Spring & Summer Things To Do in Barcelona. With temperatures hitting the high twenties and evenings getting longer, spring and summer Barcelona is the best time for after sunset dining, Cava in the sunshine and evening street strolls. To ensure you get the most of your visit and see Barcelona like a local, here’s a few pointers on what’s not to be missed.
Parks & Gardens
Park Güell – Easily reached by metro or bus, Park Guell is not just a popular destination for visitors in search of the most Instagram-worthy shot, it’s also a bit of a hot spot with the locals. The park designer Gaudi, a well renowned practitioner of Catalan Modernism, had not originally intended the park to be a pleasure park as it is today, his plan was for a ‘garden city’ for workers to live. The extraordinary work of art that is Park Guell, seems as if it were straight from a fairy-tale story, with almost gingerbread-like buildings and a sinuous tiled bench forming a sea serpent, that curves and winds it’s way around the esplanade offering spectacular views across the city. If you are someone who like to get lost in the quiet corners of Barcelona do not miss the The Definitive Barcelona Park’s & Gardens Guide.
Top Tip: Get a head start and head to Park Guell before the crowds pour in.
Montjuïc – Live the high life and head to the top of Montjuic by cable car to discover a little taste of history at Montjuic Castle; you can even take a 360º tour and soak up some of the history through their continuous exhibitions. After visiting the castle, why not enjoy a picnic in the peaceful setting of Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens, before heading to one of the most beautiful parks in Barcelona, the Grec Theather Gardens where, as the name suggests you will find an amphitheatre, known for hosting various performances at the Barcelona Grec Festival.
Top Tip: Start your journey at the top of the mountain for breath-taking panoramic views of Barcelona Harbour.
Parc de la Ciutadella – For decades after it’s creation in the mid 19th-century, this 70 acre park was Barcelona’s only green space. Parc de la Ciutadella is not just any old park though, this beautiful historical garden holds a small boating lake, playgrounds, a rather stunning fountain designed by Josep Fontserè, and the city zoo. With so much to offer the park is a popular place to visit but don’t let this put you off, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll in the city, or why not a rent a bike for the day and explore the park like a local.
Top Tip: Bring your lunch along with you to enjoy in the peace of the park.
Culture
Maritime Museum – This impressive museum is located inside the Barcelona Royal Shipyard, at the foot of Las Ramblas. The museum showcases many historical exhibits which include some fascinating maritime stories, and hosts several navigation instruments, weapons, paintings, and even an impressive large ship; galleon ´Real de D. Juan de Austria´.
Top Tip: After a visit to the museum pop over to the cafe opposite for a little light refreshment.
Tea On The Terrace – You’ll soon discover there is an abundance of terrace seating in and around Barcelona, and it’s a great way to get stuck into the local culture. Why not spend the evening dining at the beach, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, as the locals cycle, rollerblade or skate on by.
Top Tip: If you’re feeling really brave take your swim stuff along with you for a refreshing dip in the sea before dinner. Be sure to bring a jacket because even in spring the evenings can be chilly.
Museu Picasso – Located on Montcada Street and housed in five adjoining medieval palaces in Barcelona’s La Ribera, Museu Picasso is home to one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, with an incredible 4,251 works exhibited by the painter.
Top Tip: If you head over this spring/summer you’ll experience, for the first time ever, the great masters of modern art Picasso and Dali, standing side by side for a very special exhibition.
What’s On
La Feria de Abril in Barcelona – The last week of April each year sees the popular La Feria de Abril where, similar to Seville, Andalusians in Barcelona put on their smaller version of the spring fair, and it’s a colourful feast for the eyes. Get a true taste of Seville as professional ‘Sevillana’ Flamenco dancers fill the streets. There’s even an amusement park, ideal for those travelling with the family.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the ‘casetas’ (pop-up tent style restaurants), where you can treat yourself to a glass of rebujito with your crispy calamares.
Sant Jordi – Held on the same day as International Book Day, in April, the festival of Saint George in Barcelona is all about books and roses. The legend of Saint George recounts a princess kidnapped by a dragon, before gallant knight, named Jordi slayed the dragon and a rose emerged from the dragons heart. There are similarities between San Jordi and Valentines, with couples presenting each other with roses and books.
Top Tip: If you are in the Continental Barcelona or Continental Palace, you are at the center of everything, with book and roses stops.
Primavera Sound – This 5-day event is one of the largest music festivals in the world, previously showcasing big names like Pet Shop Boys, The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, and Public Enemy. Held at the seafront space Parc del Forum, while there are usually few major headliners, the festival is well known for its eclectic line-up of independent bands in rock, alt-rock, pop, electronic and dance music genres.
Top Tip: Check out this years line-up and buy tickets ahead of time.
