Photo: Rooftop Azimuth
Haven’t planned your Barcelona summer yet? Barcelona is one of the favourite Mediterranean destinations to enjoy the warmest months of the year (from June to September).
Some locals prefer to escape the crowds and slip away to the most charming, quiet corners of Catalonia. Others embrace the buzz of the city and the beach: events, festivals, food and the cultural lineup that fills every weekend.
Whatever your style, in this article I’m sharing 16 summer plans in Barcelona. Keep reading and start mapping out your summer itinerary.
Beach, summer, terrace, cocktails and top-tier rice dishes. Maná 75 is the go-to spot for Catalan families looking for a proper Mediterranean feast in summer. It sits just 50 metres from Sant Sebastià beach, in an exclusive corner of La Barceloneta tucked away from the tourist trail.
We’re rice specialists, and our open kitchen showcases the longest line of paella pans in Europe. Each one is cooked to perfection: the crispy, caramelised socarrat balanced with the juicy flavours of fresh seafood. A must-stop for any beach day. I recommend the seafood senyoret paella and the Galician-style octopus rice. Finger-licking good!
× Starter
× Main dish
× Dessert
× Coffee
Perfect to try the specialty of the house: PAELLA!
From June 28 to August 2, the open-air film festival returns to Sala Montjuïc. Tickets range from €8 to €11 depending on the time slot, the film and how comfy you want to get (deckchair seats cost a bit more). Expect timeless classics like Back to the Future and recent surprise hits like Poor Things, starring Emma Stone.
But Sala Montjuïc isn’t the only spot in town. You’ll also find open-air cinema at Sant Sebastià beach, the Sant Joan de Déu Gardens, and even Parc de l’Espanya Industrial. Some screenings are completely free, just make sure you arrive early to grab a good spot.
Barcelona’s International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art is the most anticipated event of the summer for electronic music lovers. Over 15,000 attendees from around the world are expected. Sónar by Day and Sónar+D take place at Fira de Montjuïc, while Sónar by Night is hosted at Fira Gran Via.
Tickets range from €45 to €390 for VIP access, although prices may vary depending on booking fees. Confirmed headliners for this 31st edition include the duo Air, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Moon Safari; American rapper Vince Staples; British pop singer Jessie Ware; producer and DJ Kaytranada; and the international techno queen Charlotte de Witte, among others.
From mid-May to late September, the classic chiringuitos pop up along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline. They’re the go-to spot for afternoon drinks (what locals call tardeo) with tapas, cocktails, rice dishes, grilled meats, parties and even DJ sets right by the sea. Some also rent sun loungers or offer takeaway food.
These beach bars tend to be on the pricey side because of their unbeatable location and atmosphere, but not all of them serve great food. Have a look at our guide to the best beach restaurants and chiringuitos in Barcelona before choosing.
Ice cream shops are some of the most awaited summer openings. Barcelona’s food scene is so diverse that even ice cream comes in endless varieties: Argentine and Italian artisan gelato, vegan, gluten-free, ice lollies of every shape and recipe… many you’ll only find here.
In our guide to the best ice cream shops in Barcelona, we round up every spot worth a detour, including the iconic Rocambolesc by the Roca brothers. Drop by your favourite and enjoy the sweetest, most refreshing flavours of the Catalan capital.
Red mullet and squid rice with basil alioli. A fresh, aromatic rice with deep sea flavour.
Only in May.
One of the most popular things to do in Barcelona in summer is spending the afternoon on a rooftop or terrace. The vibe shifts as the sun sets, with cocktails, beautiful food, full event programmes, pool access, DJ sets and live music.
Three of my favourite rooftops are Azimuth at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 619, the Mandarin Oriental at Passeig de Gràcia 38, and rooftop restaurant La Isabela at La Rambla 109. If you’d rather have a low-rise terrace with sea views, check out our guide to the best terraces in La Barceloneta.
One of the best things to do near Barcelona? The Costa Brava. Less than 20 km from the city, it’s packed with beaches and coves that feel like a true summer paradise. Locals love escaping the cosmopolitan crowd here, and the further you go from the city, the more likely you are to find an empty beach.
