10 Things to Do in Barcelona in November

November is perhaps one of the best months to visit Barcelona. Although there is always plenty to see and do in Barcelona, sometimes the heat or the large crowds of tourists prevent you from fully enjoying yourself. This doesn't happen during this month, which doesn't mean that the cultural offer is reduced at the same rate as the temperatures.

Art can be sustainable and the Drap-Art Festival proves it. This festival takes place every November, in the middle of the month, in Barcelona, especially in galleries and cultural spaces in the Gothic Quarter. Admission is free and it's an opportunity to get closer to art that advocates recycling.

With an urban and contemporary style, the artists participating in Drap-Art use sustainable and recycled materials to create their works. It may sound strange, but I promise you it's very interesting to see how they use the exhibitions to raise awareness and create beauty at the same time.

As the locations are spread all over the city, you can take the opportunity to take a tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. At the same time as you discover the Drap-Art proposals, you can get to know this area and the many historical sites here, such as Plaça del Rei or Plaça de Sant Jaume.

Interesting facts

• When: from the end of October to the beginning of December.
• Where: different locations in the Gothic Quarter
• Price: free
• Recommended if: you are interested in how sustainability, art and history come together in Barcelona.

The first days of November are the last chance you will have to attend the Magic Nights at Casa Batlló, are you going to miss it?

These events consist of a very special and complete visit inside this building designed by Gaudí. When night falls, you go up to the terrace where, in addition to incredible views, a concert is held. The price is approximately €30 and includes access and two drinks during the final show.

But if your stay doesn't coincide exactly with the days when these special Magic Nights are held, I recommend you buy your tickets for Casa Batlló to get to know this house, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, and get a closer look at the artistic mind of the architect.

Useful information

• When: early November
• Where: Casa Batlló
• Price: approximately 30€.
• Recommended if: you are planning a visit to Casa Batlló

There are many activities and plans to do with children in Barcelona, but if you're going to go in November I recommend the Dau Festival. Don't you know it? It's a festival dedicated entirely to play, especially traditional play.

If you fancy spending an afternoon discovering (and trying out) games, both old and new , you'll have the chance to do just that at the Dau Festival. There will be board games, role-playing games, games of skill, history games... You won't have time to get bored! Don't think it's just for kids either, because the organisers have thought about people of all ages having a good time.

Given that Dau Barcelona is held in different parts of the city, I recommend you save on transport costs by buying the Barcelona Card Express which, among many other advantages, will give you free access to public transport during your stay in the city.

Useful information

• When: end of November
• Where: different civic centres in Barcelona
• Price: free
• Recommended if: you are travelling to Barcelona with children and want to spend an entertaining afternoon.

Are you a lover of good food? Do you consider yourself a foodie? Then you can't miss the All Those Food Market, which is held every year in November and May at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya.

This weekend-long event aims to bring locals and visitors to Barcelona closer to the most original and attractive projects on the gastronomic scene through original and innovative gastronomic proposals, creative workshops, craft beers, live music and activities for the little ones at home.

But if you're not in Barcelona during this gastronomic festival, don't worry, because I've got another great plan for you: by booking a gastro tour of Barcelona's markets you'll explore Barcelona's modern yet traditional local markets while discovering the authentic flavours of Catalan cuisine. You won't be disappointed!

Useful information

• When: One weekend in November
• Where: Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
• Price: 5 €. Admission for children under 12 is free
• Recommended if: you like gastronomy and innovation in cuisine

Barcelona is a modern, young city with many independent artists. One of the best examples of this is L'Alternativa, the Barcelona Independent Film Festival.

This event, which takes place in the last two weeks of November at the CCCB, celebrates creativity, diversity and the independence of artists.

The great thing about this Independent Film Festival is that the films screened have different themes, so they reach a very wide audience. In addition, other activities are also organised, such as talks and masterclasses, designed to bring the general public (including children) closer to the world of audiovisuals.

Useful information

• When: last two weeks of November
• Where: CCCB (Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona)
• Price: approximately 15€.
• Recommended if: you are looking for a cultural plan and you like to see independent films.

At the beginning of November, roasted chestnuts arrive in Barcelona. The tradition of eating roasted chestnuts goes back years. To cope with the nightly masses on All Saints' Eve, it was necessary to eat something hot. Although nowadays the vigils are only held in villages, the roasting and eating of chestnuts has been maintained, and the Castanyada is a very important and traditional event in Catalan culture.

In addition to chestnuts, other roasted products are eaten, such as sweet potatoes, and some pastries that are also part of Catalan tradition: panellets. These are made with almond dough and covered with pine nuts. They are usually accompanied by candied fruit and a glass of Moscatel, a sweet wine.

