Barcelona in The Summer: 15 Best Things To Do in 2024
Are you planning to visit Barcelona in the summer? If so, you are in the right place!
The city of Barcelona stole my heart in 2017. I have been back since then. And learned so many tips & tricks for visiting Barcelona in the summer. We were there for a wedding and extended our trip to spend a week in Barcelona.
To be honest, I was a little nervous to visit such a popular destination during high season. However, with a couple of travel tips, I quickly fell in love with Barcelona all over again.
This vibrant and historical city truly comes alive in the summertime. Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona offers stunning beaches, architectural wonders, fantastic summer festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Even though I am very familiar with and adore Barcelona, I have found someone who is an expert in Spain travel. Cristina from My Little World Of Travelling grew up in Málaga, Spain, and she helps you experience Spain like a local.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about Barcelona in the summer, from the best things to do and events to travel tips that will help you plan your Barcelona trip.
Let’s dive in!
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting in Summer
Barcelona is absolutely worth visiting in the summer! There’s no shortage of things to do and see in this incredible city. With its warm Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities.
The summer months in Barcelona bring a vibrant atmosphere to the city with numerous traditional events and festivals.
Also, if you are looking for a summer holiday with sightseeing, Barcelona is just perfect for you. You can soak up the sun at the beach and explore impressive buildings like La Sagrada Familia or Casa Batllo.
In the evenings, you can savor delicious tapas at lively outdoor cafes or admire a rousing and passionate Flamenco Show.
Barcelona’s unique blend of history, architecture, cuisine, and seaside charm make it a bucket list summer destination!
Why Barcelona May Not Be Worth Visiting in the Summer
Just like any destination, Barcelona does have its flaws, especially when visiting in the summer months.
Firstly, the flight and accommodation costs are at their peak. You guessed it, the summer months are Barcelona’s high tourist season. Which unfortunately means that you will pay more money in summer than at other times of the year.
TIP: I like to book my accommodations with Booking.com. They offer free cancellation and price matching. So you have nothing to lose booking in advance.
Secondly, it can be overcrowded, and I mean CROWDED. It feels like Disney World with the number of people walking the sidewalks and in line with popular attractions like Park Guell. So if you don’t like crowded places, don’t visit Barcelona in the summer.
Another disadvantage of visiting Barcelona in the summer is the heat. The hottest months in Barcelona are July and August, where most days average 28–29 °C (82–84 °F). Great temperatures for the beach, but incredibly hot to be walking around the city.
So visiting Barcelona in the summer may not be for everyone. However, I will share with you a few tips and tricks you can do to help with the summer crowds and heat.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona in the Summer
With so much to do and see, Barcelona can be the ultimate summer destination! Here are the top things to do in Barcelona and lots of tips to help you create the best itinerary.
1. Enjoy the Fireworks and Bonfires on Sant Joan Night
Noche de San Juan, or Nit de Sant Joan in Catalan language, is one of the most popular celebrations and marks the beginning of summer. It is also celebrated in the rest of Spain, but celebrating San Juan Night in Barcelona is fantastic.
Locals meet up with friends and family at the beach, where they do bonfires, eat and drink, and dance all night. You can also expect fireworks at midnight. It is a great celebration to experience because the atmosphere is magical.
The Feast of Sant Joan is June 24th, however, the celebrations start the night before on the 23rd. So you can expect lots of partying, music, dancing, and get togethers throughout the streets of Barcelona.
2. Attend the Grec Festival
Do you love dance, music, and theatre? Then don’t miss The Grec Festival that takes place in The Teatre Grec at the end of June or the beginning of July.
This open-air festival celebrates art at its best. You can see theatre plays, circus shows and music concerts. It is a one-of-a-kind festival for anyone who is into art.
3. Go On a Food Tour of Barcelona
An incredible and memorable way to experience the essence of Catalan cuisine is through a food tour of Barcelona. What makes the food in Barcelona special is that it blends traditional Spanish cuisine with its unique Catalan twist.
On a food tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local bustling food markets like La Boqueria, taste mouthwatering tapas, savor regional wines, and indulge in many other local specialties with your expert tour guide.
Tip: I suggest you book a food tour early on in your trip, either the first or second night. This is because you will get a great introduction to the city but also your tour guide will give you loads of local tips on restaurants to try during your stay.
There are so many food tours to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. The Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience is the one that I recommend.
We did this our first evening in Barcelona. Our guide Fransic was knowledgeable and entertaining. The food he introduced us to was phenomenal. Great tour and tour guide. – Elisa E. (read more reviews)
It is a small and intimate group tour where you taste authentic tapas and Spanish wine at 4 different restaurants. To cap off your tour, you can also upgrade and add on a Flamenco show. And with over 2,000 five star reviews – you can’t go wrong!
✅ Check rates & availability for the Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience here
3. Watch a Film at The Open-Air Cinema
If you visit Barcelona in summer, you want to check out the open-air cinema that takes place in different parts of the city, including the beaches, museums, and more. These outdoor screenings are a popular and unique way to spend your summer night in the city.
