Visiting Barcelona in September
Great weather, a litany of festivals and less tourists…
By Jessica Bowler 
Why September?
September is one of the nicest months of the year to visit Barcelona. The tourist crowds of the peak summer months have calmed down, and the locals are back from their lengthy August holidays, meaning the city feels “lived in” again – and not a mere Gaudi-themed amusement park.
Overall it’s the perfect month to pick off a few cultural highlights, drop in on a fiesta or two, and to enjoy some outdoor activities while the sun shines bright and the city’s summer vibes continues.
Weather in September
The temperatures become much more manageable this time of year, with average highs of 26 degrees Celsius, while average lows are still a balmy 20 degrees. A refreshing change from August which is sticky, day and night, but still hot enough to head down to the beach and enjoy a swim in the sea, if you feel so inclined. On average September has just four rainy days each year, so you’re unlikely to have to take cover for long, if at all.
In terms of what to pack, you’ll need all your usual summer holiday stuff (shorts, t-shirts and swimwear!), especially during the day, but it would be wise to pack one or two long pairs of pants, and a warm layer or two for the evenings, just in case it cools off.
19 Great Things To Do
To help you make the most of the month, we’ve rounded up some fun and fresh ideas for things to do in Barcelona in September, so you don’t miss any of the great stuff going on.
1. Attend La Mercè Festival
La Mercè is an annual festival celebrating one of the patron saints of Barcelona, the Virgin of Grace. The official feast day is the 24th, and the celebrations take place a few days before and after this date. It’s been going since medieval days, and today there are 600 completely free events held throughout the city! Don’t miss a castellers – human towers – performance. More info about La Merce in our events calendar, or on the official website, below:
lameva.barcelona.cat/merce/en
2. Rock Out at the BAM Festival
BAM stands for “Barcelona Accio Musical”, and it’s a series of concerts that forms part of La Mercè festival (above). The concerts take place in venues around the city, such as Plaça Reial and Rambla del Raval, and the focus is on up-and-coming bands in the fields of folk, indie-rock, pop, electronica and reggaeton. The concerts are all outdoor, and – even better – free! You can find a programme on the city’s official website.
3. Go Wine Tasting in the Penedes
Early autumn is also a lovely time to get out into the wonderful rolling hills of the local wine country. The Penedes region is full of first rate wineries, big and small, many of whom specialise in producing Cava… although you’ll find excellent table wines as well. For a splash of luxury hire a private tour guide who will pick you up from your hotel and take you to two boutique vineyards for sommelier-led tastings. For a more affordable option, check out this small-group tour to the Penedes, which includes 3 wines, 4 Cavas and tapas, plus a ride in a 4X4 through the vineyards – making it incredible value for money.
4. Get Off The Beaten Track by Bike
Barcelona is a city best explored by bicycle… at least in our opinion! The terrain is flat, the climate is clement, and there’s plenty to see outside the touristic Gothic Quarter. Specialised in alternative and sustainable tourism since 2010, Steel Donkey Bike Tours pride themselves on showing travellers the real Barcelona, revealing hidden parks and plazas, hip local hang outs and offering insight into both contemporary and historic times. Recommended by Lonely Planet and with great reviews, if you want to see something a bit different from the usual itinerary look them up. The name comes from the fact that the donkey is the national animal of Catalonia.
5. Rooftop Concert at Gaudi’s Casa Batllo
Combine a visit to one of Gaudi’s stunning masterpieces with live music and a glass of Cava, during Casa Batllo’s Magic Nights. The experience starts with an evening tour of this mind-bogglingly beautiful mansion, before you are treating to an al fresco concert on the rooftop, with views over Barcelona. Tickets start at €69 and include a complementary drink. Just follow the link below to book yours via the official website.
6. Cocktail Masterclass (with Tapas!)
Get your evening off to great start by signing up for this popular cocktail masterclass with tapas. Your instructor for the night will teach you how to make 4 classic cocktails, including the mojito (a local favourite in Barcelona!), and to prevent you from keeling over, there’s a delicious spread of tapas. Very social and great value at just €50 with all food and drink included. You can book on Get Your Guide, or send us an email if you prefer: info@barcelona-life.com.
