Barcelona is a wonderful city full of charm, history and culture. However, when most people think of Spain, we think sunshine and hot weather. Although Barcelona does not get overly cold in the winter months, it does get chilly (between 14°c and 7 °c) but the sun still shines making it perfect for a cosy, mid-winter getaway. So, grab your scarf and sunglasses and discover the top reasons to visit Barcelona this winter.
Smaller Crowds
Barcelona is known for being a very busy city filled with tourists. This often means long queues for attractions and overall crowds throughout the city. One of the perks of visiting Barcelona winter is that it is offseason for tourists and the city is typically quieter. Enjoy shorter waiting times and less hustle and bustle.
Christmas Markets
There are a variety of fantastic Christmas markets in Barcelona where you can embrace the festive season, enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine and do a spot of shopping. The city’s oldest Christmas market is Saint Lucia which dates as far back as the 18th century. Situated in front of Barcelona Cathedral, the market is comprised of stalls selling Christmas decorations, jewellery, handmade items and more. Another great market is Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família. Located in a park next to the basilica, it is also great for picking up gifts but also where you can indulge in delicious seasonal treats such as baked sweet potatoes and churros.
Food and Wine
When in Barcelona, there is no better way to unwind than sipping on some delicious local wine and feasting on traditional tapas. During winter in Barcelona, cafes and restaurants continue to buzz. With heaters and tents, you can still sit outside and watch the world go by while keeping warm and cosy.
Accommodation
Another perk of visiting Barcelona in the offseason is that scoring excellent accommodation may be easier to come by with more options available. However, visiting around Christmas and New Year can still be busy so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to book. Serviced apartments in Barcelona are a great option when travelling with groups as it offers lots of space for everyone as well as the comfort of feeling at home.
Fancy a Spot of Skiing?
When visiting Barcelona, skiing is not often something that comes to mind. However, if you fancy an excursion out to the slopes, Masella and Molina ski resorts can be reached from the city within a couple of hours. This is a great option for a day trip and an opportunity to see a different and snowy part of Spain.
If you are looking to escape the winter blues, Barcelona is the perfect place. Be captivated in the festive spirit and enjoy the chilly weather while the sun shines. From museums to excellent dining, Christmas markets and even the chance to go skiing, Barcelona is the ultimate choice for a city break this winter.