Barcelona in Autumn – Advice, Accommodation and Activities

Accommodation on September 12, 2011 4:16 pm

There are plenty of reasons why you should treat yourself to a trip to Barcelona as the leaves begin to fall. September and October provide a pleasant backdrop to a more relaxed city break, with balmy days and cool evenings.

So why should you choose Barcelona this autumn? We can think of hundreds of reasons why we at Oh-Barcelona.com would recommend visiting the city at this time of year, whether it be for a busy, Barcelona weekend break or a few weeks of laid-back hedonism.

Avoid the Crowds

As the piercing heat of the summer begins to subdue, so do the crowds. Less people means less queues at the best of the tourist attractions and more pleasant journeys on public transport. As a result, a day sightseeing at La Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou or Parc Guell becomes a noticeably more enjoyable. Less time spent in queues also inevitably means that you can get a lot more done if you’re only here for a weekend break.

Wonderful Weather

The autumn months are especially popular due to the climate as the harsher heat and humidity of August has dissipated but the cooler winter months are yet to set in. Temperatures average between 15°C and 21°C; perfect for a spot of sightseeing, a day trip or some beach time as the water is still usually warm. There are also plenty of indoor pools and spas if the weather isn’t quite good enough for a dip in the sea. This time of year is especially good if you are thinking of travelling with children from this respect.

Events for Everyone

This time of year is jam-packed with exciting and unique events, leaving you spoilt for choice if you want to see Barcelona beyond the usual tourist spots. Take a look at the highlights…

September

· National Day of Catalonia – 11 September 2011
Concerts, demonstrations and parades line the streets on the region’s national day.

· Asia Festival – September 2011
Celebrate Asian culture in the heart of Barcelona with over 30 shows and activities, including music, theatre, dance, cinema, fashion, sport and food.

· Hipnotik - September 2011
Hip-hop festival at the ‘Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona’ celebrating urban culture.

· La Mercè Festival – September 2011
A truly Catalan festival, with traditional human towers, events on the beach, parades, shows and fairs where you can sample the best local produce.

· BAM Festival – September 2011
A series of dance performances and music concerts throughout Barcelona as part of the city’s La Mercè celebrations.

October

· Barcelona International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – October 2011

Showings and awards for short and full-length films in the Gay and Lesbian genre.

· Kosmopolis – October 2011
A literature festival at the ‘Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona’, including talks and discussion about – a prelude to the larger festival to come in 2011.

· In-Edit Beefeater - October – November 2011
An International Music Documentary and Film Festival, paying homage to the best the genre has to offer with screenings and awards.

· Barcelona International Jazz Festival – November- December 2011
A celebration of all parts of the genre, from big-band to Latin-jazz, with concerts taking place throughout the city.

Budget-Busting

By the time September hits, airline sales are in full swing, meaning return flights from within Europe for around €40 are by no means unusual. In addition, many restaurants reduce their menu prices as high season closes in, so Barcelona in autumn is a great option if you’re keeping an eye on the budget.

Beat the Blues

Is your summer holiday quickly becoming a distant memory? But the Christmas break seems like a long, increasingly gloomy slog? Then a Barcelona break is the perfect remedy. A few days of culture, good food, relaxation and warmth in Barcelona is sure to rid you of those nagging, post-holiday blues.

Now that you’ve discovered a few of the reasons why Barcelona is the place to be this autumn, the next question is where to stay. Read on to discover the best area and accommodation for you, whether you want to discover the most traditional Barcelona or the chic, modern side of the city…

Oh-Barcelona Apartment in Eixample, Barcelona

Oh-Barcelona Apartment in Sants, Barcelona

Oh-Barcelona Apartment near La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Autumn Accommodation

Choosing an area to stay in when booking a holiday can seem like a bit of a gamble, especially if, like most of us, you don’t have hours to spend researching ever corner of your destination . But don’t worry – let Oh-Barcelona take the stress out of picking the perfect location for you with our guide to each main area in the city. We’re sure that one will be the ideal area for you on your autumn break.

El Born
This sophisticated, chic district is perfect for anyone looking for somewhere more upmarket to stay. With a great mixture of old and new Barcelona, it is rich in history and culture, although you may need deeper pockets to stay in this desirable area. Read our in-depth guide to El Born to get a real feel for this part of the city.

Gracia
Wanting to see Barcelona like a local? Then head straight for Gracia. This lively, bohemian barrio is just outside of the centre and welcomes you with open arms. It feels like a quaint town within a city, with its own style an atmosphere. Quiet streets and pretty tree-lined plazas make it the perfect location for a more relaxed break, whilst being only a few minutes on the Metro from the main tourist hot-spots.

El Gotíco
The truly authentic Barcelona – this district is full of quaint, narrow streets and cultural gems, located right in the centre of the city. The accommodation is usually beautifully Medieval, although occasionally hard to access and compact, with narrow stairways and few modern amenities such as central heating.

Eixample
Home to the Sagrada Familia, Eixample is good for families and those wanting more modern, well-equipped accommodation with a bit more space. It is a central starting point for all areas of Barcelona, with excellent transport links. However, these practicalities and amenities can mean you may pay more for accommodation than in other sections of the city.

Ready to look for accommodation?

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We hope our guide has given you all the information you need for a great stay here in Barcelona during September and October. Please share any comments, questions or experiences with us in the box below – we’d love to hear from you!

Lucie

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