11 Things to Do in Barcelona in September

There's always plenty to see and do in Barcelona and any time is an ideal time to get to know this city, but I must admit that September is one of the best months to do so. Why? The temperatures, still summery but not hot, are the perfect travel companions, something that also leads to jazz festivals, urban art festivals and celebrations of Catalan folklore.

September is the month of Barcelona's main festivals, both in the city itself and in its neighbourhoods, whose residents take to the streets to fill them with colour, music and fireworks parades. If you want to get to know this city in its most traditional but also its most modern side, you've chosen a good month to go, so read on and find out why!

If you're in Barcelona in September, especially on the 24th, you absolutely have to attend the Mercé festivities. For a week or so, there are several events and activities to celebrate the patron saint. What are they? Fireworks in Maria Cristina, concerts in the Parc de la Ciutadella and the famous castellers (castles made up of people) and traditional dances (such as the sardana) in various Barcelona squares.

Like a large festival with various stages spread throughout Barcelona, La Mercé is an opportunity to go out into the streets, both day and night, and meet local and international artists. Year after year the official programme is published on its website, although you'll be spoilt for choice with so much to do.

The Cavalcade of La Mercé

Perhaps one of the most eagerly awaited events is the Cavalcade of La Mercé, which takes place every 24 September along Passeig de Gràcia. It features dragons, giants and little devils who also throw fire.

It is a spectacle where sparks and light fly among the spectators during the night in Barcelona. This parade is popularly known as "correfoc" (the race of fire).

If you want to take a closer look at this folklore, especially the costumes and costumes, I recommend you go to the old town. During La Mercé they are usually on display in the street, near Barcelona Cathedral, in a free, open-access exhibition.

The concerts at the Citadel and La Barceloneta

Although La Mercé fills the whole city with colour, music and art, the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the nerve centres of the festivities, especially at night, organises small shows and plays that are free to attend.

Also free to attend are the concerts of the most famous artists that take place on the beach of La Barceloneta. Year after year the official programme is published on its website, although I warn you that you'll have a hard time choosing between so many things to do.

Interesting facts

• When: the week of 24 September.
• Where: different locations around the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you want to experience Barcelona's festivities like a local.

September in Barcelona is a month of Festas Majors, i.e. neighbourhood festivals. Specifically, during the first fortnight, the Festas Majors are held in Poblenou and during the last fortnight in La Barceloneta, two of Barcelona's best neighbourhoods. It's never a bad time to visit them and get to know their streets, but there are even fewer excuses when it comes to fiestas. These are days when the locals organise activities, street markets and even small sports championships.

Poblenou Festivals

There is always plenty to do at the main festival in Poblenou, a working-class neighbourhood fairly close to the city centre. One of the most outstanding events is the "cacerolada".

Anyone who wants to can go out onto the street and balconies with pots, spoons and so on to make noise around a big bonfire. The atmosphere is incredible!

Barceloneta Festivities

The Barceloneta festiv ities close the month of September. This neighbourhood has a seafaring origin that it has maintained over the years and also during its celebration. For example, a very important and valuable event is the Habaneras, musical compositions that came from Cuba and were brought by the many sailors who stayed in the neighbourhood.

Every night concerts are organised and, to accompany them, rum cremat (a drink based on rum with spices, heated by fire, which the fishermen drank in the morning to escape the cold) is served.

Interesting facts

• When: early and late September.
• Where: Poblenou and La Barceloneta neighbourhoods.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you like the atmosphere of neighbourhood festivals.

On 11 September, the Diada, the Day of Catalonia, is celebrated to commemorate the fall of the region into the hands of the Bourbon monarchy in 1714. Most of the events around this date are political and protest-oriented, although there is something that might interest you: some of Barcelona' s best museums open their doors for free.

If you fancy discovering the art that Barcelona's museums have to offer, the Diada is the perfect occasion. Many of them offer free admission to all visitors. Just bear in mind that, like you, other people will be taking advantage of the opportunity, so you may have to queue a bit.

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

The MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, is free to enter during the Diada. This is a place where you can explore the history of Catalonia through art, from medieval times to the most modern avant-garde. Some of the works you'll find here are signed by great painters such as Rubens and Goya. But, above all, the best-known rooms are the Catalan Romanesque rooms, which contain frescoes and wood carvings representing the art of this period.

