Barcelona is in the Catalonia region, on the northeast coast of Spain. Many regard it as Spain’s powerhouse and cultural city. The Catalan capital is rich in history and famous for its awe-inspiring architecture, thriving art scene, world-class cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and sandy beaches. Oh, and a celebrated football club of which the city is immensely proud.
The city of Barcelona does not hibernate because summer ends. Quite the opposite, it is alive with festivals and events, celebrating tradition, music, food, and wine. Probably the most important is the Barcelona La Mercè, a five-day event held in honour of the Patron Saint of Barcelona.
The Catalonia city lives up to its reputation year-round, and here is a guide to the top things to do in Barcelona in Autumn.
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Why visit Barcelona in Autumn?
Barcelona is a fantastic city to visit any time of the year, and some of the best months are during the fall. The weather is pleasant, warm, and not hot or sticky. The atmosphere is lively but not crowded. The residents start to breathe and go around their daily lives at a relaxed pace, allowing you to experience Barcelona more like a local and less like a tourist.
The city is magical during the autumn season, which in Barcelona is September, October, and November. The trees turn the beautiful fiery fall colours red, orange, and yellow, making it a perfect time for Insta-worthy photos.
The food season changes from summer fruits and cold dishes, like Gazpacho, to make way for autumn flavours. Mushrooms are huge in Barcelona, and foraging for mushrooms is a popular tradition. However, if you can’t make it to the forests, they are abundant at markets and restaurants.
Other favourite treats include roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and churros.
Visiting Barcelona in the autumn is cheaper. Accommodation is less expensive, and there is more chance of finding a flight deal.
Before you visit – check out my top helpful travel resources
Here are a few of my recommendations for travel assistance and sites I use when traveling myself. For more on these and why I choose to recommend them, check out my full disclosure page.
- Book your travel insurance with Insured Nomads if you are from the US or Worldwide Insure for European visitors.
- Find the best flights with Skyscanner.
- Get great prices on Rental Cars from Discover Cars.
- Travel throughout Spain and Europe via train. Book your tickets with the Trainline.
- Find affordable accommodations on Booking.com
- Search tours from GetYourGuide or Civitis
- Check your visa requirement on iVisa
Top things to do visiting Barcelona in Autumn
Barcelona has something for everyone, so whether your interests are relaxing in a café, music, sport, or the arts, here is an idea of the top things to do when visiting Barcelona in autumn.
1. Explore the Architecture of Barcelona
Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most spectacular architecture. As a testament to that, in 2026, Barcelona will take over the UIA-UNESCO World Capital of Architecture title. To celebrate this recognition, Barcelona is holding an architecture festival in April.
You will miss the festival by visiting the city during autumn. However, you can learn about and marvel at the city’s architecture.
Barcelona’s architecture is a blend of Gothic and Modernism. The Gothic period lasted from the mid-12th century to the 16th century.
The city has a charming Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), where hidden in the narrow winding streets behind the beautiful Gothic Cathedral, you will find ruins of the Roman Temple d’August. The four massive, ancient columns are a strong reminder of the history surrounding you.
Modernism was from around 1888 to 1910. It was a cultural movement across Catalan society and the arts.
A pioneering architect of Barcelona’s modernist era was Antoni Gaudi. La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera are stunning examples of his work. You can spend hours observing the incredible architecture and structures inside and outside.
A great way of exploring the city’s architecture and witnessing more of the city’s wonders is to book a free walking tour. That way, you can discover all the hidden gems and see the sights from all angles. If you’d rather self guide, be sure to pick up a map in one of the many tourist offices throughout Barcelona.
2. Autumn is a Time to Feast
Barcelona has an impressive culinary scene, and fall is a wonderful time for feasting on autumn delights. Chestnut stores begin popping up from October through to Christmas. There is something cosy about buying roasted chestnuts on a chilly fall day.
La Castanyada, All Saints Day, and Day of the Dead are festivals celebrated around November 1st – 2nd. They are similar to Halloween in the USA, and it is a time to commemorate the dead.
The gastronomical tradition of the La Castanyada festival is to eat chestnuts and sweet potatoes.
3. Visit Spotify Camp Nou
A trip to Camp Nou is on many football fans’ dream lists. It is home to the famous FC Barcelona, the largest stadium for a football club in Europe and the second largest in the world.
Autumn is a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists. There are several tour options and a museum with a vast display of trophies and of course, many opportunities to pick up a gift for the sports fan in your life!