7. Go Sea Kayaking on the Mediterranean
With the colder weather yet to kick in, this is your last chance to grab an oar and enjoy an amazing day of sea kayaking on the Costa Brava, while the sun still shines strong. There are several companies who organise transport from Barcelona city centre up to Sant Feliu (a bit over an hour away), after which you board your kayaks and, with the help of a guide, explore the stunning coves and bays of the local coastline. They’ll even be a chance to snorkel and swim in some of the caves. The most affordable option is €75 with everything included, although you might want to consider this €85 option which allows for more time on the water (it is also the highest rated on Get Your Guide!).
8. Enjoy Modern Art at MACBA
The imperious glass and concrete edifice of the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona is a Mecca for art lovers, and within this gorgeous building you’ll find works by Basquiat, Tapies, Spero, Broodthaers and Gego, to name but a few. Autumn is a great time to check their programme of temporary exhibitions, as it tends to change this time of the year, so this could be your last chance to catch a great expo, or your first chance to catch something new. Our full preview and ticket options here.
9. Take A Sailing Trip!
You can go sailing almost any time of year in Barcelona, but, let’s face it, it’s only really enjoyable when you can lounge on deck in your swimming costume and dive off starboard for a cooling dip – so take the last chance to the year to sign up for some fun on the water! There are dozens of great boat trips you can do when in Barcelona, and I suggest you check out our definitive list of the best. Whether you want to rent a private yacht for just you and your partner/friends, or you are happy to join others on a jaunt out onto the Mediterranean, you can find something for your budget.
America’s Cup 2024
Starting in late August, and carrying on through September and October, the America’s Cup comes to Barcelona! The world’s most prestigious sailing regatta sees incredibly fast A75 craft skim the waves at up to 100 kmph, in a series of head-to-head contests. The best way to watch the America’s Cup is from a boat, where you will have front lane view of the action! Click the link to get tickets to this unique event (limited spaces only!).
10. Get Festive at a “Festa Major”
All year round, Barcelona’s neighbourhoods take turns hosting their versions of a neighbourhood block party. They’ll typically involve a mix of local traditions and a modern-day block party. Not surprisingly, these parties tend to be more popular in the warmer months. In September, the districts of Barceloneta, La Ribera and Poblenou all hold their “festa major”. Click the link above to find out more!
11. Go Wild on a Boat Party!
The last of the Barcelona boat parties set sail this time of year, so if you’re young and carefree and fancy spending a couple of hours at sea swigging sangria and dancing away then read up on your options! A great way to meet fellow travellers, and take advantage of the city’s coastal location while the sun still shines.
12. Last of the Summer Rooftop Bars
Barcelona’s coolest rooftop bars are usually found hidden inside swanky hotels, but you don’t have to be a staying customer to use them in most cases – you just need to be able to afford the inflated bar prices. Just head inside, go straight for the lift, and head to the top floor and enjoy the amazing views and VIP vibe. These bars tend to open during the warm weather months, with most closing in September or October until the springtime. There’s a great list of the best rooftop bars over at Barcelona Navigator, whose photo we have borrowed (thanks Dan!)! Or else consult the excellent Rooftop Guide and their Barcelona selection. It’s also possible to do a wine tasting session on a rooftop… more info here.
13. Enjoy a Local Tapas Tour
Barcelona is full of foodie things to do, and hip local tours are multiplying year by year. One company that specialises in authentic tapas tours is the appropriately named Tapas & Beers. Their ‘Food & Market’ tapas tour takes place in the authentic Sant Antoni districts, and introduces curious travellers to some of the classic tastes of Catalonia and Spain. Click the button below to reserve your space, or check out even more foodie options here.
14. Strike A Pose for a Pro Photographer
Who doesn’t occasionally dream of becoming a model? Exotic locations, great clothes, millions of Instagram followers… what’s not to like? Shutter Kings Barcelona sadly can’t promise to turn you into the next big thing on the catwalk, but they can capture your best angles in some of the city’s most iconic locations. Book one of their photoshoots for you, your family or your group of friends and you’ll get 30 professional portraits to take home with you as the best possible souvenir of your travels.
