11 Things to Do in Barcelona in September

There is always a lot to see and do in Barcelona and any time is ideal to get to know this city, but I recognize that September is one of the best months to do it. Why? The temperatures, still summery but not hot, are the perfect travel companions, something that also leads to the organization of jazz festivals, urban art and also celebrations of Catalan folklore.

September is the month of the major festivals in Barcelona, both of the city itself and its neighborhoods, whose residents take to the streets to fill them with color, music and fire parades. If you want to know this city in its most traditional side but also the most modern, you have chosen a good month to go. Read on and find out why!

If you are in Barcelona in September, especially on the 24th, you have to attend the Fiestas de la Mercé. For a week, more or less, there are several events and activities to celebrate the patron saint. What are they? Fireworks in Maria Cristina, concerts in the park of the Citadel and the famous castellers (castles formed by people) and traditional dances (such as the sardanas) for several Barcelona squares.

As a great festival with several stages scattered throughout Barcelona, the Mercé is an opportunity to go out, both day and night, and meet local and international artists. Year after year the official program is published on its website, although I warn you that you will have a hard time choosing between so many things to do.

The Cavalcade of La Mercé

Perhaps one of the most anticipated events is the Cavalcade of La Mercé, which every September 24 runs along Paseo de Gracia. It features dragons, giants and little devils who also throw fire.

It is a spectacle where sparks and light jump among the spectators during the night in Barcelona. This parade is popularly known as "correfoc" (the race of fire).

If you want to observe this folklore more closely, especially the costumes and costumes, I recommend you to go to the old town. During La Mercé they are usually on display in the street, near the Cathedral of Barcelona, in a free and open-access exhibition.

The concerts of the Citadel and La Barceloneta

Although La Mercé fills the whole city with color, music and art, the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the nerve centers of the Festival, especially at night, there are small shows and plays that you can attend for free.

Also free access are the concerts of famous artists who gather on the beach of La Barceloneta. Year after year the official program is published on its website, although I warn you that it will be difficult to choose between so many things to do.

Interesting facts

• When: the week of September 24.
• Where: different locations around the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you want to experience Barcelona's festivities as a local.

September in Barcelona is a month of Festas Majors, that is, neighborhood festivals. Specifically, during the first fortnight, Poblenou and during the last fortnight, La Barceloneta, two of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona, are celebrated. It is never a bad time to visit them and get to know their streets, but there are even fewer excuses during festivals. They are days where the neighbors organize activities, street markets and even small sports championships.

Poblenou Festivities

In the festival of Poblenou, a working class neighborhood quite close to the city center, there is always a lot to do. One of the most outstanding events is the "cacerolada".

Anyone who wants to can go out on the street and balconies with pots, spoons and so on to make noise around a big bonfire. The atmosphere is amazing!

Festivities of La Barceloneta

The festivities of La Barceloneta close the month of September. This neighborhood has a seafaring origin that has been maintained over the years and also during its celebration. For example, a very important and valuable event are the Habaneras, musical compositions coming from Cuba and brought by the many sailors who stayed in the neighborhood.

Every night concerts are organized and, to accompany them, rum cremat (a drink based on rum with spices, heated with fire, which the fishermen drank in the morning to escape the cold) is served.

Interesting facts

• When: early and late September.
• Where: Poblenou and La Barceloneta neighborhoods.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you like the atmosphere of neighborhood parties.

On September 11 is celebrated the Diada, the Day of Catalonia, commemorating the fall of the region in the hands of the Bourbon monarchy in 1714. Most of the events around this date are of a political and vindictive nature, although there is something that may arouse your interest: some of the best museums in Barcelona open their doors for free.

If you feel like discovering the art that Barcelona's museums hold, the Diada is the perfect occasion. Many of them offer free access to all visitors. Just keep in mind that, like you, other people will take advantage of the opportunity, so you may have to wait in line.

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

At the MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, you can enter for free during the Diada. A place where you can travel through the history of Catalonia through art, from medieval times to the most current avant-garde. Some of the works you will find are signed by great painters such as Rubens or Goya. But, above all, the best known rooms are those of the Catalan Romanesque, which include frescoes and wood carvings that represent the art of this era.

