Barcelona is always great for visiting. While many other destinations depend heavily on seasonal changes and are mostly interesting in summer, the Catalan capital is a place that is very attractive all year long. Of course, things change in winter: while temperature seldom get lower than 10^o C, it is certainly too cold to go for a bath in the Mediterranean. However, Barcelona has got plenty of other amazing things that visitors can do if they come here during the “cold” season, maybe staying at Aspasios Boutique Apartments. If you are planning to visit Barcelona in winter, in this post we give you some ideas about what to do in Barcelona in winter.

Festival of Santa Eulàlia in the Gothic Quarter

Santa Eulâlia

Every year in winter, the city of Barcelona celebrates the festival of Santa Eulàlia. This local festivity was established in honor of one of Barcelona’s two main patron saints. Also known as the Winter Festival or “la Laia” (one of the ways in which the city knows Santa Eulalia), the Festival of Santa Eulalia is probably the most important in the city after the Mercè Festival

Around the February 12, the city organizes several events such as processions with gaudy giant figures, music concerts and other colorful expressions of local traditions. On top of that, Santa Eulàlia is also known as the festival of lights. This means that the city center fills with inspiring artwork and amazing light shows. Thus, Barcelona becomes illuminated in almost every sense and you can enjoy all these events for free.

The place where most of the most representative activities take place is the Plaça Sant Jaume, including those of the Festival Llum BCN, one of the most novel proposals of Santa Eulalia and that, as its name indicates, the main character is the light.

Although we do not yet have official confirmation, the festivities of Santa Eulalia 2022 are scheduled to take place on 7, 8, 9, and 12 of February, but there may be changes due to the pandemic. Be sure to check the official Barcelona website for the latest updates.

Festival Llum BCN: festival of lights

As we have just told you, the Festival Llum BCN has the light as the main protagonist. The Festival Llum BCN takes place in the streets of the Poblenou district, which become the stage for urban light shows of great beauty.

Due to the importance that this festival has acquired in the last years, in some editions it is chosen to celebrate the Festival Llum BCN in different dates from the rest of the activities of the festivals. In 2022, the festival will be held from February 4 to 6.

Enjoying hot chocolate after a stroll

Granja Viader

Barcelona is great for anyone who likes to explore a city on foot. The Gothic Quarter (the old part of the Catalan capital) is well known for its historical streets and squares with wonderful medieval architecture. Luckily enough, the weather in Barcelona is sunny and warm in most cases –even in winter–. Thus, you can enjoy the incredible charm of Barcelona’s old city, no matter when you come. And in case you get a little bit chilly while strolling around its streets and squares, you can always drop in one of Barcelona’s numerous “granjas”. These small cafés serve delicious Spanish hot chocolate will churros that will make you feel amazing. Most famous granjas are Escribà, Viader and La Pallaresa. All of them are located right off the Rambla, and definitely worth stopping by.

Visiting Barcelona’s museums

MNAC

Barcelona features a whole bunch of wonderful museums. The range includes exhibition centers that appeal to completely different targets. Art lovers will be able to see wonderful pictures in Museu Picasso, Fundació Miró, and the Catalan National Museum (MNAC). For soccer fans the museum of the FC Barcelona offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about one of the worldwide most famous sports teams. In addition, people interested in science and technology will find a fantastic place to go in Barcelona. The CosmoCaixa features a very interesting exhibition that allows to discover amazing secrets of nature, physics and chemistry, adapted for all ages. You’ll even find a flooded forest! On the other hand, you can not miss the famous architectural works of Antonio Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera or Casa Batlló.

And if you are in the Raval neighbourhood, the MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art) is another very interesting option.

Going to the Sitges carnival

Sitges

Located only 40 minutes away from Barcelona, the town of Sitges is a marvelous place for a day trip any time of the year. On top of that, this picturesque spot on the Mediterranean is also famous for its colorful carnival. Every year, in February or March, Sitges celebrates this event with big parades where people dress up and party all night long. The Sitges carnival tradition is more than 100 years old. Recently, it has become more commercial. However, there is no doubt that this carnival event is still worth attending.

The Sitges Carnival 2022 will take place from February 24th to March 2nd. Visit their website to know all the details.

Are you ready to live the magic of Barcelona this winter? Book your apartment now!