Things to do in Barcelona for summer

In addition to its wonderful architecture and cultural offer, during the hottest months of the year, the city becomes a spectacle to enjoy outdoors. So that you can make the most of your visit, we offer you 9 things to do in Barcelona in the summer.

Open-air cinema

If you like movies, you're probably even more into summer movies. Sitting in one of the most significant spots of the city, under the light of the stars. 

One of the most frequented is the one on the esplanade of Montjuïc Castle, you can even try climbing the cable car and enjoy the views. The Festival Cinema a la Fresca programme combines recent successes with great classics and auteur films, as well as previous concerts.

Another good summer option is to go to the cinemas of some of Barcelona's beaches. The Cinema Lliure a la Platja festival, where the programme offers independent quality films.

Festivals

During the summer there are many festivals that flood the city and there is something for everyone. One of them, Cap Roig, is held during the months of July and August and is attended by current pop and rock groups as well as singers from Spain and abroad. In addition, on the 20th and 21st July you can enjoy the best pop music of the moment at the Poble Espanyol in Barcelona with the Share Festival.

There is also room for the performing arts with the Grec Festival, a cultural event in which we can see theatre, music, dance and circus shows in the Greek theatre of Montjuïc and other theatres or scenic spaces scattered throughout the city.

Fuente: elperiodico.com

The Festivities of Gràcia

During the second half of August, the streets of Gràcia dress up to celebrate with decorations made by the neighbours themselves with recycled objects. The Barrio de Gràcia looks like a world of fantasy with everything decorated, music, castellers, correfocs and cultural events. One of the best events to check out if you don’t want to miss out and learn about the true essence of the city and its inhabitants.

Day at the beach

Another good plan to escape the heat is to spend a day on one of the city's beautiful beaches. The most famous is La Barceloneta, located a few minutes away by foot from the city centre and where you can not only enjoy the sun and a good dip, but also the many restaurants and bars for an aperitif with unbeatable views.

Other beaches that are a must-see include Icaria, Mar Bella, Bogatell and the beach of Sant Sebastià. If you prefer to avoid the overcrowding of these summer months, you can visit some of the nearby towns with beaches such as Sitges, Garraf, Vilanova and La Geltrú or Calella.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

If you come for a visit in the summer, you won’t want to miss this show of lights, color, music and water. The Magic Fountain of Montjüic has become an icon of the city and one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The performances take place every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 21:30 and 22:00, with many people coming to live an amazing night.

Walk through parks and gardens

A stroll through the many parks and gardens throughout the city is a good way to escape the heat. The largest is the Parque de la Ciutadella, in the heart of the city centre. You can take a boat ride on the lake or enjoy a quiet rest in the shade of its impressive vegetation.

Make sure to check out the famous Park Güell de Gaudí, you will enjoy in a paradise that will take you to a fairytale stage with its terraces, mosaics and sculptures, besides you will be able to delight yourself with one of the best views of the city.

And if you're a classical music lover, you can't miss the free jazz and classical music concerts held in the city's parks and gardens. A perfect fusion of music and nature.

Shows at Casa Batlló

Gaudí's masterpiece does not leave anyone feeling indifferent. During the summer months, Las Noches Mágicas are held at Casa Batlló, an open-air night show with live music on the roof of one of the city's most important modernist buildings.

Fuente: Casa Batlló

Joan Gamper Trophy

As for football lovers, in the second half of August there is an annual event with the Joan Gamper Cup, where the F.C. Barcelona team is presented for the new season.

Visit the city with guides

If you want to get to know the city, the most enjoyable way to do it is with our Free Tour with which you will enter the Gothic Quarter with our guides and be amazed by the perfect mixture of modernity and antiquity hidden in some of the most important buildings of this cosmopolitan city. And if you are passionate about Gaudí, join us on our Gaudí tour about Modernism and learn more about the wonders of Catalan Modernism. 

As you can see, there are many things you can do in Barcelona during the summer. These are just a few ideas, but we can assure you that there are many more reasons to visit Barcelona, come and discover them with us!