New Years Eve in Barcelona

UPDATED DECEMBER 2024
Group of friends raising a New Year toast, with champagne and sparklers

From Christmas markets to traditional ‘Three Kings’ Day’ celebrations on January 5th, the Catalan capital fizzes with festive spirit. But is it jumping on December 31st? You betcha. Wondering what to do on New Year’s Eve in Barcelona? Whether you’re looking for New Year fireworks or Flamenco dancing, the coolest clubs or typical Catalan cuisine, we’ve got the low down on the best high spots to ring in the New Year.

Spanish New Year traditions

new-years-eve-in-barcelona

You won’t see quite so much sunshine at New Year in Barcelona (though typical seasonal highs of 16 degrees are by no means chilly) but winter is a good time to visit Spain as you won’t see so many tourists either. La Nochevieja (‘the old night’ in Spanish) is a time when families and friends gather to enjoy a late meal - the last one of the year - before hitting some parties. So, before you decide where to celebrate, be sure to make like the locals by being aware of a few Spanish traditions...

  • Las doce uvas de la suerte (The Twelve Grapes of Good Luck).
    In Barcelona - and in families and market squares across Spain - it’s traditional to eat 12 grapes, one on each of the chimes as the clock strikes midnight, to ensure good luck for the next twelve months.
  • Cupid’s underwear
    If your New Year’s resolution is to fall in love, the Spanish think that wearing new red underwear is the answer! In some parts of Spain this only works if the underwear is a gift. In other places the tradition is to give your festive undergarments away before the end of the night for the love charm to work!
  • Gold in your glass
    Placing a golden coin or an item of gold jewellery in your glass of Cava is believed to bring not only good fortune but an actual fortune in the coming year!

Lucky lunch
Eating a bowl of black eyed peas or lentils for lunch on New Year’s Day is not only a good way to keep warm, but is also believed to bring wealth, with each one representing a coin.

Barcelona New Year fireworks

new years eve in barcelona

Placa Espanya
Now you know all the local secrets it’s time to celebrate and, as in any city, the midnight sky will be lit with dazzling fireworks. For Barcelona’s best fireworks display - and a family friendly music, light and laser show - head to Plaça Espanya. With typically over 80,000 spectators in attendance be sure to get there early for the Magic Fountain display around 9.30pm. Twelve chimes countdown to the midnight fireworks and offer the perfect timing to consume your twelve good-luck grapes and make a wish.


Plaça Catalunya
In the city’s buzzing main square you’ll find live music, entertainers and more fireworks to see in the New Year. Rather more alarmingly a space is cleared at midnight for a traditional bottle toss, when people throw their wine bottles into the square. It’s quite a sight but quite a dangerous one so stand well back for this smashing experience before the local crowds disperse to dance the night away.

Best clubs and bars in Barcelona for New Year

new years eve in barcelona

Talking of dancing, for those looking for a lively start to the New Year, Barcelona knows how to party hard, though be sure to book tickets in advance. Whatever you’re into there’ll be live music and international DJs covering sets for every scene until the sun comes up on New Year’s Day.
Day or night La Rambla is always a happening place to be, with street performers enthralling the crowds and restaurants crowded with tourists out for tapas. Nearby Plaza Real is home to famous clubs like Sidecar and Jamboree which features two separate rooms playing dance, hip hop, funk and much more.

For more authentic local venues head to the Barrio Gótico for stylish cocktail corners or El Born for trendy and less touristy cafes and bars. Clubhaus is a bar-restaurant with an adult playcentre (think karaoke and table tennis) and nightclub across three rooms and two storeys. Boho lovers and skater kids hang out in El Raval where you’ll also find legendary clubs like Moog (famous for tech/minimal DJs) and Sala Apolo.

new years eve in barcelona

Over in Eixample in the newer end of town, Belushi’s bar off Plaça Catalunya attracts an international crowd. Or sip a cocktail at stylish Slow Barcelona, then sashay upstairs to their ultra cool club. Other big name clubs for the Catalan set include Sutton Club, Otto Zutz and - for those into electro-tech, Sala Becool.

Barna’s biggest and best known nightclub is Sala Razzmatazz. From the techno temple of The Loft, frequented by famous international DJs - to the cheesiest rock, pop and disco - five frenetic rooms and over 10 DJs, will see you through until dawn. New Year packages typically include party accessories, Tshirts, lucky New Year grapes and a glass of bubbles.

