The best ideas for an unforgettable summer in Barcelona

When summer comes, Barcelona is more vibrant than ever. The streets are brimming with life, with neighbourhood fiestas, festivals and activities. The evenings are perfect for a stroll in the cooler air and to discover magical things to do. The heat invites you to take a dip in the sea and at the city's swimming pools. And the holidays give you precious time to enjoy with your loved ones. The revetlla de Sant Joan kicks off the summer season. Be inspired by all these ideas and enjoy summer in Barcelona to the full.

Delicious and refreshing food

Whether you're enjoying a delicious plate of seafood on a terrace with sea views or kicking back with a refreshing cocktail at a chill out bar on the beach, the summer awaits. And can you think of any better way to unwind than feeling the sea breeze with a drink in your hand? Well, perhaps you can! You could also sample a delicious ice cream, try one of the city's best artisan horchatas, or sip a freshly squeezed juice at one of the municipal markets' fruit and vegetable stalls. Are you looking for more mouthwatering ideas? Come and taste the seasonal summer produce at Barcelona's restaurants: oily fish, courgettes, aubergines, cherries, tomatoes from the Maresme… And if you're visiting at Midsummer – when the city celebrates with a big party, the revetlla de Sant Joan – you're in luck. You can buy the typical sweet treat eaten during the Sant Joan festivities – a flatbread known as coca – at the city's bakeries and cake shops.

Cool off around the city

Grab your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a good book. The summer heat may be stifling but luckily all you have to do is pop these items in your bag and head to the city's beaches and swimming pools to cool off. They are all easily reached by public transport. In addition to the sea and sun, you can enjoy lots of extra amenities: assisted bathing for people with restricted mobility, volleyball nets, loungers, beach umbrellas and beach bars where you can have a drink while you feel the sand between your toes.
The trees in Barcelona's parks and gardens provide cooling shade and you can top up your water bottle at the drinking fountains to make sure you stay hydrated.

Summer essentials

Getting kitted out for summer is even more fun while you explore the city on foot and discover its shops. You'll find everything you're looking for at the summer sales at the best price, even on Sundays and public holidays, when the shops in the city centre open every day from mid-May to September. As you wander, you're sure to find a comfortable item of clothing to keep you cool, or an affordable accessory for your summer outfit and, of course, everything you need for the beach and pool.

Summer nights with countless things to do and festivals

You've filled your day with time at the beach, visits, walks, shopping and walking tours. We recommend you save some energy for sunset, because summer nights in Barcelona are truly magical and packed with things to do. What about an outdoor cinema? Some of the city's cultural attractions and festivals screen open-air films over the summer, even on the beach. You'll also find music and cultural events on the roof terraces of the city's iconic, landmark buildings and, of course, music festivals to suit all tastes.
On summer nights, you'll also have the opportunity to take a ride on the open-top Barcelona Night Tour Bus and see the city's top landmarks beautifully lit up.

Neighbourhood fiestas and night-time parties. Long live our popular festivals!

Catalonia pulls out all the stops to mark the summer solstice with the revetlla de Sant Joan, on 23rd June, Midsummer's Eve. Every neighbourhood in the city celebrates the shortest night of the year with bonfires, firecrackers, cava and the typical sweet treat, the coca flatbread. During the summer months, the city's neighbourhoods host popular festivals, like the ones you would find in the towns and villages around the region, so you can feel the joy and magic of tradition with open-air dinners, dances with live orchestras, concerts and activities for all ages. The most famous, and busiest, are the Festa Major de Gràcia and Festa Major de Sants.

A city with a long-standing sporting tradition

Barcelona is a city that always wants to be in peak form. It has sporting clubs, some of them founded more than 100 years ago, and loves sport. As a result of the city's passion for sport, it organised the 1992 Olympic Games and, in 2024, it will be hosting the 37th America's Cup. Barcelona's beaches are waiting for you to practise water sports from surfing and kayaking to sailing. You'll also be able to enjoy a summer sporting calendar packed with big competitions.

Cultural and alfresco events

The cultural events don't stop in summer in vibrant and dynamic Barcelona. Check out all the activities that take place every day and find the perfect plan for all the family. And if you want to enjoy discounts on family visits, and free travel on public transport, you can use the Barcelona Card Family, which is packed with great deals!
The sea and beaches offer a variety of options for you to feel the sea breeze. An endless array of activities, experiences and tours await to ensure you get the most out of your free time. Discover them all!
And don't miss Barcelona's biggest culturefest, the Festival Grec, which showcases different disciplines, including music, dance, circus and theatre.

As you can see, you have so many reasons to visit the city in summer. Choose one or choose them all… Barcelona is waiting for you!