A bird's eye view over Barcelona

Barcelona in November

With summer having long drawn to a close, the vibrant streets of Barcelona begin to embrace a period of respite from the tourist high season.

Barcelona in November is blessed by milder days and cooler nights, with average temperatures flirting between 50 and 68°F. Alongside this cooldown comes a comparable reduction in tourism, though the city remains as vibrant as ever. This, among some of the reasons below, makes fall a fantastic time to visit the sprawling Catalan metropolis.

 

Barcelona Off-Season

barcelona in november

Barcelona Off-Season

Any travelers hoping to visit Barcelona in the fall months are in luck. In the absence of the high-season tourist jam, visitors can enjoy much smaller crowds while also still appreciating the bustle of fellow off-season tourists.

Naturally, fewer crowds allow the more patient traveler to benefit from a few perks, including lower hotel and accommodation prices and shorter queues for popular attractions, not to mention much less jam-packed public transport. With that, November serves as the perfect time to experience everything that Barcelona has to offer.

Take this opportunity to explore those attractions that would otherwise be packed to the teeth. Discover the awe-inspiring architecture of the Sagrada Familia, and walk in the footsteps of soccer legends at Camp Nou. Take a more peaceful walk among the colorful Park Güell, before hopping on a Bus Turístic for a leisurely tour around the city.

Fall Festivities

barcelona in november

Fall Festivities

Barcelona in November thrives just as much – if not more so – in the wake of the tourism high-season. Local residents and businesses come together throughout the month to engage in celebrations of the changing seasons; the passing of summer, the embrace of fall, and the coming of winter.

Just as many places begin to wrap up their Halloween festivities, Spain prepares to celebrate All Saints’ Day. Having taken the place of Halloween in Spain from the eighth century, the purpose of the tradition shifted from warding off spirits to remembering and honoring the dead.

On November 1, many Spanish people take this opportunity to lay flowers on the graves of loved ones. Tribute is also paid to all of the Catholic saints, giving the holiday its name. Unlike many national holidays around the world, this is more a day of remembrance than of festivity, therefore we advise visitors to acknowledge the somber nature of the day.

As a public holiday, All Saints’ Day typically sees many retailers and restaurants close their doors, even in Barcelona. However, in their place, many vendors take to the streets to sell flowers and traditional confectionery such as castañas (roasted chestnuts), panellets (almond cakes), buñuelos de viento (doughnuts), el boniato (sweet potatoes), and other autumnal produce.

This confectionery is also a staple of La Castanyada, or the Chestnut Festival, a deeply-rooted Catalan festival that runs alongside All Saints’ Day. Taking place throughout the first two weeks of November, this event marks the shifting of the seasons in showcasing the scrumptious fare of fall.

 

November Nightlife

barcelona in november

November Nightlife

Barcelona is world-renowned for its stellar nightlife scene, as locals and tourists alike come together to explore everything from cult-following grimy dive bars to fancy beachfront clubs.

While admission to some of the more sought-after venues may be tricky in the summer months, coming in fall gives you a much higher chance of skipping those peak-time queues. Be warned, however, that the locals know this too. It wouldn’t be out of the question to find yourself competing just as much with a line of Catalans rather than the usual wave of tourists.

November is also host to the MIRA Digital Arts Festival, during which artists from around the world come together to exhibit their creativity with the aid of innovative digital technologies. Interlaced among these exhibitions is also a vast array of concerts and live music sets which, quite fittingly, lean heavily towards the electronic genre.

Barcelona Jazz Festival

From the end of October, the Barcelona Jazz Festival typically runs for a little over a month and showcases – you guessed it – all things Jazz. One of the most significant events of its kind in the world, fans of the genre can jive with concerts from both celebrated names and up-and-coming artists. Those looking for just that little bit extra can even attend masterclasses led by titans of the Jazz scene.

