10 Things to Do in Barcelona in November
If you are planning your trip to Barcelona in November, don't forget to read all the plans I propose, they will make your trip even more special and complete!
November is perhaps one of the best months to visit Barcelona. Although there is always a lot to see and do in Barcelona, sometimes the heat or the large crowds of tourists prevent you from fully enjoying it. This does not happen during this month, which does not mean that the cultural offer is reduced at the same rate as the temperatures.
1. Discover sustainable art in Drap-Art
Art can be sustainable and the Drap-Art Festival proves it. This festival is held every November, in the middle of the month, in Barcelona, especially in galleries and cultural spaces in the Gothic Quarter. Access is free and it is an opportunity to get closer to an art that advocates recycling.
With an urban and contemporary style, the artists participating in Drap-Art use sustainable and recycled materials to create their works. It may seem strange, but I promise you it's very interesting to see how they use the exhibits to raise awareness while creating beauty.
As the locations are spread out over it, you can take the opportunity to take a tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. While discovering the Drap-Art proposals you can get to know this area and the many historical sites here, such as Plaza del Rey or Sant Jaume.
Interesting facts
- When: from the end of October to the beginning of December.
- Where: different locations in the Gothic Quarter
- Price: free
- Recommended if: you are interested in how sustainability, art and history come together in Barcelona.
2. Come to the last Magical Nights at Casa Batlló
The first days of November are the last chance you will have to attend the Magic Nights at Casa Batlló, are you going to miss it?
These events consist of a very special and complete visit inside this building designed by Gaudí. When night falls, you go up to the terrace where, in addition to incredible views, a concert is held. The price is approximately 30 € and includes access and two drinks during the final show.
But if your stay does not coincide exactly the days on which these special Magic Nights are celebrated, I recommend you also buy your tickets for Casa Batlló to know this house, which seems taken from a fairy tale, and get closer to the artistic mind of the architect.
Interesting facts
- When: early November
- Where: Casa Batlló
- Price: approximately 30€.
- Recommended if: you are planning a visit to Casa Batlló
3. Become a child again playing at Dau Barcelona
There are many activities and plans to do with children in Barcelona, but if you're going to go in November I recommend the Dau Festival. Don't you know it? It is a festival dedicated entirely to the game, especially the traditional game.
If you feel like spending an afternoon discovering (and trying) games, both old and new , in the Dau Festival you will have the chance to do it. There will be board games, role-playing games, skill games, history games... You won't have time to get bored! Don't think it's just for kids either, because the organizers have thought that people of all ages can have a good time.
Since Dau Barcelona is held in different parts of the city, I recommend you save on transportation by buying the Barcelona Card Express which, among many other advantages, will allow you to access public transport for free during your stay in the city.
Interesting facts
- When: end of November
- Where: different civic centers in Barcelona
- Price: free
- Recommended if: you travel with children to Barcelona and want to spend an entertaining afternoon.
4. Visit the All Those Food Market
Are you a lover of good food? Do you consider yourself a foodie? Then you can't miss the All Those Food Market that is held every year in November and May at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya.
This weekend-long event aims to bring locals and visitors to Barcelona to the most original and attractive projects of the gastronomic scene through original and innovative gastronomic proposals, creative workshops, craft beers, live music and activities for the little ones of the house.
But if you are not in Barcelona during the celebration of this gastronomic festival, do not worry, because I have another great plan for you: hiring a gastro tour through the markets of Barcelona you will explore the modern and at the same time traditional local markets of Barcelona while you discover the authentic flavors of Catalan cuisine. You will not be disappointed!
Interesting facts
- When: one weekend in November
- Where: Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
- Price: 5 €. Admission for children under 12 is free
- Recommended if: you like gastronomy and innovation in cuisine
5. Celebrate independent cinema at L'Alternativa in Barcelona this November
Barcelona is a modern, young city with many independent artists. One of the greatest exponents of this is L'Alternativa, the Barcelona Independent Film Festival.
This event, which takes place the last two weeks of November at the CCCB, celebrates creativity, diversity and the independence of artists.
The great thing about this Independent Film Festival is that the films that are screened have different themes, so they reach a very wide audience. In addition, other activities are also organized, such as lectures and masterclasses, prepared to bring the general public (including children) to the audiovisual world.
Interesting facts
- When: last two weeks of November
- Where: CCCB (Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona)
- Price: approximately 15
- Recommended if: you are looking for a cultural plan and you like to see independent films.
6. Get warm and traditional with the Castanyada on November 1st
At the beginning of November roasted chestnuts arrive in Barcelona. The tradition of eating roasted chestnuts comes from years ago. To cope with the nightly masses of eating them on All Saints' Eve it was necessary to eat something hot. Although now the vigils are only held in the villages, roasting and eating chestnuts has been maintained, being the Castanyada a very important and traditional event in Catalan culture.
In addition to chestnuts, other roasted products are eaten, such as sweet potatoes, and some pastries that are also part of the Catalan tradition: panellets. These are made with almond dough and covered with pine nuts. They are usually accompanied by candied fruit and a glass of Moscatel, a sweet wine.
