Palau Nacional light show in the evening

Barcelona in May

By Robert Heaney

In the wake of winter and the anticipation of summer, Barcelona in May offers what many consider to be the best of both worlds. Throughout this period, visitors get to experience the busy and electric ambience that the city is known for, while also being able to reap the benefits of visiting ahead of the summertime crowds.

Whatever your travel style may be, this is likely the ideal time to plan a visit. If easily accessible attractions and a thriving nightlife aren’t quite enough to convince you, then perhaps the wealth of celebrations and events taking place throughout the city will be.

Tourism in May

With winter now a distant memory and springtime too on its way out, Barcelona begins a sort of metamorphosis in anticipation of the coming summer months. The beginning of the city’s first ‘shoulder season’, May marks the beginning of a transitive period for the Catalan capital.

While tourism rates around this time still stand a ways behind high-season traffic, they’re also significantly higher than throughout the preceding winter months. For many, this is what makes May a perfect time to visit Barcelona.

Barcelona’s famed bustling atmosphere is an inherent result of its high throughput of visitors, but that often comes at the cost of overcrowding and queuing for just about every major attraction. In May, however, the city sees just enough tourists to stay true to its character while also leaving much of the city easily accessible and uncrowded.

May brings with it pleasant temperatures typically falling between the high-50s and high-60s, alongside some fairly consistent sunshine. Although that may not be prime sunbathing weather, it does mean you can ditch the winter jacket – though an umbrella is still advisable.

With that, visiting Barcelona in May is the perfect opportunity to experience the city both inside and out. Explore the famous architecture of the Sagrada Familia without battling too many queues and take a relaxing stroll through Park Güell in the pleasant springtime weather. And why not take some time to enjoy some of the region’s highly-anticipated events and festivities, too?

Primavera Sound Festival

Held each year in Barcelona’ Forum Building close to Parc del Fòrum, the Primavera Sound Festival stands as one of the city’s most hotly anticipated music festivals each year. In contrast to many other music festivals taking place throughout the year, Primavera Sound is host to a diverse lineup of genres comprising everything from jazz and hip hop to folk and alternative rock.

Previous editions of the festival have performances from the likes of Arcade Fire, Pet Shop Boys and White Stripes. While the main sets typically take place over the course of a weekend, the event runs for around a week in total, with additional gigs and performances hosted across the city.

Night of the Museums

Those who remember the Ben Stiller hit movie Night at the Museum may already have some fantastical idea of what this cultural event entails. While reanimated exhibitions aren’t typically on the table, many of Barcelona’s most important museums come to life in their own way for one night each May.

Coinciding with International Museum Day, this event sees a huge array of Barcelona’s museums open their doors to visitors throughout the night, often free of charge. Popular locations such as the MNAC, CaixaFòrum and MACBA offer visitors an opportunity to explore their exhibitions in a new way, alongside hosting a number of cultural activities and performances for all ages to enjoy.

Ciutat Flamenco Festival

For those with a flair for dancing or a passion for the performing arts, this festival could really be a treat. The Ciutat Flamenco Festival serves as one of the most significant shows dedicated to Flamenco dance and music.

Held for roughly two weeks in May, the event grants attendees the opportunity to discover music from some of the most prominent names in the Flamenco scene, while also showcasing the work of newer artists. Don your best outfit and be prepared to experience this passionate performance of Spanish dance.

Girona Flower Festival

For roughly one week in early May, the nearby city of Girona comes into full bloom, with many of its most popular neighborhoods decorated in all manner of floral arrangements. Displays range from classy and tasteful to purposefully kitsch and quirky, often accompanied by art and light installations, music

With over a hundred displays spread across the city, the Flower Festival offers a fantastic means of exploring Girona in a whole different way. The event opens up a number of areas and patios normally closed to the public, allowing you to truly see a side to the city that most others rarely do.

Sitting only an hour or so away from Girona by car, coach or train, Barcelona serves as a fantastic base from which to visit the Flower Festival. Once you’re there, pick up an event map from the tourist office or from the many volunteers dotted along the festival route and explore the veritable Eden of Girona in May.

Barcelona International Comic Fair

This somewhat more niche event speaks to the comic book fans among us. Having now run successfully for over 40 years, the Barcelona International Comic Fair serves as a demonstration of all the important developments in the comic book world. It showcases the works of prominent and upcoming comic book authors, with awards presented for the best among them.

