6 Things to do this October in Barcelona
October is a fabulous time to visit Barcelona. With the intense heat of the summer having passed, and swarms of tourists having departed, the city is free to explore. Check out our top 6 recommendations on what to get up to on your visit!
1. Mercat de Mercats
Though it may not be quite warm enough for a swim, temperatures still reach around 23 degrees in October– allowing al-fresco dining to continue way into autumn. Our recommendation? The Mercat de Mercats.
This event is an essential must-see for all you foodies! From the 21st to the 23rd of October, in La Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, just two minutes from Barcelona Cathedral, this event exhibits some of the finest food Barcelona has to offer.
Over the course of a few days, the city’s top chefs and street-vendors gather to share their traditional Catalonian gastronomic offerings. To really get a taste for the city this is surely not one to miss!
2. Oktoberfest
Running from the 5th-16th of October, Oktoberfest will return to Barcelona once again. This huge event is free to enter, serving up delicious food and German beer to wash it down with. There will also be live music and DJs on hand to provide the best entertainment, alongside family activities to enjoy just outside.
3. Festes del Roser
Located on the iconic Las Ramblas in Barcelona, a whole host of events take place on the 7th of October to celebrate the patron saint, Mare de Déu del Roser. This celebration includes music, food and free visits to the street’s attractions such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Wax Museum.
4. 48H Open House Barcelona
This event takes place each October and is the perfect opportunity to take in Barcelona’s impressive architecture. Hundreds of buildings welcome the public in, allowing them to explore the many unique gems the city has to offer.
Buildings such as Casa de les Punxes, Prisión La Modelo, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Fundació Joan Miró, among others, will participate in this event.
5. Dinner with stars
Ending on the 2nd, October is the final month you can visit the Fabra Observatory for an unforgettable dinner with stars. Dinner on the terrace, high above Barcelona’s city skyline, will certainly be a masterclass in fine-dining.
Gastronomic delights are not the only thing on the menu at the Fabra Observatory, with scientific discussion also playing a central role in the evening. Astrophysicists and astronomers alike are among the main speakers there, inviting discussion and food for thought whilst enjoying the tasty hors d’oeuvres at dusk!
After the meal you can expect a guided tour of the museum and the observatory. Most unforgettable of all, the experience allows you to gaze, from one of the oldest telescopes in Europe, at the stars and planets beyond.
6. Sightseeing
With the weather having cooled down, October is a great time to properly see the sights. Whether by bike, bus, or foot, take advantage of the cooler climate and tour the city! The iconic architectural landmark, the Sagrada Familia, for example, is world-renowned for its beauty and therefore generally packed in the summer months. Visiting in October allows you to beat the rush!
So, there you have it! Our top 6 recommendations for what to do in October in gorgeous Barcelona. If you enjoyed this, why not check out our blog on the top 10 attractions to visit in Barcelona?