Take half a jar of Avante Garde engineering and add one tablespoon each of Roman and Gothic architecture. Pour a generous amount of cosmopolitan nightlife and sports fanaticism into the mixture. Now cook it under the Iberian sun. Garnish it with a dynamic culture and serve it hot at the azure Mediterranean shore. The dish is the city of Barcelona. And it’s every bit as great as it sounds. The city of counts is varicolored and prefers to dance to its own unique tune. Most of all, it is a splendid place to let loose, even in the month of January.
What makes Barcelona in January a must-visit?
The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is a city of immense political and administrative pertinence. However, the city never forgets to have fun and delight its visitors, no matter when you visit. January is the coldest month of the year in Barcelona. Therefore, most of the herd of tourists are absent. That is what makes this time of the year lucrative for people who aren’t afraid to abandon the beaten path.
What plays in Barcelona’s (and consequently, your) favor is its location at the seashore. The sea breeze prevents the city from freezing, and the sun is almost always out. Apart from being able to enjoy sunbathing to the fullest, this is possibly the best time to walk around the city. And if you need an additional incentive, we should tell you that the post-holiday season sales happen in Barcelona in January. Read on to find out how can you have the best January of your life in Barcelona.
Barcelona in January : Weather
Barcelona in January : Things to do
1
Sagrada Familia
This exquisite specimen of architecture garners a lot of attention from around the world. One look at it and you will know the reason why. Despite being unfinished, this Antoni Gaudí masterpiece is certainly worth the 45 minutes you will spend at the tour. The decreased crowd in January should interest you as well.
January Timings
Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
On January 1st and 6th : 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
2
Casa Vicens
Another one of Gaudí’s gems, the Casa Vicens is a one of the first commissioned projects of the revered architect. The house has now been repurposed as a museum and a cultural space. Its museum project is dedicated to Gaudí’s work and definitely one to see in the relatively quiet month of January.
January Timings
Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed on January 1st and 6th
Carrer de les Carolines, 20, 08012 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
3
Park Güell
This delightful park system in Barcelona stores within itself more than a 100 years of history. The origin story of this park is just as fascinating as the entire precinct itself. Pick a sunny January day to visit this area and reserve at least 2 hours for it to discover Park Güell’s magnificence in its entirety.
January Timings
Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:15 PM
08024 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
4
Poble Espanyol
The richness of Catalan heritage is on display everywhere in Barcelona. Poble Espanyol is another place that follows suit. The open-air museum is dedicated to the wide array of architectural developments that Barcelona has gone through. Poble Espanyol will delight you with the numerous activities that are hosted there every month.
January Timings
Mondays - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM | Friday - 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM | Saturday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Getting There ›
5
Take a Barcelona Food Tour
The city of Barcelona is not complete without its culinary facet. Take a small walking tour of the city and engage with the local cuisine. Discover the history behind the famous Spanish and Catalan dishes. Learn a thing or two about local produce and ingredients that that are available during this time of the year.
153 Carrer Gran de Gràcia, Barcelona
Spain
Getting There ›
6
Amble around La Rambla & Barri Gòtic
La Rambla is a pedestrian strip that will bring you the authentic Barcelona to you. It is always populated with hawkers and peddlers selling almost anything under the sun. Adjacent to La Rambla is Barri Gòtic, a neighborhood which is a repository of Gothic architecture and numerous stories of early Barcelona. In January, the crowd grows thin, making it the perfect time to be here.
Mediterranean Seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere, 08002 Barcelona,Spain
Getting There ›
7
Casa Batlló
Possibly one of Antoni Gaudí’s works that has made Instagram its home, Casa Batlló immediately stands out from every building you have seen before. Its notable departure from geometrical symmetry has been appreciated in architectural quarters. Currently, Casa Batlló plays host to fun events every day of the year. There is no off-season at Casa Batlló.
January Timings
Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
8
Casa Milà
Fondly known as La Pedrera, Casa Milà stays true to its nickname. Its rough-hewn design is considered to be exemplary in modern context. It is also the last residential building designed by Antoni Gaudí. Apart from holding art exhibitions, Casa Milà also receives famous musicians from around the world for riveting performances.
January Timings
January 1st to 3rd - 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
January 4th onwards - 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Provença, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
9
L'Aquarium Barcelona
L'Aquarium Barcelona is the largest aquarium in Europe. A day here will definitely be a memory you will carry around for a lifetime. You can take a cage dive with the sharks, watch the rays and penguins during their feeding times, and learn a lot about the underwater ecosystem. Discover the unique flora and fauna of January in this incredible experience.
January Timings
Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Moll d'Espanya, del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
10
Telefèric de Montjuïc
See Barcelona in all its glory in this cable car ride. As you embark on a journey from a lower point in the city, take in the mesmerising view of the sprawling Catalonian capital from the sky. You will be taken to a high point close to the Montjuïc castle. On your way down, your car will stop at the Mirador station. In January, you get to see the calmer avatar of this bustling cosmopolitan.
January Timings
Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Avinguda Miramar, 30, 08038 Barcelona,
Spain
Getting There ›
Barcelona in January: Events to Look Out For
THREE KINGS PARADE
Jan 5 (Parade); Jan 6 (Feast)
You may have noticed that most attractions in Barcelona have altered visiting hours for January 6. That is because of the historic Three Kings Parade that begins in the evening of January 5. Royal floats, pages, and artists follow the three kings who are received by the Mayor at quayside. This parade itself is a reason to visit Barcelona.
