10 ways to beat the heat in Barcelona
is a Mediterranean city with a relatively humid climate. In summer, the heat can quickly become overwhelming! Here are 10 ways of bringing down the temperature.
Take a stroll through the Old Town
Barcelona’s Old Town is both charming and cool: the narrow alleyways between medieval buildings provide shade almost all day long. In the more modern areas of the city, the streets are wide and sometimes in full sun, making it more tiring to get around.
Take to the heights in Montjuïc
is one of the greenest areas of Barcelona. The hill is home to an array of pleasant parks and gardens, with plenty of peaceful, shady spots! The Laribal gardens are particularly nice in hot weather, with a fountain and shady pergolas.
Treat yourself to an ice cream
Obviously, if it’s hot, you need ice cream – you don’t need us to tell you that! Barcelona has many artisan ice cream shops, catering to both locals and tourists. All of our favourites are listed in Ice cream in Barcelona: the tastiest way to cool off.
Try horchata de chufa
Ice cream is all well and good, but it’s nothing new! If you’re looking for something a little less ordinary, try horchata de chufa, a drink with its origins in Valencia which has become widespread in Barcelona. Made from a tuber, water and sugar, it’s a strange drink, but particularly good for quenching your thirst.
Make sure you check out our favourite places to try it in situ, as you won’t find anything like it elsewhere
Try “café amb gel”
Café amb gel
means “coffee with ice” in Catalan. It isn’t really iced coffee, though: the server will bring you hot coffee and a glass of ice cubes. Simply pour your coffee over the ice and enjoy the results of the thermal shock!
Sip on a granissat
Returning to more “classic” options, why not have a granissat, or granita? Made from crushed ice and orange or lemon juice, it’s a very refreshing option. You’ll find it in lots of places around the city centre, particularly kiosks.
Dive into a pool
Let’s take the bull by the horns: the very best way to cool off is in water! There are plenty of great outdoor pools in Barcelona. Take your pick from our selection!
Take a dip in the Med
Allergic to chlorine? No problem, there’s always the sea! Barcelona’s 5km of coastline offer plenty of opportunities for a quick dip. Look out for jellyfish, which can turn up when the sea is warm, and remember to protect yourself from the heat – suncream is a must!
Plan your seaside getaway with our guide to Barcelona’s beaches.
Sit back and relax on a shady terrace
After your swim, there’s nothing quite like a cool drink on a shady terrace! If you need to take a break from the heat, look out for shady terraces where you can cool off.
Go out for drinks in a freezing bar
Finally, why not try the IceBarcelona, an unusual and very, very cool bar where you can enjoy drinks in an ice chamber, where the temperature can go down as low as -10 degrees. Dressed in an eskimo suit, you’ll enjoy a truly unique experience – quite possibly the coolest part of your holidays! Well, needs must…