Would you like to try more specialties of Catalan gastronomy? Then don't hesitate to book a private gastronomic tour of Barcelona where you will taste a dozen delicacies, with vegetarian or dietary options if required. Delicious!
Interesting facts
- When: November 1st and the rest of the month
- Where: all over the city
- Price: approximately 10€.
- Recommended if: you need to warm up or simply taste the flavor of the Catalan tradition.
7. Take advantage of the Black Friday discounts for cultural activities
Can you resist shopping in Barcelona during Black Friday? At the end of the month, specifically on the fourth Friday, takes place this date in which the stores of the city are filled with discounts. The best thing is that this Anglo-Saxon celebration not only reaches the big chains, but also small businesses and even tourist attractions.
At the tourist level you can take a look at the offers (up to 20% off). For example, the Palau de la Música and the Auditori de Barcelona often launch tickets at reduced prices; so do spaces like Gaudí's La Casa Mila, so take the opportunity to buy your tickets for La Pedrera in Barcelona.
Over the years more and more stores in Barcelona have joined the Black Friday discounts. Especially in the old town (in the Gothic Quarter and El Born) there are many local designer stores that make offers to give visibility to their creations.
Interesting facts
- When: fourth Friday of November
- Where: different stores and tourist attractions of Barcelona
- Price: offers in tourist attractions and stores of approximately 20%.
- Recommended if: you want to save some money on shopping or sightseeing
8. Kick off Christmas in Barcelona during the lights switch-on in November
Although there are still a few days left for Christmas in Barcelona to fully begin, in November the spirit of the holidays begins to breathe, especially when at the end of the month the lights switch on.
Do not think that it is an event without more, since the City Council organizes an event in Plaza Catalunya, free and free access, in which there are usually surprises, such as live music and some circus or audiovisual show.
If you like lights and walking through the illuminated city, do not miss another experience full of light and color: book a night experience at La Pedrera will make you dazzle with its lights and audiovisual projections on the roof of this wonderful house, while you contemplate the illuminated city of Barcelona. Absolutely magical!
Interesting facts
- When: end of November
- Where: Plaza Catalunya
- Price: free access
- Recommended if: your Christmas spirit, like Barcelona's, starts in November.
9. Take a trip to the Costa Brava and visit Girona during the Climb to the Cathedral
If you are thinking of taking a trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona, the beginning of November, especially the 1st of November, can be one of the best times.
The reason is that in Girona takes place the "Pujada de Castellers a la Catedral"; you will see how a tower formed by people (a casteller) climbs up the stairs of the cathedral at breakneck speed. Of course, it's free to attend, although you'll have to get a seat.
Although you can go on your own and take public transport, for approximately 100€ you can book an organized tour, much more comfortable as it includes all the trips in a private coach and a specialized guide who will explain the cultural and historical value of everything you are going to see.
Interesting facts
- When: during the whole month of November
- Where: Costa Brava
- Price: approximately 100€.
- Recommended if: you want to make an excursion from Barcelona and not worry about transport and itineraries.
10. Visit the Sagrada Familia with less people in November
Although in November it is a bit colder in Barcelona, if there is one good thing about it, it is that there are far fewer people in the city. This means that the great monuments of the city do not receive so many tourists and can be visited more calmly, so do not miss the opportunity and buy your tickets for the Sagrada Familia. They cost approximately 35€ and include access to the museum and a downloadable app with audio guide so you won't miss a single detail.
The Sagrada Familia is the great cathedral of Barcelona, although it is not yet finished. Its towers can be seen from practically all over the city, so you're sure to want to go and see it up close. The first thing you will do at the beginning of the visit will be to contemplate its facades and the symbolism of each of them.
Although it is already impressive from the outside, there is much to see inside the Sagrada Familia. Gaudí was inspired by nature and designed a kind of stone forest. Of course, everything has a religious significance, so listen carefully to your guide's explanations so you don't miss anything.
Interesting facts
- When: during the whole month of November
- Where: Sagrada Familia
- Price: approximately 34€.
- Recommended if: you prefer to visit the Sagrada Familia with less people
Barcelona temperatures in November
November brings low temperatures in Barcelona (between 11ºC and 17ºC), especially during the last days, when the thermometer is close to 0ºC.
In any case, with a good coat and closed (and comfortable) shoes is enough to enjoy the city without getting cold. Rain should not be a concern either (the chances of precipitation are not very high), although a raincoat or an umbrella will not come in handy just in case.
Where the imminent arrival of winter is most noticeable is in the hours of daily daylight. During the month of November it gets dark at 18h, so if you want to make a visit that requires natural light, it is better to go in the morning.
Prices in Barcelona during the month of November
November is perhaps one of the cheapest months to go to Barcelona. Keep in mind that it is not high season and the good weather is over, so that reduces the influx of tourists and consequently prices. This means that your plane ticket and your hotel can be cheaper.
Of course, at the end of the month, when the Christmas season starts, prices can go up, especially in accommodation.
Are you ready to go to Barcelona in November? Take advantage of all the cultural plans I have proposed and let me know which one you liked the most.