El Born Centre of Culture and Memory

The Centre of Culture and Memory in El Born is very interesting, above all because it brings you closer to Barcelona's local memory, mainly because of its underground, where you can see pieces of the city's old streets. If you go during the Diada you can get in for free. What's more, it's located in a place with a lot of history of its own: the old Born market.

Palau de la Generalitat

As the Diada is a day closely linked to Catalan politics, you might like to visit the inside of the Palau de la Generalitat. Apart from its current function, accessing it is interesting because it is one of the few Gothic buildings in Barcelona. There you will be able to see the famous Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) and a fantastic cloister. When you leave, I recommend you take a tour of Barcelona's Gothic quarter, as it is very interesting to get to know the area and its importance in the city's past and present.

Interesting facts

• When: 11 September.
• Where: different museums in the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you don't mind queuing for free entry to Barcelona's museums.

Every September L'Hora del Jazz comes to Barcelona, a festival that has been held since 1990. Although it attracts many international jazz musicians, what is special about it is that it gives visibility to Catalan artists. The stages are usually spread around different parts of Barcelona, especially in the Gracia neighbourhood, although they also reach other towns in the region.

The aim of this festival is for any spectator, whether or not they know anything about jazz, whether they like it or not, to enjoy the improvisation that is so typical of this genre. There are shows on Sundays in September during the day (outdoors, in squares in Gràcia) and also at night (in bars that usually have live music all year round). The former are free, but for the latter you'll have to pay a ticket (about 5€), which usually includes a drink and can be bought (in advance or on the day) at each venue.

And if you're a jazz lover, I recommend you book a sunset jazz cruise in Barcelona.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: different squares and live music venues in the city (especially in the Gràcia neighbourhood).
• Price: some concerts are free and others you have to pay around €5.
• Recommended if: You want to discover new bands and new music.

Summer is coming to an end in September and with it comes the end of Brunch in the Park Sundays in Barcelona. Don't know what it is? As soon as you find out you'll want to go.

This electronic music event is held weekly throughout the spring and summer, with September being the last month. The best thing is that it's outdoors (in the wonderful Joan Bossa Gardens in Montjuic Park) and during the day (it starts at 1pm and goes on until nightfall). Admission is approximately €20. The best DJs put the beat to Brunch in the Park. Whether you like electronic music or not, it's a good plan for a Sunday in the city. And to get there, I recommend you buy your ticket for the Montjuic cable car.

The atmosphere is very lively and, in addition to a large dance floor, there is also space to relax in the shade, eat something or even take part in play activities for the little ones - perfect if you're travelling to Barcelona with children and want to go with them!

Interesting facts

• When: Sundays in September.
• Where: Joan Bossa Gardens, in Montjuic Park.
• Price: approximately €20.
• Recommended if: you want to experience a different kind of Sunday in Barcelona with good music and a better atmosphere.

In September the weather in Barcelona is almost summer-like, so you can make the most of it and enjoy a day at the beach before autumn arrives. Although you can stay on the beaches of the capital, if you're looking for peace and quiet and a more special landscape, it's best to book an excursion to the Costa Brava from Barcelona. They cost approximately 60 € - 80 € and include a full day discovering a beautiful area.

The Costa Brava is the name given to the coast of Girona, Barcelona's neighbouring province. Its main characteristic is that it is a rocky and rugged coastline, which has led to the formation of beautiful coves with crystal clear waters. Without a doubt, they are the perfect destination for a day out before the summer comes to an end.

In addition to bathing, if you go on an organised tour, you will also have a specialised guide who will tell you about the history, tradition and natural wealth. The cobbled streets, old quarters and ports of places like Tossa de Mar and L'Estartit are well worth a visit, you'll see!

Interesting facts

• When: throughout September.
• Where: Costa Brava.
• Price: approximately 60 € - 80 €.
• Recommended if: you don't want to say goodbye to the summer without a last trip to the beach.

Another ideal proposal for the month of September is to book a bike tour of Barcelona where you can discover all the must-see sights of Barcelona in comfort. Emblematic places of great interest such as Plaza del Rey, Barceloneta Beach, the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Plaza de Sant Jaume, Paseo del Born, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaza de Toros and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

On this tour, which lasts approximately 3 hours, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you all the details and anecdotes about the history and architecture of the city. Also, if you are a cautious person, you should know that accident insurance is included.

