10 Things to Do in Barcelona in November

November is perhaps one of the best months to visit Barcelona. Although there is always plenty to see and do in Barcelona, the heat or large crowds of tourists can sometimes prevent you from enjoying it to the full. This isn’t the case during this month, though that doesn’t mean the cultural offering dwindles as the temperatures drop.

Art can be sustainable, and the Drap-Art Festival proves it. This festival takes place every November, in the middle of the month, in Barcelona, particularly in galleries and cultural venues in the Gothic Quarter. Entry is free and it’s an opportunity to experience art that champions recycling.

With an urban and contemporary style, the artists taking part in Drap-Art use sustainable and recycled materials to create their works. It may seem strange, but I promise you it’s fascinating to see how they use the exhibitions to raise public awareness whilst creating beauty.

As the venues are spread throughout the area, you can take the opportunity to go on a tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Whilst discovering the Drap-Art exhibitions, you can explore this area and its many historic sites, such as Plaça del Rei or Plaça de Sant Jaume.

Useful information

• When: from late October to early December
• Where: various locations in the Gothic Quarter
• Price: free
• Recommended if: you’re interested in how sustainability, art and history come together in Barcelona

The first few days of November are your last chance to attend the Magic Nights at Casa Batlló – are you going to miss out?

These events consist of a very special and comprehensive tour of the interior of this building designed by Gaudí. When night falls, you head up to the terrace where, as well as incredible views, a concert is held. The price is approximately €30 and includes admission and two drinks during the final show.

But if your stay doesn’t exactly coincide with the dates of these special Magic Nights, I still recommend buying tickets for Casa Batlló to explore this house, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, and to get a sense of the architect’s artistic vision.

Useful information

• When: early November
• Where: Casa Batlló
• Price: approximately €30
• Recommended if: you’re planning a visit to Casa Batlló

There are plenty of activities and things to do with children in Barcelona, but if you’re visiting in November, I recommend the Dau Festival. Never heard of it? It’s a festival entirely dedicated to games, particularly traditional ones.

If you fancy spending an afternoon discovering (and trying out) games, both old and new, the Dau Festival is the place to do it. There’ll be board games, role-playing games, games of skill, historical games… You won’t have time to get bored! And don’t think it’s just for children, because the organisers have made sure that people of all ages can have a good time.

As Dau Barcelona takes place in different parts of the city, I recommend saving on transport by buying the Barcelona Card Express, which, amongst many other benefits, will allow you to use public transport for free during your stay in the city.

Useful information

• When: late November
• Where: various community centres in Barcelona
• Price: free
• Recommended if: you’re travelling to Barcelona with children and want to spend an entertaining afternoon

Are you a lover of good food? Do you consider yourself a proper foodie? Well then, you can’t miss the All Those Food Market, held every year in November and May at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya.

This weekend-long event aims to introduce locals and visitors to the most original and appealing projects on the gastronomic scene through unique and innovative culinary offerings, creative workshops, craft beers, live music and activities for the whole family.

But if you’re not in Barcelona during this food festival, don’t worry, because I’ve got another brilliant plan for you: by booking a food tour of Barcelona’s markets, you’ll explore the city’s modern yet traditional local markets whilst discovering the authentic flavours of Catalan cuisine. You won’t be disappointed!

Useful information

• When: a weekend in November
• Where: Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
• Price: €5. Admission is free for children under 12
• Recommended if: you love food and culinary innovation

Barcelona is a modern, young city with many independent artists. One of the finest examples of this is L’Alternativa, Barcelona’s Independent Film Festival.

This event, which takes place during the last two weeks of November at the CCCB, celebrates the creativity, diversity and independence of artists.

The great thing about this Independent Film Festival is that the films screened cover a wide range of themes, meaning they appeal to a very broad audience. In addition, other activities are organised, such as talks and masterclasses, designed to introduce the general public (including children) to the world of film and television.

Useful information

• When: the last two weeks of November
• Where: CCCB (Centre for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona)
• Price: approximately €15
• Recommended if: you’re looking for a cultural outing and enjoy watching independent films

Roasted chestnuts arrive in Barcelona at the start of November. The tradition of eating roasted chestnuts dates back many years. To get through the late-night masses on All Saints’ Eve, people needed something warm to eat. Although these vigils are now only held in villages, roasting and eating chestnuts has remained a custom, with the Castanyada being a significant and traditional event in Catalan culture.

As well as chestnuts, other roasted foods are eaten, such as sweet potatoes, and some small cakes that are also part of Catalan tradition: panellets. These are made from almond paste and coated with pine nuts. They are usually served with candied fruit and a glass of Moscatel, a sweet wine.