Film Festivals Galore

Cinema lovers can rejoice at the fact that the city also hosts a multitude of film festivals throughout November. Whether you’re a connoisseur of independent movies, world cinema or short films, moviegoers are likely to find something here to whet their appetite.

Recurring festivals include L’Alternativa Independent Film Festival, the In-Edit Festival, the Barcelona International Short Film Festival and the Asian Film Festival Barcelona. Note that some of these events may only offer admission to exclusive parties, but they will likely still be widely televised in this case. And wherever these festivals take place, you can be sure of a fantastic local ambience and some great afterparties.

Thanksgiving

We know – Thanksgiving isn’t a Spanish celebration in any sense, so you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d have to miss out on your visit to Barcelona. However, should you find yourself absent for the celebrations back home, you’re in luck.

Seek out your nearest Irish pub, and you’ll be in good company with fellow American expats and tourists for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. If in doubt, Flaherty’s is a particularly popular venue for Americans abroad.

Christmas

Having seen out both summer and fall, Barcelona begins to prepare for winter and, more specifically, the holiday season. Towards the end of November, visitors will begin to see signs of the Christmas season popping up everywhere. The streets become adorned with lights and decorations, as market stalls begin to open up on seemingly every other street.

Selling everything festive from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts alongside local artisan crafts, the Barcelona Christmas markets are truly a magnificent sight to behold. While there’s always a multitude of different markets dotted throughout the city, the largest and most famous market is Fira de Santa Llúcia, which can be found on Avinguda de la Catedral.

November is a fantastic time to visit Barcelona. Experience everything the city has to offer without all of the summer crowds, while also engaging in the many local festivities taking place throughout the month. This month marks both a cultural and literal transition, as locals celebrate the passing of summer, enjoy the autumnal produce of fall, and embrace the coming of winter. See it all and save with a Barcelona attraction pass!