Would you like to try more Catalan gastronomic specialities? Then don't hesitate to book a private gastronomic tour of Barcelona where you'll sample a dozen delicacies, with vegetarian or dietary options if required. Delicious!

Interesting facts

• When: 1 November and the rest of the month
• Where: all over the city
• Price: approximately 10€.
• Recommended if: you need to warm up or just get a taste of Catalan tradition.

Can you resist shopping in Barcelona on Black Friday? At the end of the month, on the fourth Friday to be precise, this is the date when the city's shops fill up with discounts. The best thing is that this Anglo-Saxon celebration not only reaches the big chains, but also small businesses and even tourist attractions.

At the tourist level you can take a look at the offers (up to 20% off). For example, the Palau de la Música and the Auditori de Barcelona often offer reduced-price tickets, as do venues such as Gaudí's Casa Milà, so take the opportunity to buy your tickets for La Pedrera in Barcelona.

Over the years more and more Barcelona shops have joined the Black Friday discounts. Especially in the old town (in the Gothic Quarter and El Born) there are many local designer shops that offer discounts to give visibility to their creations.

Interesting facts

• When: Fourth Friday in November
• Where: different shops and tourist attractions in Barcelona
• Price: offers in tourist attractions and shops of approximately 20%.
• Recommended if: you want to save some money on shopping or sightseeing

Although there are still a few days to go before Christmas in Barcelona gets fully underway, in November the festive spirit starts to get into the air, especially when the lights are switched on at the end of the month.

Don't think it's just an event, as the City Council organises an event in Plaça Catalunya, which is free of charge and open to the public, where there are usually surprises, such as live music and a circus or audiovisual show.

If you like lights and strolling around the illuminated city, don't miss another experience full of light and colour: booking a night-time experience at La Pedrera will dazzle you with its lights and audiovisual projections on the rooftop of this marvellous house, while you contemplate the illuminated city of Barcelona. Absolutely magical!

Interesting facts

• When: end of November
• Where: Plaça Catalunya
• Price: free admission
• Recommended if: your Christmas spirit, like Barcelona's, starts in November.

If you are thinking of taking a trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona, the beginning of November, especially on the 1st of November, may be one of the best times.

The reason is that Girona hosts the "Pujada de Castellers a la Catedral"; you'll see how a tower made up of people (a casteller) climbs the stairs of the cathedral at breakneck speed. Of course, it's free to attend, although you'll have to get a seat.

Although you can go on your own and take public transport, for around 100€ you can book an organised tour, which is much more convenient as it includes all the routes in a private coach and a specialised guide who will explain the cultural and historical value of everything you are going to see.

Interesting facts

• When: throughout the month of November
• Where: the Costa Brava
• Price: approximately 100€.
• Recommended if: you want to do an excursion from Barcelona and not worry about transport and itineraries.

Although it's a little colder in Barcelona in November, if there's one good thing about it, it's that there are far fewer people in the city. This means that the city's major monuments don't receive as many tourists and can be visited more leisurely, so don't miss the opportunity and buy your tickets for the Sagrada Familia. They cost approximately €35 and include access to the museum and a downloadable app with audio guide so you won't miss a single detail.

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's great cathedral, although it's not yet finished. Its towers can be seen from practically all over the city, so you're sure to want to go and see it up close. The first thing you will do at the start of your visit will be to contemplate its façades and the symbolism of each one of them.

Although it is already imposing from the outside, there is a lot to see inside the Sagrada Família. Gaudí was inspired by nature and designed a kind of stone forest. Of course, everything has a religious significance, so listen carefully to your guide's explanations to make sure you don't miss anything.

Interesting facts

• When: throughout the month of November
• Where: Sagrada Família
• Price: approximately 34€.
• Recommended if: you prefer to visit the Sagrada Família with fewer people.

November brings low temperatures to Barcelona (between 11ºC and 17ºC), especially during the last days, when the thermometer is close to 0ºC.

In any case, a good coat and closed (and comfortable) shoes are enough to enjoy the city without getting cold. Rain shouldn't be a concern either (the chances of precipitation are not very high), although a mackintosh or umbrella will come in handy just in case.

The imminent arrival of winter is most noticeable in the hours of daylight each day. During the month of November it gets dark at 18h, so if you want to make a visit that requires natural light, it is best to go in the morning.

November is perhaps one of the cheapest months to visit Barcelona. It is not high season and the good weather is over, so this reduces the number of tourists and consequently the prices. This means that your plane ticket and your hotel can be cheaper.

However, at the end of the month, when the Christmas season begins, prices can go up, especially in accommodation.

Are you all set to go to Barcelona in November? Make the most of all the cultural plans I've suggested and let me know which one you like best.