Top 17 BEST Things to Do in Barcelona in Winter (100% must-do!)

What to do in Barcelona in Winter: Quick Overview

Without further due, here’s the full list of the 17 best things to do when visiting Barcelona in winter:

1. Visit the Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market
2. Stroll Down Las Ramblas
3. Taste local delicacies at La Boqueria Food Market
4. Attend Santa Eulalia Festival
5. Watch the Montjuïc Magic Fountain Show
6. Discover Casa Batlló from the inside
7. Enter the Sagrada Familia
8. Explore Park Güell
9. Take a break at Barceloneta Beach
10. Visit the Aquàrium Barcelona
11. Eat tapas
12. Enjoy art at the Picasso Museum
13. Get lost in the Parque del Laberint d’Horta
14. Go bar hopping in Barcelona
15. Dive into 4D Gaudí’s Experiència
16. Montserrat day trip
17. Girona day trip

Keep reading below to get more details about each of these activities to do in Barcelona during winter. 👇

Winter in Barcelona: All the Top Things to Do

Each activity mentioned below is 100% worth doing. For each activity, you’ll have detailed descriptions along with practical info & tips from fellow travelers who personally experienced them.

1. Visit the Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market

— by Izzy from The Gap Decaders

If you have the chance to be in Barcelona in December, you should definitely stop by the city’s popular Christmas market, Fira de Santa Llúcia.

Held every year since 1786 around the historic Barcelona Cathedral in the Barrio Gotico, Fira de Santa Llúcia is the largest Christmas market in the city. Its location in the oldest quarter of Barcelona just adds to the magical experience, with light displays, huge Christmas trees, and plenty of festive atmospheres.

The market is home to lots of artisan stalls where you can buy handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and delicious Spanish foods like olive oil, dried fruits, and wine. There are also gorgeous craft items like silver jewelry, handbags, silk scarves and musical instruments for a spot of self-gifting!

You’ll also find stalls selling traditional handmade nativity figurines. Look out for “El Caganer”, a really unique Christmas tradition from Catalonia. A caganer which translates to “a pooper” is a figurine that depicts a person, usually a peasant, wearing the traditional Catalan red cap and with his trousers down, showing a bare bottom, and well… pooping!

2. Stroll Down Las Ramblas

— by Dan from Urban Abroad

When looking for things to do in Barcelona in winter time, there is nothing better than a stroll down Las Ramblas.

Just think of modern kiosks, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and street performers all in one place. It is here you can connect with Barcelona’s bustling vibe as this is a street that runs right through the heart of the city, and since it is one of the most famous walking streets in Barcelona, you get an authentic snapshot of the city’s offerings.

The street itself is around 1.2 kilometers long and is divided into a series of smaller streets that run alongside the main strip. It is also connected by 3 popular metro stops, with Liceu being the most popular. From Las Ramblas, you have easy access to many of the city’s best hotels and tourist attractions.

For the most part, you’ll find that Barcelona is safe but you must watch your belongings at all times in this area as there are many pickpockets operating looking for new opportunities.

Aside from the main strip, which is where you can find endless entertainment, such as live performances, street artists, and human statues, you can also find other noteworthy stops.

3. Taste Local Delicacies at La Boqueria Food Market

— by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. Called “La Boqueria” for short, this public market is one of the top attractions in Barcelona and should certainly be at the top of your list — no matter what time of the year you’re visiting.

As you’re strolling along Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s iconic pedestrian boulevard, you can’t help but notice the sprawling market of La Boqueria. This fabulous food market is definitely a feast for the senses!

Colorful produce stacked in pyramids alongside a rainbow array of freshly squeezed juices vie for your attention with vibrant aromatic spices, nuts, and dried peppers. You’ll also find incredible quantities of the freshest seafood (some of it still alive) as well as vendors cooking up hot meals with tantalizing aromas.

You should definitely plan to nibble your way through La Boqueria, but be sure to first explore the market to plan your attack. You may find better deals deeper into the market than you’ll find in the crowded stalls near the entrances.

You can purchase small, snack-sized quantities of succulent treats for just a couple of euros. Start off with a cup of pomegranate seeds, then perhaps a cone of Manchego cheese and slivers of jamón ibérico, a locally cured ham.

La Boqueria is open daily from 8 am until 8:30 pm and is closed on Sundays. Tip: some vendors close in the early afternoon, so the best time to visit is late morning into lunchtime so that you can have the best variety to choose from.

4. Attend Santa Eulalia Festival

— by Roxanne from Far Away Worlds

One of the highlights of winter in Barcelona is the Festival of Santa Eulalia, a celebration of the young patron saint of the city.

The festival runs for 4 days in mid-February each year and is especially good for children, in tribute to the saint’s young age (she was 13 when she died). The city comes alive for these days with processions, dances, parties, castellers, and other revelries – all lots of fun for both locals and tourists.

Castellers doing the famous human tower

Many of the festival events are suitable for children, including a photography contest for children and the Giants Parade with huge puppets of giants, eagles, and dragons. Other highlights of the festival include the acrobatic human towers, where participants climb each other to make high columns, and a Cerrefoc celebration, which involves people dressing up like devils and dancing between fireworks.

Barcelona’s festival of light, Llum Barcelona, usually takes place at the same time as the Festival of Santa Eulalia. Llum Barcelona lights up the Ciutat Vella district with over 20 different light projections and is an especially enchanting time to see the city.

Experiencing these festivals in Barcelona is a rich and intriguing experience, and allows visitors to see a unique aspect of Barcelona and Catalan culture.

5. Watch the Montjuïc Magic Fountain Show

— by Kerry from VeggTravel

Barcelona in the winter is the occasion for a treat with the magic fountain show.Not only is this spectacular water fountain extravaganza free to watch, but it runs all year round.

Font Màgica de Montjuïc is set amongst the beautiful surroundings of Pl. Carles Buïgas, in the Espanya district. Catch the metro to Espanya (Line 1 or Line 2) and you can reach the fountain at the end of the Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina. Other notable landmarks in the area include the Plaça d’Espanya, and the Palau Nacional.

The dancing water, colorful lights, musical arrangement, and historical background make this one of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona. Even the walk up to the fountains is breathtaking, with mini water features guiding the way to this magical event.

The fountain show really turns those cold winter evenings into something fun and memorable. If you’re visiting between the start of November and the end of March then you can catch the show between 8 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

When you see the water come to life you’ll be amazed that this fountain was built in 1929 during the world fair. With over 2.5 million visitors a year, you need to see for yourself why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.

6. Discover Casa Batlló From the Inside

— by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

One activity that’s perfect for escaping the cold in Barcelona is touring Casa Batlló.

For those who have never heard of Casa Batlló, it’s one of the iconic buildings in the city that was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the incredibly famous Catalan architect. Visitors have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour through all levels of the house and learn about the fascinating history and architecture.

Along with admiring the mesmerizing whimsical designs in the general tour package, visitors also can opt to pay an extra for the Gaudí Dôme, which is an immersive experience that offers insight into what inspired Gaudí. And if you’re keen on observing the colorful architecture up close, Casa Batlló has a roof terrace available to ticket holders. There’s even a bar where visitors can drink while taking in the surrounding scenery.

In terms of pricing, general admission tickets begin at 35 euros but can be as high as 49 euros, depending on the package you select. However, it’s important to note that it’s cheaper to buy online in advance than it is to purchase tickets on-site. All in all, walking inside Casa Batlló is a fantastic activity to do in Barcelona during the winter season!

Book your entry ticket to Casa Batlló 👉 right here 👈

7. Enter the Sagrada Familia

— by Claire from Why Visit Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia is one of the best things to do in Barcelona at any time of year, and in winter you have the added bonus of fewer visitors, giving you the chance to experience this magnificent building without the usual crowds.

That said, you should still book your entry tickets in advance as it is still very popular, and you don’t want to miss your chance to see inside. Book a ticket for early in the morning to have a chance to explore before too many people join you, and take your time to enjoy the space.

The exterior of the building is spectacular, with the 2 main façades designed in strikingly different styles, but only by going inside La Sagrada Familia can you really appreciate how incredible Gaudí’s work actually is.

The columns inside the cathedral reach up to the ceiling and stretch out like tree branches, and the sunlight streams in through colorful stained glass windows. Everywhere you look you can see how the architect was influenced by the natural world, and how he integrated nature into his designs.

There are several options for entry, including a guided tour and/or access to one of the towers if you like. There is an audio guide you can download if you choose not to have a guided tour, although they will point out details you may well miss if you visit alone!

Once you’ve finished inside, don’t miss getting a photo of La Sagrada Familia from across the pond in Plaça de Gaudí – it’s one of the best photo spots in the city.