Visitors have the opportunity to meet and chat with authors and artists alike, and can attend various concerts, performances and film premieres taking place throughout the festival. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in May and want to embrace your inner geek, be sure to swing by this fantastic fiction fair.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re looking to experience Barcelona in its prime state without too many crowds or to get in on some of the incredible festivities taking place throughout the month, visiting Barcelona in May is a fantastic way to experience everything that the city has to offer.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Couple overlooking Barcelona from a rooftop
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Things to do in Barcelona for Couples

Known among many other top European cities for its wealth of culture, history, world-class cuisine and top-notch nightlife, Barcelona is a city brimming with romantic appeal. Couples looking for an intimate city escape with Spanish and Catalan flavors would be hard pressed not to find the Catalan capital an ideal destination. Beyond the natural charm of its architecture, traditions and people, there is also a whole host of things to do in Barcelona for couples. From stylish dining spots to cultural explorations to unique and exciting experiences, we’ve put together this brief guide to help make your city break a trip to remember. Best Time for Couples to Visit Barcelona It may come as no surprise that there is no real definitive time that we would recommend couples to visit Barcelona. The city transforms and takes on a new character with each passing season, and different couples are bound to prefer different times of year. These periods are primarily dependent on both average weather conditions and tourism trends. Summertime (July and August) sees the city at its busiest, hottest and most humid, making for ideal beach weather and bustling nightlife. Many popular attractions and venues are likely to be busy if not full at most times. The peak season is also host to a plethora of music festivals and intimate outdoor events, making for quite the electric atmosphere. April to June and September to November serve as Barcelona’s ‘shoulder seasons’. In essence, these periods typically see the city significantly quieter than in summer, but with enough of a presence to still maintain a thriving ambiance. Average temperatures are generally pleasant, ranging from mild to warm, with regular sunshine but also a moderate chance of rain. The winter period between December and March serves as the city’s low season. Temperatures are naturally lower, and so are hotel and airline prices. Winter is also host to a wide selection of local traditions and cultural festivals, not least of all the various celebrations taking place throughout the holiday season. Best Events for Couples While there may not be a specific time in the year that makes for the ideal couple’s retreat across the board, there are a couple of notable events that cater largely or even explicitly to couples. If you’re looking for a specific date to work into your trip, these events could be just the ticket. The first of these is, of course, Valentine’s Day. Like many places outside of America, the celebration isn’t typically embraced by locals, but that doesn’t stop Barcelona being a fantastic destination for a Valentine’s getaway. The city’s many stylish bars and charming restaurants make an ideal backdrop for a romantic day together, and a number of local businesses also embrace the influx of loved-up tourists by offering limited-time gifts and bookings. Catalonia’s real answer to Valentine’s Day is Día de Sant Jordi on April 23. This day serves as an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to express their love for one another, often with the exchange of gifts. The most commonly exchanged gifts are roses or other such flowers and books, often bought from the many stalls set up throughout the city’s streets for the day. Although not explicitly reserved for couples, the European Balloon Festival held each July offers a truly hallmark experience for you and your partner. Hosted across four days in nearby Igualada, the festival brings together around 25,000 participants from around the world as they take to the skies. Rides can be booked in advance if you want your own piece of this magical celebration. Wining & Dining As a destination known in particular for its stunning seaside location, it will come as little surprise that the beachfront is replete with trendy bars and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. While you can expect prices to be higher here than businesses based further inland, there are few views in Barcelona more splendid than the Catalan coastline. You’ll find more of an authentic dining experience throughout the many historical squares and plazas dotted throughout the city, the most popular of which being Plaça Reial. These social hubs are home to a number of independent restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy some of Catalonia’s most celebrated dishes. If hip and chic are what you’re looking for, then Barcelona has you covered there, too. Many hotels and restaurants throughout the city have rooftop terraces and cocktail bars where you can enjoy panoramic views over the skyline with your favorite beverage in hand. Throughout summer, these venues often expand to include iconic locations such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, as they begin to host a number of rooftop concerts and events. For something just a little more special, many vineyards around Barcelona offer tasting tours and workshops, such as Oller del Mas at the foot of beautiful Montserrat. With over 70,000 hectares of land throughout the region dedicated to wineries and vineyards, Catalonia has truly carved a name for itself among the world of specialty wines, which serve as the perfect accompaniment to a romantic Catalan getaway. Culture, History & Special Interests Couples looking for a more in-depth experience of Barcelona may enjoy a tour of the Gothic Quarter, complete with insights into its turbulent past dating back over 2,000 years to the original Roman settlement. Once finished, you’ll already be close to all of the Gothic Quarter’s charming squares, where you can sit for a romantic meal and a glass of famous Catalan Cava. For those with an eye for the arts, some of the best things to do in Barcelona for couples include exploring its generous selection of celebrated art galleries. The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Museu Picasso, the Fundació Joan Miró and the Museu d'Art Contemporani (MACBA) are considered to be the city’s best artistic offerings, with a heavy emphasis on contemporary art and Catalan artists. In the same branch are Barcelona’s many famous museums covering all manner of interests. History buffs should turn their attention toward the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, the Museo de Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA) and the Museu Marítim. Sports fans, on the other hand, may prefer the likes of the FC Barcelona Museum and the Olympic and Sports Museum. for something just a little different, the Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) and Museo Erótico de Barcelona (Erotic Museum) could be the perfect combination for those of a more hedonistic preference.
Robert Heaney
Bunch of roses in front of a Catalan flag
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Valentine's Day in Barcelona

