12 fantastic things to do in Barcelona in fall

12 fantastic things to do in Barcelona in fall

From Oktoberfest to Halloween, discover 12 fun things to do in Barcelona in fall in this guide.

From Halloween parties to Oktoberfest, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Barcelona in fall. Join the locals at fun festivals like Oktoberfest, La Merce Wine, and Cava Festival, and try authentic wine and beers. For fiery fall foliage, stroll through Ciutadella Park. Or scale Tibidabo Mountain for epic views and a fun amusement park to entertain the whole family. Whether traveling alone, with a partner or as a family, find more fun things to do in this fall guide to Barcelona.

Barcelona’s best fall activities at a glance

The best way to see fall leaves in Barcelona: Stroll through Ciutadella Park or take in the views from Tibidabo Mountain.

The top things to do for kids and families visiting Barcelona in fall: Catch a game at Camp Nou or celebrate Halloween.

Unique events that take place in Barcelona in fall: Try beers at Oktoberfest and taste local wines at Merce Wine and Cava Festival.

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Photo: Orión Lafuente Missbauer

Learn more about soccer at Camp Nou

1. Cheer on the home team at Camp Nou

Follow in the footsteps of football legends at Camp Nou. Home of the iconic team FC Barcelona, Camp Nou is a great place to cheer on the home team, watch a game, or learn more about soccer at the FC Barcelona Museum.

Why do it in fall?

The football season in Germany runs from fall to spring. Depending on when you travel in the fall, you may even be able to catch the home opener for the start of the season.

Address

Les Corts, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

Discover Camp Nou experiences

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Wander the historic Gothic Quarter

2. Get lost wandering the Gothic Quarter

Stroll down the narrow, twisting Medieval streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and admire the impressive architecture and historic houses. Discover trendy bars, top-quality clubs, and authentic Catalan restaurants, and see iconic Barcelona landmarks like the Cathedral of Barcelona and La Rambla.

Why do it in fall?

As spooky season approaches around Halloween, there’s no better time to explore the eerie Gothic Quarter, which is said to be home to ghouls and ghosts.

Discover Barcelona Gothic Quarter experiences

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Stroll through Citadella Park

3. Ciutadella Park

Leave the hubbub of the city behind and step into the serene sanctuary at Ciutadella Park. Home to walking trails, a large lake, and a greenhouse, this 19th-century park is perfect if you want something to do outdoors in Barcelona in fall.

Why do it in fall?

Ciutadella Park is one of the best places in Barcelona to see the fiery foliage of autumn.

Address and opening hours

Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. Open daily, 10:00 AM–10:30 PM.

Discover Ciutadela Park experiences

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Explore the charming Old Town

4. Wander through Old Town

Barcelona’s Old Town, Ciutat Vella, is made up of four districts: El Raval, El Born, the Gothic Quarter, and La Rambla. Sightsee on foot and spot some of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, including Sagrada Família, the Picasso Museum, and the old Roman Forum.

Why do it in fall?

Fall’s mild temperatures are perfect for al fresco dining at Barcelona’s outdoor cafes and terraces in the old town after a day of sightseeing.

Address

Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

Discover Barcelona Old Town experiences

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Photo: Patrick Mueller

Try local beers at Oktoberfest parties

5. Try local beers at Barcelona Oktoberfest

While Germany may be known as the home of the original Oktoberfest, there’s no need to miss out on a trip to Barcelona, as most places host their own version. Try local brews at a beer tasting in Barcelona and learn more about the beer-making process.

Why do it in fall?

Oktoberfest is held in autumn annually and is the perfect time to try fall-flavored beers, which are fermented for longer and contain hints of chestnuts, fruits, and roasted or smoked malts.

Discover Barcelona beer experiences

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Photo: Orión Lafuente Missbauer

Enjoy the Wine and Cava Festival

6. Sample local wines at Merce Wine and Cava Festival

Part of La Merce Festival, a multi-day party to celebrate the Virgin of Mercy, the Wine and Cava Festival boasts wines and food from around Catalonia and is an excellent place for wine tasting in Barcelona. For something unique, try cava, Catalonia’s sparkling wine — it’s a great way to celebrate an anniversary if you’re a couple looking for romantic things to do in Barcelona.

Why do it in fall?

