Located by the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and the second biggest city in Spain, is one of the trendiest cities in Europe. Combining contemporary art, local traditions, and beautiful landscapes, Barcelona offers extraordinary experiences all year round. 

But, the charm and slower pace of the old town, the avant-garde vibe of Gaudi’s architecture, and the fast pace of one of the world’s most visited cities can surely be more appreciated in winter. So, keep reading to discover how to have the perfect winter holiday in Barcelona.

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Barcelona in Winter: Top Things to Do!

How to Move Around in Barcelona?

The cheapest way to move around in Barcelona is using public transport: the metro, tram, and buses are a quick and sustainable way to get around. You can also choose from the different ticket types and travel cards.

A good way to visit the city on the cheap is with the convenient Hola Barcelona Public Transport Travel Card which allows travelers to enjoy free, unlimited access to the transportation networks in the city and its suburbs. Tickets can be 48, 72, 96, or 120-hour passes.
Click here to purchase Hola Barcelona Public Transport Travel Card.

Another good alternative is this Barcelona Card which includes discounted access to 25+ museums and free public transportation.

To get from El Prat airport to the city center you can do so by using a private transfer.

Where to Stay in Barcelona?

Top Things to Do and Best Places to See in Winter in Barcelona

With no particular order, down here you’ll find the most amazing things to do in Barcelona if you visit in the wintertime. Enjoy!

Join a Mass at Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is known as Gaudi’s masterpiece. But it has been under construction since 1882, and it will probably not finish any time soon. 

Due to its construction taking more than a century, you will notice a massive difference in style and materials. For instance, you will see a contrast in the stone color between the front and the back.

Many locals despise these differences because they believe Gaudi wouldn’t appreciate them.

Nevertheless, this is what makes Sagrada Familia one of the most visited attractions in Spain.

To experience Sagrada Familia in an alternative way, join a mass on Sunday.

The entrance is free, and anyone can join. However, be sure to arrive as early as possible because space is limited. 

Visit Park Güell

Park Güell is a must-visit spot for those who want to explore Gaudi’s unique architectural style.

Since 1926, it has been operating as a national park and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

In fact, this playful and urban park was designed by Gaudi in 1900. It features peaceful greens, winding paths, and many sculptures and mosaics. 

But initially, it was a private project to build a residential area for wealthy families, so you will notice spaces that were supposed to act as a network of roads and communications and other services.

Generally, in winter, fewer tourists visit Barcelona. However, this is among the most visited places in town and, if you do not book early, you might not get a ticket. It did happen to us and we had to return the next day.

However, if you have to choose, winter is kind of the perfect time to visit Park Güell if you’re trying to avoid overeager tourists while exploring. 

Seek Refuge from the Cold at a Barcelona Museum

No place like a museum to seek protection from low temperatures and rain! And Barcelona has some great museums where you can spend hours.

Start by heading to the Picasso Museum, which hosts the world’s largest collection of Picasso’s work. If you don’t know a lot about his work, or if – on the contrary – you’re fascinated by his life and paintings, then joining a tour like this one, given by an art expert will offer a full understanding of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

You can also explore the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, which boasts the finest collection of Romanesque mural paintings in the world, featuring works by the masters of Catalan Modernism, masters of the European Renaissance, and Baroque, and an important photography collection.
This is a guided tour with a skip-the-line entrance ticket that’s great value for money.

Alternatively, if you prefer to keep warm inside a bus, you can join this day trip that includes a visit to different nearby areas, as well as a stop in Figueres, to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum and admire the stunning permanent Dalí Jewels exhibition.

The tour also takes you to discover the amazing city of Girona another European city used as a Game of Thrones filming location (and one of my favorite cities in Spain!).

And if a bus tour is a good idea, but you’d rather stay in the city of Barcelona, then the best option for a cold day is, as usual, a hop-on-hop-off tour of Barcelona that allows you to get on and off as you wish during the day and according to the places that you want to visit.

Tour Other Gaudi’s Buildings

As you may have already guessed, Gaudi is an important figure in Barcelona. But to be more precise, Gaudi represents Catalan Modernism or Art Nouveau that dominated Barcelona in the 20th century.

Catalan Modernism combines traditional patterns with modern design resulting in decoration dominating over function. So, modernist buildings have dynamic shapes and organic motifs. 

Gaudi’s buildings, Casa Batllo, Casa Milà, Palau Güell, Casa Vicens, and La Pedrera, are some of the most famous Art Nouveau examples.

And although any time of the year, these buildings are absolutely stunning, during winter, the light decorations and Christmas markets make them even better.

These are the best Gaudi tours available:

• Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour
• Casa Milà Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide
• Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia & Park Güell Tour

Stroll around the Gothic Quarter

The charming Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city and one of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona and the atmosphere is definitely magic during winter.

