Barcelona, the jewel of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, is a city that has captured the hearts of countless visitors with its unique blend of history, art, and vibrant street life.
March is an ideal time to explore this enchanting city as it emerges from the winter chill and starts to bloom with life. During this month, Barcelona enjoys milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and a host of exciting events and activities for you to enjoy.
Barcelona in March is a truly special experience. The weather is pleasantly mild, and the city bursts to life with exciting events and festivals. Lets find out more about what makes this month so exceptional!
Barcelona Weather in March
As the weather shifts to the sweeter side of spring from the gentle slumber of winter in March, Barcelona itself and its people say goodbye to warm clothes and start offering a more wholesome environment to tourists. The occasional rain showers with mild sunshine add to the city’s grace and invite you to explore its streets and relax on the beach, witnessing the sunset.
Visiting Barcelona in March is definitely an idea that should be given a shot, as the enchanting city of Barcelona observes fewer tourists during this refreshing season. As March starts, the average low temperature reaches 7 degrees Celsius at night, and you might need to pack a winter coat, too. The average high temperature lies around 15 degrees, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
From Festivities to Festivals: Things to Explore in Barcelona in March
Let us dive into the details of some events that fill Barcelona with excitement and joy, making it a place worth visiting.
International Women’s Day
In addition to welcoming the blossoms of spring, Barcelona also opens its arms to the meaningful voices of women. Imagine the city resonating with the resilient voices of women, signifying their perseverance and status in society. The town’s walls are adorned with vibrant banners and posters, and the sky is filled with hopes, aspirations, dreams, and struggles of the feminine gender.
Celebrated on the 8th of March every year, this festival starts by raising slogans and posters at the Plaza Universitat and the city hall and continues all the way to Ciutadella Park, where the demonstration stops.
Sant Medir Festival
The streets of Barcelona come to life with the sensational festival of Sant Medir, also known as Festa de Sant Medir. Tracing its history to the 19th-century tradition, it involves a horse-drawn carriage loaded with candies and sweets and native people all dressed up inspired by their favorite dessert. The sweet festival initiates from the point of Vila De Gracia and lasts throughout the day, distributing roughly 6 tons of candy during the event.
This is a sweet reminder and invitation to visit Barcelona in March and spend a day of unforgettable memories with the local culture.
Barcelona Marathon
Imagine Barcelona breaking the monotony of everyday life by organizing an exciting exclusive Barcelona marathon in March, unraveling the athletic powers and determination of the citizens and the visitors. The route will lead you across the city’s finest neighborhoods. The adventure begins as you head west, passing iconic landmarks like the legendary Camp Nou, where the passion for soccer runs deep. As you continue, you’ll find yourself on the illustrious Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s shopping mecca, flanked by architectural wonders such as Casa Milá and Casa Batlló, masterpieces crafted by the renowned Antoni Gaudí.
Lace up your walking shoes and raise your spirits to participate in this healthy 25-mile track in Spain’s capital city. You can always be a spectator, witnessing and cheering up the hearts of those participating while relishing every moment of visiting Barcelona in March.
Barcelona-Sitges Rally
The Barcelona-Sitges International Vintage Car Rally is a truly remarkable event that has been a highlight on the calendar since 1959. This annual spectacle brings together classic cars and motorcycles, all of which were manufactured before 1924. It’s a celebration of automotive history and a display of meticulously preserved vehicles, most of which are treasures from private collections.
What makes this rally stand out is its dedication to authenticity. Participants in this rally not only drive these vintage vehicles but also dress in period-appropriate attire. The rally itself follows a scenic route from Barcelona to Sitges, hugging the beautiful Garraf coastline. While it is technically a race, the focus isn’t on speed; rather, it’s on appreciating the aesthetics of these vintage automobiles and motorcycles.
If you enjoy the arts and are fascinated by cultural diversity, visit Barcelona in March for the chance to take part in this enthralling festival and admire vintage cars and famous attractions. Coches de la época (cars from Picasso’s period) are among the numerous treasures on display at the Picasso Museum, which is a must-visit for art fans.
Saint Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, originally an Irish tradition honoring Saint Patrick, the country’s patron saint, has transcended its origins and become a worldwide phenomenon. In Barcelona, the celebrations often feature vibrant parades that wind through the streets, live performances of traditional Irish music that set toes tapping and hands clapping, and a sea of revelers dressed in various shades of green, from emerald to shamrock.
When you visit Barcelona in March, the best way to join in on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities is by immersing yourself in those cozy pockets of Ireland scattered throughout the city – the beloved Irish pubs.
Irish pubs and copious amounts of Guinness fill the city’s Irish bars with live music and beer lovers, such as the well-known Michael Collins and Flaherty’s Irish Pubs.
Comic Convention
The Comic Fest in Barcelona, which takes place in early March and has its roots in the 1980s, vividly celebrates pop culture. It all started as a modest meeting of comic book devotees and readers of science fiction and fantasy, but as time went on, it expanded into a vibrant spectacle.
During this occasion, cosplay characters dressed as their favored characters, such as superheroes or anime stars, fill the streets of Barcelona with life. International comic book creators and writers assemble to exhibit their work, sign autographs, and interact with fans, which is no less than sweet treats for comic book lovers. The convention rooms are brimming with panels and seminars discussing everything from character creation to narrative.
Turistic Bus
The Turistic Bus refers to the city’s official tour bus service, often known as the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. This bus in Barcelona offers a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace. It operates in two main routes, the Red and Blue, which cover about forty stops so you can see all of Barcelona’s key landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the Gothic Quarter.
