Top 5 Things To Do in Barcelona in Winter

My birthday has got to be one of the worst. The 8th January. It’s 2 weeks after Christmas when everyone spent half their paycheck on presents and new outfits for work parties, 1 week after when they spent the other half at their NYE blowout, and 3 weeks before most people get paid again. Most people are also on a diet and doing dry January. Ugh, it’s a killer.

But hey, you know what it is good for?

Cheap weekends away in Europe. Score.

So this year, Josh whisked me away on a long weekend in sunny Barcelona. Which luckily was actually sunny for the duration of our visit. I think that’s why it makes sure a great winter break, it’s a lot warmer than most of Europe but there’s still lots to do that isn’t dependant on the weather, you know?

So here are the activities that were completely perfect for a winter weekend in Barcelona, kids.

 

A Winter Weekend in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

Rising up above most of Barcelona’s buildings, the Sagrada Familia is a must-see with it’s intricate architecture that has taken decades to complete (well nearly, they’re still working on it!). But you absolutely HAVE to see the inside of this bad boy. Tall columns designed to represent trees in the rainforest, beautiful stained-glass windows pouring in colourful patterns and lots of spiritual and religious connotations, it’s a beaut. Gaudi at his best, for sure.

 

Park Guell

Now other than the Sagrada Familia, there’s a ton of Gaudi’s creations in Barcelona and it’s hard to know which ones to visit. This time around I chose to visit Park Guell but if you have naff weather, check out Casa Batllo or Casa Mila instead as they were pretty cool last time I came to Barcelona.

Park Guell though is a real winner if you can go. It has gorgeous views of Barcelona and more of Gaudi’s genius-ness. The Monumental Zone is the part you need to get a ticket for and includes the lovely tiles, pretty skyline and crazy tiled lizard you’ve probably seen on IG. But the part that’s not ticketed is just as beautiful with beautifully ornate viaducts, nice woods and pretty houses.

Oh, there’s also the Gaudi House Museum that you can visit for a fee but to be honest I wasn’t mad impressed with this one. It was less of a museum and more just where Gaudi lived. I’d say visit if you’re a crazy Gaudi fan but skip if you’re not. But either way Park Guell is bloody gorgeous.

 

Carmel Bunkers

This is a massively underrated attraction but so good that I wrote a whole blog post about it (check it out over here). Despite being quite remote and not the easiest place to get to, the Carmel Bunkers have the most AMAZING views of Barcelona. Like seriously, the best 360 degree views. Plus there are no tourists and it’s free.

So I mean, really, you need to go there.

 

Nou Camp Stadium

Probably only for the football fans out there, but a tour of Nou Camp Stadium is a pretty cool afternoon in Barcelona. The museum shows you some of the top moments in FC Barca’s history as well as all of their trophies in the trophy room. And you get to see a lot more of the stadium than I thought you would, from the players changing room to the press area. Pretty neat!

 

Tapas Bar Hopping

Oooh and my favourite thing to do in Barcelona, no matter the season – eat my way across the city.

There’s nothing nicer, and more authentic, than wandering a particular area of the city, stopping at each Tapas bar for a dish of something delicious. It’s literally the best way to spend a day. I particularly liked doing this down in the Gothic Quarter, around El Born and up in the Gracia neighbourhood. I think I’m going to do a whole post about the restaurants I visited there, so watch this space!

 

 

There you have it, my top 5 things to do in Barcelona in January or during the winter season. What do you think? Is there anything else you would recommend?

Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!