If you’re a wine drinker, you must add the Merce Wine and Cava Festival to your fall itinerary, as it’s held at the end of September each year.

Discover Barcelona wine experiences

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Photo: Victoriano Javier Tornel García

Admire artworks in the Museum of Contemporary Art

7. Admire masterpieces in the Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBBA) and see over 5,000 art pieces from the 1950s to the modern day. Nestled in the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, MACBA is home to works by famous artists, including Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol.

Why do it in fall?

Visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art is a great rainy-day activity in Barcelona in fall, when the weather can be unpredictable.

Address and opening hours

Plaça dels Àngels, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain. Open Wednesday-Friday and Mondays 11:00 AM-7:30 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Discover Museum of Contemporary Art experiences

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Take in the views from Tibidabo Mountain

8. Take in the view from Tibidabo Mountain

For the best views of Barcelona in fall, climb Tibidabo Mountain. A 512-meter-tall hill overlooking the city, Tibidabo Mountain boasts hiking trails, a grand cathedral, a theme park, and a Ferris wheel.

Why do it in fall?

Tibidabo Mountain doesn’t just provide stunning views of fall foliage throughout the city in fall, but the Tibidabo Amusement Park is much quieter than in summer.

Address and opening hours

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.

Discover Tibidabo experiences

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Photo: Orión Lafuente Missbauer

Celebrate Halloween in style

9. Halloween

There’s no better way to enter into the spirit of spooky season than by celebrating Halloween. Dance the night away at a Halloween party or discover lively clubs and top-quality bars on a pub crawl through Barcelona.

Why do it in fall?

While not officially celebrated in Spain, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and is a great family-friendly activity in Barcelona that everyone can enjoy on October 31.

Discover Barcelona Halloween experiences

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Wander down the bustling La Rambla

10. Soak up the atmosphere at La Rambla

The most famous street in Barcelona, La Rambla is a long, tree-lined shopping street in the center of Barcelona. Mooch around markets, listen to street musicians, and dine alfresco in outdoor restaurants as you make your way down the 1.2-kilometer boulevard.

Why do it in fall?

Fall is a beautiful time to soak up the atmosphere along La Rambla as the street is flanked by trees that turn orange and red.

Address

Barcelona, Spain.

Discover La Rambla experiences

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Explore the stalls in Sant Antoni Market

11. Shop for souvenirs at Sant Antoni Market

Sample the best food in Barcelona at Sant Antoni Market. This large city market, set in a steel-frame building dating back to 1882, is a great spot to buy fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables, as well as clothing, jewelry, and books.

Why do it in fall?

Sant Antoni Market is the perfect place to sample seasonal produce, such as mushrooms, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potato, which make hearty casseroles and warming soups in the fall.

Address and opening hours

Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 1, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain. Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-8:30 PM.

Discover Sant Antoni Market experiences

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Photo: Orión Lafuente Missbauer

Laze in the fall sunshine on a boat

12. Cruise past the city on a boat trip

See the city skyline sail past from a boat in Barcelona. Enjoy a day of drinks and tapas on the water, with 360-degree coastal views and live entertainment, and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Why do it in fall?

Fall is a beautiful time to cruise in Barcelona. The water is still warm enough for swimming, and the sun is not too hot during the day.

Discover Barcelona boat experiences

FAQs

What are the best fall activities in Barcelona?

Explore the Gothic Quarter on foot and see the best of Barcelona’s old town without the summer crowds. Enter into the spooky season spirit at a Halloween party, or escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the views from Tibidabo Mountain.

When is the peak fall foliage season in Barcelona?

Fall foliage is at its peak from the middle of October until the end of November. Make the most of the autumnal colors with a day in Ciutadella Park, one of the best places to see fall foliage in Barcelona.

Are there any fall events or festivals in Barcelona?

Embrace the local culture and enjoy the Merce Wine and Cava Festival — one of Barcelona's best events. Spend the best part of a week soaking up the parades, parties, and celebrations and try local wines and cava.

Are there any seasonal foods I should try in fall in Barcelona?

For the best autumn food in Barcelona, check out hearty soups made with fresh mushrooms or pumpkins. For an all-day event, check out the tasty local beers and snacks at Barcelona’s Oktoberfest celebrations.