If you find yourself a weekend in Barcelona during the holiday season there is more than enough to do and we would love to give you our recommendations. Barcelona is not only filled with beautiful monuments and architecture but also special Christmas events ready to be explored. The Christmas Season makes the city of Barcelona even more beautiful, with the streets full of lights and decorations that start as early as November. Barcelona is one of the most popular European destinations for Christmas and New Year for its temperatures and surprises that you will only find in December. Here’s our list of the best ways to make the most of your Festive Weekend away!
Things to do
# Christmas Markets in Barcelona
As Christmas is just around the corner, markets are popping up at every turn. Cosy markets are organised every year at various locations, from Christmas and food markets to second-hand and flea markets, there is something for everyone. They’re filled with quirky decorations and trinkets that just might be the perfect gift you’ve been looking for. The most famous markets include The Fira de Santa Llúcia, Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia, The Port Vell Fair and The Food Artisans Market.
# The must-see sites in Barcelona
Barcelona is full of beautiful sights spread out across the city, so this is a great opportunity to rent some bikes to ensure that you see as many of them as possible. One of the most glorious sites at Christmas is the Magic Fountain of Montjuic and its holiday water show. Until the fifth of January, stop by from 8 pm to 9 pm to watch the marvellous show filled with stunning colours and plenty of Christmas spirit.
No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting a few of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous architectural wonders such as the SAGRADA FAMILIA and Parc Guell which are both stunning. If you fancy a break from sightseeing, take a rest stop at the Plaça Reial, also known as the royal square. It’s located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona near La Rambla and is the only arcaded square in the city centre.
# Christmas shopping
Shopping in Barcelona is a must. Not only are you able to find your brand name shops, but you’ll also find some very unique independent shops that sell handmade and locally sourced products. Barcelona has high-street chains such as Mango, Zara, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Masimo Dutti, and Zara Home which are all Spanish brands owned by the same company. Across the districts of Ciutat Vella, Gracia, and Eixample you will also find a mix of high-street names and independent boutiques. If you’re looking for Artsy shops featuring vintage fashion, furniture or homeware these are best found in El Raval.
If you want to get everything on your shopping lists all in one hit, we recommend that you stop by one of the Best shopping malls in Barcelona, EL CORTE INGLÉS, as they cater to so many needs.
# Ice Skating
If you’re looking to get a bit active on your holiday weekend, why not partake in a seasonal favourite: Ice Skating. While Barcelona is not known for being very cold, you’ll still find a few ICE SKATING RINKS AROUND THE CITY. It’s a great activity for the whole family, so go ahead and show off your moves on the ice or book a beginners lesson to get some practice. Either way, we’re sure that it is a worthwhile activity to check out.
# Cocktail Time!
While the weather in Barcelona is usually mild around the holiday season, if you’re still looking for a bit of chill, the Icebar is the place to go. This bar should be mentioned among the more innovative in Barcelona. A terrace located a few steps away from the beach (below Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta) professional cocktail shakers and unique space in Barcelona: a lounge entirely decorated with ice.
Enjoy having a beer, juice, or cocktail at a temperature of 5 degrees below zero, and then relax on the terrace with views of the Mediterranean to warm back up.
# Go spend the night at the beach clubs
Barcelona is known to be a great place to get your party on. During the holiday seasons, you’ll find many special events on various days such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and others. Big clubs like Pacha, Shôko, and Opium hold large events on most nights of the week. The nightlife really can be as wild as you’ve heard, and by wild, I mean that it’s unusual to show up to a club before midnight since they’re open until 6 am on the weekends! Most of the clubs also have special girls night on Wednesday which usually includes free entrance.
Where to have a healthy break
At Brunch & Cake, you will find big portions, fresh and high-quality ingredients, lovely full of the light interior, and great service. On top of that – the prices are really reasonable too. Brunch & Cake is a simply delicious spot. Here you will have the most delicious, colorful, and picture-perfect brunch you have ever tried. The food is so creative that you will see people all around you taking photos of their food. As well as the food is pretty, the taste and quality are great too. It’s really worth a visit and feels like a food experience, not just a meal out.
You can also check out these great Tapas restaurant choices if you want to experience local food!
Where to stay
Check out these fantastic apartments in Barcelona city centre for long or short-term rentals.
Luxurious attic apartment with a simple and stylish design and magnificent private terrace with stunning views of Montjuic. Further down the long hall, you will find the modest but fully equipped, modern kitchen, and a gorgeous bathroom with a bathtub in which to enjoy a soothing bubble bath after a day of sightseeing.
From 171€ / NIGHT | 80m2 | License : HUTB-003391
Apartment in a prime location right in the middle of the buzzing Barcelona city centre. The interior has a clean and polished look achieved with its cool colour scheme, as well as the great lighting. There are two bedrooms, both comforting and welcoming, styled with chic furniture and plenty of storage space. The kitchen is fully fitted and the large bathroom offers plenty of space for multiple guests.
From 1100€ / MONTH | 60m2
Looking for more activities in Barcelona, then read our suggestions for 20 THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA!