Barcelona on Sunday
 

We will have 4 or 5 days in Barcelona in April, and are trying to decide whether to the leave early on Sunday, or later in the day. We've learned the hard way that in some cities, Sunday doesn't have much going on so I thought I'd ask here. I think most museums are open on Sunday but what about shops, restaurants, etc.? Thanks for your help.

In general, shops are closed on sundays in Catalunya.

Most tourist-oriented shops in the Old Town (Barri Gotic and Born) are open. But it's more hit and miss which ones are open or closed.

If you are looking for regular shops, the Maremagnum mall in Port Vell is open on sundays. You will find the usual mix of stores there.

If you don't mind a bit corny and quaint, the Poble Espanyol also has lots of stores and shops with souvenirs, crafts & foodstuff from each region of Spain that the respective part of the Poble Espanyol represents.

Restaurants are no problem IME. You can't starve in Barcelona.

We were in Barcelona on a Sunday in October, & restaurants are open. We also did sightseeing on Sunday. The Gaudi sites will be open, such as Casa Battlo, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila & Parc Guell.

Be sure to go to the Cathedral and watch the traditional Catalan dance La Sardana. You can join in.

Thanks for your help. Unfortunately, it seems that the traditional dance outside the Cathedral is done later in the afternoon, and we'll have left by then.

On Saturdays La Sardana starts around 6 PM but on Sunday, I always thought, the dancing started at around noon.