Your personal to do list this summer in Barcelona

Whether its January or July, you will always be able to stumble upon something unique  happening in Barcelona.  But like most places, it oozes its coolness and shines most in the months from April to September. Any given day you step outside you are bound to find yourself sipping on a vermut in a neighborhood festival or following your feet to thumping electronic beats high on a hillside.  The amount of things to do and places to see in the city reaches levels of frustration for those of us trying to see it all during our vacations, but guys, that’s where I come in.  Here I´ve gathered up the best things the city has to offer during the warm spring and summer seasons.

 

1. Brunch electronic

 

 

The deep house and electronic music scene is thumping its way into the mainstream more and more. If you go to any roof top terrace or disco in Europe you are bound to be jamming to these beats. The difference about Brunch electronic is the venue. It takes place in Poble Espanyol, a hugely underrated Barcelona attraction in itself.  I like to compare Poble Espanyol to the Epcot of Spanish provinces, and during Brunch Electronik the stage is set up in the middle of a quintessential Spanish plaza. Enjoy some sun and cold cañas as you watch tourists trip out to these smooth beats.

2. Rooftop terraces

Get a glimpse of Barcelona from all angles on the rooftop of Barcelo Raval.

If you come to Barcelona between May and October, DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING A ROOFTOP TERRACE. As far as I know, they are all open to the public, (only one I have been to has had a minimum purchase of 18 euros…ouch, Mandarian Oriental), and lots have events and DJs during the week and on Sundays. Check into brunches offered on Sundays as well!

–Hotel Central SkyBar

–Barcelo Raval 360

–Hotel 1898

–Hotel Emilia

–Hotel DO Plaza Reial

–Hotel Omm

–Hotel Pulitzer

–W Hotel

 

3. Have an alternative day at the beach

 

Get away from the crowds and people offering sketchy mojitos and massages, and hit the water paddlesurfing. It’s relaxing but a great work out at the same time and gives you a perspective of the Barceloneta that you never expected. There are tons of companies but I recommend Ungravity Surf company. They will get you ready to go with a guide and all the equipment you need for 20 euros for an hour and a half.

 

4. Go to an outdoor movie next to a 400-year-old castle

Cine al fresco is….how do I put this…THE COOLEST. Every summer from June to August they show some of the best movies of all time against the wall of the Castle of Mont Juic. You can rent a chair and buy food and drinks from the food trucks or bring your own blanket and picnic to enjoy the show. Check out this summer’s line up, it’s FIRE.

5. See your favorite band in the royal gardens

The Gardens of Pedralbes are some of the most beautiful gardens the city has to offer. Add to that the magic of a warm Barcelona night, a glass of Rioja, and your favorite band…you’ve got a little slice of heaven. This year boasts the likes of the Beach Boys, Ludovido Einaudi, Belle and Sebastian, Birdy, and STING. Check out the lineup and get your tickets here!

6. Listen to music in parks for free

From June to August there are free jazz concerts all over the small parks and courtyards in the city with Musica als Parcs. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine, and some brie. Its time to get classy.

7. From market to market

Spring and summer are overflowing with cool clothing markets and foodie festivals in and around Barcelona. Check out the following while you’re here:

–Mercat Antic

–Palo Alto Market (and check out what a day at Palo Alto looks like here!

–Los Tilos market

–Eat Street Festival

–Sound Eat Festival

 

8. See Gaudi from a different point of view

What can we learn from these pictures? I put strawberry candy in my cava and I’m clearly hilarious.

During the spring and summer months, both Casa Batlló and Casa Mila have rooftop terrace events that you can attend. The price tag isn’t cheap but 39 euros includes entrance to the houses, two drinks on the terrace, and the concert on the roof as well. BONUS–if you are a resident in Barcelona you can get your tickets at HALF PRICE! Certainly not an everyday experience but certainly worth a trip even if you are only here for a short visit.

9. Give your lungs a break

Its no surprise that Barcelona’s air can be a little bit…chokey? Air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution…unfortunately they come with the big city territory. But do you and your lungs a favor and head up to the Jardins de Laribal. They are off to the right when you climb the steps to see the Museum of Catalan Art, or perhaps see the magic fountain from up above. Try taking a stroll around 8 or 9, as the sun is starting to dip and drowning Barcelona in a dreamy golden glow, and allow yourself to literally smell the roses. Or in this case jazzzzzzmin!

10. Get yourself to a world-renown music festival

Barcelona is a hot spot for summer music festivals, most of them being focused on techno and deep house, but others are more eclectic.

Primavera Sound– May 31st-June 4th, 2017

Mix of sounds and music styles from artists like Bon Inver, Death Cab for Cutie, Patti Smith, The National, Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, and the Arcade Fire. Check out this year’s line up!

Sónar– June 15-17, 2017

A huge three day festival celebrating music and creativity. There are various spaces around the city hosting events ranging from music to design. The artists are more house-deep house based. Not too commercial. If you enjoy the music but not the crazy atmosphere, I recommend going for the Day pass. The environment is really laid back and a lot of fun. We went to a concert at the Monasterio of Poble Espanyol and it was the perfect mix of gothic architecture with modern music.

Barcelona Beach festival– July 16th, 2017

A more commerical house festival, right on the beach. This year offering artists like Armin Vanburen, Axwell Ingrosso, Martin Garrix, Kygo, Hardwell, Lost Frequencies, and more. Pretty much all your summer jams on one stage.

It isn’t a music festival without a crop top and flower crown.

Cruilla Music Festival– July 7th-9th, 2017

This is probably the most eclectic festival of them all. This year boasts acts from Two Door Cinema Club, The Prodigy, THE LUMINEERS, (I am just reading this now and cursing my family for coming during these dates), Ani DiFranco, and Txarango. Yowza.

There you have it, guys! Whatever you do this summer in Barcelona, just go MILK IT!

Have you been to Barcelona? Anything you loved about it during the summer that I missed? Share it with us in the comments below!