Fancy trying more Catalan culinary specialities? Then don’t hesitate to book a private food tour of Barcelona where you’ll sample a dozen delicacies, with vegetarian or dietary options available on request. Delicious!

Useful information

• When: 1 November and the rest of the month
• Where: throughout the city
• Price: approximately €10
• Recommended if: you need to warm up or simply want to sample the flavours of Catalan tradition

Will you be able to resist a spot of shopping in Barcelona during Black Friday? At the end of the month, specifically on the fourth Friday, this event takes place, when the city’s shops are filled with discounts. The best thing is that this Anglo-Saxon celebration isn’t just for the big chains, but also for small businesses and even tourist attractions.

When it comes to tourist attractions, you can check out the offers (up to 20% off). For example, the Palau de la Música and the Auditori de Barcelona often release tickets at reduced prices; the same goes for venues such as Gaudí’s Casa Milà, so make the most of it and buy your tickets for La Pedrera in Barcelona.

Over the years, more and more shops in Barcelona have joined in with Black Friday discounts. Particularly in the old town (in the Gothic Quarter and El Born) , there are many local designer shops offering deals to showcase their creations.

Useful information

• When: fourth Friday in November
• Where: various shops and tourist attractions in Barcelona
• Price: discounts of around 20% at tourist attractions and shops
• Recommended if: you want to save some money on your shopping or sightseeing

Although there are still a few days to go before Christmas in Barcelona is in full swing, the festive spirit begins to take hold in November, especially when the lights are switched on at the end of the month.

Don’t think of it as just any old event, as the City Council organises a free, open-to-all ceremony in Plaça Catalunya, which usually features surprises such as live music and a circus or audiovisual show.

If you love the lights and strolling through the illuminated city, don’t miss another experience full of light and colour: booking a night-time tour of La Pedrera will leave you dazzled by its lights and audiovisual projections on the rooftop of this wonderful building, whilst you gaze out over the illuminated city of Barcelona. Absolutely magical!

Useful information

• When: late November
• Where: Plaça Catalunya
• Price: free entry
• Recommended if: your Christmas spirit, like Barcelona’s, kicks off in November

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona, early November – especially the 1st – could be one of the best times to go.

The reason is that Girona hosts the “Pujada de Castellers a la Catedral”; you’ll see how a human tower (a casteller) climbs the cathedral steps at breakneck speed. Of course, attendance is free, though you’ll need to secure a spot.

Although you can go on your own and use public transport, for around €100 you can book an organised tour, which is much more convenient as it includes all journeys by private coach and a specialist guide who will explain the cultural and historical significance of everything you see.

Useful information

• When: throughout November
• Where: the Costa Brava
• Price: approximately €100
• Recommended if: you want to go on a day trip from Barcelona without worrying about transport and itineraries

Although it’s a bit colder in Barcelona in November, one good thing is that there are far fewer people in the city. This means the city’s major monuments aren’t as crowded with tourists and can be visited at a more leisurely pace, so don’t miss out and buy your tickets for the Sagrada Familia. They cost around €35 and include access to the museum and a downloadable app with an audio guide so you don’t miss a single detail.

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s great cathedral, even though it isn’t finished yet. Its towers can be seen from practically anywhere in the city, so you’re bound to be keen to go and see it up close. The first thing you’ll do at the start of the visit is admire its façades and the symbolism of each one.

Although it’s already impressive from the outside, there’s plenty to see inside the Sagrada Familia. Gaudí drew inspiration from nature and designed a sort of stone forest. Naturally, everything has a religious significance, so listen carefully to your guide’s explanations so you don’t miss a thing.

Useful information

• When: throughout November
• Where: Sagrada Familia
• Price: approximately €34
• Recommended if: you prefer to visit the Sagrada Familia when it’s less crowded

November brings cool temperatures to Barcelona (between 11°C and 17°C), particularly towards the end of the month, when the thermometer hovers around 0°C.

In any case, a good coat and closed (and comfortable) shoes are enough to enjoy the city without feeling the cold. Rain shouldn’t be a concern either (the chances of precipitation aren’t very high), although a raincoat or an umbrella won’t go amiss just in case.

Where the imminent arrival of winter is most noticeable is in the hours of daylight. In November, it gets dark at 6 pm, so if you want to visit anywhere that requires natural light, it’s best to go in the morning.

November is perhaps one of the cheapest months to visit Barcelona. Bear in mind that it’s not peak season and the good weather has already ended, which reduces the number of tourists and, consequently, prices. This means your flight and hotel could work out cheaper.

That said, towards the end of the month, when the festive season is just getting underway, prices can rise, particularly for accommodation.

Are you all set to visit Barcelona in November? Make the most of all the cultural activities I’ve suggested and let me know which one you liked best.