Located in Catalonia on the north-eastern coast, Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city after Madrid. It is known for its impressive architecture, traditions and a colorful hustle and bustle. The weather in Barcelona is seasonal with cold winters and warm summers and average temperatures between 41°F (5°C) and 84°F (29°C). The period from late June to late August is perfect for a trip to summery and warm Barcelona.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is worth a visit throughout the year. To enjoy a wonderful summer vacation at the beach, the summer months from late June to mid-September with average temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 84°F (29°C) are a good choice. For a pleasant city trip the months from April to June as well as September and October are ideal. During these months, the mean temperatures range from 51°F (10°C) to 79°F (26°C). However, for those wanting to avoid tourist crowds, the colder months are still a good choice - especially February and March.
Things to know about Barcelona
Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, Catalonia’s capital and has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish. It is located on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian peninsula, making it the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea. There are about four kilometers of beaches where you can enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest. The city offers a perfect mix of traditions and modern avant-garde aspects. One of the most famous things Barcelona stands for, are the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí. In general, there are lots of remarkable architectural buildings that are also World Heritage Sites. All in all, Barcelona is a beautiful European city and worth a visit all year round!
Here are some things you shouldn’t miss while you are visiting Barcelona:
- You can relax and take a deep breath in a total of 68 parks. The largest, however, is Montjuïc. But there is also, for example, Park Güell which is designed by Antoni Gaudí, or Labyrinth Park containing a garden maze. Also, you definitely should go and check Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter, out. It’s in the center of Barcelona’s old city and has a lot of charm. Do not miss La Sagrada Familia, the unfinished church, on your sightseeing tour. It’s Barcelona’s landmark and one of Antonio Gaudìs most impressive works.
- Casa Milà/La Pedrera is also an UNSECO World Heritage Site and a real piece of Gaudì’s art. You should definitely go and check it out - even the rooftop is worth seeing.
- Barcelona’s opera house “Gran Teatre de Liceu” invites all music lovers and all other curious people to its beautiful halls. You can book a guided tour or enjoy a play.
- To immerse yourself in Gaudì's world on a more private level, Casa Vicens, his first house, is highly recommended.
- Barcelona’s cathedral is also worth a visit. The view from the roof is particularly breathtaking.
- To stroll and store, La Rambla, an avenue, is particularly inviting. There you will find street musicians, pantomimes, kiosks, ice cream stores and much more.
- On a sunny day, you have to visit Casa Batlló, which is also one of Gaudì’s works. When the sun falls on the tiles, the scales of a dragon appear on the roof - it’s spectacular!
If you're a foodie or just want to enjoy the bright colors of local fruits and vegetables, don't miss Mercat de la Boqueria.
As a true soccer fan, you must of course visit Camp Nou, the stadium of FC Barcelona. You can even book a stadium tour and visit the museum.
A destination that will amaze the whole family is Barcelona's Aquarium. Especially in the glass tunnel you can get very close to the fish and sharks.