Book your entry ticket to the Sagrada Familia 👉 right here 👈

8. Explore Park Güell

— by Christine from Live Love Run Travel

Speaking of Gaudí’s work, don’t skip out on Park Güell, especially in the winter. Indeed, it is less crowded and easier to get into the Park Güell Monumental Zone to enjoy the architecture and views of the city at this time of the year. There are plenty of things to see in Park Güell to spend a full day, but make sure to at least save a few hours for the park.

Unless you’re a Barcelona resident, you must have a ticket. Make sure to get your ticket ahead of time so that you do not have any issues getting into the Monumental Zone. In the winter, you can usually get your tickets a day or 2 ahead as the demand is lower other than during the holidays.

This area houses most of the most famous works of Gaudí in the park. From the curved walkway to the Greek Theatre, you’ll want to spend most of your time here. There is a cafe and bathrooms available in the Monumental Zone since you cannot return if you leave the area.

There are also several notable sites outside of the Monumental Zone. These include the Les Tres Creus viewpoint which gives a beautiful view of the city and Mount Tibidabo. You can also purchase a ticket to visit the Gaudí House Museum if you have the time.

If you purchase a ticket in advance, you can use Bus Güell to get from Alfons X metro station to Park Güell to avoid a steep uphill climb. You can also use a taxi to get to Park Güell. If you have a rental car, parking in the area is limited so consider using another form of transportation.

Book your entry ticket to Park Güell 👉 right here 👈

9. Take a Break at Barceloneta Beach

— by Sam from Flying Leap

Barceloneta is one of the beaches that attract the most tourists among all the top cities in Spain. Though you’d probably think of visiting a beach more in the summertime, the balmy winter weather makes it the perfect time for a stroll on this beach, away from the tourist crowds.

Barceloneta Beach is free to visit and is quite clean for a large city beach, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy the ocean and wind down after a busy day of hitting the city’s tourist sites.

Stop at one of the many restaurants that line sections of the beach to get food or a drink to enjoy gorgeous ocean views. And if you want to work it off, there’s even an outdoor gym where you can score a workout.

For the record, you should know that this beach was actually man-made and sand was brought in to create it in the 1800s. In fact, they need to top off the sand periodically due to erosion!

10. Visit the Aquàrium Barcelona

— by Alexander from Travel Your Memories

Encountering a rainy day on your Barcelona city trip? Well, this is the time to discover the Aquarium!

Not only is the aquarium beautiful to see, but it also offers a nice change from the other many sights to see in Barcelona and is also a useful activity to do in the winter, as this is an indoor activity.

It is a large aquarium with about 35 tanks in which 11,000 fish and 450 different species can be seen. One of the most popular sights in the aquarium is the 80-meter-long glass tunnel that gives you the idea of being at the bottom of the sea. You’ll see different types of rays, sharks, and fish swimming around. The animals are also provided with food every day so try to be there when this happens. Feeding time for the animals is often between 12:00 pm and 02:00 pm.

The aquarium can be found in the harbor area of Port Vell in the district of La Barceloneta and is easy to reach by walking via the center or via a hop-on hop-off bus. The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 m to 5:30 pm. On weekends and public holidays, the aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Because the aquarium is one of the many attractions in Barcelona, it can be crowded. Therefore, if you want to avoid waiting times, it can be useful to reserve a skip-the-line ticket so you don’t have to join the queue. There is also a so-called “Early Bird priority ticket” where you have the aquarium almost all to yourself!

Book your entry ticket to Barcelona Aquarium 👉 right here 👈

11. Eat tapas!

— by Denise from Chef Denise

Sure eating tapas aka Spanish small plates, is a great thing to do in Barcelona any time of year, but in the winter you don’t have to worry about putting on a bathing suit the next day! And the cooler weather gives you a good excuse to linger indoors and try all of the specialty dishes.

Tapas comes from the Spanish word “tapar” which means to cover. Legend has it that sherry drinkers used to cover their glasses with a slice of bread or meat to deter the fruit flies that hovered over the sweet drink. This tradition evolved into what we know today as tapas. And tapas have become even more popular than sherry.

Because of the small plate style, you can try a variety. Tapas can be served hot like patatas brava, crispy potatoes with a paprika sauce, or cold like Iberico ham. They can be simple like Manchego cheese and olives, or complex like croquettes, béchamel fritters with different fillings.

The most famous Spanish tapa is probably the tortilla. Unlike a bread-like Mexican tortilla, a Spanish tortilla is similar to a potato frittata or crustless quiche. Some tapas bars serve pieces with a toothpick for a more grab-and-go meal or Barcelona street food.

