This post covers the top 10 things to do in Barcelona in January.
We include evening, free, as well as family-friendly activities.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
This top 10 list has concerts, football games, tours, and other fun things to do this month in Barcelona.
If you’re looking for even more fun things to do, make sure to check our other popular Barcelona posts:
1. Take a Sightseeing Tour
The weather will be a bit chilly in the first month of the year, so taking a bus tour of Barcelona is one of the best ways to see the city.
You can enjoy the commentary about popular attractions from the shelter of the bus. City Sightseeing Barcelona is one of the more well-known names to operate in the area.
Taking a cable car ride up Montjuic is also a popular way to get a bird’s eye view of Barcelona.
Of course, we recommend pay-what-you-like walking tours through the city centre to really help you get to know Barcelona.
2. Attend a Sporting Event
Sports fans can find a few home games in and close to the Barcelona area in January.
The city’s football (soccer) teams will both be competing.
Football
Taking a tour of the Camp Nou football stadium is a great idea for any football fan, and a hit with the kids!
They’ll get to see behind the scenes.
Basketball
Other
- Gran Premio de España 2023 (Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix)
Click here to find all games and events in Barcelona in January.
For more fun ideas, check out our family-friendly post.
3. See the Lights of Sant Pau
Every holiday season, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau puts on a special lighting display, Els Illums de Sant Pau.
This year's theme is L'Univers de la Llum, which "delves into the mysteries of the cosmos: galaxies, stars, planets".
This light show will be available to experience until January 15th, 2023, and tickets can be purchased here.
If you're also interested in entering this historic Art Nouveau landmark, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, tickets are available for just €16.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
You can also get free admission to Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau itself by using a Barcelona Tourist Pass.
4. See a Limited Museum Exhibition
There are some unique and interesting exhibits that will be leaving Barcelona museums in the next few months.
This means that this is one of your last opportunities to see them.
The Espai Volart is hosting an exhibit focusing on the artist Luis Marsans, and his works relating to Proust.
This runs until January 15, 2023.
The CaixaForum Barcelona is putting on "Comic. Dreams and History". This runs until January 15th.
Other events can be found here.
Admission to at least one of these museums is entirely free with a Barcelona tourist pass.
Tickets to the museum can be found on discount passes such as: Explorer Go City | All Inclusive Go City | Barcelona Card.
5. See a Concert or Show
January is a quiet time in Barcelona, but there are a events that you might want to experience.
Concerts
- Amaia Romero | January 21st, 29th
- The Kooks | January 27th
Shows
- Cirque Du Soleil: Crystal | January 12th - 22nd
And if you’re looking for other ways to spend an evening in the city, take a look at our full post on nighttime activities in Barcelona.
6. Admire the Traditional Local Dance
Who hasn’t heard of Flamenco dancing?
With the lavish dresses and costumes to the skilled flourishes of the dancers, this local dance tradition lives on with fun performances at the beautiful Palacio del Flamenco.
You’ll be treated to live music in a cozy venue. This means you’ll be up close to the dancers and able to see everything!
Note that tickets to a flamenco show are included on some discount passes as well such as the Explorer Go City.
If you're looking for more evening things to do, check out our full post.
7. Experience Local Cuisine
January in Barcelona will be a bit chilly, which is the perfect time to jump from restaurant to restaurant and bar to bar on your search for the best tapas in the city.
We recommend going on a tapas tasting tour with a local guide helping you in your search.
If you strike out on your own, there are still a few bars in the area that participate in the tradition of offering free tapas with your purchase of a drink during specific evening hours:
8. The Three Kings Parade
On January 6, 2023, you can help ring in the new year and close out the holiday season with the Three Kings Parade on the evening before Epiphany.
The Three Kings - or wise men, in the English Bible story - arrive on a ship and are given the keys to the city for the night. Traditionally, the Three Kings bring gifts to the kids.
You can see the ship arrive at Port Vell, at Moll de Las Fusta dock, around 16:00 (4:00 pm).
There will be a parade making its way through town, usually starting just after 6:00 PM from Ciutadella Park.
For more free activities, check out our full post.
9. UNCONIFRMED: Els Tres Tombs Festival and Parade
Barcelona neighborhoods take turns putting on their own festivals throughout the year, and this one has been around since the 15th century..
This January, you can make your way to the Sant Antoni neighborhood on the last Sunday of the month to see some entertaining festival participation.
Back then, farmers brought their animals to be blessed. In the modern day, locals bring their pets to be blessed.
A parade also takes place, with horse drawn carriages and folks on horseback.
Kids and animal-lovers will love and be especially entertained by these festivities, which also include live music and dancing.
Find more free entertainment and family-friendly activities in Barcelona here.
10. Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Explore as much of Barcelona as possible for less when you purchase a discount pass.
These passes bundle admission tickets to give you savings of up to 50% on regular retail pricing.
Attractions Available for Discount Include:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Barcelona Bike Tour
- Barcelona Zoo
- L’Aquarium Barcelona
- Picasso Museum
- Park Guell’s Monumental Zone
- Montserrat Morning Tour
If you’re really looking to save the time and money you have in Barcelona, using a tourist pass is the best way to do that.
See our Barcelona Tourist Pass comparison here.
If you've already decided which discount pass you want, you can purchase one here: Explorer Go City | All Inclusive Go City | Barcelona Card | Turbopass Barcelona.
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