10 Things to Do in Barcelona in November

November is perhaps one of the best months to visit Barcelona. Although there’s always plenty to see and do in Barcelona, sometimes the heat or large crowds of tourists can prevent you from fully enjoying your visit. That’s not the case this month, though that doesn’t mean the cultural offerings dwindle as the temperatures drop.

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

With an urban and contemporary style, the artists participating 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 while creating beauty.

Since the venues are spread throughout the neighborhood, you can take the opportunity to tour Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. As you explore the Drap-Art exhibits, you can also discover this area and its many historic sites, such as Plaza del Rey and Plaza 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, in addition to 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 coincide exactly 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 get a sense of the architect’s artistic vision.

Useful Information

• When: early November
• Where: Casa Batlló
• Price: approximately €30
• Recommended if: you plan to visit Casa Batlló

There are plenty of activities and things to do with kids in Barcelona, but if you’re visiting in November, I recommend the Dau Festival. Haven’t heard of it? It’s a festival entirely dedicated to games, especially traditional ones.

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

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

Useful Information

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

Are you a lover of good food? Do you consider yourself a true foodie? 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 culinary 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—I’ve got another great plan for you: by booking a food tour of Barcelona’s markets, you’ll explore the city’s modern yet traditional local markets while discovering the authentic flavors 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 gastronomy and culinary innovation

Barcelona is a modern, young city with many independent artists. One of the prime examples of this is L’Alternativa, the Barcelona 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, allowing them to reach a very broad audience. Additionally, other activities are organized, such as lectures and masterclasses, designed to introduce the general public (including children) to the world of audiovisual media.

Key Information

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

Roasted chestnuts arrive in Barcelona in early 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 persisted, making the Castanyada a significant and traditional event in Catalan culture.

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

Would you like to try more Catalan culinary specialties? 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 upon request. Delicious!

Useful Information

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

Will you be able to resist 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 stores are filled with discounts. The best part is that this Anglo-Saxon celebration isn’t limited to big chains; it also extends to small businesses and even tourist attractions.

For tourists, you can check out the deals (up to 20% off). For example, the Palau de la Música and the Auditori de Barcelona often offer discounted tickets; the same goes for sites like Gaudí’s Casa Milà, so take advantage of this to buy your tickets for La Pedrera in Barcelona.

Over the years, more and more shops in Barcelona have joined in on Black Friday discounts. Especially 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 businesses and tourist attractions in Barcelona
• Price: discounts of approximately 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 before Christmas in Barcelona is in full swing, the holiday spirit starts to take hold in November, especially when the lights are turned on at the end of the month.

Don’t think of it as just another event, as the City Council organizes a free, open-to-the-public celebration in Plaza Catalunya, which usually features surprises like 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 color: booking a nighttime tour of La Pedrera will dazzle you with its lights and audiovisual projections on the rooftop of this marvelous building, while you gaze out over the illuminated city of Barcelona. Absolutely magical!

Useful Information

• When: Late November
• Where: Plaza Catalunya
• Price: free admission
• Recommended if: your Christmas spirit, like Barcelona’s, starts in November

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona, early November—especially the 1st—might 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’s stairs at breakneck speed. Of course, attendance is free, though you’ll need to secure a spot.

While you can go on your own using public transportation, for approximately €100 you can book an organized tour—a much more comfortable option since it includes all travel by private coach and a specialized guide who will explain the cultural and historical significance of everything you’ll see.

Useful Information

• When: Throughout the month of November
• Where: the Costa Brava
• Price: approximately €100
• Recommended if: you want to take a day trip from Barcelona without worrying about transportation and itineraries

Although it’s a bit colder in Barcelona in November, the upside is that there are far fewer people in the city. This means the city’s major landmarks aren’t as crowded, allowing for a more relaxed visit, so don’t miss out— buy your tickets to the Sagrada Familia. They cost approximately €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 grand cathedral, even though it’s not yet finished. Its towers can be seen from practically anywhere in the city, so you’re surely eager to see it up close. The first thing you’ll do at the start of the tour is admire its facades 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 religious significance, so listen carefully to your guide’s explanations so you don’t miss a thing.

Useful Information

• When: Throughout the month of 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), especially toward the end of the month, when the thermometer hovers around 0°C.

In any case, a warm coat and closed-toe (and comfortable) shoes are enough to enjoy the city without getting cold. Rain shouldn’t be a concern either (the chances of precipitation aren’t very high), though a raincoat or umbrella won’t hurt just in case.

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

November is perhaps one of the cheapest months to visit Barcelona. Keep in mind that it’s not peak season and the good weather has already ended, which reduces tourist traffic and, consequently, prices. This means your plane ticket and hotel might cost less.

That said, toward the end of the month, when the holiday season is just getting started, prices can go up, especially for accommodations.

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