This post covers the top 10 things to do in Barcelona in November, including evening, free, and family-friendly activities, updated for 2023.
And check out our post on the weather in November.
If you’re looking for even more fun things to do in Barcelona, make sure to check out our posts:
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
This top 10 list contains big concerts, sports, theatre, tours, free activities, and other events to attend in Barcelona during November.
Take a look at our other popular Barcelona posts:
1. Attend a Concert
Barcelona attracts some of the most talented musicians in the world, some of whom are visiting in November.
It also has local musicians who are sure to put on a great show for visitors.
Rock/Pop Concerts
- Madonna Barcelona | November 1st, 2nd
- White White | November 3rd
- Larkin Poe | November 7th
- Bombay Bicycle Club | November 14th
Click here to see additional concerts in Barcelona in November.
Opera/Classical Music/Other
- Beethoven's 9th Symphony | November 9th
- Spanish & Flamenco Guitar at Palau de la Música | Date TBA
Note that you can take a guided or self-guided tour of the stunning Catalan art nouveau Palau de la Música (Palace of Music) concert hall.
Music Festivals
- Barcelona International Jazz Festival | September 18th-December 27th
NOTE: 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.
2. Take a Sightseeing Tour
In November, when the temperatures have cooled down a bit, taking a bus tour is a comfortable way to see a lot of the city without getting chilly.
Many tours are in the hop-on-hop-off style, which means you can jump off at the sights you want to visit and jump back on when you're ready to go to the next stop.
They're also a nice way to get an overview of the city.
You can see other bus tours available to you by reading our detailed post on which Barcelona Bus Tour is best.
If you prefer to explore the city on foot, join us for our pay-what-you-wish guided walking tour of Barcelona.
We also have self-guided tours for your use:
- Self-guided Barcelona Gaudí Tour
- Self-guided Gothic Tour of Barcelona
- Self-guided Barcelona Food Tour
3. Visit Holiday Markets
Christmas is just around the corner so Christmas Markets will soon start popping up in Barcelona in late November and early December.
In addition to Christmas lighting and decor, you might find nativity scenes, Ferris wheels, ice skating, and market stalls that sell winter snacks such as hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
You might also find handicrafts and souvenirs for sale, perfect if you're still looking for the perfect holiday gift.
A few of the more popular markets include:
For even more markets, read this post covering all of the Christmas Markets in Barcelona.
4. Celebrate All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a public holiday in Spain that takes place on November 1st.
There are church services, and cemeteries may stay open longer.
There are also street celebrations where traditional foods like pellets and bonitos are being served.
The play San Juan Tenorio may also be performed throughout the city.
On the night of, there is often a feast in celebration of the day, one that pulls together family and friends around a meal.
The feast is called La Castanyada, which comes from the Catalan name for chestnuts, and castanyes, something served during the feast.
5. See La Sagrada Familia
One building that, sadly, will not be accessible for free during Open House Barcelona, is La Sagrada Familia.
It is, however, well worth buying a ticket to this must-see Barcelona gem.
La Sagrada Familia is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its stunning architecture.
Its architect, Antoni Gaudi, started the church in the 1880s but died ten years later.
The construction is still not done! It is planned to be completed in 2026, which is 144 years after construction began.
Even in a non-peak season like October, you may encounter long lines to enter La Sagrada Familia, so we recommend a skip-the-line ticket.
If you want to see multiple museums, the Barcelona Card is a great option and includes the Picasso Museum.
For more budget-friendly activities, check out our full article on free things to do in Barcelona.
6. Go to a Film Festival
The IN-EDIT film festival returns for its 20th year October and November.
This is part of a network of festivals in a handful of countries, all having to do with music documentaries.
Tickets give you access to screenings, seats at opening and closing galas, and more.
IN-EDIT events take place October 26th-November 4th at Cines MOOBY Aribau Multicines.
For 30 years, the Barcelona Independent Film Festival, l’Alternativa has brought creative and thought-provoking films to the city.
The screenings include works by up-and-coming directors, and there are performances, masterclasses, discussions, and more.
There's an awards ceremony that includes prizes for the best Spanish Film, the Best International Feature Film, and Best International Short.
The festival takes place November 10th-19th at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB).
7. Go to a Sporting Event
European Football (soccer) is quite popular in Spain, and the Barcelona team is aptly named FC Barcelona.
Taking a tour of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's football stadium, would be a fun thing to do for any football fan.
Another football team you might try to get tickets for is RCD Espanyol.
If your interest is in basketball, there's FC Barcelona Basquet, a team that's seen player Pau Gasol go on to become a six-time NBA All-Star.
For more fun ideas, check out our family-friendly section.
8. Attend a Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a traditional Spanish art form that is based on folkloric traditions and combines instrumental music, dance, and song.
There are a number of shows in the city that give you a real sense of the spirit involved in this art form.
- Flamenco Show at City Hall Theatre
- Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
- Los Tarantos Flamenco Show
- Flamenco Show with Dinner at Tablao de Carmen
- Flamenco Show at Palau Dalmases
9. Take a Paella Cooking Class
Paella was traditionally the food of farmers, made with rice and whatever else could be pulled together.
Over time the paella recipe has developed, becoming one of the most popular dishes in the country (and the world, actually).
If you'd like to learn how to cook a traditional seafood version, classes can be found in Barcelona.
In fact, you will go along to buy ingredients at La Boqueria with the chef, tasting tapas along the way, before your paella-making workshop. It's truly a tasty activity!
Of course, you can always find Paella and other delicious foods in restaurants throughout Barcelona.
10. Save Money with an Attraction Discount Pass
One of the easiest ways to save money when you want to see all the sites is by purchasing a discount pass!
They work by bundling admission tickets to take advantage of bulk discounts, which means you can get savings of up to 50% of retail prices.
Attractions Available for Discount Include:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Barcelona Bike Tour
- Camp Nou Tour
- Barcelona Zoo
- L’Aquarium Barcelona
- Picasso Museum
- Park Guell’s Monumental Zone
- Montserrat Morning Tour
- Hard Rock Cafe
If you’re really looking to maximize the time you have in Barcelona, using a tourist pass is the best way to do that.
See our Barcelona Tourist Pass comparison here.
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