5 Good reasons to visit Barcelona in April or May
In April and May, the trees are all in blossom, adding to Barcelona‘s already considerable charm. This is a great time of year to wander the city’s streets. If you’re still wondering whether or not to spend your spring holidays in Barcelona, here are 5 other things to help make up your mind.
Discover seasonal food and traditions
Sant Jordi’s Day: a traditional festival in April
If you want to discover a specifically Catalan tradition, head to Barcelona on 23rd April: Sant Jordi’s Day. This festival is a celebration of both literature and love, and the locals give books and/or roses to loved ones. The city is filled with flowers, and it’s quite something to behold!
To find out more about this lovely tradition, read our article: The Sant Jordi festival in Barcelona, a literary, flower-filled 23rd of April.
Rich and varied local specialities
In Barcelona, there are plenty of culinary specialties around at Easter time. Before Easter itself, you’ll find bunyols de quaresme (Lent fritters), followed, later, by tortell de rams and mona de pascua (seriously festive cakes), or torrijas (a sort of French toast).
If you’re watching your weight, this is strawberry season – you’ll find excellent ones at any of Barcelona’s markets.
If you’re more into savoury treats, try the artichokes and asparagus which are in season now, fried or grilled in the local style. You’ll also want to look out for espínacs a la catalana, a tasty mix of spinach, bacon, pinenuts and raisins.
Go for a ride
Spring is the perfect time for cycling around Barcelona.
If you prefer to take it easy, why not try exploring Barcelona by electric bike? A practical and enjoyable way of discovering the main tourist sites, with the Spring breezes in your hair…
For a truly glamourous option, we recommend Vesping: discover Barcelona by Vespa.
The guitars, the guitars…
The musical life of Barcelona really takes off during the Easter Holidays. The Guitar Festival BCN is a great opportunity to enjoy concerts in a variety of styles, all featuring – you guessed it – guitars.
In May, there’s Primavera Sound, a well-known and unmissable international festival!
To find out more about these events, see our article April, May and June in Barcelona: must-see concerts and music festivals.
Soak up the rays on a terrace
Shady terraces are best left for the summer months: in spring, we want SUN! Let time slip through your fingers as you relax on one of the city’s many charming terraces.
By the sea
So, where can you find the best terraces? There are plenty along Barceloneta beach, but watch out for tourist traps. We recommend the terraces at Surf House, Santa Marta, Beach House or Buenas Migas, all in pretty settings by the sea.
At a charming hotel
The drawback of the terraces around Barceloneta is that they get very busy, and it can be hard to find a table. Hotel terraces are better-hidden and less well-known, so they’re not subject to the same problems. Try one of our favourite hotel terraces in Barcelona or take your pick of sunny terraces!
Discover Barcelona with a guided visit
April and May are great months for exploring Barcelona on foot! The temperature is balmy, and there are far fewer tourists than in the summer months. The perfect time to get to know the Catalan capital inside out!
There’s something for all tastes and budgets. Tours of Sagrada Familia for fans of Gaudí, guided walks around the Gothic quarter for history lovers, tours of the Camp Nou stadium for football nuts, visits to Montjuïc and the Miró foundation for family groups… the hardest part is choosing one!
Other hints and tips
- If this is your first visit, take a look at our ideas for your first weekend in Barcelona.
- If you’re travelling with children, head over to our article on Spring or Easter holidays as a family.