These buses are open top double-deckers, so you have an excellent view while you travel. Each route has audio guides available in multiple languages, so you have background information and stories about the city’s culture, history and attractions. This makes it easy for you to learn about the city while moving from site to site. The name is given because you can hop on and off as many times as you like with a single ticket, which can be purchased for one or two days.
This bus is particularly appealing for those who want to make the most of their time in Barcelona without worrying about transport. Tickets also come with additional perks, such as free WiFi and discounts on various locations around the city.
International Beer Festival
Each March, the Barcelona Beer Festival plays host to dozens of craft breweries across Europe and pours more than 350 different craft beers. The International Beer Festival, a much-anticipated event each March, transforms the vibrant city of Barcelona into a haven for beer enthusiasts from around the world. This three-day extravaganza is a celebration of craft beer that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
At the Barcelona Beer Festival, you can participate in beer tastings, witness award ceremonies that recognize outstanding brews, engage in workshops to deepen your understanding of the brewing process, and even enjoy beer-themed games and meet-and-greets with fellow beer aficionados. This Barcelona Beer Festival is a beer lover’s dream come true!
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia, a magnificent basilica in Barcelona, is a testament to the genius of architect Antoni Gaudí. This architectural marvel is nothing short of awe-inspiring, a true masterpiece that has captured the hearts of countless visitors. What’s even more astounding is that its construction began way back in 1882 and continues to this day.
As you approach the Sagrada Familia, you’ll be greeted by its ornate facades, each telling a story of faith and artistry. The basilica’s soaring spires pierce the sky, a striking feature that defines Barcelona’s skyline. Its interior is equally breathtaking, with tree-like arches that seem to reach for the heavens and vibrant stained glass that bathes the space in a kaleidoscope of colors. March timings Monday are from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., giving you ample time to explore its intricate details and soak in its spiritual ambiance!
Bike Tour
Tourists may view Barcelona’s most incredible sights while taking in the Mediterranean air by taking a bike tour. You will bike around the lovely Gothic Quarter, appreciating the beautiful architecture and medieval streets, including Antoni Gaud’s marvels, like the Sagrada Familia, under the guidance of informed locals. These excursions provide a distinctive viewpoint and enable you to discover stunning waterfronts and hidden jewels inaccessible to automobiles.
Barcelona is a year-round delight, thanks to its agreeable climate and its infrastructure that’s welcoming to bikers. That’s why a bike tour in Barcelona is a fantastic choice, especially during the bustling spring season. Whether you’re an enthusiast for ancient cultures or just looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to discover the city, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Flamenco
Spanish flamenco is a ferocious and thrilling art style that mesmerizes spectators with its soul-stirring music, captivating dancing, outdoor concerts, and sincere singing. Flamenco has its roots in the Andalusian area of Spain and has developed through the ages by blending many cultural elements and traditions.
In Barcelona, you may see flamenco performances by excellent guitarists, singers, and dancers in small-scale settings or in bigger theaters. For tourists, attending a flamenco performance is not only a chance to witness exceptional artistry but also an opportunity to delve into Spain’s deep cultural history and immerse themselves in the passionate spirit of Spanish culture.
Girona Tour
Tourists who take a Girona tour learn about a charming, historically significant, and charming Catalan city. A short drive from Barcelona, Girona entices visitors with its well-preserved medieval walls, narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter, and vibrant homes that line the Onyar River and the Ter River. One of the standout attractions in Girona is the awe-inspiring Girona Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has also graced the screens in the world of “Game of Thrones.”
Moreover, Girona hosts an array of cultural festivals and events throughout the year. These celebrations provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique fusion of history, culture, and cuisine that defines the area. All of this is set against a backdrop of stunning scenery, making a Girona tour a truly enriching experience that leaves an indelible mark on any traveler.
La Rambla
La Rambla, or “Las Ramblas,” stands out as one of the bustling gems of Barcelona. This famous boulevard, stretching approximately 1.2 kilometers through the heart of the city, is a must-visit for tourists and a quintessential Barcelona experience.
As you stroll along this tree-lined avenue, your senses will be delighted at every turn. The lively street is adorned with colorful flower arrangements, animated street performers, and a captivating array of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The Barri del Pi, which is near Las Ramblas and is situated around the Santa Maria del Pi church, is one of the worth visiting gothic quarters.
There are various portions of Las Ramblas, each with unique beauty. You’ll pass past well-known sights along the route from Plaça de Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Joan Miró mosaic, the busy food market Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, and the recognizable Christopher Columbus Monument at the Port Vell end.
Palau Güell
The Palau Güell is an early work by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. While it may not have the same brightness as his later creations, it’s a fascinating glimpse into his evolving style. You’ll notice distinctive Gaudí features like intricate ironwork and unique chimneys. Inside, you can explore the stables, the luxurious living quarters, and the staff’s rooms, reflecting the lifestyle of its time.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit in Barcelona, offering insight into Gaudí’s architectural journey. If you’re visiting Barcelona in March, do keep an umbrella handy, just in case, although rain is unlikely during your trip.
Final Thoughts
March in Barcelona provides the ideal fusion of culture, agreeable weather, and affordable choices. There is something for everyone in Barcelona, from bus tourist visits to Montjuic cable car from the old Unesco world heritage site to world-famous sites like Park Güell, Barcelona aquarium, and Palau Güell.
The city’s pleasant climate, which is neither too hot nor too cold, makes it ideal for exploring its many attractions. March also brings some exciting festivities, like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rally, and the Barcelona Beer Festival.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in March, you’re in for an enriching and enjoyable adventure. The city’s charm, combined with the diverse array of activities and events, ensures that your visit will be a memorable one.