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Neighborhoods in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona and want a deeper dive in to the city's many neighborhoods? You've come to the right place. Here, we're running down the best neighborhoods in Barcelona; what makes them tick, what to look out for, and the reasons you should visit! Including: Gràcia El Born Raval Poble-Sec Eixample and more!   Gràcia If you're looking for Barcelona's equivalent to your cool, hip, boho-chic neighborhoods around the world, then Gràcia's your spot. The good news is that it's also a friendly, family-orientated district, if you're bringing the little ones along! Throughout its many winding pedestrian streets, you'll find bars and restaurants galore, where you can pick up a refreshing beverage or some tapas nibbles if you're between attractions. Gràcia is also one of the city's most multicultural areas, so you'll come across all sorts of cuisine, from Italian to American. If you want to pick up any keepsakes or souvenirs, there are a wealth of chic stalls selling pretty much anything you can imagine. And, when the sun goes down, you'll find a brilliant bar scene backed by live performances and good vibes. And culture seekers must absolutely go out and see La Pedrera. If all that sounds like your ideal vacation destination, then Gràcia's one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona!   El Born This classy area used to be the haunt of the rich upper class in Barcelona back in the day. Now, it's transformed into a trendy neighborhood that hides some of Barcelona's coolest places. It's no wonder, then, that you'll find the appropriately hip Moco Museum in the area. This modern art marvel houses excellent installations and fantastic street art from the likes of Banksy, so it's well worth a visit if you like your art modern and your mind blown! As for amenities, you'll find plenty of hip coffee shops, boutiques, and independent art galleries, if you're in the market for anything specific. And the night life is pretty lively too, so it's a great place to stay until the early hours!   Poblenou Poblenou has one of the most fascinating contrasts in the entire city, thanks to the traditional lower part of the district juxtaposed with the popular, gentrified areas higher up. The latter is about as close as Barcelona gets to their own Silicon Valley, so expect plenty of craft beer pubs, tech startups, and probably some hats and beards. It can be remarkable to walk through both and see the shift as old makes way for new. Plus, the influx of new blood does have its perks. Brunch is a big deal in Poblenou now, and you'll find plenty of places to express your inner brunchy self as you wander the streets.   Raval Raval has a rather colorful history as a den of miscreants and never-do-wells. Think of it as an old-timey pirate district of old. Raval has done much to brush up its image in the decades and centuries since, but if you want to know more about its gritty past, take a walking tour and learn all about it! Nowadays, Raval's cleaner image makes it no less of an exciting neighborhood to visit in Barcelona! The barrio is the hangout of street artists and skaters, so expect to see plenty of graffiti and hear heaps of hippidy hop. It's also somewhat of a cultural hub, thanks to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (or MACBA) and the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona. On top of all that, you'll find plenty of delightful cafes, bars, and trendy bars to enjoy when the sun goes down. Or while it's still up, because hey, you're on vacation after all.   Sant Antoni This charming neighborhood is named after the famed Sant Antoni Market, which takes center stage in the district. Locals travel from all over the city to sample its food and book offerings, so if you're in the area, why not go and see what all the fuss is about? The market might be the neighborhood's biggest draw, but there's plenty more going on too. Keen eyes and keener explorers will discover quirky cafes, beer-soaked bars, and some hidden gem restaurants with national and international cuisine on offer.   Poble-Sec Poble-Sec is one of Barcelona's most picturesque neighborhoods, thanks to the massive gardens that sit beneath Montjuic Hill. The surrounding residential areas offer the perfect mix of entertainment and entertainment too, thanks to the juxtaposition between the calm Montjuic Park and the bustling theater scene just a stone's throw away. Exploring the streets, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to park your buns and refuel, including some expat-owned joints that may cater to your sensibilities if you miss a little slice of home. Many will come for the joys of Montjuic Park, though, and choose to ride the cable car up to the castle. However, a lesser-known site is right nearby. Poble Espanyol is a recreation of Barcelona's streets, town squares, and residences throughout the centuries, all built beside one another. One minute you'll be crossing a medieval town square; the next, you'll wander down a 19th-century lane. It's truly a site to behold, and well worth a visit in you're in the area!   Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Remnants of the ancient Roman occupiers remain, alongside medieval buildings and other timeless sights. The whole district oozes an authentic atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in the city. Local pubs and cafes are tucked into nooks and crannies within its maze of untamed cobbled streets. But you won't get stares or odd looks here; it's one of the most welcoming places you'll find. Sightseers will find plenty to snap, party-goers will find plenty to enjoy, and savvy shoppers will find many a deal to be done.   Eixample And finally, we'll end things with Eixample. Full of elegance, opulence, and extravagance, if you're looking for premium designer brands on the pricier side of the shopping aisle, you'll feel right at home in Eixample. Arguably the hub of the LGBTQ community in the city, you'll find a diverse population from all walks of life. You'll find plenty of LGBTQ bars, hostels, and clubs where you can dance the night away, as well as fancy eateries if you need some sustenance before busting a move on the dancefloor. Culturally, you'll find one of the great Gaudí's works here - Casa Batlló. It's an absolute must-visit for any fans of architecture, photo opportunities, or a passing curiosity about the weird and wonderful. And that concludes our guide on neighborhoods in Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
Panoramic view of Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter
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Barcelona in September