Consider tapas bar hopping to sample the best variety. A few of the most well know in Barcelona include Tapeo, Bodega Biarritz, Palosanto, and Quimet & Quimet.

12. Enjoy Art at the Picasso Museum

— by Theresa from Fueled by Wanderlust

Visiting the Picasso Museum in Barcelona’s La Ribera neighborhood is the perfect thing to do on a chilly winter day. Take cover from an occasional drizzle by journeying through the artistic development of one of the world’s most famous artists: Pablo Picasso.

During his early days as an artist, Picasso spent meaningful time in Barcelona developing and honing his craft. Picasso maintained his connection to Barcelona throughout his life, donating many of his works to the city over the years. His dream was to one day have a museum dedicated solely to displaying his art.

That dream came to fruition in 1963 when the Picasso Museum finally opened in the La Ribera neighborhood. Today, visitors can take a journey through Picasso’s evolution as an artist. There are galleries showcasing his early landscape paintings, the iconic Blue Period, and his Las Meninas series. It is impossible to leave this museum without feeling inspired after looking into the mind of this artistic genius.

While tickets to the museum can be purchased at the door for 12 euros, you’ll save time by purchasing them online in advance. Expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours making your way through the museum’s various galleries.

Book your guided tour of Picasso Museum 👉 right here 👈

13. Get Lost in the Parque del Laberint d’Horta

— by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

One of the best off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Barcelona is the Parque del Laberint d’Horta. Whether this is your first time in Barcelona or you live in Barcelona, you probably haven’t heard of this hidden gem.

Designed in 1792 by the Italian engineer Domenico Bagutti, Parque del Laberint d’Horta is Barcelona’s oldest garden that is beloved by travelers all over the world, and it’s easy to see why with its beautiful display of mythical statues at every twist and turn. The park is home to a variety of flowers and trees, such as linden, sequoia, and oak trees. There’s also a quaint babbling brook featured in these gardens, which spills out to a waterfall and stream.

The closest metro station is Mundet (Line 3), and several buses also stop at the garden, making it easily accessible for travelers. It’s free to visit on Wednesdays and Sundays, deeming it the perfect destination when visiting Barcelona on a budget.

It’s important to note that there is only a certain number of people allowed in the maze at a time, so it’s recommended to book tickets in advance though there is less waiting in winter.

14. Go Bar Hoping in Barcelona

— by Martha from May Cause Wanderlust

Barcelona is well known for great nightlife and that’s something you can do all year round because you don’t need nice weather to enjoy a cocktail or a mocktail.

The best cocktail bars in Barcelona are some up there with some of the best in the world, with 3 of them in the top 10 of the list of World’s Best Bars in 2022 – and many more that are serious contenders worth a visit. And there’s something special about Barcelona bars, which is that they can be hip and edgy or chic and sophisticated, without feeling snobbish nor elitist.

The smart grid streets of Eixample are home to a variety of great bars, including Sips, which is number 3 on the World’s Best Bars 2022 list. There are also party bars Boca Chica and La Terraza De Anna, a rooftop bar with a view of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and the rest of Passeig de Gracia.

Many of the very cool bars are in the Ciutat Vella, Barcelona’s Old City. In the gritty, graffiti-covered neighborhood of El Raval, you’ll find Two Schmucks, a self-proclaimed “five-star dive bar”. Just off Las Ramblas is Boadas Cocktails, which doesn’t appear to have changed since it opened in the 1930s.

Dr Stravinsky Cocktail Bar

And in the uber-cool El Born neighborhood, you’ll find a lot of choices, including the bar that was crowned World’s Best Bar, Paradiso. It’s an intimate place with a playful menu and a touch of flair bartending. Do also check out Story, for somewhere a bit more low-key, and Dr Stravinsky, where they make their own infusions and mixes.

15. Dive into 4D Gaudí’s Experiència

— by Asha from HomeTravelGuide

Gaudí’s Experiència is one of the unique places to visit in Barcelona as it offers an innovative way to discover the architect’s life and work.

There is so much happening here including big interactive screens in the exhibition space which explore his early life, his finished, and unfinished projects, and his personal life. There is also the 4D augmented reality experience which is a creative journey through his work and thoughts. If you’re visiting with kids, then there is also a dedicated kids’ area where they too can discover interesting facts about Gaudí.

Gaudí’s Experiència is 100 meters from Park Güell, so you can see both places in one day. You can easily get here by taking the metro to Lesseps Line 3 and Joanic Line 4. Or if you have a Bus Turistic or Barcelona City tour bus then these also stop near the venue.