El Born Center of Culture and Memory

The Center of Culture and Memory of El Born is very interesting, especially because it brings you closer to the local memory of Barcelona. How? Mainly because of its underground, where you can see some pieces of the old streets of the city. If you go during the Diada you can enter for free. In addition, it is located in a space with a lot of history of its own: the old Born market.

Palau de la Generalitat

Being the Diada a day closely related to Catalan politics, you might like to visit the inside of the Palau de la Generalitat. Beyond its current function, access is interesting for being one of the few Gothic buildings in Barcelona. There you can see the famous Patio de los Naranjos and a fantastic cloister. When you leave I recommend a tour of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, as it is very interesting to know the area and its importance in the past and present of the city.

Interesting facts

• When: September 11.
• Where: different museums of the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you don't mind queuing for free entry to Barcelona's museums.

Every September comes to Barcelona L'Hora del Jazz, a festival that has been organized since 1990. Although it is attended by many international jazz musicians, what is special about it is that it gives visibility to Catalan artists. In general, the stages are distributed in different parts of Barcelona, especially in the Gracia district, but also in other parts of the region.

This festival aims that any viewer, whether or not knowledgeable about jazz, like it more or less, enjoy the improvisation so typical of this genre. There are shows on Sundays in September during the day (outdoors, in squares in Gracia) and also at night (in bars that usually have live music throughout the year). The former are free, but for the latter you will have to pay admission (more or less 5€), which usually includes a drink and you can buy (in advance or the same day) in each of the locals.

And if you are a jazz lover, I recommend you to book a jazz cruise at sunset in Barcelona.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: different squares and live music venues in the city (especially in the Grácia neighborhood).
• Price: some concerts are free and others you have to pay approximately 5 €.
• Recommended if: you want to discover new bands and new music.

In September the summer is coming to an end and with it comes the end of Brunch in the Park Sundays in Barcelona. Don't know what it is? As soon as you find out you'll want to go.

This electronic music event is held weekly during the spring and summer, with September being the last month. The best thing is that it is outdoors (in the wonderful Joan Bossa Gardens, in Montjuic Park) and during the day (it starts at 13h and lasts until nightfall). The entrance fee is approximately 20 €. The best DJs put rhythm to the Brunch in the Park. Whether you like electronic music or not, it is a good plan for a Sunday in the city. And to get there, I recommend you buy your ticket for the Montjuic cable car.

The atmosphere is very lively and, in addition to a large dance floor, there is also space to relax in the shade, eat something or even participate in playful activities for the little ones, perfect if you are traveling to Barcelona with children and want to go with them!

Interesting facts

• When: Sundays in September.
• Where: Joan Bossa Gardens, in Montjuic Park.
• Price: approximately 20 €.
• Recommended if: you want to live a different Sunday in Barcelona with good music and better atmosphere.

In September the weather in Barcelona is almost summery, so you can take advantage of it to enjoy a day at the beach before autumn arrives. Although you can stay on the beaches of the capital, if you are looking for tranquility and a more special landscape, it is better to book an excursion to the Costa Brava from Barcelona. They cost approximately 60 € - 80 € and include a full day discovering a beautiful area.

The Costa Brava is the name given to the coast of Girona, the neighboring province of Barcelona. Its main feature is that it is a rocky and steep coastline, which has led to the formation of beautiful coves with crystal clear waters. Undoubtedly, they are a perfect destination to spend a day before saying goodbye to summer.

In addition to bathing, if you go on an organized tour, you will also have a specialized guide to tell you about the history, tradition and natural wealth. The cobbled streets, old towns and ports of places like Tossa de Mar or L'Estartit are worth a visit, you'll see!

Interesting facts

• When: during the whole month of September.
• Where: Costa Brava.
• Price: approximately 60 € - 80 €.
• Recommended if: you do not want to say goodbye to summer without a last trip to the beach.

Another ideal proposal for the month of September is to book a bike tour in Barcelona in which you will comfortably discover all the must-see places in Barcelona. Emblematic places of great interest such as Plaza del Rey, Barceloneta Beach, Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Plaza de Sant Jaume, Paseo del Born, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaza de Toros or the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

In this tour, which lasts approximately 3 hours, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you all the details and anecdotes about the history and architecture of the city. In addition, if you are a cautious person, you should know that accident insurance is included.

A very fun experience to discover Barcelona and at the same time meet the people who will accompany you in this adventure. For your information: groups are planned for a maximum of 15 people.

