Sunday in Barcelona is a special day filled with a range of activities for locals and tourists alike. From sightseeing to shopping to exploring the local markets, there are endless possibilities to discover the city.
Shopping, sightseeing, nightclubs, concerts - there is something for everyone in Barcelona on a Sunday.
What Sites to Visit on Sundays in Barcelona?
Barcelona is a city with an abundance of stunning architecture and landmarks that are open all year-round.
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona. This famous basilica is designed by Antoni Gaudi and is a must-visit site for anyone visiting the city.
Park Guell is another Gaudi masterpiece that is a must-see. This park has some of the most unique and colourful sculptures and mosaics in the city.
Gothic Quarter
The historic center of Barcelona is filled with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and many cafes and shops.
Montjuic Castle
This castle sits atop a hill with stunning views of the city, and is a great place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. Perfect for taking memorable pictures as well.
If you appreciate history, architecture, and art, going to these four attractions would be the best way to spend your Sunday.
Photo: Montjuïc Castle
Museums on Sundays
Barcelona is home to a range of world-class museums, many of which offer free entry on Sundays. Some of the top museums to visit on a Sunday include:
Picasso Museum: This museum features over 4,000 works by the famous artist, including many of his early works.
MACBA: The Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona is home to some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art in the world.
Joan Miro Foundation: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Catalan artist, Joan Miro.
For a list of other museums in Barcelona that offer free entry on Sundays, you can check out our article.
Photo: Picasso Museum Barcelona
Streets on Sundays
On Sundays, many of Barcelona's streets are closed to traffic, making it the perfect day to explore the city on foot or by bike. Some of the most popular streets to explore include:
Las Ramblas: One of the most famous streets in Barcelona, Las Ramblas is a pedestrianized avenue that is lined with cafes, shops, and street performers.
Passeig de Gràcia: This famous shopping street is home to high-end fashion boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Passeig de Born: A well-known street in the El Born neighbourhood. Here you can find some great stores, restaurants and bars. It's also only a short walk to the Picasso Museum from here.
Photo: Passeig de Gràcia
Concerts on Sundays
Sunday is a great day to catch a live concert in Barcelona. Some of the best venues to check out include:
Palau de la Musica Catalana: This stunning modernist concert hall is one of the most beautiful in the world, and hosts a range of classical and contemporary music performances.
Razzmatazz: This popular music venue hosts a range of indie, rock, and electronic music concerts every Sunday.
Photo: Palau de la Musica Catalana
Can You Shop on Sundays?
Most of the year, shopping in Barcelona on Sundays can be challenging. However, you can visit most stores as usual in a specific time frame. From mid-May to mid-September, shops in the central area of Barcelona are allowed to stay open on Sundays from 12:00 to 20:00.
There are some places though where stores are actually open on Sunday all year long like La Roca Village and Maremagnum.
Only a 30-minute drive away, you can find this great 'shopping village', here you can find many outlet stores of many large brands.
Maremagnum
Maremagnum is a popular shopping mall in Barcelona that's located by the waterfront with stunning sea views. There, you can find various clothing stores, electronics, toy stores, restaurants, and cosmetics.
Read our tips for shopping for clothes in Barcelona.
Photo: La Roca Village
Markets on Sundays
Several markets are open on Sundays in Barcelona. These markets offer a range of goods, from food to clothing to crafts. Some of the most popular markets on a Sunday are Flea Market and Els Encants.
Flea Market is held every Sunday and features a range of vintage and second-hand goods, including clothing, jewellery, and furniture.
Els Encants is one of the oldest in Europe and features a range of antiques, vintage goods, and other treasures.
Photo: Els Encants
5 Things To Do on Sundays
To make the most of your Sunday in Barcelona, here are 5 things you should consider doing:
1. Enjoy a Leisurely Brunch
Barcelona is home to many cafes and restaurants that offer delicious brunch options on Sundays.
2. Take a Bike Tour
Barcelona is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bike rental companies and guided tours that offer a great way to explore the city on a Sunday.
3. Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
Barcelona has many beautiful parks, and a Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
4. Attend a Cultural Event
From theatre to dance to film screenings, Barcelona offers a range of cultural events on Sundays that are perfect for immersing yourself in the local culture.
5. Take a Day Trip
Barcelona is located in a stunning region of Spain, and there are many nearby towns and cities that make for great day trips on a Sunday, such as Montserrat or Sitges.
Photo: Montserrat
Food and Drinks on Sundays
Barcelona is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, and Sundays are no exception. Some of the best places to indulge in delicious food and drinks on a Sunday include:
Brunch and Breakfast Spots: There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Barcelona that offer brunch and breakfast options on Sundays. Some popular spots include Federal Cafe, Caravelle, and Brunch & Cake.
Tapas and Vermouth: Sunday is the perfect day to enjoy some tapas and vermouth, a popular local drink in Barcelona. Some of the best places to try include Bar Cañete, Bodega 1900, and El Xampanyet.
Paella and Seafood: Barcelona is also known for its fresh seafood and paella. On Sundays, many seafood restaurants offer special lunch menus, such as La Paradeta, El Raco de la Vila, and Cal Pinxo.
Outdoor Activities on Sundays
Barcelona is a city that is blessed with great weather, even in the winter months, making it the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities on Sundays. Here are some outdoor activities to consider:
Beaches: Barcelona has several beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. Some of the most popular beaches include Barceloneta, Mar Bella, and Bogatell.
Parks: Barcelona has many beautiful parks that are perfect for strolling, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. Some popular parks include Parc de la Ciutadella, Montjuic Park, and Tibidabo Park.
Hiking: Barcelona is surrounded by hills and mountains that offer many opportunities for hiking and exploring. Some popular hiking trails include Collserola Natural Park, Montserrat, and Garraf Natural Park.
Biking: Barcelona is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bike rental companies and guided tours that offer a great way to explore the city on a Sunday. Some popular bike routes include the coastal bike path, the mountain bike trail in Collserola Park, and the bike path along the river Besos.
Photo: Garraf Natural Park
In conclusion, Barcelona on Sunday is a day filled with endless possibilities for locals and tourists alike. From sightseeing to shopping to exploring the local markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant and beautiful city. So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, be sure to make the most of your Sunday in Barcelona.
Are stores open on Sunday in Barcelona?
Most shops in Barcelona are closed on Sundays. However, shops that are smaller than 150 square meters do not have this limitation and may be open. The Maremagnum mall is open on Sundays. From mid-May to mid-September, some stores in the centre of Barcelona open on Sundays from 12:00 to 20:00.
Do people go out on a Sunday in Barcelona?
The nightlife scene in Barcelona is lively and vibrant, and Sundays are no exception. While it might not be as bustling as on Fridays or Saturdays, many bars, clubs, and music venues still offer entertainment options on Sunday nights. You can find a variety of places that host live music events, DJ sets, and themed parties. The Gothic Quarter and El Raval are known for their eclectic and energetic nightlife offerings. Keep in mind that some venues might have slightly earlier closing times on Sundays due to local regulations, but you can definitely find opportunities to enjoy the city's nightlife on this day as well.