Book your entry ticket to Gaudí’s Experiència 👉 right here 👈

16. Go on a Day Trip to Montserrat

— by David & Intan from The World Travel Guy

The mountain park of Montserrat Spain is relatively easy to visit on a day trip from Barcelona. These mountains are arguably some of the most amazing in the country, and there’s also an old Catholic monastery from the 11th century that you can still go inside today.

Winter can be a great time to visit Montserrat, and sometimes in the mountains, you can even see snow! Most days are pleasant and sunny during the winter, so it’s easy to enjoy the scenery and go for a hike without the summer crowds, although you’ll still want to wear warm clothing just in case.

The 3 main ways to get to Monserrat are by train, bus, or car, but the train is generally the most common way to get there from Barcelona. It’s also not too expensive. Just go to Plaça d’Espanya station and take the R5 line (Manresa) to Montserrat. The train takes you to the foot of the mountains at Montserrat, and then you take a quick cable car or rack railway the rest of the way up to the national park.

Once you reach Montserrat, there are a bunch of easy hiking trails, as well as a centrally located plaza with a monastery, a cafe, and a small museum to explore.

It’s also possible to go from Barcelona to Montserrat with a tour package and guide, which can be helpful for navigation and a better understanding of the sights. Either way, Montserrat is definitely one of the best things to see in the Barcelona area!

Book your day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat (lunch included) 👉 right here 👈

17. Go on a Day Trip to Girona

— by Carly from Fearless Female Travels

When the temperature in Barcelona drops and a day at the beach becomes a bit less appealing, one of the most enjoyable activities is to explore the towns surrounding Barcelona by taking day trips by bus and train. What is the best one-day excursion in winter? It’s definitely a day trip to Girona from Barcelona.

Girona is about 100 km north of Barcelona, and it’s easy to reach by high-speed train in less than 40 minutes. Booking your tickets in advance guarantees you a spot on the popular high-speed trains, which get busy because they continue onwards to France.

Many travelers have already seen Girona without realizing it since its medieval town center was one of the main filming locations of the Game of Thrones television show.

Visiting Girona in the winter, when there are fewer tourists, really makes it feel like you’re traveling back in time. You’ll hardly encounter any other tourists as you wander the cobblestone streets, duck under ancient stone archways, stroll along the ramparts that once protected the city, and get lost in the gardens behind Girona’s towering cathedral.

Girona is also a foodie capital, and visiting in winter makes it much easier to get a coveted reservation at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants. The most famous of all, El Celler de Can Roca, always has a stunning winter menu featuring seasonal local ingredients like calçots, romanesco, and roasted chestnuts.

If Michelin stars are out of your price range, stop by one of the charming bakeries dotted around the historic center for a xuixo, a sweet-filled pastry that originates in Girona, and a warm mug of rich hot chocolate.

Book your day trip from Barcelona to Girona 👉 right here 👈

Barcelona Winter Weather

Winter in Barcelona Spain starts in mid-December and ends in mid-March, but the weather is considered cold starting from November.

Generally, Barcelona weather in winter is a bit cool, although the day temperatures don’t fall below 13°C/55.4°F on average, it doesn’t rain much and the sun is quite present thanks to its Mediterranean climate. But don’t get fooled by this mild weather and bring some warm clothes to be able to enjoy your trip in comfort.

Barcelona in November

Although the weather is getting colder in November, temperatures are still pleasant as they can reach 18°C/64.4°F during the day! Mornings are cooler with temperatures that can drop below 10°C/50°F, and the gap with the afternoon can be important. So, dress smartly in layers to be able to cover/uncover yourself throughout the day.

Barcelona in December

Barcelona is in fact one of the most visited destinations in Europe in December, and the weather has something to do with it. Temperatures vary from 6°C/42.8°F to 15°C/59°F, so outside activities are still enjoyable even though you have to dress warmly enough.

The only drawback in December is that the days are the shortest and the night falls pretty quickly. But that’s also what winter is all about, especially at Christmas time!

Barcelona in January

January is usually the coldest month of the year in Barcelona, but temperatures are still mild with an average temperature of 9,5°C/49.1°F (5,5°C/41.9°F minimum and 14°C/57.2°F maximum). It’s at night that the weather is the coldest, so you’ll still be able to enjoy the city during the day with the sun shining about 50% of the time. Note that humidity is quite high, so be prepared in case of rain.

