Things to do in Barcelona in Autumn 2021.
I have already written about many advantages of living in Barcelona. There is another quite essential one - constant absorption of the vitamin D.
There are only 2 seasons here: summer and winter. Well, it never really snows, but it does get quite cold from December to February. Nevertheless, even with low temperatures, the sun is almost always out. This is what keeps us happier throughout the year. Fortunately, the hot times last much longer and there is something else between those seasons.
For me, the real date for the end of summer is Halloween. This is when I hide my shorts and crop tops in the bottom of the wardrobe in favour of sweaters and long pants. Then, until Christmas time, there is this lovely period of the tree leaves falling, that some may call - Autumn.
So...When October ends, is there actually anything to do in the city?
Quick autumn guide to Barcelona (a.k.a what to do while you wait for next summer)
Take a walk!
The beach season is over but you can still chill in the sun, lying on pareo. Just maybe put something warm on. This is a perfect time for those stylish eco-leather jackets. I like autumn's fashion because you can wear many layers and adapt to the temperature that changes drastically throughout the day. It’s not stuffy anymore, the air is not so thick and the UV factor is not so dangerous, so finally the sun becomes enjoyable again.
Also, the streets are more empty and an annoying crowds of tourists are back home.
Before the cold times come, take a walk to the places where you just wouldn’t go when it’s too hot outside.
Examples:
Parc de Joan Miro in Sants, close to Plaza España. There, you can lie down on the grass with the book, maybe grab a coffee while watching kids play in the playground, or just admire a Miro’s statue and its reflection in the water. Good spot for doing yoga as well.
Different gardens in Montjuic. For example Jardí Botànic where you can travel around the world (of flora).
Pedralbes park, where sometimes amazing events take place, can be also good for a relaxing walk. Enjoy this lovely garden with the palace and watch cute little geese in the pond.
Rose garden in Parc de Cervantes with thousands of different kinds of plants.
To add more autumn vibe to those city-strolls, get some hot castañas (roasted chestnuts) in the newspaper cone and you're ready to go. The smokey stalls selling those typical Spanish snacks are everywhere!
Go out! Parties are back.
Summer is the party season. This is when big festivals with good DJs, beach parties, day banters happen and the possibilities are just endless... But since 2020, things have been different.
Let’s not forget that the pandemic is still going on and we should remain concerned and careful at all times...But finally, the nightlife is back! All the clubs are now reopened and host promising events.
I am delighted by the fact that Brunch in the city returns on the 7th of November and this is just the beginning! Check out more events here:
Remember though, most of the venues now require presenting covid passport at the entrance.
Get more (cool)tured!
Here I am referring to culture, of course! Because culture is cool, isn't it? And autumn is a good time to catch up with it a little bit.
I wrote about some museums already in my post (check 10 Reasons why it is worth to live in Barcelona), but now I can encourage you even more, to spend your time with art.
The hottest topic of the month is the opening of a new modern art gallery - Moco Museum with stunning pieces of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst or Guillermo Lorca.
Don't miss what everyone is talking about: https://mocomuseum.com/moco-museum-barcelona-en/.
photo source: @mocomuseum
TIP! If you are a resident of Barcelona with a valid NIE, you are eligible for some discounts and even free admissions to some of the cultural centres in the city.
More info here! -> https://www.barcelona.cat/gaudirmes/en/.
Or maybe you wish to create some art by yourself, while having fun? Why not drink wine and paint? This amazing concept is now live in Barcelona: https://artwine.es/?lang=en. Why won't you give it a try?
photo source: @artandwinebcn
Let's go get cooltured!
Just be lazy!
Ok, we've done some parting, some culturing and now it's time to cool down.
Hot summer days at the beach turn into cold, lazy Sundays on the sofa accompanied by Netflix. Have you already seen Squid Game or the newest season of YOU?
My other series recommendations for Autumn:
Servant (on AppleTv) - twisted psychological thriller with some black humour.
Defending Jacob (AppleTv) - crime drama with Chris Evans.
The Morning Show (AppleTv) - Jenniffer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon show the true face od television.
Love Life (HBO) - Anna Kendrick talks about relationships and friendships.
Big Little Lies (HBO) - starred by the stars, beautifully done crime drama.
Mare of Easttown (HBO) - Kate Winslet, as a tough detective digs for truth about the murder in the town.
The Outsider (HBO) - Stephen's King adaptation of the mystery where nothing is what it seems.
Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan (Netflix) - documentary about criminal with multiple personality disorder, or maybe just a con man?
The Stranger (Netflix) - binge-worthy thriller about families and secrets.
Lucifer (Netflix) - Crime comedy/drama from Heaven and Hell.
The Bold Type (Netflix) - New age"Sex & The City".
Do you know any more or maybe a good movie? Leave the comment!
The dropping temperature outside is a good excuse for laziness. You don't need to feel guilty for staying in on the weekends. And don't be ashamed for becoming a blanket burrito - it's almost winter, you deserve it!
With all that said, we know now that Autumn, even if it's just a short period of transition between winter and summer, can be enjoyable!
Autumn smells like candies (leftovers after Halloween) and chestnuts, but it also pleases the eyes with the colours of the trees. It affects all the senses in a good way.
Oh, and God bless Autumn for sending mosquitos back to where (the hell) they belong!
Now, once the Christmas decorations are out, we know that -
Winter is coming...
Thanks for all recommendations! I love Autumn as well ❤️