If you’re really feeling upmarket, dress to impress and jump in a cab to the Barcelona beach clubs around Port Olimpic. There’s nothing cooler than the Ice Bar where the icy decor and glasses look great on the ‘gram. This is also where you’ll find all-night hot spots that keep rocking until 6am. Famous club chain Pacha boasts big leather couches and VIP rooms accompanied by a beachside breeze. Opium has been billed as the city’s best club (and it also has a chocolate fountain!)

 

Fiesta

new years eve in barcelona

Poble Espanyol

One of the biggest and most affordable New Year parties in Barcelona takes place at this created Spanish village, featuring recreations of traditional buildings, craft shops, workshops and even a museum. It’s renowned for summer festivals like Primavera but it’s no less throbbing at New Year, with three party pavilions. The central space sees around 5,000 people dancing to retro hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s, with smaller stages for 1,500+ electro music fans. Get down there and get down!

 

Spanish Flamenco show

new years eve in barcelona

If nightclubs are not a bit of you, what better way to celebrate the local culture than with a flavor of Flamenco? Grab your castanets and stamp your feet as the gypsy guitars set the mood and the skirts whirl faster and faster. At Palacio del Flamenco you can welcome the New Year in style with cocktails, a gourmet Catalan dinner and a spectacular performance featuring over 14 dancers, singers and musicians. Be sure to book in advance though or you’ll be stamping your feet for all the wrong reasons.

Catch some Catalan cuisine

new years eve in barcelona

Or, to escape the crowded city streets, simply relax over dinner. Traditional Catalan food for New Year includes stuffed chicken, roasted lamb and escudella amb carn d’olla, a strong meat broth with sausage, meatballs and snail-shaped pasta shells. Of course no Spanish celebration would be complete without Cava or turrón (a type of nougat).

If you’re dining out you definitely need to make a booking and be aware that most restaurants offer only set menus on NYE. Els Quatre Gats and Enigmatium are both well known for Catalan cuisine and special New Year performances. Bodega Joan, one of the oldest family restaurants in Barcelona, offers a budget set menu with traditional dishes and family entertainment.

 

What to do on New Year’s Day

The Metro runs all night on New Year’s Eve to help people get around the city’s celebrations. But remember that January 1st is a Spanish public holiday, so many places will be closed.

After a night of celebrating you might want to head to Barceloneta beach the next day to join in the traditional First Bath of the Year! El Primer Bany de l’Any takes place at 12 noon so, if you’re up for the challenge, take a dip with the locals who believe this to be the best way to start the New Year. You can certainly chill in the knowledge that it’s the first day of an exciting new year of adventures, with Go City. So grab a Barcelona pass and save while you sightsee!