FESTA DELS TRES TOMBS
Jan 17 (Feast); Jan 19 (Cavalcade)
The fest held in the honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot is another major event of January. A feast is held on the day he passed away, that is January 17. An elaborate parade is organized the following Saturday to commemorate the event. The parade is mainly comprised of animals, who are blessed at Escola Pia de Sant Antoni.
FESTA MAJOR DE SANT ANTONI
TBA (2nd week of Jan)
The patron saint of animals, Saint Anthony, is a part of another major tradition in Barcelona. This festival involves many historic events, such as parades, castellers human tower building, sardanes dancing, and correfoc fire runs. Additionally, a beer festival and a popular Reggae Splash festival is also held as a part of this gala.
REBAIXES (REBAJAS) SALE
Jan 7 onwards
A day after the Three Kings Parade, comes the post-holiday season sale of your dreams in Barcelona. Biggest of brands, smallest of roadside shops participate in this sale alike. With prices dropping every subsequent week, this sale cannot be missed. Another reason that should be enough to drag you to the city.
MERCAT DEL ENCANTS
Full month
Barcelona is a city dripping with history and tradition, and a trip to the city will wake a desire in you to own a piece of that heritage. Fret not, for Mercat Del Encants will be present all of January for you. This is the largest flea market in the area. You will find both futile, and useful things on display. If you have the eye, you might just bump into some priceless antiques.
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Selected days in January 2019
If you're interested in catching in a opera show at Barcelona's opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu you grab tickets for the Madama Butterfly show that is running through the month. The opera is composed by Giacomo Puccini and set in Nagasaki, Japan. You can view the synopsis here and check for ticket availability as well.
Barcelona in January: 5-day Itinerary
1
Barcelona Essentials
LanguageSpanish, Catalan
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+93
Socket Type F
CurrencyEuros €
Barcelona Weather in January
January is the coldest month in Barcelona. However, the geographical location right by the Mediterranean Sea brings quite a few pleasant days in the month. The average high is of 14°C/57°F and the average low is of 5°C/41°F. Rainy days are few and far apart, while snow is also probable.
Where to Stay in Barcelona during January
Barcelona is a fairly popular tourist destination, which is why it won’t be difficult for you to find an accommodation in the city. If you are planning to laze about on your vacation, you may want to look for a mid-range or luxury hotel. A budget hotel would be a perfect fit for a whirlwind tour. Here are someof the best hotels to choose from.
- Luxury – Hotel The Serras, Hotel DO, Mandarin Oriental
- Mid-Range – Casa Camper Hotel Barcelona, Olivia Balmes Hotel, Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel
- Budget – Alimara Barcelona Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal, U232 Hotel
What to Pack for Visiting Barcelona in January
Since rain and snow is not uncommon, do not forget to pack an umbrella, a waterproof coat, a pair of boots, scarves, and warm clothes. It is generally sunny in Barcelona, so plenty of sun block and shades are indispensable. Also, keep a reusable water bottle with filter handy. You can thank us later!
Getting Around Barcelona in January
Barcelona has an elaborate transport network spread throughout the city. The metro network covers most of the tourist attractions of the city. A fleet of around 1000 buses plies on the streets of the city to provide an alternative. Opt for a Barcelona Card that can be used to avail unlimited transport for the duration of your trip. A Barcelona Card also comes with lucrative deals and discounts at various attractions and restaurants throughout the city. Alternatively, you may opt for a Tourist Travel Pass, which can only be used for transport.
Barcelona in January - Must Try Delicasies
This is a typical Catalonian salad that centers around the salt cod fish. The fish is shredded and mixed with fragrant olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and onions. The cod fish is dried or soaked beforehand to achieve the the required texture. Some restaurants add pepper, hard-boiled eggs, or pepper to the dish. Try this dish at La Clara or La Bombeta.
Think paella, but with noodles. Yes, that is the Catalan version of this piquant Spanish classic we would recommend you when you are in Barcelona. The dish is almost identical to paella in terms of ingredients and cooking techniques, only the texture is softer. The best places to try fideuà in Barcelona are Restaurant Barceloneta and Meson.
During the Spanish Civil War, hand grenades were used quite effectively by the anarchists. Later, a dish by the same name came up in the neighborhood of Barceloneta. La Bomba is basically a ball of meat and mashed potatoes, breaded, deep-fried and then topped off with spicy tomato sauce and aioli. Find the best La Bomba at L' Anxoveta and Restaurant Barceloneta.
This tapa speciality is for the vegetarians. A number of luscious vegetables, like pepper, aubergine, tomatoes, onions, are picked and charred in a wood fire. Then, the skin is peeled off and the tender flesh is served with olive oil and bread. The best escalivada can be found at Sésamo and Cerveceria Catalana.
As the name suggests, this is a classic Catalan dessert. This is a fruity cousin of the French dessert, crème brûlée. The departure here is the addition of orange zest. Since it is a signature dish in the region, you can find it at almost every eatery. The best, however, are available at Cerveseria Ciutat Comtal and Escribà.
Tips to Visit Barcelona in January
- Make sure you book online tickets for Sagrada Familia. Even though the crowd is less in January, you may still end up queueing for over an hour on a sunny day.
- Access the area outside Park Güell’s monumental core free of charge.
- Plan a late night outing at Poble Espanyol to acquire an unparalleled Barcelona experience.
- Keep an eye out for your valuables on your trip to La Rambla.
- Try the allium known as Calçot that is available during the winter and are a feature of Catalan cuisine.
- Remember that Magic Fountain of Montjuïc remains closed for maintenance from January 7 to the end of February.
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The post Visiting Barcelona in January – The Definitive Guide appeared first on Headout Blog.
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