Barcelona

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Visiting Barcelona in October means cooler weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of local flavor. It’s the perfect time to wander along La Rambla under golden fall foliage or explore Barcelona’s most iconic sights like Park Güell without the usual tourist rush.

Seasonal food markets like La Boqueria offer hearty Catalan dishes, while cultural festivals and events bring the city to life. From catching a football game at Camp Nou to strolling through Poble Espanyol’s recreated Spanish towns, these are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in October to make the most of your trip.

Why go to Barcelona in October?

Barcelona is less crowded in October

Falling within the tourist shoulder season, Barcelona in October is less busy than the height of summer. It’s an ideal time to explore Barcelona’s most iconic attractions, like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, at a more relaxed pace and without the peak season crowds.

The weather in October is more comfortable

The weather in Barcelona in fall is pleasantly mild, with daytime highs in October of around 73 F (23 C) and slightly cooler evenings. It’s a perfect temperature for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and even strolling along Barceloneta Beach.

The leaves change color, even with the Mediterranean climate

Although Barcelona has a mild Mediterranean climate, it still offers a surprisingly vibrant autumnal display. From mid to late October, the city's trees, especially the iconic plane trees lining La Rambla, turn a striking golden yellow, adding to the city’s beauty.

It’s a great time to try seasonal Catalan delicacies

As the weather cools, October is a fantastic time to try tasty Catalan comfort food in Barcelona, such as escudella (a hearty meat stew), panellets (almond sweets for All Saints’ Day), and castanyes (roasted chestnuts) by street vendors. October also marks the tail end of wine harvest season, so it’s a perfect time to try local wines and take day trips to nearby vineyards.

October has many festivals and cultural events

October in Barcelona is packed with cultural events and celebrations. October 12 marks Día de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day, commemorating Columbus' arrival in the New World in 1492. The Sitges Film Festival (early October) showcases horror and fantasy films in the nearby seaside town. Oktoberfest Barcelona is a lively time in the city, with beer, bratwurst, and live music in a festive setting in Plaza Universo. Later in the month, La Castanyada (Catalan Halloween) is a local tradition of celebrating the deceased with seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and almond-based panellets.

What’s the weather like in Barcelona in October?

Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate makes October pleasantly warm and mostly dry, with average daytime highs around 23 C (73 F). It’s cooler in the evenings, so a light jacket is a good idea. Occasional rain showers can happen, but overall, it’s a great month for outdoor activities without the summer heat.

• Average day temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average night temperature: 62 F (17 F)
• Average days of rain: 5
• Average days of sun: 25

Top things to do in Barcelona in October

The best desserts in Barcelona are simple, sweet, and reflect the city’s Catalan roots. From creamy custards to crisp, sugar-dusted pastries, local sweet treats are all about texture and seasonality.

Sample classic crema catalana, a citrus-scented custard topped with burnt sugar. Try mel i mató, a light combo of fresh cheese and honey, or grab a flaky xuixo filled with cream and fried til golden. Around the holidays, look for chewy blocks of turrón or a festive slice of roscón de reyes. If you’re wondering what to eat for dessert in Barcelona, this guide covers the classics worth tasting.

Like with any place, visiting the beautiful city of Barcelona is all about trying new things. There is no better way to do that than by trying the local cuisine. With tapas, it’s all about trying little bites of everything.

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is Barcelona’s oldest and most famous neighborhood, known for its blend of Roman, medieval, and later architectural styles. As its name suggests, its well-preserved Gothic architecture, particularly from the Middle Ages, is what many flock to see here.

Among the narrow, winding streets, you’ll find some of Barcelona’s finest Gothic art and architecture, from frescoes and sculptures to one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.