooked reconstruction of Spanish-style houses is an awesome setting to take in some flamenco dancing. It’s located on Montjuic – the hill by the sea – and is easily reached by taxi, bus or on foot.

Flamenco Dancing in Barcelona
Catch a memorable flamenco show with dinner in Poble Espanyol, the “Spanish Village”.

Interested? Book a flamenco show with dinner or ask us for more information.

If you’re visiting Barcelona in November, we suggest walking if you want to work up an appetite for the show. Sure, you may arrive a little out of breath, but doesn’t that make it all the more satisfying?

Choose from two seating times, 18.00h or 20.30h and select tapas or a three-course dinner. Then sit back and enjoy the show!

Included with this Flamenco and dining package is a ticket to explore the Poble Espanyol, so arrive an hour or so before your dining time to take a stroll through Spanish architectural history.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s happening in Barcelona this November. If you’re looking for more ideas, get in touch and we will be happy to help.

This article was originally posted on October 28, 2017, updated on October 26, 2018, and on October 18, 2022.

What to do in Barcelona in October: the “ABCs” – Art, Beer and Concerts

Gaudi tour birds eye view of Barcelona sagrada familia

October is a great time to visit Barcelona. The throngs of tourists that line the streets throughout the summer have reduced dramatically, which is appealing to those who prefer a more tranquil time on their vacation.

As well as this, the weather is still lovely – think long, warm afternoons with crisp, fresh mornings and evenings. But perhaps best of all, the humidity of the summer months has passed.

Depending on when you visit, shorts and t-shirts may still be sufficient, but you made need a light jacket on top, especially at night.

Just because autumn has arrived doesn’t mean that Barcelona slows down. The city is still buzzing with activity and there are so many great options to keep you occupied.

The ABCs of Barcelona in October

At BarcelonaTours, we’ve selected what we think are three key categories: Art, Beer and Concerts.

Read on to discover what fun and engaging events are on in the city should you choose to visit in Octover.

A is for Art

Barcelona is known as an incredibly creative city, and many famous artists have passed through here over the years. With so many fabulous art museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia), you can easily while away the hours inside these buildings, Barcelona has so much more to offer in October. We are, of course, using “Art” as an umbrella term, covering not just paintings but performance art, art installations and festivals that include artistic elements.

BAUM Fest 2022: the Barcelona Art and Urban Movement festival

When? October 7-9

Where? La Fira Barcelona (Location map)

Price? Tickets from 12€ for 8-16 years old. Under 8s are free.

Arguably an event that encapsulates Barcelona as a city, the Barcelona Art and Urban Movement festival is a dizzying display of art, dance, sports and so much more that takes place the first weekend in October.

From body painting and tattoos to break dancing and BMX competitions, this festival shows the strength of Barcelona’s alternative scene and brings together people from all over to display their talents.

B is for Beer

Now, just as “Art” was an umbrella term, we’re going to use “Beer” in a similar way. “Beer” will cover the food and drink section of this blog, as October also plays host to many great markets and opportunities for sampling the local cuisine. But, let’s start with the beer, shall we?

Oktoberfest 2022

When? October 5-16

Where? La Fira Barcelona (Location map)

Price? Free entry, but the beer isn’t free sadly!

Yes, you did read that correctly, there’s no mistake! Barcelona does have its own Oktoberfest, paying homage to the German beer festival that takes place every year. There will be competitions for the best traditional Bavarian dress, so ladies bring your “Dirndl” and gentlemen bring your “Lederhosen” because there’s a VIP table to be won. If you’re not lucky enough to win the prize, you can still book yourselves a table free of charge and come along with friends to dance to “oompah” bands, eat sausages and, of course, drink plenty of beer.

C is for Concerts

Barcelona is a great city to catch live music. In fact, it’s impossible to list all the acts in town here. So even if you don’t make it to any of the shows listed below, you’re sure to come across some great live music in October in Barcelona.

Great places to check for concerts include Sala Apolo in the Poble Sec neighbourhood and Sala Razzmatazz in Poble Nou. You can also try Live Nation and check their list of bigger shows happening in Barcelona this October and beyond.

And there you have it, the ABC of what to do in Barcelona in October. If you’re visiting Barcelona in October and need help organising accommodation, activities or dinners for your group get in touch with BarcelonaTours and we can help put together a personalised itinerary.

Visit our home page and activities pages for more information or email us at info@barcelonatours.net.

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