We love nothing more than spending a relaxing Sunday in Barcelona. There’s a certain tranquility in the air on the one day of the week that Barcelona finally slows down!
Photo Credit: Misty Barker Text Overlay: Devour Barcelona Food Tours
When visitors to Barcelona realize there is a law that obligates most shops to close on both Sundays and public holidays, they panic! But for locals, this is the perfect opportunity to slow down and truly enjoy the city. Forget the shops—there are so many other fantastic things to do in Barcelona! Here are our top 5 things to do on a Sunday in Barcelona!
Re-energize yourself
The best thing about a Sunday in Barcelona is, of course, a lazy and relaxed breakfast! What better way to energize yourself for the perfect Sunday than to fill up on some of our favorite Spanish breakfast treats? For some of the best churros the city, visit the emblematic Xurreria, hidden on a beautiful winding street in the center of the Gothic quarter. We love them served with a delicious thick, hot chocolate that’s perfect for dunking! It’s an ideal way to start a Sunday in Barcelona! Of course, if churros aren’t your thing, Barcelona is home to many great brunch spots, too!
Local’s Tip: Want to know how to do breakfast like a local while in Barcelona? Let our lovely guide Victoria tell you how!
Enjoy the Catalan culture
The Gothic Quarter is one of the most beautiful and charming neighborhoods in the city. Its winding medieval streets are filled with trendy bars, Catalan restaurants and artisan shops. There are also many peaceful squares, or plaças, where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. Wander past the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral at around noon to catch a glimpse of locals dancing the traditional Catalan dance, the Sardana. This delicate dance is accompanied by traditional instruments played by a Cobla or a Sardana band. This is something truly not to miss when in Barcelona on a Sunday!
Hit the beach
The beach never closes and is the perfect place to spend a few hours at any time of the year! Why not head outside of the city and explore some of the quieter sandy shores? We love the old fisherman’s neighborhood of Barceloneta. Take a walk along the water’s edge, and stop for some freshly cooked paella in one of the many family-run restaurants dotted throughout the neighborhood.
Visit some of the best museums and tourist attractions
One of the very best days of the week to visit any of our many tourist attractions and museums in the city is on a Sunday in Barcelona. All of the Gaudí’s sites are open on Sundays, which means you can wander around Park Güell at your leisure, gape in awe at the Sagrada Familia and explore the beauty of the Casa Batlló. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city on the first Sunday of the month, take full advantage of free or discounted museum tickets and hit up a few before they close mid-afternoon. Everything is better when it’s free, right?
Don’t go hungry on a Sunday
Of course, there are so many other things you can do in Barcelona on a Sunday or any other day for that matter! The list is truly endless! Obviously, we have two favorite things to do in particular—eating and drinking of course! In such a busy city, there are always so many great places to eat and drink, and Sundays are no exception! Check out this list of some of our favorite places to chow down on some delicious Spanish and Catalan food.
Picnic in the park
What’s better than a picnic in a beautiful park? We love Parc Ciutadella in El Born—a beautiful open space with so many interesting and fun things happening from morning until evening! From acrobats and local musicians to magicians entertaining the crowds, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday in Barcelona. When you’ve relaxed enough, wander through the labyrinth streets of the Born neighborhood, and soak up some of the relaxed Sunday vibes in one of its many squares.