10 Things to Do in Barcelona in Summer

Summer is the favourite time for many tourists to visit the city of Barcelona. The temperatures are perfect for enjoying 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 holidays, I leave you with this list of activities ranging from outdoor options, parties and even getaways from Barcelona. Will you join me?

The weather in 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. Moreover, a 360-degree view of Barcelona is a privilege, an option you should definitely consider when visiting the city.

If you pay attention, you will surely find Mount Tibidabo, the beautiful Cathedral of Barcelona and even the sea. In fact, you will surely visit the Sagrada Familia during your stay in Barcelona, but seeing it from the perspective that these terraces will give you will be a perfect complementary plan. Here's a list of my favourite options.

Terrace 83.3

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

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

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

Good Afternoons Pulitzer

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

You can't miss the opportunity to enjoy the best views of Barcelona from the top, in the comfort of its terrace and with a great atmosphere.

• Where: Calle Bergara, 8
• Opening hours: From 17hs to 23hs, Wednesday to Sunday.

Barceló Raval

If you're looking for a 360º view of the city of Barcelona, don't 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
• Opening times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 12 noon to 10 pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 1 am. Sundays from 12hs to 00hs.

Ayre Rosellón

The terrace of the Hotel Ayre Rosellón has become very popular over the last few years. Why? As soon as you look out onto the terrace, you'll come face to face with the incredible architecture of the Sagrada Familia. A real luxury.

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

• Where: Carrer Rosellón 390
• Opening 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 with all the services you need for a full day at the beach.

But if you're not sure which one to choose, here's a list of the 5 best beaches nearby to give you a general idea.

• Playa de la Barceloneta is very popular because it is located above the fishermen's neighbourhood of the same name. If you're looking for good fish and seafood options, this is the place for you. It is a very beautiful and spacious beach. It also has lifeguards, which makes it a good place to go with children.
• Nova Icària beach. Nova Icària beach is family-friendly and quiet, and hosts 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 you can find around it. It is a spacious beach with different services available, toilets and even free wifi.
• Mar Bella beach. On the beach of Mar Bella, 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 can hear, with these tickets to Barcelona's ice bar located right on the beach you can not only cool off with an ice-cold cocktail, but you can also see majestic works of art made on ice.

The 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 Montjuïc Castle and screens classic films and blockbusters in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The event takes place between the end of June and the beginning of August, so you can check the schedule to choose the day you like best.

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

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

The event consists of a series of performances related to dance, music, a bit of circus and, of course, theatre. 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 for the whole month of July.

If you're looking for something really characteristic of the city of Barcelona, don't miss out on the major festivals that take place in summer all over the city.

The origins of these festivities go back more than 200 years, and it is one of the best-preserved traditions for 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 Festes Majors are the ultimate expression of the identity of each neighbourhood, and the best plans for your visit to Barcelona in summer. For the duration of the event, each neighbourhood puts on its best decorations, created and designed by the locals themselves. The programme includes different concerts, the famous fire floats and plenty of popular food. Definitely, a plan with fun guaranteed.

The most famous festival is the one in the Gracia neighbourhood, which is held between 15 and 21 August, as it is very large and the celebrations last around a whole week. You can also schedule the festival in the Sants neighbourhood, just a few days later, and the one in the Poble Sec neighbourhood, which is held in the second week of July.

From June to September, the gardens of Montjuic come alive in a special way. Every Sunday afternoon, Brunch is held, an open-air electronic music festival for those who want 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 on the website, but remember to do so well in advance as spaces are limited. Prices range from €20 upwards.

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

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

Atlètic Swimming Club

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

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

Montjuïc Municipal Swimming Pool

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

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

CEM Parc de la Ciutadella

The CEM Parc de la Ciutadella swimming pool is a quiet area 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.
• Opening times: 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 Gaudí and is part of his legacy of incredible architectural works. I recommend you take a guided tour of Gaudí's works, to learn much more about the life of this artist and his particular style.

The summer season is a special time for the Casa Batlló's Magical Nights. 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 get different discounts if you're a resident of Spain. You can choose the concert you want to attend by checking the programme on the official website.

Barcelona is a city that is almost always celebrating. If you are travelling through the city on the night of 23rd to 24th June, you will be able to witness one of the most important nights in Catalan culture: the night of Sant Joan.

The city takes on a very lively atmosphere and there are open-air festivals with plenty of concerts and fireworks. Don't hesitate to go to the beach at midnight to see the sky lit up.

Don't miss this great initiative to celebrate the start of the summer season, a time of year so eagerly awaited by everyone in the city. And by tourists, too.

You have probably heard about the Costa Brava. This coastal area near the city of Barcelona is very popular due to 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, this 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 villages. A convenient alternative is to rent a car, which will give you flexibility and autonomy for your visit. But the best option is undoubtedly an organised excursion to the Costa Brava from Barcelona, which will allow you to visit several destinations and make the most of your time. What's more, 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 range of hotels;
Cadaqués, the Costa Brava's favourite;
among others.