Beyond the coves, this part of Catalonia is home to some of the region’s best restaurants — some even Michelin-starred. Drive up on a Sunday or jump on the R1 Rodalies train: it takes around 1h 20min to reach Blanes.
Think you can’t make plans in Barcelona if you’re a wine lover? Summer here is so much more than beach, sun and heat. Inland, you’ll find vineyards and wineries offering unique experiences with some of Catalonia’s best designations of origin.
Many of these wineries offer wine tastings, romantic experiences, group tours, oenology workshops, lunches and dinners with food pairings, plus stunning views over the Catalan countryside.
Some of the city’s top bars and restaurants come together so you can taste their most iconic dishes for under €10. Tast a la Rambla has been an iconic food event marking the start of summer in Barcelona for over 10 years.
This year’s edition features renowned chefs like Raül Balam, Manu Alvarado, Nick Hold, Manuel Sanna, Andrés Rodríguez, Pablo Albuerne and Paolo Casagrande, alongside nationally celebrated sommeliers including Antonio Chacón, Paula Cuenda and Yan Maia Auad. Entry is free; you only pay for what you consume, using “tokens” purchased at the on-site box offices.
Authentic paella, fresh seafood, and a sunny terrace for a true taste of Barcelona.
Just steps from the beach.
Beach clubs are another summer hotspot in Barcelona. They offer a complete summer experience with sun loungers, restaurants, pool areas, chill-out zones and party scenes for late-afternoon Barcelona sessions.
The food and cocktails on offer are top-notch. Menus are filled with classic Mediterranean dishes — tapas, paellas and seafood — perfect to pair with a tropical cocktail or a refreshing sangria.
If you’re visiting Barcelona in early July and want to experience the city like a real local, the Casc Antic Festival is your best bet. It runs from June 20 to July 1, and it’s not widely known by tourists since it’s mostly aimed at neighbourhood residents.
The festival covers the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina and La Ribera neighbourhoods. Expect traditional castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire runs) and street parades. To take part, just walk through these streets during the celebration days. If you’re sensitive to loud noises, I’d recommend stepping away once night falls.
On June 23, the eve of Sant Joan, Barcelona dresses up in lights and celebration to welcome the start of summer. June 24 is a holiday in Catalonia, so having to get up early the next morning is no excuse to skip a full night of celebration — or a midnight dip in the sea, as tradition demands.
Don’t miss the arrival of the Flama del Canigó in different neighbourhoods, the fireworks displays, the bonfires throughout the city and on the beach. Be sure to try a coca de Sant Joan from one of Barcelona’s top bakeries, and most importantly, share the verbena with your friends or family.
If you’re looking for a true relaxation break, you have to try the best spas in Catalonia. The region is home to hotels, resorts and thermal baths that draw on the natural properties of the sea and the mountains for an exceptional experience.
This summer, treat yourself to a romantic getaway in the mountain hot springs, take the kids somewhere they can play while you unwind, or surprise your group of friends with a special wellness day.
Yes, I already know what you’re going to say! Barcelona’s beaches are packed in summer, full of tourists, no room for an umbrella… I get it. But let me share my secret for enjoying the city beaches, which all have their own charm.
The quietest spots are at the far ends of the coastline: Sant Sebastià Beach (with full accessibility for people with reduced mobility) and Llevant Beach, which has a small dog area and parking for cars, motorbikes and bikes. As for your belongings, only bring the essentials in case nobody stays behind to watch your things — just the cooler bag and your swimsuit!
In June, July and August, temperatures in the city range between 22°C and 35°C (59–86°F). Humidity is high, so it can feel even hotter.
Stay hydrated, avoid going out during peak hours and limit prolonged sun exposure. The good news is that the days are very long: in June and July, sunset is around 9:30 PM.
Keep in mind that Barcelona gets very busy in summer. My recommendations: plan ahead, book and buy tickets online in advance, and take full advantage of the plans I’ve just shared, since many are only available during the season.
There are countless things to do in Barcelona in summer, and the ones on this list are absolute must-dos. Above all, don’t miss the local festivals, the sporting events, and of course, the best paella in town at MANĀ 75
Advance booking strongly recommended.
over of Barcelona's gastronomy and culture. Full-time taster of new flavours, places and experiences.
Sé el primero en conocer los mejores restaurantes y eventos de Barcelona