15. Visit A Flamenco Tablao
Barcelona has a dozen or so amazing flamenco venues, and one of the very best is undoubtedly Tablao Cordobes, located on Las Ramblas. Here you can listen to some of the best flamenco artists in Spain, in their intimate Andalusian-style tablao, and their Spanish cuisine is prepared by renowned chef, Jordi Narro. You can book tickets on Get Your Guide.
16. Fashion Your Own Spanish Footwear
Who knew that a handicraft workshop could prove so much fun? However with the mimosas flowing and charismatic artisans helping you tailor your very own pair of stylish espadrilles (Spanish rope-soled sandals once favoured by Dali and Picasso) this workshop feels like a party as much as an art class. And at the end of the 2 hours you’ll have your own bespoke Spanish footwear to trot around Barcelona in! Tickets available directly from the organisers’ website.
17. Dance the Night Away in Opium
Experience the razzle-dazzle of Barcelona’s epic nightlife on a tour of some of it’s best venues, starting with Mirablau and night views over the entire city and finishing at the legendary Opium club. The tour only runs on weekends during the high season, and is a great way to meet other party people and experience some of the city’s best venues at the same time…
18. Witness Catalan Pride during La Diada
Known in Catalan as the “Diada Nacional de Catalunya”, this festival on September 11th celebrates all things Catalan. Traditionally, it’s a day for cultural events, though they’re often overshadowed by the independence demonstrations and marches held in the city centre by Catalan nationalists in recent years. If you’re fascinated by Catalan independence this is a great opportunity to see politics in action, with people usually gathering around Arc de Triomf. If you’re not, then it’s best to avoid this area as it will be congested, and with a heavy police presence.
19. Head to the Beach!
More often than not, the weather remains great in Barcelona well into September. With the mix of warm temperatures (average 26 degrees Celsius by day) and reduced crowds, as everyone gets back to school and work, there’ll be plenty of space for you to put down your towel in prime sunbathing position. Then all that’s left to do is update your Instagram with sausage legs and a cool glass of sangria. For the lowdown on Barcelona’s urban beaches keep reading.
20. But Be Prepared for a Chance of Rain!
While September is mostly dry, you never know when those four or five days of rainfall (on average) are going to strike. It’s never bad to have a few indoor activities you might like to do just in case. Here’s a list of great museums to get you started, or you could drop in on an escape room – check our favourites.
Even More Autumn Activities…
Still here in October? Then check out more things to do in autumn! We’ve also written the definitive post on how to spend your evenings in Barcelona, from dressing up for the opera to bar hopping around the local barrios.
The Start of Term!
If you’re reading this article because you’re starting university in Barcelona this September, then you might find our list of the best student apartments and dormitories useful.
About the Author
Jessica was born in England and grew up in California before moving to Seville to study Spanish. She now lives here in Barcelona, where she works in communications, studies for her masters and still finds time to update her award-winning blog Barcelona Blonde – as well as being a regular contributor to Barcelona Life!
Sibu
Hey Jessica, I’ll be coming to Barcelona from South Africa on the 15 till the 26 of September really hope there’s Atleast one festival around that time.
Duncan
Hey Sibu
Yes the Festa Major del Poblenou takes place between 9th and 18th Sept in 2022.
Suggest you head down the Rambla del Poblebou in the evening and you should find stuff going on.
Website here, but in Catalan, not user friendly and not yet updated…
https://www.festamajorpoblenou.org/
Cheers
Duncan
Linda
Hi Jessica. Do you do tours? For a family of four? Girls are 14 & 15. Be in Barcelona the first week of September. World schooling this year. We lived in Southern California for a long time
Constanza
Dear Jessica, where do I find dates for these activities/concerts/tours etc to go to Barcelona in September. many tahnks
Duncan
Hey Constanza… if we didn’t mention the date, then you should click on the link we provide to find it.
If there’s a specific event you’re interested in and can’t find the dates for then let us know…