10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona In September: A Perfect Late-Summer Escape

An aerial view of the city of Barcelona cathedral - best things to do in Barcelona in September

Barcelona, the liveliest capital of Catalonia in Spain, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world for its architecture, beaches, and culture. Discover the best things to do in Barcelona in September blessed with wide and lively streets, historic landmarks, local cuisine, etc. The Mediterranean climate makes it a destination for almost any time of the year. Barcelona is recognized through FC Barcelona, with Camp Nou serving as a crucial location for soccer fans around the globe. Its public transport system is fantastic, including buses and the metro.

10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona In September

Barcelona offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Barcelona in September:

1. Experience La Mercè Festival

The Mercè Festival: One of the best things to do in Barcelona in September

Photo: Aniol / Wikimedia Commons

La Mercè, the largest festival of Barcelona, is dedicated to the patroness of the city; Our Lady of Mercy (La Mare de Déu de la Mercè). The celebration varies around September 24 and turns the city into a cultural fair with free access for concerts, parades, light projections, and traditional Catalan performance art. The highlight of the festival is the Correfoc, where masked devils and fire-breathing dragons march down the streets amid a huge din of fireworks. Various plazas are set for music and dance performances, closing with the Piromusical atop Montjuïc-Fireworks dancing to music.

Best Spots: Plaça de Sant Jaume, Passeig de Gràcia, Park de la Ciutadella
Entry Fee: Free

2. Marvel At La Sagrada Família

Best things to do in Barcelona in September: Visit the architectural marvel

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

La Sagrada Família, which stands tall as Barcelona’s representative symbol and an artistic extravagance, was designed by Antoni Gaudí. The first stone was laid in 1882, and the dedication to its construction is still being maintained, with the completion being looked for in the coming years. The facades are incredible with their refinement, they have the Nativity, the Passion, and the yet-unfinished Glory—with each facade telling a different biblical story. Within, glorious columns tower like a forest canopy with sunlight beaming through the stained glass windows.

Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: €26, additional fees for tower access

3. Stroll Through Park Güell

Visit Park Güell: One of the best things to do in Barcelona in September

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons

Park Güell, conceived by Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most notable landmarks in Barcelona and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original intention of the site as a luxury residential complex was modified in 1926, and it became a public park. The park is famous for its vivid and bright mosaics, its scenic curves in the paths, and its surreal architecture. In the monumental zone, one finds the widely popular dragon fountain at the entrance, the Hall of Columns with its Doric-style columns, and the serpentine bench at Nature Square, providing breathtaking views of Barcelona.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: €10 for foreigners, free for Barcelona residents

4. Relax On Barceloneta Beach

One of the best things to do in Barcelona in September is to visit the beach

Photo: MARIA ROSA FERRE / Wikimedia Commons

Barceloneta Beach is by far the most iconic and bustling urban beach in Barcelona. While the locale along the Mediterranean Sea was originally used as a fishing village, it was refurbished for the 1992 Olympics and became a high-concentration target of locals and tourists alike. The site is characterized by gold sandy beaches, clear waters, and a long promenade filled with restaurants offering seafood, bars, and street performers. Visiting the adjacent Port Olímpic area for nightlife and dining is also another option for visitors.

Facilities: Showers, sunbeds, sports courts, and bike rentals

5. Visit Montjuïc Magic Fountain

Visiting the magic fountain is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in September

Photo: Ronny Siegel / Wikimedia Commons

The Montjuïc Magic Fountain is undoubtedly one of Barcelona’s best highlights, a spectacular show of moving water, light, and sound. The fountain was built to mark the occasion of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and designed under the hands of engineer Carles Buïgas, featuring more than 3,600 jets of water with a mesmerizing display of choreography whoosh synchronizing their entire dance arrangement with music of all sorts from classics to very modern-day pop. Shows usually take place on particular evenings with vibrant colors illuminating the cascading water.

Show Timings: 9 PM – 10 PM (Thursday to Saturday)
Best Viewing Spot: Steps of MNAC for an elevated perspective

6. Wander The Gothic Quarter

Wander The Gothic Quarter - The interior of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons

The historic center of Barcelona is the adjoining Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), which has ancient roots dating back to Roman time. It is a maze of narrow medieval streets swinging past hidden squares and beautiful Gothic architecture. The Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia) is the crowning jewel, with its wonderful facade and tranquil cloister home to a gaggle of 13 white geese. Along with restaurants and Gaudí-design lampposts, it is the palm-tree-lined square.The quarter also contains El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, and Carrer del Bisbe, famous for its neo-Gothic bridge.

