10 Things to Do in Barcelona in Summer

Summer is the favorite time for many tourists to visit the city of Barcelona. The temperatures are perfect to enjoy the sea and nature and the city changes its rhythm noticeably. It seems that the possibility of making completely different plans at any time of the day will never cease.

If you are deciding what to see and do in Barcelona during your vacation, I leave you with this list of activities ranging from outdoor options, parties and even getaways from Barcelona. Will you join me?

The weather during the summer season is truly incomparable. Sunny days abound and our predisposition to spend time outdoors increases. This becomes the perfect opportunity to explore different views and viewpoints of the city, while enjoying the best tapas and drinks in Barcelona.

Barcelona's skyline is particularly beautiful, as it mixes modern architecture with old cathedrals and buildings that retain their original facades. In addition, contemplating a 360 degree view of Barcelona is a privilege, an option that you should definitely consider on your way through the city.

If you pay attention, you will surely find the Tibidabo mountain, the beautiful Cathedral of Barcelona and even the sea. In fact, you will surely visit the Sagrada Familia on your way through Barcelona, but seeing it from the perspective that these terraces will give you will be a perfect complementary plan. Here is a list of my favorite options.

Terrace 83.3

On this terrace you will have access to incredible views no matter which way you look. To your right, you will find the sunset behind Montjuic; to your left, the unmistakable star of the city of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia; and in front, the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition, the Terrace 83.3 of the Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia has a cocktail menu for all tastes and a wide variety of cold tapas.

• Where: Passeig de Gràcia, 84
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 5pm and Friday from 1pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 12hs.

Good Afternoons Pulitzer

In this case, I present an option with lots of music and fun. From May through October, the Pulitzer Hotel organizes an event with live concerts on Wednesdays and several DJs the rest of the weekend.

You can not miss the opportunity to enjoy the best views of Barcelona from above, in the comfort of its terrace and with a very good atmosphere.

• Where: Bergara Street, 8
• Hours: From 17hs to 23hs, Wednesday to Sunday.

Barceló Raval

If you are looking for a 360º view of the city of Barcelona, do not hesitate to go to the terrace of the Hotel Barceló Raval.

In addition to its prime location, they have a live DJ from April to November, especially for your summer visit. The event takes place only on weekends, but the terrace is open every day.

• Where: Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Ciutat Vella
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12hs to 22hs. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12hs to 1hs. Sundays from 12hs to 00hs.

Ayre Rosellón

The terrace of the Hotel Ayre Rosellón has become very popular in recent years. Why? As soon as you look out onto the terrace, you will be confronted by the incredible architecture of the Sagrada Familia. A true luxury.

You must book your place in advance on the hotel's website, as tables sell out quickly. Access to the terrace is free, but each person must buy a drink. It is really very convenient since you will not spend money on tickets, but on enjoying a delicious cocktail with wonderful views.

• Where: Carrer Rosellón 390
• Hours: from 13.30hs to 21hs, every day.

Summer brings high temperatures and many tourists are attracted by the beautiful beaches that Barcelona has to offer. The city has almost 5 km of fine sandy coastline equipped with all the services you need to have a full day at the beach.

But if you do not know which one to choose, here is a list of the best 5 beaches nearby so you can have a general idea.

• Barceloneta beach is very popular because it is located on the fishermen's neighborhood with the same name. If you are looking for good gastronomic options of fish and seafood, this is your place. It is a very nice and spacious beach. It also has lifeguards, which makes it a good place to go with children.
• Nova Icària beach. The beach of Nova Icària is family and quiet, and home to many beach volleyball tournaments. It has several bars and restaurants nearby, and is a good place if you want to learn or practice kayaking or windsurfing.
• Sant Sebastià beach: Sant Sebastià is one of the most recommended beaches if you want to stay away from the crowds. The atmosphere is particularly quiet, as it is a beach equipped with wooden walkways for bathers with reduced mobility.
• Bogatell beach: Bogatell beach is popular for the beautiful green spaces that you can find around it. It is a spacious beach that has different services available, toilets and even free wifi.
• Mar Bella beach. At Mar Bella beach, you can find facilities for various sports. Therefore, it has quite a youthful and active atmosphere. If you are a fan of beach volleyball, tennis or basketball, you have found your place.

Another recommendation to escape the hot Barcelona summer is to have a drink at 5 degrees below zero. Yes, as you hear, with these tickets for the Barcelona ice bar located on the beach you can, in addition to cool off with a nice frozen cocktail, see majestic works of art made on the ice.

Sala Montjuic opens its doors during the summer season to host one of the great attractions of the city of Barcelona: its open-air cinema.

The renowned Cinema a la Fresca is located next to the Montjuïc castle and there, classic films and blockbusters are screened in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The event takes place between late June and early August, so you can check the schedule to choose the day you like best.

But if you prefer a free option and by the sea, Cinema Lliure a la Platja is an initiative that also extends to other cities near Barcelona.
The screenings are held on the beach of Sant Sebastià in Barcelona; and in Badalona, El Prat de Llobregat and Mataró. Don't hesitate to leave the conventional cinema seats and join this initiative under the stars.