Europe’s top cities are known around the world for their vast wealth of culture, history and beauty, making them dream destinations for all things romantic. While the likes of Paris and Venice may be the first to come to mind, Barcelona is a city brimming with just as much intimate character as its bigger European cousins. Such a destination is fantastic for a romantic city getaway at any time of the year, but if you’re looking for an excuse to make things even more intimate, then there are few times more fitting for couples to visit than mid-February. Offering everything from trendy bars and restaurants to unparalleled activities to do with your partner, Valentine’s Day in Barcelona is bound to be an experience you’ll cherish for life. Does Barcelona Celebrate Valentine's Day? Like many primarily American celebrations, it might not surprise you to discover that Valentine’s Day isn’t something that a lot of locals in Barcelona particularly subscribe to, but it’s certainly gaining traction as more and more visitors set their sights on the city for a romantic escape. In essence, this means that, while much of the city may not openly embrace the celebration, it still serves as a fantastic destination to spend your Valentine’s Day with your significant other. And as more and more visitors flock to the city to celebrate their love for one another, plenty of businesses and restaurants have begun embracing the event by offering limited-time gifts and bookings. Couple's Activities Looking to share a special moment with your significant other? Barcelona is home to a whole host of intimate and exciting experiences to make your Valentine’s Day unique. Below are just some suggestions that we think plenty of couples would enjoy. Wine Straight from the Vine Visitors with a taste for specialty wines will likely be no stranger to Catalonia’s standing in the oenological (wine-making) world, with over 70,000 hectares of land throughout the region dedicated to wineries and vineyards. Many of these wineries around Barcelona offer tasting tours and workshops, such as Oller del Mas at the foot of beautiful Montserrat. A Stroll Through History Those with a keen eye for history and culture may enjoy a tour of the Gothic Quarter, complete with insights into its turbulent past dating back over 2,000 years to the original Roman settlement. Once finished, you’ll already be close to all of the Gothic Quarter’s charming squares, where you can sit for a romantic meal and a glass of Catalonia’s famous Cava. Sky-High Scenery For a truly remarkable experience, escape the hustle and bustle and fly high above the city on your own private hot air balloon ride. Offering unparalleled views of Barcelona and its stunning rural surroundings, rides typically last the best part of an hour and can even include a romantic meal and bottle of champagne while you take it all in. Wining and Dining Second only to its diverse architecture, Barcelona is famous for its cuisine and nightlife. It’s really no secret that the Catalan capital is home to a massive range of delightful restaurants and stylish bars, offering every imaginable type of food and beverage visitors could want. And that’s particularly ideal when it comes to looking for a great Valentine’s Day date night. Beachfront Bars As a destination known in particular for its stunning seaside location, it will come as little surprise that the beachfront is replete with trendy bars and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. While you can expect prices to be higher here than businesses based further inland, there are few views in Barcelona more splendid than the Catalan coastline. Catalan Cuisine You’ll find more of an authentic dining experience throughout the many historical squares and plazas dotted throughout the city, the most popular of which being Plaça Reial. These social hubs are home to a number of independent restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy some of Catalonia’s most celebrated dishes. Rooftop Romance If hip and chic are what you’re looking for, then Barcelona has you covered there, too. Many hotels and restaurants throughout the city have rooftop terraces and cocktail bars where you can enjoy panoramic views over the skyline with your favorite beverage in hand. So long as the weather is pleasant enough, these terraces offer a truly stylish dining experience for you and your Valentine. Where to Avoid While La Rambla may seem like an appealing spot for an evening meal, being perhaps the most famous street in all of Barcelona, we’d advise that you give it a miss. This is perhaps the city’s biggest tourist trap in this regard, as food and drinks are typically very overpriced without necessarily offering the same quality as some of the more authentic bars and restaurants throughout the city. Día de Sant Jordi As we mentioned earlier, Catalonia’s answer to Valentine’s Day in the rest of the world is Día de Sant Jordi. If you don’t happen to be in Barcelona on Valentine’s Day, or if you’d prefer to experience a more genuine cultural celebration in the same vein, then this is the day to look out for. On April 23, many Catalans flock to Barcelona for this festival of love and culture, alternatively known as the Day of the Book and Rose. This day serves as an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to express their love for one another, often with the exchange of gifts. The most commonly exchanged gifts are roses or other such flowers and books, often bought from the many stalls set up throughout the city’s streets for the day. Couples, families and friends alike all participate equally, so this isn’t a day explicitly dedicated to romance. As the original inspiration behind World Book Day, which coincides with the celebration, Barcelona takes this opportunity to celebrate and embrace local culture. On this day, the city makes a particular effort to promote the Catalan language through many of the books on sale, bringing many local authors and publishers into the international limelight. A number of activities and workshops held throughout the day serve to give visitors more insight into Catalan culture as a whole.
