Vito ValentinettiThe sun-drenched neighborhoods of Barcelona come alive during the summer with lively performances and celebrations happening across the city. The home of Gaudi is filled with architectural wonders along with outstanding museums and beautiful parks. During the day, visitors hit the beach before stuffing themselves with a wide array of amazing meals. After an afternoon nap it’s off to party all night at the various nightspots around the city. If you’re planning to travel to Barcelona this summer, book a few extra days — you won’t be bored.
The following city guide includes:
1. Where to Festival
2. Where to Stay
3. Where to Recover
4. Where to Festival Next
Where to Festival In Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the top music festivals cities in the world and while Primavera Sound grabs most of the international headlines, the city boasts a number of festivals of all sizes.
Read More From Music Festival Wizard:
100 Nights of Summer Photo Gallery: Primavera Sound
100 Nights of Summer: The Scene @ Primavera Sound
This Barcelona institution is a beacon for the entire spectrum of indie rock along with a smattering of entries from just about every other genre of music. Hundreds of bands fill the Parc El Forum along with one-of-a-kind intimate performances throughout the city. Add this music festival mecca to your bucket list immediately.
Read More From Music Festival Wizard:
100 Nights of Summer Photo Gallery: Sonar Festival
The Style @ Barcelona’s Sonar Festival
Since 2002, Sonar has put on more than 50 shows around the world from North America to Asia to South America. The flagship event in Barcelona embodies the event at its core which is to be the “pulse of the current electronic landscape”. During the day, Sonar features outdoor stages along with its own tech conference. At night, the event moves to a massive venue that easily makes this Spain’s largest electronic festival. With its unique format and ever-changing style, Sonar continues to redefine the festival landscape.
Tucked away in the woody reserves of the ancient Masia de Can Parellada just south of Barcelona, this boutique fest has become a welcome addition to the Spanish summer. Bring the kids to chill at The Nest, bring your bike to take a tour of the city of Vilanova, and bring a sense of wonder to enjoy all the art.
More Fests to Check Out in Barcelona:
Barcelona Beach Festival
DGTL Barcelona
Cruilla Barcelona
Where to Stay
While both festivals offer camping, some festies may want some additional creature comforts like warm showers, comfy beds, and the option to sleep in past sunrise. The city of Cluj offers up a wide variety of accommodations sure to make all travelers happy.
Hippest Hotel: Hotel Brummell
With only 20 rooms, this boutique hotel is an urban oasis tucked away in the quieter streets of the city. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor patio, or get a message to find your calm after a night of festivalling. Rate #8 out of 500+ lodging options on TripAdvisor, Hotel Brummell knows how to keep guests happy.
Best No Frills: Hostal Apolo
A simple, no-frills Establishment, Hostal Apolo is located in the hub of the trendy Poble Sec neighborhood. Set back from the more touristy spots of the city, there’s still a plethora of bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy, all within close distance to multiple public transportation options and the beach.
Best for Budget: HostelBCN
Another one of our top picks, also in the Poble Sec neighborhood, we like this hostel’s location and friendly community room vibe. It features laundry, a kitchen, and a bar — all very helpful when traveling the world for music festivals.
Where to Recover
Patchwork Concept Bar
Excellent for people-watching, the Patchwork Concept Bar is a chill place to warm up with a few morning cocktails. Excellent coffee and snacks are also on the menu.
Nomad Coffee
Cafe espressos are fine for waking up, but the serious coffee addict will want to track down Nomad, one of Barcelona’s best roasters.
The Juice House
Fresh cold-pressed vegetable or fruit juice is the cure for what ails you. The Juice House in Sant Antoni will refresh your body with tasty lemonades, smoothies, and cocktails.
Where to Festival Next
You’re in luck because Spain is packed with summertime festivals. Check out Mad Cool in Madrid, FIB which takes place on the beach, and Mallorca Live which is a ferry trip away. Over the border in France, you’ll find This is Not a Love Song and Festival de Nimes are easy to reach and Portugal with NOS Alive and Super Bock Super Rock is a short plane ride away.
