10 reasons to get away to Barcelona this summer

No city pulsates with the arrival of summer like Barcelona. The streets are brimming with life, neighbourhood parties, festivals and activities. The nights are the perfect time to go for a stroll in the cool air and discover magical things to do. The hot weather invites you to take a dip in the sea and swimming pools. And the holidays give you precious time to enjoy yourself with your loved ones. The Midsummer festival, the revetlla de Sant Joan, which kicks off the summer season, is one of the 10 reasons you'll want to get away to Barcelona this summer.

1. Delicious and refreshing food

Whether you're enjoying a tasty seafood dish on a seafront terrace or relaxing with a cocktail at a chill-out bar on the beach, the summer is waiting for you. Could you think of anything better than feeling the sea breeze, holding a drink in your hand and being in tune with the world? Well, you could always try a delicious ice cream or one of the best artisan horchatas at Torrons La Campana. Oily fish, aubergines, strawberries, cherries and tomatoes from the Maresme…discover the seasonal summer produce at Barcelona's restaurants. And if you're visiting at the same time as the Midsummer's Eve celebrations, the revetlla de Sant Joan, you're in luck. You'll be able to by the typical sweet treat, coca, from bakeries like the Forn Elias 1917, La Colmena and Mauri.

2. Beaches and swimming pools… come and dive in!

Put your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a good book in your bag and cool off at Barcelona's beaches and swimming pools, which are all accessible by public transport. In addition to the sea and sun, at the beaches you'll be able to enjoy extra amenities: assisted bathing for people with limited mobility, volleyball nets, loungers and beach umbrellas as well as bars where you can have a drink while you feel the sand between your toes. You'll also be able to enjoy magnificent city views while you cool off at one of the swimming pools on Montjuïc or have a swim at one of the swimming clubs on the beach.

2. Must-haves for summer at the city's shops

Kitting yourself out for summer is even more fun while you stroll and discover the city during the summer sales. In summer, espadrilles are the must-have item, and you'll find this traditional hand-made Mediterranean footwear, reinterpreted with a contemporary twist, at the Manual Alpargatera and Toni Pons. Remember that it's essential to protect yourself from the sun, so a good sunscreen and hat are an absolute must. At the artisan hatters Sombrerería Mil, which was founded more than 100 years ago, you'll find models of every type… to suit every head! That's sorted! Now you've got your summer outfit!

4. Summer nights, city lights

Your days have been spent on the beach, sightseeing, walking or on one of our tours. We recommend you store up some energy for the evening, as summer nights in Barcelona are magical and packed with things to do. What about alfresco cinema? You can choose from a film on the beach, in beautiful scenery at the Sala Montjuïc, next to the understated lines of the Mies Van der Rohe pavilion or at the Maremagnum Film Fest.

Music also takes centre stage on summer nights, at iconic landmarks, such as La Pedrera, and the Casa Batlló or the Montjuïc Magic fountain's spectacular light, water and music displays. Do you want to enjoy films and music at the same time? The Cosmonits at Cosmocaixa bring you the best science fiction films with live music.

5. Summer festivals and concerts. Keep the rhythm going!

Music keeps us moving all year round, but, in summer, the concerts and festivals increase in number, in every imaginable style. Do you like electronic or alternative music? Don't miss the Barcelona Beach Festival with DJs and dance music, or the Cruïlla Festival showcasing indie bands. If hip-hop gets you moving, the Hipnotik Festival will fill the Poble Espanyol with urban culture. Classical music at the Bachcelona Festival, Mozart's Summer Nights, and big-name international performers, such as Alicia Keys, Rosalía and Iron Maiden… make a date with Barcelona.

In addition to music, the city's major culturefest, the Grec Festival, brings you dance, circus performances and theatre.

As you can see, the beat goes on!

6. Neighbourhood festivals and night-time parties. Come and experience our popular celebrations!

In Catalonia we celebrate the summer solstice in style on 24th June with the revetlla de Sant Joan. You can enjoy the shortest night of the year in all the city's neighbourhoods with bonfires, firecrackers, cava and a typical sweet treat called coca.

During the summer months, popular village festivals can be enjoyed in the different neighbourhoods of the city, giving you the opportunity to experience the fun and magic of traditions with alfresco meals, dances with live music, concerts and activities for all ages. Every neighbourhood has is own, but the best-known and most popular ones are the Festa Major de Gràcia and the Festa Major de Sants.

7. A city with a long-standing sporting tradition… which loves water sports!

Barcelona is a city that wants to be on top form and loves sport. It has sporting clubs founded more than 100 years ago which exemplify its passion for sport that led it to organise the 1992 Olympic Games. This year is the 30th anniversary of this great event that transformed the city. Barcelona reclaimed its seafront and, today, its beaches are waiting for you to practise water sports , including paddle surfing and kayaking to keep you fit, an Sup yoga class on the sea or sport fishing with Charter Inad, which this year celebrates 10 years of fishing charters, with a professional angler.

The year's sporting calendar is packed with major competitions, including the 15th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona regatta, the rally races at the FIA World RX of Catalunya, extreme sports at Extreme Barcelona, and the 1st inclusive CrossFit competition, Wodcelona.

8. Lovers of science and innovation, welcome

Summer is also a time for learning but in a fun and entertaining way. Barcelona Science Destination brings you 8 science trails and more than 40 visitor attractions including museums, archaeological sites, an aquarium and an astronomical observatory. The BC Science features discounts on the admission price to some of the city's science and technology landmarks. You'll also find activities and events that will satisfy your love of technology. See what's on and discover great things to do, including the immersive exhibition New Screen and the electronic art exhibition The Irruption, with interactive exhibits, animations and performances.

9. The city that never stops: a calendar of events for all tastes

Vibrant and dynamic Barcelona has an endless list of cultural events in summer. Do you love great painters? If so, Miró. His Most Intimate Legacy will show you the artist's most personal side. Are you an archaeology fan? If you are, you can explore the temple of Ptolemy, Egyptian Pharaoh at the Museu Egipci. But there's so much more besides. All you have to do is look at all the activities being held every day and find the perfect plan for all the family, like a trip to the Port Aventura theme park and a visit to the exhibition The Sun: Living with our Star at Museu de la Ciència Cosmocaixa. And if you want to enjoy discounts on family visits and free travel on public transport, use the Barcelona Family Card, which is packed with great deals!

10. Alfresco experiences: Barcelona in the open air

The summer invites you to enjoy Barcelona in the open air. One of the most appealing, and least-tiring options is a ride on the Barcelona Bus Turístic, during the day or on the Barcelona Night Tour Bus. The sea and the beaches offer a wide variety of options to feel the sea breeze, such as watching the sun set on a catamaran with live music, having lunch or a snack on a sailing boat and exploring the coast by bike with a guide on the Beach Bike Tour, or on one of the pleasure boats, Las Golondrinas. A whole host of activities, experiences and tours await so you can make the most of your free time. Discover them all!

As you can see, there are lots of great reasons to visit the city this summer. Choose one or choose them all… Barcelona is waiting for you!