Barcelona in autumn 2023, activities for everyone!

If you are an international student who will be studying in Barcelona next academic year 2023-24, here are some tips to help you find out what to do in Barcelona in autumn 2023.

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and in autumn 2023 the city will be full of interesting and exciting events. Whether you’re looking for culture, art, music, food or fun, there’s something for everyone in Barcelona.

Agenda in Barcelona in autumn 2023

During the autumn months, Barcelona is full of fascinating events that you won’t want to miss.

In September, the Festa de la Mercè, which dates back more than 150 years, is celebrated. What began as a religious festival is now a genuine popular festival in which all city’s organisations collaborate.

For several days, Barcelona is filled with shows, music, popular dance and fireworks.

This year, special importance has been given to popular and traditional culture and an attempt has been made to reach all corners of the city to showcase the cultural richness of its neighbourhoods. In the programme you can find “sardanes” dances, “castellers” and “correfocs”, among other examples of the city’s popular culture.

The Virgin of La Merced, or Mare de Déu de la Mercè, has a basilica dedicated to her in the city’s beautiful Gothic quarter, and has been the patron saint of the city since 1687, a title she shares with Santa Eulália. In her honour, 24th September is a public holiday in the city.

Barcelona’s Festa Major is also a macro-festival made up of different festivals that showcase the cultural wealth of the Catalan capital: from the Mercè Arts de Carrer festival to the popular culture exhibitions, including the BAM and Acció Cultura Viva festivals and the Música Mercè programme, which this year offers more than five hundred activities.

The full programme of festivities can be consulted on the website barcelona.cat.

More dates to enjoy Barcelona in autumn 2023

Other cultural highlights in Barcelona in autumn include the Festival del Humor and the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival (a coastal town near Barcelona) from 5-15 October, an event for horror and science fiction film lovers. The festival attracts some of the best directors and actors in genre cinema.

A highlight for music lovers is the Barcelona Jazz Festival, one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe. This event brings together some of the best jazz musicians in the world and offers concerts in some of the city’s most emblematic venues for four months. You can check its agenda at this link.

Barcelona in autumn offers you much more

In October you can also savour the best of Catalan gastronomy at the Mercat de Mercats festival, which includes many complementary activities. Three days of tapas and products from Barcelona’s best restaurants and markets in Plaça de les Glòries.

You can also discover the latest in sailing at the Barcelona International Boat Show, the benchmark event for recreational and sports sailing, from 11-15 October.

In addition, an exhibition will show you the close relationship that Miró and Picasso had with the city of Barcelona, as part of the commemoration of the Picasso Celebration, from 19 October – 25 February 2024.

Sporting events

In September, there are also two very interesting sporting events:

Moto GP Grand Prix, one of the most important motorbike races in 2023 with the best riders in the world, from 1 to 3 September.

ORC Double Handed World Championship, one of the most important sailing regattas in the world, from 9 to 15 September.

And if you’re a fan of the world’s most famous young wizard, you’re in luck. In autumn, Barcelona will host the travelling exhibition on the Harry Potter universe, the most complete exhibition on the universe around the wizard, which has already received more than 1.2 million visitors worldwide.

Gaudí’s Barcelona

These are just some of the activities in a city that will also captivate you with its urban planning, its neighbourhoods, buildings and corners, such as Park Güell, created by Antoni Gaudí, a magical place to visit at any time of the year. The park boasts stunning views of the city, spectacular ceramic mosaics and a host of photo opportunities.

Architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí was at the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement in Spain. His works in Barcelona have become important symbols of the city.

Gaudí’s most famous work is undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia, Spain’s most visited monument.

Gaudí left his mark on his city and his time with masterpieces such as the Casa Milà (Pedrera).

As you can see, there is plenty to do in Barcelona during autumn 2023. From cultural festivals to streets and beaches, the city will surprise you. In September, we look forward to seeing you at the Universitat Abat Oliba, CEU!