During autumn, the football season will be in full swing. If you are planning a visit to Camp Nou, check the website of FC Barcelona for availability.
4. Picnic at the Park
Barcelona has many beautiful parks and open spaces to visit and enjoy a picnic in the sun. In the autumn, the leaves turn into magical fall colours.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Barcelona’s largest and most central park stands where a fortress once stood. There are beautiful monuments and buildings within the park. One such is the real-size Mammoth Statue, standing at 3.5 metres (11 feet) tall.
The Cascada Monumental is an eye-catching water feature and part of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest works when he assisted Josep Fontserè.
Locals frequent the park to play music, practise yoga, relax, and enjoy picnics.
Parc de Cervantes
Another popular picnic spot is the Parc de Cervantes. It is a rose park with large grassy areas on the outskirts of Barcelona. More popular with locals than tourists, it is a peaceful place to picnic and absorb the sounds and sights of fall.
5. Visit a Museum
Barcelona has numerous museums. You can visit plenty of art museums, history, science, and observatories.
One of the most visited is the Picasso Museum. Here you will find 4,000 pieces of the famous artist’s work. Be sure to book tickets in advance to save having to queue.
Alternatively, if you have children, the Museu Magic World scores highly as a lot of fun. It is a place that immerses you in optical illusions, whether it be Alice in Wonderland or in a shark’s mouth. You can snap plenty of instaworthy photos as a reminder of your trip to Barcelona.
6. Watch a Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a song, dance, and music. While it originated in the Spanish Andalusian region, it has long been an iconic part of Spanish music. Watching a Flamenco show in Barcelona will give you an insight into part of Spanish history and culture.
Some of Barcelona’s theatres have been around since the 1960s, with spectators hailing them for a remarkable artistic experience.
Recommended: Make a night of it and combine with dinner – Torre Bermejas Flamenco Show and Dinner
7. Voll-Jazz Barcelona International Jazz Festival
The internationally renowned live music festival has hosted live music bands every year since 1966, in autumn.
Many bands perform live concerts at venues across the city. There is no single ticket but many separate tickets, so you can find plenty of concerts to suit your budget and taste.
8. Views of Barcelona from Turó de la Rovira
At 257 metres high, the views from Turó de la Rovira across the city are spectacular. You experience a 360° panoramic view of Barcelona to the coast from here.
The hill became an emplacement for Anti-aircraft guns during the Spanish Civil War.
Less frequented by travellers but incredibly popular with locals, who head to the hill to watch the sunset.
9. Sitges Film Festival
Sitges is a small town about 42 km south of Barcelona and accessible by train. Once a thriving old fishing village, it retains much of its original character. It has beautiful scenic beaches and has attracted a bohemian crowd.
If Sitges is on your radar for visiting, planning your trip around the Sitges Film Festival would be a fun idea if you are a fan of horror and fantasy. First held in 1968, it has since been held every year. It has become one of the world’s most famous film festivals and significantly impacts the industry.
The town transforms as the traditional ‘Zombie Walk” takes place in the evening on the first Saturday of the festival in early October. Thousands of participants dress up and walk the streets of Sitges, like an early Halloween.
10. Montserrat Day Trip
If you want to explore Barcelona’s countryside, take a day trip and head to Montserrat. It is a rocky mountain range in Catalonia. Perched on top of the peak is Santa Maria de Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery.
You can reach Montserrat by train, and it takes roughly an hour. You then get to the top by cable car or rack railway mountain train.
You can have a great time taking short hikes and exploring the mountains, from which the views are breathtaking.
Highly recommended: Montserrat Wine Tour
Experience Montserrat mountains, monastery, tapas, and Catalan wines on this day trip from Barcelona. Departing from Barcelona Nord Terminal, you’ll enjoy an hour-long drive with an expert guide sharing the history of Barcelona and Catalan culture. Arriving at Montserrat Monastery, you’ll learn about the Black Madonna, ‘La Moreneta,’ and have an hour of free time to visit the museum or admire the views.
Next, visit a local winery to learn about winemaking traditions and the production process. Enjoy a tasting of 3 fine Montserrat wines paired with homemade tapas. After indulging in local delicacies, return to Barcelona, with a drop-off in the city center seven and a half hours after departure. Click here to find out more details about this tour.
Weather in Autumn in Barcelona
Much of Spain and Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and infrequent rain showers.
