Got a case of the winter blues? A fantastic way to snap out that seasonal funk is by visiting the fabulous city of Barcelona. Notorious for being a holiday spot during the summer months, Barcelona also has plenty to offer at this time of year. What’s more, the flights are cheap and the place isn’t heaving with tourists (make the most of it whilst it lasts!). We understand that it can be slightly overwhelming deciding how to make the most of your trip to the Catalan capital so we’ve recommended the best things to do, so you can make the most of your visit to Barcelona in winter.
A Day Trip to Masella
This fantastic ski resort is conveniently located 140km from Barcelona, making it the perfect winter spot if you’re looking to venture outside the city. Its 64 slopes cover 74km of downhill runs, of all different levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll undoubtedly have the time of your life here at Masella.
Welcoming both skiers and snowboarders, it has a school for both, offering everything from private to group classes. For all you dare devils out there looking for some nighttime fun, thirteen of the pistes are illuminated at night, allowing you to have the most incredible experience skiing under the stars.
Enjoy the stunning scenery from one of the many restaurants and bars located throughout the resort for a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. ‘Restaurant del Pla de Masella’ serves authentic Catalan cuisine or if you’re eating on the go, there are several cafes and bars where you can buy freshly made sandwiches and snacks. When its time for some après ski fun, your best bet is to head to the popular restaurant ‘Chill Out’, which is a great place for boozing and relaxing!
Shop ‘til you drop…Indoors!
If you’re fed up of traipsing around Barcelona in the cold and ready to run retail riot, try one of the many indoor retail complexes located throughout the city – perfect Barcelona winter activity. Diagonal Mar, L’illa Diagonal, Maremagnum and Las Arenas are amongst some of the city’s favourite places to enjoy a top class shopping experience.
Housing all your favourite brands including Zara, H&M, Desigual and more, they also have restaurants, bars, museums, cinemas and even children’s playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained. Take advantage of those winter sales and stock up on plenty of winter warmers that’ll see you through the rest of the season. And after a hard day shopping, indulge yourself in a warming hot chocolate- it’d be rude not to!
Snow Tubing at Grandvalira
Not much of a skier or snowboarder? It’s not for everyone! A great alternative is snow tubing – it’s like sledging, only easier. Whether you’re 7 or 70, it’s the ideal winter activity just outside Barcelona for the entire family to get involved in, and where better to do it than the beautiful Grandvalira ski resort in Andorra? Theres nothing like the thrill of totally letting loose whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the snowy mountains. If you haven’t done it before, you’re in for a real treat, and rest assured, no special skills or prior experience is necessary.
For more information about how to get there, check out their website: www.grandvalira.com
Barcelona Bus Tours
Like anywhere, winter in Barcelona can get chilly. So, instead of braving the cold and battling with a map as you uncontrollably shiver, why not enjoy Barcelona’s main tourist sights in the cosy warmth of a bus. Several companies offer comprehensive guided tours of the city allowing you to hop on or hop off whenever you fancy. Most companies provide different routes depending on your area of interest, with free Wi-Fi, and audio guides in multiple languages. Who’d of thought hey, see the whole city without even having to stand up!
You can get a discount for this if you book your accomodation with Apartment Barcelona.
Spend the evening at a Flamenco Show
You don’t want to be cooped up on a on a glorious winter evening, so now’s the time to enjoy a truly sensational flamenco production. Flamenco may have originated in Andalusia but this doesn’t mean that Barcelona doesn’t know how to put on one hell of a show! Enjoy a quintessential Spanish experience with a night full of passionate music, invigorating dancing and swirling skirts – perfect winter activity in Barcelona.
There are several theatres located throughout the city hosting flamenco shows, so double check online what’s on and where during your visit to Barcelona. We recommend BarcelonaYFlamenco’s Opera y Flamenco show and Gran Gala Flamenco show.
If you stay with Apartment Barcelona, we will offer you a discount for the Flamenco show.
Ice Skating
Enjoy an afternoon of skating fun at Barcelona’s most emblematic ice rink. If you discover a real passion for skating, they also have a skating school so you can become a pro on the ice! Prices can vary but the entrance free plus the rental cost for skates is 13,40€ for a member of the public.
For more information about how to get there, check out their website: www.fcbarcelona.com
Tapas Cookery Class
If you want a first hand insight into Spanish culture, a great first step is learning how to make authentic tapas dishes. And what’s more, it’s a great thing to do in winter in Barcelona as it’ll keep you out the cold for a few hours and that’s an incentive in itself! Tapas, generally speaking, includes fresh ingredients and bold flavours- nothing pretentious or fancy- making it easy to recreate at home. So if you’re interested in learning how to make the perfect Patatas bravas, sign yourself up for one of the many tapas cookery classes offered in the city. Food Wine Tours hosts an excellent hands-on cooking class accompanied by excellent wines and a trip to the Boqueria market.
You will receieve a discount for a tapas cookery class if you choose to stay with Apartment Barcelona.
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