Seeing out summer, September marks the beginning of a transitive period for Barcelona. Offering the best of both worlds of summer and the coming low season, the city is widely considered to be at its best in this period. No matter your travel preferences, you’re bound to find that the Catalan capital delivers. From fantastic weather to bustling nightlife complementing the cultural, historical and gastronomic feast on offer year-round, there is an endless array of things to do in Barcelona in September that are guaranteed to offer you a rewarding experience on all fronts. Tourism in September For Barcelona, September offers an experience that combines the appeal of visiting both in summer and in fall. With summer break drawing to a close, the family-dominated waves of peak-season tourists decline throughout the month, making way for other types of travelers. As such, the city typically isn’t quite as busy as during previous months, but it certainly isn’t quiet either. For many, that’s exactly the benefit of visiting in this period. A healthy influx of visitors is precisely what gives Barcelona its world-renowned bustling atmosphere – particularly when it comes to nightlife. That does, however, mean that you should expect large crowds at some of the city’s top attractions. Be sure to plan accordingly and book your visit in advance should you want to include the likes of Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia in your trip. Weather in September September offers something of a sweet spot when it comes to weather. Working somewhat in parallel to the tourism rate, temperatures drop just slightly from the summertime peak and rest typically between the mid-60s and high-70s. In essence, that makes for ideal summer temperatures without the higher highs and more imposing humidity of July and August. Combine that with the fact that many schools and colleges start their new academic year in September, and you get the best of Barcelona’s sunshine and heat without quite the same droves of summer break tourists. Why not take yourself for a pleasant dip in the Mediterranean and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s famous beaches or in its many renowned green spaces? Best Attractions in September September is one of the few times throughout the year when just about all of Barcelona is at its best. Aside from making the most of the idyllic weather, this is a great time to visit the city’s best attractions and cultural sites. No matter your travel style, you’re sure to find the city catering to your preferences. For those interested in Barcelona’s rich architectural diversity, this period serves as a fantastic time to take a tour of some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Explore the likes of Casa Milà, Illa de la Discòrdia and the Gothic Quarter to see how the Catalan capital brings together both traditional Gothic and contemporary Modernist styles with surprising grace. Should you be looking for your share of cultural inspiration, then the city’s wealth of celebrated museums has you covered. Discover the life and work of Barcelona’s most honored artists at the Museo Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, or take a stroll through history at the Museo de Historia de Barcelona or the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. If you’re in the market for more of a culinary experience or want to get in on Barcelona’s famous nightlife scene, be sure to explore the many bars, restaurants and charming squares throughout the Gothic Quarter in particular. In the evening, make your way toward the seafront and La Barceloneta for some of the city’s best clubs, bars and live music venues – or simply take some drinks to the beach! Local & Cultural Events Festes de la Mercè – Toward the end of September, a number of areas throughout Barcelona become host to various combined celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Grace, Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy). Typically taking place over the course of a few days to a week, many key streets and parks come alive with live music performances, street art, cultural activities and light displays. As with many street festivals held throughout the year, you can expect processions of giant characters and religious figures, along with ‘devils’ performing correfocs (fire runs) throughout the week. Beginning on September 24 with Día de la Mercè, a public holiday, many independent stores and businesses will be closed for the day. Held in conjunction with this celebration is the BAM Festival. Short for Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action), this is an alternative musical festival hosted to bring an even greater diversity of music to the Mercè festivities. Big names in the local and international music scene from a vast array of genres offer concerts and performances over the course of a week. Diada Nacional de Catalunya – September 11 in Barcelona is a celebration of all things Catalan. Held in commemoration of the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession, the day is often split between cultural events and independence movement demonstrations. For those with an interest in Catalan culture and local politics, this could be a great opportunity to see a deeper side to Catalonia, while also benefiting from free entry to the likes of the MNAC and the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. For everybody else, it’s best to avoid the city center, as it can become very crowded with demonstrations, and being a public holiday, many stores and businesses will also be closed for the day. Festa Major de la Barceloneta/del Poblenou – Much like the Festes de la Mercè, these festivals transform their respective neighborhoods into a lively street party, complete with live music, street food, art displays, cultural activities and high spirits all around. And, of course, both also offer their own parades of giants and devils, saints and sinners. Wrapping Up If you’re looking for a fantastic summer trip to Barcelona, September offers a slightly different experience from the peak season months. In the absence of families on summer break and the plethora of music festivals taking place throughout the preceding months, September instead offers idyllic weather and a whole host of local and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to tick off all of the city’s key attractions or want to join in on its famed nightlife scene, or even just want to take a load off and sunbathe on its popular beaches, a trip to Barcelona in September is the perfect opportunity to see the city at its best.
Robert Heaney

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