The sun-drenched neighborhoods of Barcelona come alive during the summer with lively performances and celebrations happening across the city. The home of Gaudi is filled with architectural wonders along with outstanding museums and beautiful parks. During the day, visitors hit the beach before stuffing themselves with a wide array of amazing meals. After an afternoon nap it’s off to party all night at the various nightspots around the city. If you’re planning to travel to Barcelona this summer, book a few extra days — you won’t be bored.
Where to Stay
Hippest Hotel: Hotel Brummell
With only 20 rooms, this boutique hotel is an urban oasis tucked away in the quieter streets of the city. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a cocktail on the outdoor patio, or get a message to find your calm after a night of festivalling. Rate #8 out of 500+ lodging options on TripAdvisor, Hotel Brummell knows how to keep guests happy.
Best No Frills: Hostal Apolo
A simple, no-frills Establishment, Hostal Apolo is located in the hub of the trendy Poble Sec neighborhood. Set back from the more touristy spots of the city, there’s still a plethora of bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy, all within close distance to multiple public transportation options and the beach.
Best for Budget: HostelBCN
Another one of our top picks, also in the Poble Sec neighborhood, we like this hostel’s location and friendly community room vibe. It features laundry, a kitchen, and a bar — all very helpful when traveling the world for music festivals.
Where to Recover
Patchwork Concept Bar
Excellent for people-watching, the Patchwork Concept Bar is a chill place to warm up with a few morning cocktails. Excellent coffee and snacks are also on the menu.
Nomad Coffee
Cafe espressos are fine for waking up, but the serious coffee addict will want to track down Nomad, one of Barcelona’s best roasters.
The Juice House
Fresh cold-pressed vegetable or fruit juice is the cure for what ails you. The Juice House in Sant Antoni will refresh your body with tasty lemonades, smoothies, and cocktails.
Where to Festival
Primavera Sound Barcelona 2023
May 31-June 3, 2023
Barcelona, Spain
This Barcelona institution is a beacon for the entire spectrum of indie rock along with a smattering of entries from just about every other genre of music. Hundreds of bands fill the Parc El Forum along with one-of-a-kind intimate performances throughout the city. Add this music festival mecca to your bucket list immediately.
Featured Artists: Alex G, Baby Keem, Bad Religion, Black Midi, Bleachers, Blur, Built To Spill, Calvin Harris, Christine And The Queens, Death Grips, Depeche Mode, Ezra Furman, FKA Twigs, Four Tet, Halsey, Japanese Breakfast, Kendrick Lamar, My Morning Jacket, Pet Shop Boys, Pusha T, Rosalía, Skrillex, St. Vincent, Swans, The Comet is Coming, The Voidz, The War on Drugs, Turnstile, Yung Lean, Yves Tumor
Sónar Barcelona 2023
June 15-17, 2023
Barcelona, Spain
Since its founding in 1994, Sónar has held 25 editions of the festival in Barcelona and another 74 events in 33 cities around the world. The flagship event in Barcelona embodies the event at its core which is to be the “pulse of the current electronic landscape”. During Sónar by Day, the festival features a huge music program along with its own tech conference called Sónar+D. At night, the event moves to a massive venue that easily makes this Spain's largest electronic festival. With its unique format and ever-changing style, Sonar continues to redefine the festival landscape.
Featured Artists: AME, Amelie Lens, Aphex Twin, Bicep, Eric Prydz, Honey Dijon, Peggy Gou, Richie Hawtin, The Blessed Madonna
Vida Festival 2023
June 29-July 1, 2023
Barcelona, Spain
Tucked away in the woody reserves of the ancient Masia de Can Parellada just south of Barcelona, this boutique fest has become a welcome addition to the Spanish summer. Bring the kids to chill at The Nest, bring your bike to take a tour of the city of Vilanova, and bring a sense of wonder to enjoy all the art.
OFFSónar 2023
June 15-18, 2023
Barcelona, Spain
The official Sónar Festival is so massive that it can't be contained in a single event. OFFSónar hosts a bunch of parties around the city with some of our favorite acts in unique venues.
Featured Artists: Boris Brejcha, Maceo Plex, Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers
Cruilla Barcelona 2023
July 7-8, 2023
Barcelona, Spain
It's summer in the city and Cruilla Barcelona arrives to continue the party with a full weekend of music at the Parc del Fòrum (the same home of Primavera Sound). Alumni to this festival have included Kendrick Lamar, Damian Marley, Lauren Hill, and a whole mess of Spanish acts.
Featured Artists: Alt-J, Franz Ferdinand, Moderat, Parov Stelar, Placebo, Sigur Rós, Tash Sultana, The Offspring