They play all sorts of films (comedies, romantic, children’s, etc.) from around the world. One of the more popular open air cinemas in Barcelona that I recommend is Sala Montjuïc.
Sala Montjuïc is from the first week of June to August, where you can enjoy music, live performances, food trucks, iconic films, and more at the beautiful Montjuïc Castle.
5. Get a Delicious Ice Cream or Horchata
There is nothing better to cool down on a summer afternoon than ice cream. Although Argentinian and Italian ice creams are the most famous worldwide, Spain has delicious ice creams too.
Luckily, Barcelona is home to many good ice cream shops that offer a wide variety of flavors. A favorite spot of mine is Anita, located in the neighborhood of Gràcia.
Their homemade ice cream is one of the best in the city! They have so many unique and delicious flavor combos, a fan favorite and must-try is the “Cookie Man,” a yummy mix of meringue, biscotti, and Nutella.
Apart from ice cream, you can’t leave Barcelona without trying horchata (tiger nut milk). Planelles Donat and Orxateria Verdú are two famous places to enjoy this traditional drink.
6. Escape the Hot Weather By Visiting Barcelona’s Museums
Whether you love art, architecture, or science, you’re spoilt for choice in Barcelona.
The city has plenty of museums for everyone. Art lovers must visit Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña, Fundació Joan Miró, and Picasso Museum, and for those who love Gaudi, Casa Battló, Casa Vicens and Gaudi Museum.
Football lovers need to visit FC Barcelona’s museum. Last but not least, other fun museums include Ikono and Museu de Xocolata (a chocolate museum!)
7. Go On a Day Trip to Sitges
If you plan to visit Barcelona longer than a weekend, you might also want to go on a day trip to a coastal town.
Sitges, located 30 minutes from Barcelona, is a beach town with amazing golden sand beaches to spend the day in.
However, if you prefer to sightsee, you can visit the Cau Ferrat Museum, walk its picturesque streets, and visit the Terramar Gardens. It is also a fantastic place to enjoy a paella at a beach bar.
8. Visit La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is one of the top things Spain is known for. This masterpiece, started by the talented Antoni Gaudi, must be on any Barcelona itinerary, regardless of the time of the year.
When you see it in person, you will be amazed by the height and architecture of this building, but it is equally impressive on the inside. The stained glasses, the columns, and the rooftop are to admire.
It is the most visited attraction in Barcelona, so booking your tickets in advance is recommended.
In fact, visiting in the summer months and peak tourism season (May through September), I highly suggest skip-the-line tickets. It is a little bit of an extra cost. However, in my experience, it has always been worth it. Especially when it’s summer and very hot outside.
Skip the line tickets allow you to bypass the long lines outside of the major attractions like Sagrada Familia so you can spend more time exploring the city. With over ⭐ 35,000 reviews, this is the tour that most people decide to book when visiting La Sagrada Familia.
Tip: If you book with Viator or Get Your Guide, they offer FREE cancellation. So you have nothing to lose when booking your tour right away.
9. Spend the Day at the Beach
One of the best things to do in Barcelona in the summer is go to the beach. The city has beautiful beaches to sunbathe, swim, and spend the day.
By far, the most popular beach in Barcelona is Barceloneta Beach. It is the closest to the city center and very convenient to get to. However, at the same time, it is extremely busy and crowded.
When in Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach is a must-visit. The beach promenade is lined with seafood restaurants and beach bars. It is a very vibrant and picturesque location. And not only is it great to visit during the day, but also at sunset. You can take amazing photos near the infamous W Hotel Barcelona.
If you are looking for fewer crowds for your beach day, I suggest Ocata Beach. It is situated in the north of Barcelona and is a better option if you prefer quieter beaches.
10. Have a Picnic at Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park is among the most beautiful parks in Barcelona. You have probably heard or seen Park Güell, but this one is also worth adding to your list.
This green park is perfect for relaxing, having a picnic, or visiting with kids, as there are fun playgrounds.
But it also has attractions across the park, such as the Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament and the Museu d’ Art. And not to forget about the picturesque fountain. Another fun activity to do in Ciutadella Park is to hire a rowing boat.
11. Attend The Festa Major de Gràcia
This festival takes place in the neighborhood of Gràcia every August and it is one of Barcelona’s most colorful and lively neighborhood festivals.
During this week-long celebration, you can find the streets transformed with imaginative and elaborate decorations. Each street competes with one another for the best-decorated street.
They take it very seriously and usually follow a specific theme. If you are visiting Barcelona during this time, I highly suggest you stop by. It is a very unique and magical experience.
At the Festa Major de Gràcia, you can grab traditional food from stalls, listen to live music, and attend workshops. There are also children’s attractions. Many consider Festa Major de Gràcia to be the best festival in Barcelona in the summer.