Main Attractions: Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, El Call, Carrer del Bisbe
Entry Fee: Free

7. Enjoy A Rooftop Sunset At Bunkers Del Carmel

 The view from Bunkers del Carmel - Enjoy A Rooftop Sunset At Bunkers Del Carmel

Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons

Bunkers del Carmel is one of the most picturesque points to see the entire panorama of Barcelona and attracts numerous locals and tourists alike. Today, the site is a silent retreat into an open-air viewpoint. Perched upon Turó de la Rovira hill, the 360-degree views extend across the whole city, and there the visitors can see the Sagrada Família, the Torre Glòries, and the Mediterranean Sea. The best time to visit is at sunset since the golden light magically lights up everything in Barcelona. Getting there involves just a short uphill walk from the nearest bus stop.

Accessibility: Short uphill walk from bus stops on Carrer de Mühlberg
Entry Fee: Free

8. Explore Casa Batlló And Casa Milà

Explore Casa Batlló And Casa Milà - image of a view of Casa Mila by Gaudi

Photo: Wen95 / Wikimedia Commons

Antoni Gaudí’s principal architectural masterpieces located on the Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona are Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Casa Batlló, or the House of Bones, has a skeletal appearance. Gaudí redesigned it in 1904 with colorful mosaics, smooth organic shapes, and a roof imagined as a dragon. The interiors continue in the organic spirit of Gaudí with flowing designs, brightly colored stained glass elements, and a light-filled atrium. Casa Milà, on the other hand, is famous for the undulating nature of its stone facade and sculptural chimney pots, giving the impression of a legion of warriors.

Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: €35 (Casa Batlló), €25 (Casa Milà)

9. Discover El Born’s Nightlife

Discover El Born’s Nightlife - image of beautiful buildings of the El Born city

Photo: Fred Romero / Wikimedia Commons

El Born is one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in the city, loaded with eclectic nightlife, storied charm, and a really vivacious mood. The whole area is with chic bars, gourmet lounges, and concert venues, attracting tourists and locals alike. It boasts the well-known Paradiso cocktail bar, whose entrance is ingeniously hidden behind a pastrami shop, and provides cocktails of fanciful engineering amid designer decor. El Xampanyet, a classic cava bar a stone’s throw from the Picasso Museum, has an old-world charm with very affordable sparkling wine and traditional tapas.

Top Bars: Paradiso, El Xampanyet, Dr. Stravinsky

10. Day Trip To Sitges

 The stunning cityscape of Sitges, Spain - best things to do in Barcelona in September

Photo: Werner Lang (Wela49) / Wikimedia Commons

This quaint seaside town located about 40 minutes from Barcelona is famous for its stunning beaches, a beautiful old town, and a bustling cultural environment. Its Mediterranean climate ensures that any day is perfect for a visit-for sun- lying, sightseeing, or bustling restaurant-hopping activities. The town has an even more vibrant character during the world-famous Sitges Film Festival held in October, one of the most famous horror and fantasy film festivals.

Travel Time: 40 minute train from Barcelona-Sants

In the month of September, Barcelona presents an ideal arrangement of cultural fests, architectural sights, nice balconies, and the beach for relaxation. Beaches are kept aflame with warmth, inviting a little time to bask during the Mediterranean for very relaxing moments, while overflowing bars, rooftop terraces, and light shows contribute to a vibrant nightlife. Book your trip with TripXL and experience the best things to do in Barcelona in September, make it into memory forever.

Cover Photo: Ken Cheung / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

It is known for the architecture of Gaudí, historic neighborhoods, beaches of the Mediterranean, and a great scene for food and nightlife.
The airport train, metro, shuttle buses, and taxis provide easy and convenient access to the city center.
Yes, you can explore the city's parks, such as Park Güell, enjoy beach activities, or take part in outdoor festivals.
Costs can differ significantly, but it is still possible for budget travelers to find cheap alternatives.
Yes, the beaches in Barcelona are still pleasant in September, with warm temperatures perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

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