Many people see Barcelona as a summer destination, thanks to its reliable sun and warm weather, as well as its array of fantastic beaches. But you would be mistaken in thinking Barcelona wasn’t also the perfect winter destination too! There’s so much to get up to in Barcelona in the winter months, from museums to markets, and from skiing to thermal baths, you will have a great time here even when the weather is cooler.
Here are our top 6 activities for you to get up to in Barcelona in winter, wrap up in your coat and scarf and enjoy!
1. Museu de la Xocolata
Why not take a visit to the chocolate museum “Museu de la Xocolata”, where you can learn how chocolate is made and, of course, sample some chocolate delights too! It’s a great opportunity to spend a nice day with the whole family, as you can also take part in a workshop that is suitable for kids and adults alike. The museum is open every day, on Monday-Saturday from 10am-7pm, and on Sunday from 10am-3pm. The entry fee is only €4.30 for adults and kids under 7 can enter for free.
2. Discover the markets of Barcelona
There are many ways to discover the authentic Barcelona, one of the best ways to do so is to visit one of the traditional markets, such as the La Boquería or El Mercat del Ninot, where you can buy delicious produce and dishes. It’s definitely worth a visit as you can try many different traditional Catalan dishes, that previously you may never have even heard of! The fruit in these markets is one of the highlights, as it’s so fresh and delicious, but at such great prices. Additionally, there are not only markets for food and drink, but also flea markets and markets for clothes and other trinkets, at places such as Encants de Sant Antoni.
3. Go Skiing in the mountains near Barcelona
Admittedly, skiing is not the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Barcelona! But that’s the beauty of Barcelona, that in summer we have the beautiful array of beaches to soak up the sun, and then in Winter we are no more than 2 hours’ drive from the ski slopes. How many other cities in the world are so well situated?! La Molina and La Masella are roughly 60 kilometers from Barcelona and are two of the most popular ski resorts nearby – they’re located in the foothills of the breathtaking Pyrenees and are only 2 hours from Barcelona by car or bus.
4. Relax in Thermal Baths
Escape the cold, and occasional rainy days that Barcelona has, and treat yourself to a day of relaxation in the thermal baths. One of the best spas to visit for some pampering is the ‘Aire de Barcelona’ spa in the gothic quarter. You can enjoy relaxing massages and treatments, as well as the luxurious, traditional roman baths to provide a calming space for guests in between treatments. Make sure to make time for a pamper day while you are in Barcelona in winter!
5. Take a visit to la Fira de Santa Llucia
Have you ever heard about Fira de Santa Llucia? It´s one of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in Barcelona!
At this annual Christmas market, you can find everything your festive heart desires. From chocolate to toys, decorations and trees, there’s something for everyone here. In the beginning, it was a fair which later developed into a Christmas market, which now takes place for over 3 weeks every year. For Barcelona natives it’s a tradition to take a stroll along the markets during the festive season and enjoy all that the market has to offer. The Christmas market begins either at the end of November or the beginning of December and lasts until 23 December.
6. Having a hot chocolate
A hot chocolate is the best way to warm up in winter, no matter where you are in the world! There are some excellent cafes to take a comfy seat in and pass an afternoon sipping on hot chocolate. Take a well-deserved seat after a day of shopping and sightseeing, into a café and treat yourself to one of the many delicious Catalan dessert and sweet pastries. Make sure to try the ´Cacaolat´, which is a tasty chocolate milkshake that is hard to find outside of Catalonia (even in Spain) – you’ll definitely enjoy it!