This is a fun experience to discover Barcelona and at the same time get to know the people who will accompany you on this adventure. For your information: groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people.

If there's one typical plan in Barcelona, it's to go out for a vermouth (or two). In mid-September there is also the Va de Vermut, a fair where this drink and the best Catalan gastronomy go hand in hand. It's held annually in the gardens of the National Theatre of Catalonia (admission costs around €2.5 plus whatever you spend inside on drinks).

Vermouth is the aperitif drink par excellence; accompanied by tapas, this wine-based liqueur flavoured with herbs serves to open the stomach before eating. However, during the Va de Vermut you can drink it at any time.

At this festival there is no shortage of the best brands of vermouth, both national and international, and gastronomic proposals with a local flavour. In addition, taking advantage of the good weather and the space of the Theatre gardens, a stage is set up to enjoy live music.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: National Theatre of Catalonia.
• Price: approximately €2.5.
• Recommended if: You want to get to know first-hand the vermouth culture in Barcelona.

Every year in mid-September, Barcelona hosts the BAM Festival, a big event where independent music takes to the stage. Specifically, it takes place in the Moll de la Fusta, Plaça Joan Corominas and the former Estrella Damm factory, where most of the concerts are held.

The artists' proposals range from folk to rock, including pop and R&B. In short, a mixture of styles, from folk to rock. In short, a mixture of styles, aesthetics and sounds that you will enjoy. Each year's programme is published on the official BAM Festival website. The concerts are usually held in the afternoon and evening, on different stages around the city.

The best thing? Tickets are free, so it's a great opportunity to discover new bands while having a lively and musical evening.

Useful information

• When: mid-September.
• Where: different stages around the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you want to discover new groups and new music.

It's clear that one of the most special and literary days in the city is Sant Jordi, which you can attend if you're in Barcelona in April. However, in September you also have a date with books: Catalan Book Week.

Catalonia is a bilingual region, and for seven days in mid-September, this fair is organised to promote literature in Catalan. Even if you don't speak the language, I recommend you go to stroll among the book stalls and to attend the other activities organised; all free of charge.

Each year, hundreds of stalls selling books written in Catalan are set up in the Moll de la Fusta (in the Gothic Quarter). As well as making a purchase to take home a souvenir of your trip, you can also take part in literary tours, presentations, talks with authors, recitals, concerts and workshops (for children and adults). Barcelona has been the setting for many stories and novels, so this is a good opportunity to see it for yourself.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: Moll de la Fusta (in the Gothic Quarter).
• Price: some concerts are free and others you have to pay approximately €5.
• Recommended if: You like literature.

When you visit Barcelona you will realise that it is a city with a highly developed urban culture. In September it's also celebrated with the Extreme Festival, where skateboarding, BMX bike stunts, graffiti art and break dancing take centre stage.

The festival usually takes place on the last weekend of the month and you can buy tickets (approximately €15 for a day pass or €100 for a full VIP pass) online. If you fancy watching skateboarding and urban dance competitions, among others, you'll want to head to the Parc del Forum, the Extreme Festival's big stage.

The event lasts about two days and, in addition to lots of art and music, there will also be a food truck area and spaces for safely practising some extreme sports.

Interesting facts

• When: end of September.
• Where: Forum Park.
• Price: approximately €15/day (VIP pass for around €120).
• Recommended if: You're interested in urban culture and Barcelona's trendy life.

Summer in Barcelona lasts until the end of September; temperatures stay between 20ºC and 26ºC and it hardly rains. This means that it is not cold, but not as hot as August or July, when the humidity and high temperatures can be overwhelming.

In addition to the mild climate, which invites you to be outdoors and take advantage of the last days on terraces, there are also many hours of daylight. In fact, if you go to Barcelona in September you will have about 12 hours to see the city before night falls. However, you can always check the updated weather forecast on this Catalan television website.

The temperatures in Barcelona in September are quite good (around 23ºC on average). During the day you can easily wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and long trousers, although for the evening, when it might get a bit cooler, I recommend taking a light jacket.

In any case, don't forget comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, and an umbrella; it doesn't usually rain, but if it does it will be for a few hours and not too windy, so you might want to bring something to keep you dry.

I'm sure you're looking forward to enjoying all the things to see and do in Barcelona and enjoying a September there. Let me know how many of these plans you end up making!