10 Things to Do in Barcelona in Fall

No matter what month of the year it is, Barcelona is always alive and full of entertainment. But in autumn, the city leaves behind all the mass tourism it receives in summer and the temperatures are more pleasant. So, if you've decided to visit Barcelona in autumn, you've thought it through.

If you're wondering what to see and do in Barcelona at this time of year, this article tells you everything you need to know before your holiday in the city. If you want to make your visit a unique experience, stay and read the plans I've thought of for you.

Every October, all the markets of the different municipalities join forces to give rise to the biggest market of all: the Mercats de Mercats.

This large market is characterised by the wide range of different local products and home-made gastronomic options of unquestionable quality. It is a very good option for spending time outdoors, tasting delicious dishes and getting to know a more traditional, non-touristy atmosphere of the city.

But, in addition to the traditional, this market has grown in size and variety of activities. Nowadays, you can take part in wine tastings and classes given by renowned chefs. If you are interested and want to know a bit more, I recommend you to book a gastronomic tour around the city of Barcelona.

• When: end of October.
• Where: changing areas in Barcelona
• Price: free

Sitges is a charming little seaside town just 30 minutes by train from Barcelona, which has become increasingly popular for its unmistakable beauty and lively atmosphere in the summer and at carnival time. That's why there are several companies that offer to book an excursion to Sitges from Barcelona

The Sitges Film Festival is a perfect plan to enjoy the best premieres of fantastic and horror films.

And if films aren't your thing, you can also attend the famous and multitudinous Zombie Walk, a zombie race organised on the first Saturday of the festival, which will transport you to a world of fantasy and monsters in an instant.

• When: first two weeks of October
• Where: Sitges
• Price: free

Barcelona is a city known for its gastronomy, its beaches and its architecture. But the city also holds many secrets and, among them, is this incredible green space that you can't miss at this time of year.

Collserola is a green area in a mountainous area very close to the city, where autumn is seen in its splendour with its wide range of brown and orange tones. You can also enjoy some of the best views in Barcelona from here.

This is a favourite time of year for many locals who visit this place in autumn, as the temperatures are very pleasant for physical activity in the forest or just a nice walk. It is also worth booking a bike tour of Barcelona to make the most of these autumn days.

• When: during the beginning of autumn you will be able to appreciate the changes in colour.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

If you're looking for fun, you can't miss Barcelona's La Mercè festivities. This is the biggest event of the year for the locals, as this celebration is held in honour of Barcelona's patron saint: the Mother of God of Mercy.

Far from being a religious event, you'll find a festive atmosphere and many activities to enjoy such as concerts, open-air events, parades and shows of different kinds in many parts of the city.

The tradition and folklore of the Catalans have the capgrossos, cute characters with huge heads that walk through the streets of Barcelona. But if you really want to experience La Mercé to the full, don't miss the correfocs, a kind of floats with figures of demons.

• When: 22 to 25 September
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

While other countries adopt Halloween as a more normal celebration every year, Spain also celebrates its own popular festival: All Saints' Day. It is celebrated on 1 November, but like Halloween the tradition extends for most of the month.

In Barcelona in particular, you will notice street stalls with roasted chestnuts or sweet potatoes on various street corners. This type of gastronomy is typical of this special date and ideal for the cold weather that is beginning to set in.

You will also find ratafía, a traditional liqueur, and the famous panellets, delicious marzipan cakes.

• When: 1 November
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

The Open House Worldwide organisation promotes architecture in order to make it a more accessible and accessible resource for everyone. To do this, they organise 48-hour days in different parts of the world where the most admired buildings open their doors to the public.

If you visit Barcelona at the end of October, don't miss the opportunity to see the most amazing buildings for free (and sometimes with a guided tour) such as the Modelo prison, the iconic Arc de Triomf or the Arús Library.

Many of these architectural works are generally closed to the public. Therefore, this festival attracts thousands of curious people eager to see them. It is also a fun activity if you are travelling with children.

• When: Mid to late October
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

One of the most important events for music in the city of Barcelona is the VollDamm Festival Jazz Barcelona. During your visit to the city in the autumn season, you can enjoy the best sounds in the different concerts, conferences, classes and activities that take place around this festival.

The best international artists perform their art in renowned buildings such as the Liceu and the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona with incomparable acoustics.

Although many of the activities are free, you must buy your ticket for some concerts, so don't forget to book in advance and share your passion for jazz.

• When: second week of October.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free or with ticket, depending on the concert.

Who said this tradition is only German? The Oktoberfest in Barcelona brings together many people.

The large Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre opens its doors to this day of pure beer and culture of the neighbouring country to all those who want to celebrate.

You can buy your ticket for the tables or for more private areas, but there will always be plenty of mugs of frothy beer and traditional costumes everywhere. Without a doubt, a very fun plan for your visit to the city.

• When: first weeks of October.
• Where: Fira Montjuic, Barcelona.
• Price: from 15€.

The Mira Festival is a famous event in the city of Barcelona that unites electronic music with the visual arts. It is a festival of international reference for those who are fans of contemporary art and new trends. And for those who feel like dancing, of course.

It is an alternative plan that you should take into account if you travel to Barcelona in autumn. It lasts 3 days and I recommend you book well in advance to make sure you get a place. Enjoy it!

• When: early November
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: from 20€.

La Festa del Roser means lots of colours and flowers all over the city. This tradition was born many years ago and what started as a mass in honour of the Virgin of the Roser, today is a big event that includes activities, fairs and a lot of floral decoration in many buildings along the Rambla of Barcelona.

Also, near the Palau de la Virreina all the people of Barcelona make an offering to the image of the Virgin. Each flower represents a wish, so don't forget to make yours.

There are also open days at the museums around the Rambla. Check out my article on the best museums to find out what they are all about.

• When: second week of October.
• Where: Barcelona
• Price: free

If you thought these plans were good alternatives, I recommend you to read my post about the best guided tours in the city of Barcelona. If you want to get to know the city in depth, booking a guided tour of Barcelona is always the best plan.

I recommend doing it the first day to get a general idea of the city and the different options to enjoy your holidays.

Another interesting option when touring Barcelona in autumn is to opt for the tourist bus service. This city has a lot to offer you and the points of interest are far away. With the autumn temperatures, travelling on this type of bus that connects all the places you need to see is very comfortable.