In September, it can still be hot. Temperatures start cooling towards the end of the month, with highs of 25.5°C (78℉) and lows of 19°C (66℉). The days average around 12 hours of daylight.
October is pleasant and T-shirt weather, with highs of 21.6° (71℉) and lows of 15.5° (60℉). There are around 11 hours of daylight, and it is marginally wetter and windier.
November is slightly cooler, windier, and wetter than October, with highs of 16.6° (62℉) and lows of 10.5° (51℉). You might need to pack a jumper and a light jacket.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona can be an expensive city to visit, including accommodation, compared to other cities in Spain. However, travelling in the fall means fewer tourists and lower demand, so it is possible to grab a bargain.
Luxury – Seventy Barcelona
Set in the heart of Barcelona, between the elegant Gracia district and the Eixample, one of the most affluent areas in the city, Seventy Barcelona provides a traditional warm Spanish welcome.
They have a luxury spa, a choice of dining options, and a bar with live music.
It is an eco-friendly hotel with sustainability high on its priority and numerous credentials.
Mid-range – Hotel Acta Splendid
Located in a great location, Hotel Acta Splendid is in the Eixample neighbourhood, close to the iconic Las Ramblas.
The hotel offers a 24-hour reception and a buffet breakfast with hot and cold options.
Budget Choice – Casa Gracia
Casa Gracia is set in the Paseo de Gracia and is a short walk from La Pedrera. The hotel has a restaurant, a communal terrace, a library, and a lounge for relaxing.
Getting Around Barcelona
When visiting a city for the first time, there is always some trepidation about how easy it will be to get around. Fortunately, a comprehensive and sustainable transport network is available, making planning your travels around Barcelona straightforward.
Using a travel card is the simplest way to take advantage of the metros, trams, buses, and suburban rail networks. Several cards are available.
The most popular are:
Hola Barcelona Public Transport Travel Card is the cheapest, with cards available from 48 to 120 hours and valid for Zone 1 travel. It gives access to the entire city and includes airport transfers to the city. Most attractions are within Zone 1.
Cards are available for purchase up to 90 days in advance, with prices from,
- €14.76 for a 48-hour card to €34.38 for a 120-hour card.
- Children under four years go free.
A more inclusive option is the Barcelona Card. A city pass with access to the transport network within Zone 1. It includes admission to roughly 25 of the city’s most popular attractions and discounts to many more.
Prices are from,
- Є47.70 for 72 hours to Є67.50 for 120 hours for adults,
- Є27.00 for 72 hours to Є47.50 for 120 hours for ages 4 – 12
- under four, go free.
In addition to the transport network, Barcelona is cycle friendly, with the bonus of being relatively flat. A 200km network of cycle lanes is available through a public bike hire system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sunbathe in Barcelona in October?
The hot summer has cooled, and October can be breezy. However, early October is still pleasant for making trips to the beach. October is one of the wetter months, with six rainy days on average, but there are still plenty of sunny days. The Mediterranean water temperature is around 72℉ / 22℃, so still warm enough for a dip. With an average daytime high of 70℉ / 21℃, getting a bit of colour for those die-hards may still be possible at the beginning of the month. It will cool at night to around 53℉ / 12℃; therefore, you might need a jacket.
Is Barcelona Cheap or Expensive?
Although in comparison to other parts of Spain, Barcelona can appear expensive. However, when compared to the rest of Europe, Barcelona is relatively cheap for a city. An average daily spend is about €100 to €120. Therefore anything up to €220 per day should be enough, depending on what you visit.
How Many Days Do I Need in Barcelona?
This is a difficult question, but at least two days are needed to explore the main attractions. If you put more time aside, five days will be more relaxing, and seven days is ideal. However, as with any big city, the longer you stay, the more you will get to know it and the more gems you discover.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Barcelona in the fall is a fantastic time. It is quieter, and the weather is pleasant. There’s an abundance of things to do in Barcelona in autumn, including festivals and seasonal events such as Halloween.
Some argue that fall is the best time.
About the author
Matthew is a seasoned traveller and founder of The Travel Blogs, where he shares his passion for exploring the world with more than 20 years of globetrotting experience behind him and more to come! Currently living in Madrid, Spain, he loves to discover new places with his young family across Spain and Portugal while still including regular trips to far-flung destinations. Don’t forget to follow The Travel Blogs on Facebook and YouTube for even more inspiration and tips!