The narrow medieval streets feature trendy bars, clubs, and Catalan restaurants. Furthermore, it hosts many secret places and beautiful spots for memorable photos.

The Gothic Quarter is a must-see area that includes most of Barcelona’s major attractions.

Some of these are the Barcelona Cathedral and the Museu d’Història de Barcelona, which hosts the remains of the Roman city.

Additionally, in winter, at the busy avenue La Rambla, you will find plenty of flower stalls, street-food vendors, and market stalls selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, and other beautiful ornaments. And when over there, don’t miss checking out the super famous Columbus monument.

Indulge in Chocolate with Churros

Impossible to visit Spain and skip this classic. During my childhood, back in Argentina – a country made of European immigrants, churros were a staple food to eat dipped in thick and super creamy hot chocolate.

And this is a tradition that comes directly from Spain!

Choose one of the many cafeterias (or better, churrerias, or bars specialized in making churros) to try these delicious deep-fried treats that are nothing but a comfort delicacy during a cold day.

Wondering where to eat the best churros in Barcelona?

• Head Carrer Petritxol dubbed the chocolate street of Barcelona. Over there you will find the super famous Granja Dulcinea, serving one of the best cups of hot and thick chocolate with delicious churros. It’s close to both the Gothic quarter and the Boqueria Market.
• On the same street, Granja La Pallaresa has been serving delicious churros since 1947. Some say this is the best churreria in town… Try and later tell me if you agree!
• Active since 1870, Granja M. Viader is one of the most historic businesses in Barcelona and the best place to savor an authentic hot chocolate with a side portion of whipped cream and a steaming hot dish of churros. They are at 4, Carrer d’en Xuclà.

Take Part in a Local Festival

Spain undoubtedly offers some of the best parties, which can be at a festival, a club, or on the streets. Often, it feels as if Spaniards live to simply celebrate life.

No matter the time of the year you visit, Barcelona is filled with people dancing, listening to music, creating art, and celebrating while on the streets, at a random square, or the beach.

But similarly, no matter when you visit Barcelona, the city always has something going on. In December, lights and public markets take over Barcelona.

The most famous Christmas festival is the Wise Men Parade which takes place in January.

Other famous winter festivals are the Santa Eulalia, a parade of dragons through the Old Town, and the Carnival. Both are celebrated in February.

Spend a Day by the Beach

It is no secret that Barcelona has some of the best beaches in Europe. And that is precisely why it is one of the trendiest summer destinations. 

But it gets so crowded in summer that perhaps you might enjoy Barcelona’s beaches better in winter. The average sea temperature in winter is 14°C, so if you are up to it, you can even swim and enjoy the wintry breeze.

Still, you don’t have to actually swim to enjoy the beach. Barceloneta has various activities to join, such as volleyball, yoga classes, gymnastics, or simply a walk along the promenade.

Also, there are several bars, street food bistros, restaurants, and even nightclubs by the beach to enjoy a nice wintery day by the water.

Eat Tapas in a Traditional Restaurant

Tapas is a popular Spanish food you can find anywhere in the world. Today, you can even find fusion tapas, but nothing beats authentic Spanish tapas.

So, trying the famous traditional tapas in Barcelona is definitely a must. Tapas are small plates often shareable with friends that go well with a pint of beer.

For the best authentic experience, choose a traditional local restaurant. Some of the best tapas dishes are tortilla, patatas bravas, and patatas aioli, chorizo, marinated olives, fried calamari, croquettes, and mussels. You can also go for a tapas and wine walking tour to discover the old town at the same time.

Some of the best restaurants for tapas are the Carrer Blai, in the Poble Sec neighborhood, on the slopes of Montjuic Hill, and the El Xampanyet in the Borne area. 

Grab a Bite from La Boqueria

Sometimes, the best way to experience another country’s culture is through their local markets. Thankfully, in Barcelona, there is a traditional market right in the city’s heart.

La Boqueria market is the local heaven food. Nowadays, it is a rather tourist spot. But it still follows the traditional manner of a local market.

The best part? It’s in a very central position, only steps from the famous Ramblas (another place you cannot miss in Barcelona in winter).

Here, you will find stalls with local producers selling delicious local fruits, vegetables and cured meats, cheese, seafood, snacks, and drinks. It is full of colors, smells, and tastes from Barcelona.

Craving some delicious jamón Serrano? This is the place to visit! The market is covered, so you can easily spend a few hours around the food stalls and avoid the cold weather.

… and don’t forget to grab some Jamón to take with you as a souvenir from Spain.

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Are there any other things you would add to this list of things to do in Barcelona in winter?
Let me know in the comments below!

You might also want to read these blogs about winter destinations:

• Non-Touristy Things to Do in Rome in Winter That Locals Love!
• Best European Cities for Christmas!
• The Most Incredible Things to Do in Prague in Winter

Pin this Guide to the Best Things to Do in Winter in Barcelona for your Travels!