Barcelona in spring is a magical time to enjoy the city. The sun shines brighter, flowers adorn street corners, the terraces fill with people. The setting is perfect for outdoor activities.
Here are 10 things to see and do to make the most of spring in Barcelona:
1. Spending time on a terrace
There’s no better weather to enjoy Barcelona’s terraces! Enjoy some tapas with your friends, a romantic dinner with your partner, or a traditional vermouth. The terraces are the real stars of the season when it comes to Spring plans.
Enjoy a gastronomic journey of Mediterranean cuisine at La Terraza del Claris, located on the rooftop of the emblematic Claris Hotel & Spa 5*GL. You can also savour delicious, sophisticated cocktails with views over Barcelona’s Eixample while you’re there.
2. Spring: beach weather
With the arrival of the sun, beach season begins. Grab a towel and a good book and stroll to the emblematic Barceloneta to enjoy the warm weather. Some of the closest beaches to the centre of Barcelona are San Sebastián, Bogatell, and Nova Icària.
As the beaches are not as crowded in May and June as they are in July, make the most of them and enjoy the sun, sea and sand while you can.
3. Music festivals in Spring
Spring is also when Barcelona’s music festivals flourish! It’s when the city hosts two of the most internationally renowned festivals, Primavera Sound and Sonar. With concerts and major festivals, this is the time of year when a whole variety of events come to life in the city, so it’s important you book your hotel in Barcelona in advance.
4. Important landmarks
Make sure to explore the landmarks that should be on every traveller’s bucket list when visiting the Catalan capital. To see the genius of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, try the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and La Pedrera.
If you want to go for a walk around the city, you’ll find countless architectural wonders and sites packed full of history, such as the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Palau de la Música, the Basilica de Santa María del Mar, and the Arc de Triomf, among others.
5. Sant Jordi: a Spring tradition
On 23 April, Catalonia celebrates its most romantic tradition of the year, Sant Jordi’s Day. Also known as the “day of books and roses”, it’s the perfect time to stroll through the streets of Barcelona, which are filled with books and roses stalls. The tradition is to exchange books and roses, not only with your partner, but with your family and friends too.
It has its roots in the famous Sant Jordi legend, a knight who slew the dragon terrorising his town and rescued the princess. Legend has it that, when he drove his sword into the dragon, beautiful red roses sprouted from the beast, one of which Sant Jordi gave to the princess.
As every year, Hotel Claris is joining the celebration with a special Sant Jordi Menu. Both La Terraza del Claris and Os-kuro will offer a proposal with Mediterranean and Japanese touches respectively, to enjoy with your partner, friends, or family.
6. Night of the Museums
On 18 May, Barcelona celebrates culture with its Night of Museums. Various heritage landmarks and museums open their doors from 7pm until 1am to share art, history and science with the public in a unique environment. In addition to offering free admission to the museums, various workshops, guided tours and activities are organised throughout the day.
Derby Hotels Collection participates every year by opening the doors of the Opisso Museum, located in Hotel Astoria. It houses the largest existing collection of paintings and drawings by Ricard Opisso, one of the great Catalan artists who captured Barcelona life in the first half of the 20th century.
7. Gardens: Spring blooms
With the arrival of spring, trees and flowers are reborn, making it the perfect time to visit the city’s parks and gardens.
Montjuic mountain is full of green spaces that bloom in all their splendour in spring. The botanical diversity is astounding. The architecture gives the parks gives a romantic air that you’ll find in few other places in the city.
8. Spring Festivals
Spring is also the time of year when food fairs and street markets come to life. There, you can find a variety of wonderful handicrafts, clothes and accessories. Also, various cultural events are held during Spring, such as the Matsuri Festival, which takes place in June. The festival showcases traditional Japanese culture through its gastronomy, music, dances, games and workshops organised by the Japanese Culture Association.
9. Museums
Barcelona is one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy its museums. You won’t find as many people as you would during summer.
Some of the most emblematic museums in Barcelona are: the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the European Museum of Modern Art. The Egyptian Museum is also a must-see, to which you’ll have free access if you book your stay at any of the Derby Hotels Collection hotels.
10. Shopping in Spring
The spring weather is perfect for shopping in Barcelona. If shopping is your passion, be sure to book a hotel near the main retail streets. Hotel Claris is located just steps away from Passeig de Gracia. There, you’ll find classic luxury shops including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Michael Kors and Cartier, as well as more recent brands such as Balenciaga.
Spring is the perfect time to visit Barcelona. Get lost in its streets, and discover the city with all its wondrous sights in full colour, all while enjoying unbeatable weather.