Robert Heaney
Guests dining outside a restaurant on Plaça Reial
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Weekend in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top city break destinations, and makes for a pretty great weekend getaway. Between its famously thriving nightlife scene and its wealth of central cultural attractions, a couple of days is more than enough to see plenty of what the city has to offer. No matter your preferences, no matter the weather, a weekend in Barcelona is sure to be a fantastic city break. Offering everything from intimate evening dining and electric seafront parties to a vast wealth of cultural sites and classic retail therapy spots, Barcelona has something for just about everyone. Visiting at the Weekend Depending on when in the year you choose to visit, the conditions surrounding your trip will vary quite significantly. Visiting during the summer will mean peak weather conditions but also the largest crowds throughout the city. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are considered ideal times to visit, with often milder weather and more bearable crowds. And of course, winter is therefore the quietest but also coldest period. No matter the season, however, a general rule of thumb is to expect weekends to be busier than their weekday counterparts. On one side, Barcelona is a particularly popular weekend city break destination, as evidenced by the fact you’re reading this article right now. On the other, many locals tend to visit the city over the weekends while off work or school. The increase in throughput at the weekend naturally means that attractions, museums and restaurants tend to be significantly busier than throughout the week. What’s more, you should expect hotel rates to increase somewhat over the weekend, often becoming fairly expensive in busier months. For many, though, this is exactly the appeal of visiting over the weekend. As a city renowned for its bustling atmosphere, this is when Barcelona thrives most. Bars and restaurants see more local clientele, offering a more authentic ambience, and the nightlife scene in particular truly comes to life with tourists, students and locals alike letting loose at the end of the week. Things To Do A weekend in Barcelona is more than enough to see many of the city’s top sights. While seeing absolutely everything would be a stretch and hardly worth the strain, you can put together as extensive or relaxing an itinerary as you’d like and get a great experience either way. Top Attractions Most trips to the Catalan capital would be incomplete without ticking off some of the city’s most famous attractions. The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are Barcelona’s most visited attractions, by merit of their fantastically photogenic architecture. If you have the spare time, Montjuïc is also well worth a visit, as the park is home to a huge selection of iconic landmarks and cultural sites. Architectural Marvels If you’re keen on exploring the city’s famous diversity of architecture, many of the city’s most celebrated Gothic and Modernist structures can be discovered one after another on foot, or can be crossed off even quicker using the transport links between each key location. You can also join onto a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter and the best works of Antoni Gaudí. Cultural Hotspots For your fill of history and culture, Barcelona is also home to a huge selection of fantastic museums and art galleries. History buffs should be sure to check out the Museu d'Història de Catalunya and the Museo de Historia de Barcelona, while art enthusiasts are bound to enjoy the likes of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, the Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró. Retail Therapy And of course, a European city break destination is nothing without its fair share of shopping opportunities. Spread across the city, you’ll find a wide range of boutique stores, local retailers and shopping centers. One of the most notable outlets is Las Arenas, built into a former bullfighting ring and offering panoramic views of the city, alongside El Triangle Centre Comercial and the Mercat de la Boqueria. Weekend Nightlife Some of Barcelona’s greatest appeal comes from its internationally renowned nightlife scene. Replete with a healthy selection of delightful restaurants, hip bars and classy seaside clubs, the city brims with life in the evenings. And this is never more true than at the weekend. Historical Plazas For some great local cuisine and an intimate evening drink, the Gothic Quarter has a wealth of charming traditional squares filled with local bars and restaurants. Most popular among these are Plaça Reial, Plaça del Rei and Plaça de Santa Maria. Grab yourself a hearty meal and a glass of local cava to finish your day in style, or to set the mood for the evening to come. Beachfront Spirits If you’re looking to keep up spirits into the night, then your best bet is to take yourself down to the seafront. There, you’ll find the likes of La Barceloneta lined with stylish tapas bars and clubs. If the weather seems up to par, then why not also join many of Barcelona’s youth and the many tourist groups partying on the beach? Cocktails With a View Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a high-class evening with less of the rowdy partying, Barcelona is also host to a great number of chic rooftop bars. Some of the most popular among these include the Grand Central Hotel SkyBar, 83,3 Terrace Bar and El Cel de Gaudí. In summer, you can even book for special rooftop events atop the likes of La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Robert Heaney

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