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What to do in Barcelona in summer: activities worth your time
If you have spent a summer in Barcelona, you know that the heat at that time of year melts even your spirits. But if you know your way around and find fun things to do, you can turn those months of intense sunshine into a season you really enjoy. The city transforms: the beaches are packed, the terraces buzz and the leisure options never stop. If it is your first time, or you are looking to get a little beyond the usual, here is an honest list of top things to do that mix partying, relaxation and that unique vibe you only find in summer in the Catalan city.
Afternoon parties in Barcelona: because the night is not everything
One thing we learned recently (and that changed our weekends) is the power of tardeo. You know, going out at around 5 or 6 in the afternoon, having a drink without rushing and letting the pace pick up on its own. No waiting until 2 in the morning to have a good time.
Tardeo in Barcelona is more alive than ever. There are loads of events with free entry on Isaac’s list, from terraces to nightclubs, hotels with views, beach clubs… all designed to get the party started before night falls.
Some of the best tardeos this summer:
El Paripé at Pacha (Saturdays from 17:00 to 23:00): live music with flamenco and rumba, followed by a DJ playing reggaeton, commercial house and more. Ideal for watching the sunset and the sea from the harbour.
El Tardet at Sutton (Saturdays from 18:00 to 01:00): with games, shows, live music and a very good atmosphere.
Velissima – The Sailor (Sundays from 13:00 to 21:00): a terrace party with Italian cuisine, house and top hits. A very good plan if you are looking for incredible photos for social media and an elegant atmosphere opposite Hotel W.
Patrón Tardeo (Fridays and Saturdays): dinner with a show in a restaurant decorated like a ship. Very original, with Mediterranean food and very good drinks.
Mítico UP at Bling Bling (Saturdays from 18:30): intended for over-30s, with top cocktails and elegant décor.
Nu Barcelona (Sundays from 20:00 to 02:00): although it is a little more nocturnal, it is an interesting option that combines good food, a garden terrace and sophisticated partying in one place.
With so much variety, there is no need to stay up late to enjoy the party. You only need to know where to go and have good company.
Pool parties in Barcelona: a dip, music and blazing sunshine
Another classic of the Barcelona summer is swimming pools. But forget shabby pools. Here we are talking about real pool parties, on rooftops, in luxury hotels and at beach clubs that know how to put on a show.
Go Beach Club: every day from June. It has 4 floors, views of the Mediterranean and themed parties every afternoon. Booking a VIP table with Balinese beds, sofas and personalised service is recommended.
Bastian Beach Club: starts in June. Located right in Barceloneta, it combines beach, pool, good music and an excellent menu. The Sun-Sets Party on Sundays is a good way to end the week with dinner, shows, cocktails and sunset by the sea.
Wet Deck at Hotel W (Sundays from 19:00): international DJs, an Ibiza atmosphere, visual spectacle and sea views. It is the most glamorous thing about Sundays in the city.
PuroBeach at Hotel Hilton: ideal for relaxing with live music, a pool, a VIP sun lounger and cocktails in an exclusive setting.
Hotel Meliá Sky: international crowd, incredible views, house, reggaeton and plenty of desire to have a good time.
If dancing in a swimsuit and ending the day with a mojito in hand is your thing, you will love any of these pool parties. Ideally, go with friends and do not arrive too late, because the good areas fill up quickly.
Photo by oneinchpunch / Shutterstock / FOTODOM
Bastian Beach Club: VIP experience without leaving Barceloneta
Bastian Beach Club, right in Barceloneta, offers the best of a luxury beach club without having to cross to the Balearic Islands.
The best part? A Bastian Beach VIP table around the pool: direct sea views, priority entry, a premium menu with champagne and craft cocktails, and personalised service. It is comfortable, exclusive and perfect for groups. In addition, they organise events with live music and DJ sets throughout the summer.
If you are looking for something relaxed but with class, this place makes it easy for you. Do not miss this excellent option!
Do you fancy a getaway to Ibiza? UNVRS is the new temple of summer
This is the ideal getaway for a weekend. And if you really like to party, [UNVRS] Ibiza is the place this summer.
Located in the former Privilege, it arrives as the world’s first Hyperclub, with futuristic design, immersive technology, giant LED screens and weekly events featuring the best of the global circuit:
Monday: Eric Prydz – Holosphere 2.0
Tuesday: Anyma
Wednesday: Paradise
Thursday: Fisher
Friday: David Guetta – Galactic Circus
Saturday: Elrow
Sunday: Carl Cox
Want something top-tier? Book a [UNVRS] Ibiza VIP Table: fast access, exclusive attention, a premium menu, a privileged location inside the club, and yes, it works via WhatsApp!
Photo by Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock / FOTODOM
Bonus: quiet plans (if you feel like slowing down)
Not everything has to be a party. Sometimes you feel like something more relaxed:
Open-air cinema: on Sant Sebastià beach or Montjuïc. Classic films, a towel, picnic and relaxation.
Carmel Bunkers: the sunset here is still spectacular. Better during the week to avoid crowds.
Vermouth route: in Gràcia or El Born. Authentic places where vermouth is served properly, with olives, crisps and calm.
Barcelona in summer is lived at a different rhythm. You can start the day on a rooftop, continue at the pool with a DJ, end it watching a sunset with vermouth... and if you want more, hop over to Ibiza and finish the week dancing with Carl Cox.
But do plan a little, book in advance and, above all, go with the flow. The best thing about summer here is not what you see on social media, but what you experience yourself.