12. Go to Barcelona’s Ice Bar
One of the coolest bars in Barcelona to visit in the summer is Ice Barcelona, located in Barcelona’s beachfront. It makes sense, right? With temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or more, you want to cool down.
Sip a delicious winter cocktail with a friend and enjoy taking photos with ice sculptures (it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Barcelona!)
✅ You must book your tickets in advance, but you don’t need to worry about bringing a coat; they will lend you winter clothes.
13. Enjoy a Drink on a Rooftop Terrace
It is an activity you can do all year round, but there is something unique about visiting a rooftop terrace in the summer. The atmosphere is livelier, and you are guaranteed good weather too.
There are many beautiful rooftop bars in Barcelona, including ones with exclusive views of Barcelona’s main attractions.
Sercotel Rosellón is one of my favorites because it has the best views of La Sagrada Familia. However, you must book your table in advance to avoid any disappointment!
14. Take the Montjuic Cable Car
Are you always looking for the best views? If you aren’t scared of heights, taking the Montjuic cable car is your best option to contemplate the breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona.
The cable car goes from the Funicular station to the top of Montjuic Mountain. You will be able to spot La Sagrada Familia and other historical buildings along the way.
Avoid the peak sun hours and take the cable car from 7 pm; the last admission is before 9 pm.
✅ You can book your round trip ticket on the Montjuic cable car here.
15. Dinner Under the Stars at the Observatori Fabra
Dining under the stars at the observatory is an unforgettable experience to add to your Barcelona trip. It’s even better for anyone who loves astronomy.
The dinner is on the terrace of the observatory, and you will enjoy a delicious astronomy-themed menu. After that, you can visit the impressive museum and facilities.
It is a romantic thing to do for couples visiting Barcelona in the summer.
Travel Tips for Visiting Barcelona in the Summer
There are a couple of disadvantages to visiting Barcelona in the summer, however, I have come up with some travel tips so you can make the most of your summer vacation.
Summer prices are expensive, book your accommodations ASAP. I like to use Booking because they offer free cancellation and price matching. So you have nothing to lose booking in advance.
Book skip the line tickets when visiting popular sites like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell to avoid long lines and crowds. I like to use either Viator or Get Your Guide.
Also, make sure to stay hydrated and wear sun protection such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun. Plan your outdoor activities in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the peak of the midday heat.
When you are sightseeing and exploring the city during the day take Barcelona’s public transportation system, including buses and the metro. It can be a more convenient option than dealing with traffic or walking around under the hot sun.
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and consider using anti-theft accessories.
Lastly, consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected events or cancellations during your trip. Traveling in the summer months in Europe is full of delays, lost bags, you name it. I suggest Safet Wing, it’s an affordable insurance that will give you peace of mind.
Barcelona Summer Weather
The hottest months in Barcelona are July and August, and you can experience 28 degrees Celsius on average, but temperatures can be higher and reach 35 degrees Celsius.
During these months, most days are sunny and clear, and you will experience very little or no rain, so you don’t need to worry about rainfall.
☀️ June Weather in Barcelona:
- Average High Temperatures: 32° C or 89.6 ° F
- Average Low Temperatures: 24° C or 75.2 ° F
- Average Rainfall: 1.5 inches
☀️ July Weather in Barcelona:
- Average High Temperatures: 33° C or 91.4 F
- Average Low Temperatures: 24° C or 75.2 F
- Average Rainfall: 1.1 inches
☀️ August Weather in Barcelona:
- Average High Temperatures: 33° C or 91.4 F
- Average Low Temperatures: 26° C or 78.8 F
- Average Rainfall: 1.8 inches
Is Barcelona a Good Summer Destination?
Barcelona is a superb summer destination to visit because of the sunny warm weather, beautiful beaches, iconic architecture, including the world-famous works of Antoni Gaudí, and vibrant atmosphere.
During the summer the city comes alive with open-air festivals, including the popular Sant Joan Feast and numerous music events.
Barcelona’s rich history and culture, warm climate, and diverse attractions make it an ideal choice for a summer getaway.
Is Barcelona Very Hot in Summer?
Yes, Barcelona can get quite hot in the summer. If you are visiting during this time it is important to plan your outdoor activities in the cooler morning hours or later afternoon.
It isn’t as hot as other cities in Spain like Madrid, Seville, or Cordoba, but Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, so you can expect the summer months to be warm and sunny with little to no rain.
The average temperatures can range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), but heatwaves can push temperatures even higher.
In Conclusion: Barcelona in the Summer
Whether you want a beach holiday or a sunny Spanish city break, you will love Barcelona. It has plenty of historical buildings and museums, but also golden sand beaches, delicious food and an incredible nightlife.
Barcelona in the summer is perfect for anyone who wants to experience a Spanish summer holiday and attend traditional events.
This post was written by Cristina Reina the founder of My Little World of Travelling, a blog that helps travelers discover Spain and its hidden gems. She is passionate about sharing local tips about her hometown, Malaga, and beyond.
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