Top Things to Do In Barcelona This Fall

One of the best things about Spain in the fall is the smell of chestnuts (castañas) and sweet potatoes (boniatos) roasting on an open fire. Okay, it might not exactly be an open fire, but you can find this traditional treat on any number of street corners in Barcelona for a low price. Cracking hot chestnuts and adding them to a warm sweet potato can be tricky at first, but it’s worth the effort once you’re indulging in this snack that’s best enjoyed in the chilly fall air.

This fall marks the 47th annual Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona with an incredible line-up of artists at venues throughout the entire city. Beginning September 26th and continuing through the end of November, artists including Diana Krall, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Paula Rojo, Iron & Wine, Chucho Valdés, and many, many more will be performing at locations ranging from L’Auditori to the Palau de la Música Catalana and various other spaces, both indoors and out. Throughout the months of October and November there will also be a number of free events, master classes for musicians, and events for the whole family.

Fira Barcelona is an institution that has been hosting trade shows, conventions, and exhibitions at its two Barcelona locations since the 1930’s with subjects ranging from weddings to economics to construction. The fall calendar this year includes two of Fira’s most popular events; the Barcelona Tattoo Expo, from October 4th to 2nd, and the Manga Fair, from October 29th to November 1st. Both draw thousands of fans to the city every year and with tickets starting at just €8,00 for some of the exhibitions, it’s a great place to spend a few hours or the entire weekend.

Fira de Barcelona, Montjuïc Venue, Av. Reina Maria Cristina s/n, Barcelona, Spain +34 932 33 20 00

Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via Venue, Av. Joan Carles I 64, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain +34 932 33 20 00

If history, architecture, and design are what you seek in your travels, then the 48h Open House Barcelona weekend-long event is exactly what you’ve been looking for. From October 24th – 25th this fall, over 150 doors will be open to those who have purchased a passport, as well as personalized itineraries based on interests, activities and conferences throughout the weekend. This behind-the-scenes look at buildings and homes in Barcelona that are usually closed to the public began in 2010 and is still going strong in its 6th year thanks to the architects, designers, and volunteers who continue to help plan and organize the event.