Barcelona in February

Weather in February is similar to January, but with temperatures slightly starting to rise. Temperatures range from 6°C/42.8°F to 14°C/57.2°F, the sun is more present about 55% of the time, and rain is most likely to fall. But Barcelona winter breaks in February are still nice.

Barcelona in March

In March, the weather gets really warmer with spring coming. Days get much longer and temperatures can rise to 17°C/62.6°F in the afternoon. Like in November, the temperature gap with the morning (under 10°C/50°F) can be important, so you need to be dressed accordingly.

Why Visit Barcelona in Winter?

Still not convinced to travel to Barcelona Spain in winter? Here are some reasons that will certainly end up convincing you.

1. Enjoy the Lowest Prices of the Year

From November to February, flight and hotel rates drop dramatically as Barcelona’s peak season is in summer, like everywhere in Europe. If you book about 2-3 months in advance, you may be able to travel for as little as 30€ round trip from some European airports!

2. Barcelona’s Ideal Winter Weather

Barcelona is known for its idyllic climate, even in winter. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the sun is likely to shine even in the middle of December. Even though the days can be a little chilly at times, blue skies and sunshine will warm your heart for sure!

3. Much Fewer Crowds

Barcelona is a victim of its own success. Offering great historic architecture and museums, delicious cuisine, lovely scenery, and beaches, it’s one of the few cities in the world that has it all. The only time of the year when crowds are getting smaller is in winter. So, if you hate long queues and if you’re seeking tranquility, winter is for you.

4. Attend Barcelona’s Winter Events

The party city has no downtime. In winter, events abound just as much as in summer.

• December: At the beginning of December, Saint Lucia is celebrated with lights, lanterns and Christmas markets everywhere in the streets. Of course, the New Year’s Eve festivities take place on the 31st.
• January: The Three Kings parade takes place on the 5th and Saint Anthony’s Day on the 17th.
• February: Carnestoltes (carnival) animates the entire city for a week in mid-February with parades crossing the city.

FAQ About Visiting Barcelona in the Winter

Is Barcelona good in the winter?

Barcelona is definitely nice to visit in winter for an off-the-beaten-path trip. Although very pleasant, Barcelona winter temperatures are not good enough to swim at the beach, but the city remains very lively, rich of beautiful things to visit, the crowds excepted.

Does it snow in Barcelona in winter?

Snowfall in Barcelona is very very rare, but not impossible. But don’t expect snow in Barcelona, as it’s rather a winter sun destination.

How many days do I need to visit Barcelona?

To fully immerse yourself in the city, spending 3 to 5 days in Barcelona is ideal. Of course, if you have more days the better, but don’t consider going to Barcelona if you can’t spend at least 3 days. And if you have 4 days or more, you should consider doing a day trip to the nearby attractions and cities such as Montserrat, Sitges or Girona.

What to wear in Barcelona in winter?

Days from December to February are usually sunny with average temperatures between 12°C/53.6°F and 15°C/59°F. Although it is cool in the morning and at nightfall, the sun warms up considerably during the day. So watch out for drastic temperature changes as you move around the city, especially if you’re constantly using the subway. It can be very hot underground, but once you get to ground level, you’ll be hit with a strong breeze.

The trick is to dress in several layers of fairly light clothing so that you can take it off and put it back on as the day progresses. Wear at least 3 layers when you go out: it can be a base layer, a heavy blouse, and a coat. Or a shirt, sweater, and jacket. Also, take a raincoat and/or an umbrella when you go out in cloudy weather.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Ready to go? Here are some accommodation recommendations where great holidays are guaranteed, winter or not:

✅ Best Hotel – Acta BCN: This hotel located only a 5 min walk from Las Ramblas will provide you with all the amenities you could need. Modern and beautifully furnished, it also serves a tasty breakfast every day.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Hostal Portugal: Though the name can be confusing, this guesthouse is in Barcelona. Located in the Gothic Quarter, you’ll be only a few steps from some of the best attractions. The rooms are comfy and luminous, and the staff is friendly.

⭐️ Best Luxury Hotel – Catalonia Magdalenes: Located in the heat of the city close to the Cathedral of Barcelona, this 4-star hotel has everything to spend the most relaxing stay, spa included.

🔎 Further Readings – Other cities to visit in winter:

• Lisbon in winter 
• Rome in winter 
• Paris in winter 
• Copenhagen in winter 
• Geneva in winter 
• Annecy in winter

I hope you’ll enjoy your Barcelona winter travel! If you have any questions or if you have tried one of the experiences recommended in this post, let me know in the comments below. 

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