10 Things to Do in Barcelona in Fall

No matter what month of the year you are in, Barcelona is always alive and full of entertainment. But in autumn, the city leaves behind all the mass tourism it receives in summer and temperatures are more pleasant. So, if you have decided to visit the city of Barcelona in autumn, you have thought it through.

If you are wondering what to see and do in Barcelona at this time, in this article I tell you everything you should know before your vacation in the city. If you want to make your visit a unique experience, stay and read the plans I have thought for you.

Every October, all the markets of the different municipalities join forces to give rise to the biggest market of all: the Mercats de Mercats.

This great market is characterized by the great offer of different local products and homemade gastronomic options of undisputed quality. It is a very good option to spend time outdoors, taste delicious dishes and get to know an atmosphere more typical of the city and not so touristy.

But, in addition to the traditional, this market has grown in size and variety of activities. Today, you can participate in wine tastings and classes by renowned chefs. If you are interested and want to know a little more, I recommend you to book a gastronomic tour around the city of Barcelona.

• When: end of October.
• Where: it changes from one area to another in Barcelona
• Price: free

Sitges is a charming little seaside town just 30 minutes by train from Barcelona, which has been gaining popularity for its unmistakable beauty and lively atmosphere in the summer and at carnival times. That's why there are several companies that offer to book an excursion to Sitges from Barcelona

The Sitges Film Festival is a perfect plan to enjoy the best premieres of fantastic and horror films.

And if movies are not your thing, you can also attend the famous and multitudinous Zombie Walk, a zombie race that is organized on the first Saturday of the festival, and will allow you to be transported to a world of fantasy and monsters instantly.

• When: first two weeks of the month of October.
• Where: Sitges
• Price: free

Barcelona is a city known for its gastronomy, its beaches and its architecture. But the city also keeps many secrets and, among them, is this incredible green space that you can not miss this time of year.

Collserola is a green area in a mountainous area very close to the city, where autumn is seen in its splendor with its wide range of brown and orange tones. In addition, from here you can enjoy the best views of all Barcelona.

This time of year is the favorite of many locals who tour this site in autumn, as its temperatures are very pleasant for physical activity in the forest or just a nice walk. It is also interesting to book a bike tour in Barcelona to make the most of these autumn days.

• When: during the beginning of autumn you will be able to appreciate the color changes.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

If you're looking for fun, you can't miss Barcelona's La Mercè festivities. This is the biggest event of the year for locals, as this celebration is held in honor of the patron saint of Barcelona: the Mother of God of Mercy.

Far from being a religious event, you will find a festive atmosphere and many activities to enjoy such as concerts, outdoor events, parades and shows of different types in many parts of the city.

The tradition and folklore of the Catalans have as protagonist the capgrossos, cute characters with huge heads that walk through the streets of Barcelona. But if you really want to live the Mercé to the fullest, be sure to participate in the correfocs, a kind of floats with figures of demons.

• When: September 22nd to 25th
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

While other countries adopt every year the celebration of Halloween with greater normality, Spain also celebrates a popular holiday of its own: All Saints' Day. It is celebrated on November 1, but like Halloween the tradition extends almost the entire month.

In Barcelona specifically, you will notice street stalls of roasted chestnuts or sweet potatoes on various street corners. This type of gastronomy is typical of this special date and ideal for the cold weather that begins to be felt.

You will also find ratafía, a traditional liqueur, and the famous panellets, delicious marzipan cakes.

• When: November 1st
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

The Open House Worldwide organization promotes architecture to make it a more accessible and accessible resource for everyone. To do this, they organize 48-hour days in different parts of the world where the most admired buildings open their doors to citizens.

If you visit Barcelona at the end of October, do not miss the opportunity to see the most amazing buildings for free (and sometimes with a guided tour) as the Modelo prison, the iconic Arc de Triomphe or the Arús Library.

Many of these architectural works are usually closed to the public. Therefore, this festival attracts thousands of curious people eager to know them. It is also a fun activity if you are traveling with children.

• When: Mid to late October
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

One of the most important events for music in the city of Barcelona is the VollDamm Festival Jazz Barcelona. During your visit to the city in the fall season, you can enjoy the best sounds in the different concerts, lectures, classes and activities that take place around this festival.

The best international artists perform their art in renowned buildings such as the Liceu or the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona and with an incomparable acoustics.

Although many of the activities are free, you must buy your ticket for some concerts so do not forget to book in advance and share the passion for jazz.

• When: second week of October.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free or with ticket, depending on the concert.

Who said that this tradition is only German? The Oktoberfest in Barcelona brings together many people.

The great enclosure of the Fira de Barcelona opens its doors to these days of pure beer and culture of the neighboring country to all those who want to celebrate.

You can buy your ticket for the tables or for more private sectors, but never miss the mugs of sparkling beer and costumes everywhere. Undoubtedly, a very fun plan for your visit to the city.

• When: first weeks of October.
• Where: Fira Montjuic, Barcelona.
• Price: from 15€.

The Mira Festival is a famous event in the city of Barcelona that unites electronic music with visual arts. It is a festival of international reference for those who are fans of contemporary art and new trends. And for those who feel like dancing, of course.

It is an alternative plan that you should take into account if you travel to Barcelona in autumn. It lasts 3 days and I recommend you book well in advance to ensure your place. Enjoy it!

• When: early November
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: from 20€.

La Festa del Roser means lots of colors and flowers all over the city. This tradition was born many years ago and what started as a mass in honor of the Virgin of the Roser, today is a big event that includes activities, fairs and lots of floral decoration in many buildings along the Rambla of Barcelona.

Also, near the Palau de la Virreina all Barcelonians are used to make an offering to the image of the Virgin. Each flower represents a wish, so don't forget to make yours.

There are also open days at the museums around the Rambla. You can check out my article on the best museums to find out what they are all about.

• When: second week of October.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

If you thought these plans were good alternatives, I recommend you to read my post about the best guided tours in Barcelona. If you want to know the city in depth, booking a guided tour of Barcelona is always the best plan.

I recommend you to do it the first day to get a general idea of the city and the different options to enjoy your vacation.

Another interesting option when touring Barcelona in autumn is to opt for the tourist bus service. This city has a lot to offer you and the points of interest are far away. With the autumn temperatures, traveling in this type of bus that connects all the places you should know is very comfortable.