Jo Cooke
Go City Travel Expert

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Barcelona in June

As the final frontier before the gargantuan waves of summer tourism, June serves as a unique period of limbo for Barcelona quite unlike the rest of the year. Combining both the early bird tranquility of off-season travel and the electric ambience of peak tourism levels, June sees Barcelona at what is perhaps its most genuine. Whether you’re most keen on its buzzing nightlife, world-renowned beaches, celebrated cultural sites or wealth of incredible events and festivals, a visit to Barcelona in June is sure to help you experience the city at its best. Tourism in June June in Barcelona, as in May, serves as somewhat of a transitive stage for the city. With the winter tourism lull now long passed and the waves of summer visitors yet to come, the May and June ‘shoulder season’ sees tourism rates somewhere in the middle of the two. Many consider this period the best time to visit Barcelona, offering the best of both worlds of the city’s famous bustling atmosphere and nightlife without the overcrowding and queues characteristic of summertime traffic. Visitors in June get the rare chance both to see the Catalan capital thriving with life and to experience its attractions, culture and history without much of a hitch. Visiting Barcelona in June therefore offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the city at its best. Take yourself on a tour of Catalonia’s most celebrated architecture, explore the many cultural hotspots atop Montjuïc, or walk in the footsteps of your favorite soccer legends at Camp Nou. Weather in June June brings with it very pleasant temperatures typically falling between the mid-60s and high-70s, alongside some fairly consistent sunshine and a relatively low chance of rain. That gives June a slight edge on May’s more mild weather and the often overly hot and humid summer climate. If sunbathing on the beach, going for a dip in the Mediterranean or taking a relaxing stroll through the park are up your alley, June is the ideal time to do so. You’ll get to enjoy some of the best weather of the year without having to share it with quite so many others! What to Do in June While the vast majority of Barcelona can be enjoyed throughout the year, conditions in June are ideal for more outdoor-based activities. At the same time, the steadily increasing tourist numbers also mean that the most popular indoor attractions such as the Sagrada Familia can become pretty busy at times. If you’re looking to make the most of the weather, the city’s famous beaches and vast selection of parks are the best way forward. Although they’re bound to be relatively busy with many other visitors having the same idea, they’ll still be far less crowded than in the summer months. And what’s more, aside from the likes of Park Güell’s Monumental Zone, most of them are totally free to enjoy! In much the same way, the weather in June makes it a perfect time to take a tour of the city’s famous diversity of architecture. Spread across the city, you can easily spend a full day or two exploring the works of celebrated Modernist architects like Antoni Gaudí, alongside the more historical buildings common throughout the Gothic Quarter. Music Festivals Primavera Sound Festival – Typically held in early June, Primavera Sound stands as one of the city’s most hotly anticipated music festivals. In contrast to many other music events 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. Sónar Festival – One of the oldest and most well-known festivals in Europe, Sónar brings together thousands of electronic music fans from across the continent. Taking place over a weekend in mid-June, the festival is typically split into three events, often held in different locations. Sónar de Día offers a selection of concerts and performances taking place throughout the day. Sónar de Noche takes the event into the evening, showcasing some of the biggest names in the electronic scene. Sónar+D offers an accompanying program of creative technology experiences, including digital workshops, product tests and hands-on virtual reality activities. Brunch in the City/Park – June serves as somewhat of a bridge between these two long-running events. Brunch in the City runs from March to June and consists of weekly electronic festivals featuring various international DJs, along with food and beer tents and activities for all ages. The City edition of the event is often regarded as a warm-up to the main summer event, Brunch in the Park. Held on Montjuïc, the Park edition offers much of the same as its little brother, only on a larger scale and running from late June to September. Festival Jardins Pedralbes – Hosted in the gardens of the Palau Reial de Pedralbes, this open-air music festival is host to a series of concerts throughout June. The event showcases both big international names and emerging artists between its two stages. The pleasantly cool evenings of June serve as a fantastic opportunity to relax in these historical gardens with a glass of cava and enjoy a fantastic variety of musical performances. Local & Cultural Events Nit de Sant Joan – Held in celebration of the Summer Solstice, the Feast of Sant Joan is a truly electric event and host to a plethora of crazy parties. Often known as the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), locals embrace the coming of summer with fireworks and fire displays. Many hold their own parties with friends to celebrate this shortest night of the year, while others take to the beach with picnics and cava to enjoy the bustling ambience. Groups of musicians and performers will also often come together to provide a live soundtrack to the festivities. Corpus Christi – One of the oldest celebrations in Barcelona, the Día del Corpus Christi is a Catholic festival held in honor of the Eucharist. The festival dates back over six centuries and is truly a sight to behold, most notably for the Processó de Corpus Christi and Giants’ Ball processions featuring various giant religious figures and animals of Catalan legends. Barcelona Gay Pride – Joining many other major cities in celebrating the LGBT community, Barcelona’s Gay Pride festival takes place over the course of a week in late June. The event is host to a variety of activities, live performances, talks and exhibitions, culminating with a fun and engaging parade open to all who wish to join. Wrapping Up While every traveler varies in their preferences, it’s difficult to dispute June as one of the very best times to visit Barcelona. Offering peak weather conditions, a bustling yet not overly busy atmosphere and a whole host of exciting events, Barcelona in June truly offers a fantastic balance for just about any visitor to enjoy.
Robert Heaney
outdoor barcelona
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Outdoor Activities in Barcelona

