What to see and do in Barcelona in winter?
Winter is just around the corner again. And while it’s true the average temperature in Barcelona rarely dips below 12°C or so – meaning you’re unlikely to encounter any blizzard conditions on your next trip – we understand not everyone likes to spend too much time outdoors this time of year. That’s why we’ve put together a list of a few of our favourite things to see and do in Barcelona in winter that won’t leave you shivering in the winter cold. Let’s get started!
Shopping in Barcelona
Hitting the shops is never a bad idea, whatever the time of year! But in winter, there’s no better way to spend the day sheltering from the cold than enjoying a fantastic afternoon indulging in some good old-fashioned retail therapy. Plus, the shopping malls and avenues here in Barcelona are always decked in Christmas lights and decorations at this time of year, making it extra special.
Shopping centres in Barcelona:
- Centro Comercial La Maquinista: The biggest shopping mall in the whole of Barcelona, you’ll find over 230 different outlets here of all kinds, from food and clothing to technology and more. Located in the heart of the Sant Andreu district on Carrer de Potosí, the shopping centre is open from 09:00 until 21:00 daily.
- Centro Comercial L’illa Diagonal: Another of the larger shopping destinations in Barcelona, this particular shopper’s paradise is home to 170 stores offering a wide variety of different products. Found on Avenida Diagonal, you can shop ‘til you drop here every day from 09:30 until 21:00.
- Centro Comercial de Las Arenas: Very popular with tourists, this particular shopping centre is built on the former Plaza de Toros in Plaza de Espana. It offers more than 80 different shops, but not just that, there are also dozens of great restaurants and bars with unbeatable panoramic views on the top floor of the complex. The centre is located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and is open from 09:00 until 21:00 every day.
- Centro Comercial Maremagnum: Another fantastic option for tourists looking to enjoy some shopping between sightseeing appointments, this shopping mall is located on the seafront by the old port of Barcelona. Here you won’t just find shops, but also a great range of restaurants, a fantastic cinema, and you can even spend a fun-filled afternoon with the whole family in the wonderful Bubble Park. Centro Comercial Maremagnum can be found on Moll d’Espanya and is open from 10:00 until 21:00.
Indulge in some chocolate con churros
Some of the most traditional and delightful delicacies in Spanish cuisine are churros. Together with their faithful companion, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for a chilly winter’s day.
To sample churros in all their glory, head down to Calle Petritxol where you’ll find the best chocolaterías in the city, Granja Dulcinea and La Pallaresa. These chocolate-lovers’ havens can be found in the Gothic Quarter. Look out for the commemorative plaques on the fronts of the buildings nearby that tell a story of hundreds of years of local history. Fun fact: this street became the first in the whole of Barcelona to be pedestrianised in 1959.
Enjoy a night at the theatre in Barcelona
If you’re still looking for things to see and do in Barcelona in winter, cast your eye over the theatre listings, always a great option for spending a few hours in some magnificent architecture being wowed by the culture and atmosphere on stage. Barcelona is home to no less than 50 different theatres, so there really is always something for everyone. Here are some of them:
- Teatro Principal de Barcelona: With over 400 years of history, formerly known as Teatro del Hospital de la Santa Creu. Currently undergoing renovation, it is set to reopen in 2024 as a center for immersive arts.
- Teatro Nacional de Cataluña: This grand theater is primarily dedicated to national dramaturgy, featuring plays, musicals, events, and talks.
- Gran Teatro del Liceu: With a seating capacity of 2,292 people, this theater is notable for its imposing hall and marvelous architecture.
- Palacio de la Música Catalana: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, this venue hosts a variety of concerts, ranging from classical music to jazz and flamenco concerts.
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