Sick of relentless rain and constant colds? It’s time for a winter getaway. Many people think of Spain as a summer spot, but we’re firm believers that Barcelona is breathtaking whatever the weather. From sparkling Christmas markets and ornate cathedrals to buzzing bars and tasty tapas, there are a million reasons to visit Barcelona in winter. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the top five. Read on to find out why Barcelona is the perfect medicine for those winter blues…
For the festivities
Christmas is (famously) the most wonderful time of the year, and Barcelona takes the festive season to new heights with yuletide celebrations from the beginning of December until the second week of January. Wander through Placa de Catalunya, which is typically decked out with twinkling snowflakes, or head to Barcelona Cathedral and nab any last-minute gifts at the city’s oldest Christmas market, Fira de Santa Llucia. In January, immerse yourself in the city’s Catholic traditions during the Three Kings Parade, where the three wise men toss treats and toys to children from a festive float. If Christmas isn’t your thing, fear not – there are plenty of other festivities to throw yourself into. If you’re visiting in February, hop on a train to the beach town of Sitges, which holds one of the most extravagant carnivals in Spain (think parades, glitter and sangria by the bucketful). The week-long celebration is perfect for party animals but can get a little wild, so we’d give this one a miss if you’re planning on visiting with children. Instead, stick to the city and take the youngsters on an evening wander through Poblenou to Llum Barcelona, a lights festival that sees the neighbourhood’s buildings illuminated with brilliant art installations.
For the weather
Okay, Barcelona isn’t exactly balmy during the winter months, but the city still promises an escape from England’s dark and dreary winters. Barcelona’s winters boast highs of 15°C (which, for Brits, is tee-shirt weather) and rarely go below seven. The city is also lucky enough, for the most part, to dodge the heavy rains that are common in Europe at this time of year, treating you to clear cerulean skies instead. Let’s be clear, though: while temperatures might be higher here, don’t go cramming your suitcase with shorts and Speedos. Instead pack a cosy coat, especially if you’re travelling in December, when daylight hours only last from around 8am until 5pm. On those December evenings, wrap up and take advantage of the early nightfall to marvel at the twinkling Christmas lights on La Rambla.
Image by Sylvain Sonnet / Getty Images.
For fewer crowds
Fewer crowds and shorter queues are yet another reason to visit Barcelona in winter. If you’ve ever visited in summer, you’ll know it’s beautiful but busy at this time of year, with streams of tourists and siesta-inducing queues for the Picasso Museum. With fewer visitors, the city feels just that little bit more relaxed, both for you and Barcelona’s residents, whose concerns about overtourism made front-page news in 2024. By visiting in winter, you can sustainably contribute to the city’s economy and avoid further overcrowding in summer, which, in our eyes, is a win-win situation. And just in case you needed another reason to hop on that plane: off-peak season brings with it lower hotel prices, meaning you could be sipping sangria in the hotel bar for a fraction of the summer costs. The cold weather also brings with it winter sales, and Barcelona has shopping streets and malls aplenty for those in need of some retail therapy.
Image by Pol Albarran / Getty Images.
For delicious food
Barcelona’s food scene is, in our opinion, unmatched, so no judgment if the cuisine is your number one reason to visit the city. Tapas is Barcelona’s speciality, so indulge in garlicky prawns, spicy chorizo bathed in red wine and crispy croquettes fried to cheesy perfection. Our favourite spots include Ciutat Comtal for tasty bocadillos and Bar La Plata for traditional butifarra (Catalan sausage) – but if you consider yourself a culinary connoisseur, why not book a tour of the city’s best tapas bars and sample a taste of the most exquisite jamon serrano that Barcelona has to offer. In winter, Barcelona raises its culinary bar even higher with its seasonal food offerings. One particular highlight enjoyed throughout winter is calcots, a type of Catalan onion that is barbecued until soft and sweet and dipped into smoky romesco sauce. The rich, tomatoey sauce might get messy, so do as the Barcelonians do and grab a bib.
Image by Gunnar Knechtel/LAIF-REA.
For the sightseeing
It’s no secret that Barcelona has some of the best sightseeing opportunities in Spain – there’s a reason the city boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the crisp winter air, head to Sagrada Familia – the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church, designed by architect Antoni Gaudi – and marvel at the intricate Gothic details. Or, if colour’s more your thing, why not take a trip to Parc Guell, another Gaudi masterpiece, where kaleidoscope tiles create rainbow mosaics and pristine stone cottages resemble life-sized gingerbread houses. If you’re lucky enough to be staying for a while and you find you’ve had your fill of city life, a day trip to Montserrat is a great way to experience the Catalan countryside and culture. Simply pop on your coat, jump on a train from Placa Espanya and take a cable car to the peak. You’ll be admiring Montserrat’s gorgeous monastery and distinctive jagged peaks in no time and there’s nothing like a soaring mountain view to beat the winter slump.
Image by Pol Albarran / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley. Header image by Getty Images/iStockphoto.