The great outdoors. Nothing quite beats the feel of the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, and the buzzing of flies around your unwashed body. Just us? Anyway, if you've made it this far, you'll want to know about the best outdoor activities in Barcelona, so you can make the most of the idyllic weather. Whether you're looking for outdoor artistic tours, architectural wonders, or wave-based snaps, you're in luck. So, without further ado, let's explore the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! Including: Poble Espanyol de Barcelona Park Güell Guided Tour Las Golondrinas Boat Tour Ciutadella Segway Tour Best of Barcelona Bike Tour and more! Cities within the city Why explore one city when you can explore multiple cities through multiple eras...all in one city? If you're confused, don't be; that's simply what's on offer at Poble Espanyol. A stone's throw from the unmissable fountain in Montjuïc Park, you'll find this open-air architectural museum that recreates the soul of Spanish culture, art, and cuisine. In fact, you'll explore recreations of 117 buildings, streets, and squares from the city's history. From old monasteries to neighborhood markets, you'll see it all. And, on top of all this fascinating architecture, you'll also have the chance to view over 300 works of art from Spanish art giants like Dalí and Picasso. Easily one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona. Getting Güelly with it If you want to make the most of the weather, why not head to one of Barcelona's best parks? Park Güell was designed by the late great architect Gaudi, and it shows. Bizarre yet intricate buildings, beautiful mosaics, and winding, extravagant staircases are all on show here. If you're interested in the creation of the park and the inspiration behind its design, why not take a guided tour and learn all about it? Your arts-trained guide will lead you through the park's most important sculptures, pointing out many hidden details you may miss if exploring alone. Plus, you'll get access to the parts gated off to the non-paying visitors. Be sure to snap pics of El Drac, a mesmerizing mosaic of a salamander, and the wonderfully designed Porter's Lodge. Then, put them on your socials and put your followers to shame. Just cruisin' One of the highlights of visiting a new city is seeing the sights and landmarks. And, sure, you could do that on your weary two feet. But why not enjoy views of the Catalonian capital by way of water? Because you absolutely can, courtesy of a Las Golondrinas Boat Cruise! For one and a half glorious hours, you'll cruise the Med, taking in views of Barcelona's skyline, and snapping pics of all the highlights across nine miles of coastline. Be sure to look out for Villa Olimpica, Castell de Monjuïc, and Port Olimpic, among many others. Relax in luxury, soak up the sun, breathe in that sea air and see everything Barcelona has to offer. Does it get much better than that? No it does not. The perfect Segway Want to learn about one of Barcelona's most famous parks while zooming around on a hip new mode of transport? Well then, you'll want to tour the city's Ciutadella Park on a Segway! And don't worry, it doesn't matter if you have zero experience riding these electronic chariots. Everyone gets a quick intro to Segway operation and riding before the tour begins. Then, once you're suitably prepared, you'll shoot off into the park with your guide, and learn about the park's history. You'll also pass many local attractions like the Barcelona Zoo, the Cascada fountain, and the city's answer to Paris' Arc de Triomf. More fun than it has any right to be, a Segway tour is the perfect summer activity, and absolutely one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! On your bike! If you're feeling adventurous, or simply want to burn off the liters of sangria and tapas you've consumed over your vacation, why not take a two-wheeled tour of the city? Prepare for a mammoth three-and-a-half-hour trip, as your knowledgeable guide takes you around Barcelona. Explore the vibrant parts of the city tourists don't reach, ride past many of Gaudi's masterworks, and take a short break on the beautiful beaches while you rehydrate. It's a long ride, but well worth it, so be sure to pack a big bottle of water, some snacks, a hat, and a whole heap of sunscreen. Oh, and your camera; you'll need it to snap the city's magnificent sights. Be on the lookout for The Sagrada Familia, Old town, Barceloneta beach, and many more Grammable beauties. Zootopia IRL You know who else likes outdoor activities? Animals. And you know where animals live? The wild. Well, usually, because if you visit Barcelona Zoo, you'll get to hang out with 2,000 of the lovely critters! Head to Parc de la Ciutadella, and you'll find the zoo. Then, once inside, you'll get up close and personal with lions, tigers, lizards, penguins, giraffes, elephants, and many, many more animals! You can also learn about the zoo's conservation efforts, and attend workshops and guided tours if you want to hear from the experts. And that's our list of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! Looking to spruce up your itinerary with some more fun? Those with a stranger side may appreciate our guide to quirky Barcelona! Looking to squeeze some pennies? We've found the best cheap things to do in the city. Or, if you fancy getting out of the city and seeing the beautiful scenery nearby, check out our guide to day trips outside Barcelona! Until next time, adventurers.
Dom Bewley

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