Places to Stay Cool This Summer in Barcelona
As the summer sun is coming to Barcelona, the city’s vibrant streets can become warm and bustling. Yet, amidst the lively energy, there are hidden gems where you can escape the sweltering temperatures. Picture yourself relaxing under the shade of trees in lush parks, sipping a cold drink at a seaside terrace with the gentle sea breeze, or unwinding in air-conditioned spaces perfect for ultimate comfort. Barcelona offers an array of spots to help you escape the summer heat and enjoy the city in a refreshingly different way.
Cool Spots
Nova Icaria Beach
If you’re looking to get away from the crowded Barceloneta shore and wander down to a quieter Barcelona beach spot, Nova Icaria is a great local choice. Located in the Poblenou area next to Port Olympic, Nova Icaria is the perfect summer spot for volleyball, tanning, walking and dips in the cool Barcelona water. You can also grab a drink at one of the many Chiringuito Beach bars there.
Location: Passeig Marítim de la Nova Icària, 60, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro: Bogatell (L4)
Parc de la Ciutadella
Located near El Born, Parc de la Ciutadella is a cool summer spot to sit in the shade with a good book and a view. With over 40 acres of lush greenery, this space is known as Barcelona’s “green lung.” There’s a small lake within the park where visitors can take a rowboat out onto the water. We recommend packing a picnic and enjoying the day lounging on the grass. The park also contains Barcelona’s zoo, but that’s perhaps one for those slightly less warm days.
Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro: Arc de Triomf (L1)
La Boqueria
Keeping cool this summer in Barcelona is easy with refreshing fruit and snacks in the city’s famous market, La Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria). A walk through this classic spot piques the senses. Bright fresh fruits, juices, candies and snacks fill the tightly packed public market. Located off Las Ramblas, this is one for your Barcelona bucket list and a good place to have a smoothie and cool off after walking in the hot Barcelona summer sun.
Location: La Rambla, 91, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro: Liceu (L3)
Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta
If you prefer a dip in the pool to stay cool this summer, Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta has just what you’re looking for. Located near Sant Sebastià, the club features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a restaurant. There are other public pools in Barcelona, too.
Location: Plaça del Mar, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
How to Get There: Metro: Pla de Palau – Metro Barceloneta (N0)
Illa Fantasia
Slide into a fun summer activity with Illa Fantasia waterpark. With 22 slides and 3 large swimming pools, this day trip is sure to keep the whole family cool this summer. Tickets are 31€ for adults and 19€ for children.
Location: Finca Mas Brassó, s/n, 08339 Vilassar de Dalt, Barcelona
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park
This Tarragona aquatic park is 50,000 m² of cool summer fun. The whole family can enjoy slides, the Mad River, and Paradise Beach. Tickets are 29 € for adults and 25 € for kids. There is also a PortAventura theme park.
Location: Av. Pere Molas, s/n, 43480 Vila-seca, Tarragona
Cool Eats & Drinks
Makamaka
Makamaka Beach Burger Café is a favourite with both locals and visitors alike, with excellent reviews across Yelp, Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google. Located just off the Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches, this burger joint is loved for its laid-back beach style and food. We recommend the garlic & parmesan fries along with a 21€ pitcher of cava sangria, Yum!
Location: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 76, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona
How to get there: Bus: Pg Joan de Borbó – Pepe Rubianes (V15, V19, N24)
Icebarcelona
Still not cool enough? How about a drink at -5ºC (20ºF)? If you’re looking for a unique Barcelona summer activity, try the first beachside ice bar in the world. Between noon and 3 am, guests are provided with a jacket, gloves and a drink for 19€.
Location: Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 38A, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro: Ciutadella Vila Olímpica (L4)
Pez Vela
If you’re looking for a place to get a beachside cocktail, try Pez Vela. This chiringuito below Hotel W gives a fancy flair to the beach bar ambience of most chiringuitos. Featuring a view of Barceloneta, this spot offers high-quality meals, drinks and snacks.
Location: Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona
How to get there: Bus: Pg Joan de Borbó – Pl del Mar (V15, V19, N24)
Vai Moana
The beach bar convenience may be pricey, but the view of the Mediterranean will make up for it. Vai Moana is situated with a view of Platja de Bogatell. They serve delicious cuisine, and the chilled-out music makes this a great place to sit back and cool off.
Location: Av. del Litoral, s/n, Q2, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
How to get there: Bus: Pg. Calvell – Rambla del Poblenou (H16, N28, V27)
Cool Treats
Gelaaati di Marco
A classic way to keep cool this summer is with a cold cone of artisanal gelato. Boasting their authentic Italian taste, these ice creams are made fresh every day by master Marco Di Consiglio. With over 25 flavours to choose from, this is one of the best ways to cool off after a day of Barcelona’s summer activities.
Location: Carrer de la Llibreteria, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona.
How to get there: Metro: Jaume I (L4)
Amorino
For a highly rated artisanal gelato carefully shaped into an Insta-worthy flower, try Amorino. With a few locations across Barcelona, this ice cream shop has become a summer cool-down favourite amongst visitors to the city. The store offers a variety of flavours along with options like crepes, waffles and sorbet drinks.
Location: Carrer de la Portaferrissa, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro: Liceu (L3)
No matter how hot the summer sun gets in Barcelona, there’s always a way to stay cool and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From the relaxing parks and beaches to the unique spots like ice bars and seaside terraces, Barcelona offers a variety of cool places where you can unwind and refresh. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, a relaxing drink, or a sweet treat, the city has something to offer everyone during the summer heat. So, make the most of the sunny days and explore these hidden gems to experience Barcelona in a cool, enjoyable way!