One of the iconic dates of Barcelona's summer is the El Grec Theater Festival.

The event consists of a series of performances related to dance, music, a bit of circus and, of course, theater. But the best thing about this festival is the place where it takes place: the Teatre Grec, a prime location for summer nights in the city, on the mountain of Montjuïc.

You can check the schedule of dates on the official website, as well as buy your tickets or passes for several days, as the festival lasts throughout the month of July.

If you are looking for a very characteristic plan of the city of Barcelona, do not miss the major festivals that take place in summer throughout the city.

The origins of these celebrations date back more than 200 years, and it is one of the best preserved traditions for all the people of Barcelona. It is curious how such a cosmopolitan city with so much international influence still preserves aspects of traditional culture in such a deep-rooted way.

The festivals are the ultimate expression of the identity of each neighborhood, and the best plans for your visit to Barcelona in summer. During the duration of the event, each neighborhood shows off the best decorations, elaborated and designed by the neighbors themselves. The program includes different concerts, the famous fire floats and abundant popular meals. Definitely, a plan with guaranteed fun.

The most famous festival is that of the neighborhood of Gracia, which is held between 15 and 21 August, as it is large and the celebrations last about a full week. You can also schedule the festival of the Sants neighborhood, just a few days later, and the Poble Sec neighborhood, which is held the second week of July.

From June to September, the gardens of Montjuic come alive in a particular way. Every Sunday afternoon, Brunch is held, an open-air electronic music festival for those who wish to spend a different time in the city of Barcelona.

The curious thing about this festival is that it also has a space prepared especially for families. You can set up your picnic with the little ones while enjoying the best music, workshops and fun activities.

You can buy your tickets through the website, but remember to do it with some time in advance because spaces are limited. Prices range from 20€ and up.

Although the undisputed protagonist of the summer season is the beach, there is always that public that simply prefers the comfort of the swimming pools. The good news is that the city of Barcelona has very good alternatives of public access that will leave you with your mouth open.

You have several options of prices and sites, but here is a list of what I consider the best options for your visit to the city.

Atlètic Swimming Club

The Club Natació Atlètic is located in the Barceloneta neighborhood. This option has great views of the Mediterranean Sea and has two outdoor pools, one of them heated.

• Prices: Children under 3 years old, 4 €. From 4 to 10 years old, 8 €. Adults, 14 €.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 11 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Montjuïc Municipal Swimming Pool

The swimming pool of Montjuic text has incredible views of the whole city of Barcelona. You can enjoy the pool while identifying the different monuments of the city skyline. Not to mention if you go at sunset. It also has a bar-restaurant at very convenient prices for the whole family.

• Prices: Children, 5 €. Adults, 7 €.
• Hours: 11 am to 7 pm, every day.

CEM Parc de la Ciutadella

The CEM Parc de la Ciutadella swimming pool is a quiet space with a large but shallow pool. It is ideal for young children and the complex has all the services you need for a day of swimming.

• Prices: Adults: 16€. Children, 8 €.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 7am to 11pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 8pm.

Casa Batlló is one of the most visited architectural works in Barcelona. It was designed by the famous Antonio Gaudi and is part of his legacy of incredible architectural works. I recommend you to take a guided tour of Gaudi's works, to learn much more about the life of this artist and his particular style.

The summer season is a special time as the Magic Nights of Casa Batlló are organized. This event consists of nightly events with excellent live music and the best cocktails on the rooftop of this great emblematic building of the city.

Tickets start at 50€, but you can access different discounts if you are a resident of Spain. You can choose the concert you want to attend by consulting the program on the official website.

Barcelona is a city where it is almost always being celebrated. If you are traveling through the city on the night of June 23rd to 24th, you will be able to witness one of the most important nights for the Catalan culture: the night of Sant Joan.

The city takes on a very lively atmosphere and there are open-air festivals where concerts and fireworks abound. Do not hesitate to go to the beach at midnight to see the illuminated sky.

Don't miss this great initiative to celebrate the beginning of the summer season, a time of the year so awaited by all those who live in the city. And by tourists, too.

Surely you have heard about the Costa Brava. This coastal area near the city of Barcelona is very popular because of its beautiful landscapes, its dreamy coves and the charm of all its villages.

If you have enough time, a trip to the Costa Brava is a good complementary activity for your summer days in the city of Barcelona. If you are a lover of the sea, hiking and nature, it is a more than perfect plan.

There is a train or bus service, but you will only be able to reach some of the nearest towns. A convenient alternative is to rent a car, which will give you flexibility and autonomy to make your visit. But undoubtedly the best option is an organized excursion to the Costa Brava from Barcelona, which will allow you to visit several destinations and a better optimization of your time. Besides, you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your visit to the fullest.

The most famous towns are:
Blanes, the closest to the city;
Tossa del Mar, where you will find a castle by the sea;
Lloret del Mar, with an incomparable hotel offer;
Cadaqués, the favorite of the Costa Brava;
among others.