Has anyone visited Barcelona over Xmas week? How was the weather and what was open? Enjoyed a recent stay in May and can't wait to return!

wunderground.com provides historical weather data.

Thanks, that is a great website. Any thoughts about travelling to this area during Xmas week?

I have been to Barcelona around Christmas. The weather is unpredictable. If it's sunny, it may be warm enough to sit out of doors for lunch, but it will be cold in the evening. Some tourist attractions will be closed, but restaurants and bars will be open, and public transport will be available, even on Christmas Day.

Any website that gives statistics on the weather in the past could be statistically wrong when you are there.
Do you realise that a lot of places right from restaurants and attractions will be closed from around midday the 24th until the morning of the 26th. And then this year the 26th is a Sunday so there are limiting opening times on that day too.

we were in barcelona this past year the week before christmas. flew back to the us on dec 23rd. the city was beautiful. every avenue had lights strung across the streets. the department store el conde ingles was all draped in lights. las ramblas was very slow pretty empty. there were no lines at la segrada familia or the gaudi house. the old city was incredible. an amazing temporary market in front of the church specifically for christmas items. we hit it at a cold spell. i mean cold......30 and 40s maybe highs in the 50's.... the only thing we missed was the gaudi park becasue it rained that day and we couldnt get back..... understand the holiday really starts early on the 24th........ it was interesting to see hos different cultures celebrate and their customs.....ask about papa tio go and enjoy

Thanks for your input. I'd probably arrive on 12/26 and just wander around while adjusting to the time change on that first day. I guess the concierge at the hotel can help me find someplace to eat if it's really a challenge that day.

Hi Stepp,

It sounds like you’ll be in Barcelona at a great time of year!

Yes, the weather may be a little hit and miss in December. The average temperature is around 12oC. However, this is nothing you can’t prepare for.

The great news for you is, as far as restaurants, shops and attractions go, the majority are open during the Christmas period. However, shops are generally closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so you may want to bring a few snacks and essentials with you for the first few days you are here.

In terms of restaurants, there will be some open even on Christmas Day due to the high number of tourists drawn to the city. It is worth looking into where you might like to go in advance and booking as demand is very high. There is a great list online that states which restaurants are officially open during the Christmas period in Barcelona (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...staurants.html). Prices may be higher during this period though. One restaurant which stands out is El Tunel del Port (http://www.eltuneldelport.com/index....inici&idioma=3 ) which has beautiful views of the sea.


There lots of lovely Christmas attractions that you may like to visit. Wonderful Christmas lights can be seen near Plaza Catalunya and la Rambla. Nativity scenes also pop up throughout the city, such as at la Placa Sant Jaume. You may also come across some Catalan Christmas traditions whilst you are here, such as the Caganer and the Tio de Nadal (http://gospain.about.com/od/christma...stmasbarca.htm). You may also like to taste some special Christmas food. Marzipan and nougat is popular at that time of year and there are some good sites which tell you what types of food to expect if you do decide to go to a restaurant when you are here (http://gospain.about.com/od/christma...as_meal_10.htm).

The Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia are often open for much of the Christmas period, including the 26th of December. As mentioned above, you will have the great opportunity to experience these sights without the crowds. However, with all of these attractions and restaurants, it is worth checking the official website before you leave for their opening times so you don’t get caught out.

I hope you have a brilliant Christmas period in Barcelona and please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like anymore advice,

Charlotte (Oh-Barcelona)

Thanks you for your very thoughtful reply!
I stayed at the Hotel Roger de Lluria and loved it but am curious if you have any hotel suggestions?

Hi Stephh,

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help!

As far as hotels go, what sort of price range and area are you looking for? Are there any facilities that are particularly important to you?

Charlotte (Oh-Barcelona)

Looking something central to the sights and can spend about $200/nt, maybe more for a special spot. I do like a larger, upscale hotel that allows the customers their anonymity!

What about January 6? Isn't that also a big holiday?