For some people Sunday is the most weird day of the week. Why are we saying this? Because of its mixed feelings: having a whole day ahead to enjoy by yourself, but without being able to stop thinking on the work waiting to be done in the office, the next day (hello, Monday). But since in Americans in Barcelona truly believe in the Carpe Diem religion, we want to help you to focus on enjoying a Sunday in Barcelona. This is why we wrote a list of 14 things to do in Barcelona on a Sunday.
Hike near Barcelona: Collserola
If you are looking to disconnect from the crowded city but don’t want to go too far, Collserola might be a good option. You will get closer to nature in this area, hearing the murmur of the city in the distance.
A ritual before lunch: vermut with friends
Before having lunch, we use to practice this ritual with family or friends: fer el vermut. And this means having what we could call a “mini-lunch” which usually includes olives, crisps, cockles, mussels… all along with a beverage, which can be beer, wine or the traditional “vermut” (the beverage which gives the name to this gastronomic tradition). One of the best things to do on a Sunday in Barcelona if you want to explore the gastronomic culture.
Picnic in a park
Specially if it is a Spring or Summer day, having a picnic in a park might be one of the great things to do in Barcelona on a Sunday. Our suggestions: Park de la Ciutadella or Park Guell, which has a picnic area.
Spend the day in a theme: Park Tibidabo
If you have children (or even if you haven’t) this might be a great plan in Barcelona on a Sunday. Having fun in this amusement park!
Eat tapas for lunch
Among the things to do in Barcelona on Sunday (and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…), eating tapas is definitely one of them. Barcelona is well known for its delighting cuisine. Patatas bravas, pulpo a la gallega, chipirones, calamares a la romana… A wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes.
We will share soon a new post recommending some of the best tapas bar in Barcelona. But for now, we recommend you these two delicious tapas bars in Gràcia neighborhood:
- La Bicicleta: (make sure to try bravas cooked in their unique style. Mouthwatering.)
- La Polleria: traditional tapas that taste delicious: truita de patata de l’Àvia, ensaladilla russa, croquetes… Nice place and yummy tapas.
You can also enjoy some tapas in restaurants located in popular squares in the city, such as Plaça de la Rovira or Plaça de la Vila.
Markets on Sunday
What about visiting city markets in Barcelona on a Sunday? Our two recommendations:
Sant Antoni Sunday market: it is a second-hand market focused on culture (books, music, postcards, comics…), and one of the most emblematic markets in Barcelona.
Palo Alto Market: art and gastronomy are melt in this modern market of emerging artists. It takes place the first weekend of each month in Poblenou neighborhood (Pellaires 30).
A walk by the sea in la Barceloneta
Sometimes you just need to breathe the sea to reenergize yourself and get ready for a new week. In this case, a walk by the sea might be a great plan on a Sunday afternoon. And you can improve it if you get yourself some ice-cream to make it an even sweeter walk.
Paddle surf in la Barceloneta
If you are a sports and sea lover, we have a great plan for you in Barcelona on a Sunday: practising paddle surf in La Barceloneta. If you wake up son enough, you might even see one of the most beautiful sunrises while paddling.
Hike to Montjuic
Hiking to Montjuic mountain is also among the things to do in Barcelona. From its 173 metres high you will see one of the best views of Barcelona! You can also get there by cable car (it departs from the Barcelona port).
Once there, you can enjoy beautiful views from Mirador del migdia, and also have drinks (or even “fer el vermut”) with your family and friends.
Getting lost in Horta labyrinth
Getting lost in a maze is also included on our things to do on a Sunday in Barcelona list. What about experiencing that in Horta labyrinth?
Spend a sunny day in the Barcelona Botanical Garden
If you love flowers and plants, the Barcelona Botanical Garden is a must-visit spot. Why don’t visiting it on a Sunday and afterwards having a picnic in the Montjuic area?
Visit museums (specially if it is the first Sunday of the month)
Did you know that you can visit museums for free in Barcelona the first Sunday of the month? Diving into the Catalan/Spanish culture might be one of the best things to do in Barcelona on a Sunday (specially if it is for free ;))
Daytrip to beautiful coastal villages
You can take advantage of the Sunday and explore beautiful areas beyond Barcelona. For example, a day trip to nice coastal villages which are not that far away from the city. These are some of the villages we recommend you to visit: Sitges or Castelldefels (which are in the Garraf region), or villages in Maresme coast like Sant Pol de Mar.
Sunset from a rooftop terrace
Sunset lovers, this will be probably among your favourite things to do in Barcelona on a Sunday. Enjoying a sunset in the city from a rooftop terrace might be a great plan.
And if it is raining outside and none of these plans sound convincing under the rain, we have your back. Check out the post about What to do in Barcelona on a rainy day.