If there is a typical plan in Barcelona that is to go out for a vermouth (or two). In mid-September is also celebrated the Va de Vermut, a fair in which this drink and the best Catalan gastronomy go hand in hand. It is organized annually in the gardens of the National Theater of Catalonia (the entrance costs approximately 2.5 € plus what you spend inside in drinks).

Vermouth is the aperitif drink par excellence; accompanied by some tapas this liqueur made from wine and flavored with herbs serves to open the stomach before eating. However, during the Va de Vermut you can drink it at any time.

In this festival there is no shortage of the best brands of vermouth, both national and international, and gastronomic proposals with local flavor. In addition, taking advantage of the good weather and the space of the Theater's gardens, a stage is set up to enjoy live music.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: National Theater of Catalonia.
• Price: approximately 2,5 €.
• Recommended if: you want to know first hand the vermouth culture in Barcelona.

In mid-September is organized every year in Barcelona the BAM Festival, a great event where independent music jumps on stage. Specifically to those of the Moll de la Fusta, the Plaza Joan Corominas and the Old Factory of Estrella Damm, where most of them are held.

The proposals of the artists range from folk to rock through pop or R & B. In short, a mixture of styles, aesthetics and sounds that you will enjoy. Each year's program is published on the official website of the BAM Festival. In general, concerts are held in the afternoon and evening, on different stages of the city.

The best part? Tickets are free, so it's a great opportunity to discover new bands while having a lively and musical evening.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: different stages around the city.
• Price: free.
• Recommended if: you want to discover new bands and new music.

It is clear that one of the most special and literary days in the city is Sant Jordi, which you can attend if you are in Barcelona in April. However, in September you also have a date with books: the Catalan Book Week.

Catalonia is a bilingual region, and for seven days in mid-September, this fair is organized to highlight literature in Catalan. Even if you don't speak the language, I recommend you go to stroll among the book stalls and to attend the other activities organized; all free of charge.

Each edition, in the Moll de la Fusta (in the Gothic Quarter), hundreds of exhibitors are placed selling books written in Catalan. In addition to making a purchase to have a souvenir of your trip, you can also participate in literary tours, presentations, talks with authors, recitals, concerts and workshops (for children and adults). Barcelona has been the setting for many stories and novels, so it is a good opportunity to see it first hand.

Interesting facts

• When: mid-September.
• Where: Moll de la Fusta (in the Gothic Quarter).
• Price: some concerts are free and others you have to pay approximately 5 €.
• Recommended if: you like literature.

When you visit Barcelona you will realize that it is a city with a very developed urban culture. In September it is also celebrated with the Extreme Festival, where skateboarding, acrobatics with BMX bikes, graffiti art and break dancing are the protagonists.

The festival is usually the last weekend of the month and you can buy tickets (approximately 15€ for a day pass or 100€ for a full VIP pass) online. If you want to see skateboarding and urban dance competitions, among others, you have to go to the Forum Park, the big stage of the Extreme Festival.

It is an event that lasts about two days and in which, in addition to a lot of art and music, there will also be a food truck area and spaces to practice, safely, some extreme sports.

Interesting facts

• When: end of September.
• Where: Forum Park.
• Price: approximately 15 €/day (VIP pass for about 120 €).
• Recommended if: you are interested in urban culture and the most modern life in Barcelona.

Summer in Barcelona lasts until the end of September; temperatures stay between 20ºC and 26ºC and it hardly rains. This means that it is not cold, but not as hot as the months of August or July, when humidity and high temperatures can be overwhelming.

In addition to the mild climate, which invites you to be outdoors and take advantage of the last days on terraces, the hours of light are also many. In fact, if you go to Barcelona in September you will have about 12 hours to see the city before nightfall. However, you can always check the updated weather forecast on this website of the Catalan television.

The temperatures in Barcelona in September are quite good (around 23ºC on average). During the day you can go perfectly with a short-sleeved shirt and long pants, but for the evening, when it may cool down a bit, I recommend you to bring a light jacket.

In any case, don't forget comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot, and an umbrella; it doesn't usually rain, but if it does it will be for a few hours and without much wind, so you may want to bring something to avoid getting so wet.

Surely you are looking forward to enjoy all the things to see and do in Barcelona and enjoy a September there. Let me know how many of these plans you end up doing!