This blog post was originally posted on June 11, 2015, and was updated on January 13, 2023.
Summer days in Barcelona are glorious, and the nights are even better. Sure, you’ve got the beach, but that’s not the end-all-be-all of summer in Barcelona. Whether you want to explore the streets of the city or beat the heat in an air-conditioned environment, here’s what to do in Barcelona in July.
See lots of live music
July is one of the biggest months of live music and festivals in Spain, and Barcelona is no different. The city’s agenda is packed with different outdoor music events for every taste, budget and style.
- The Festival Jardins Pedralbes is an evening concert series spanning throughout the summer. It features many local artists as well as internationally known performers—Mariah Carey and Juanes are just two of the headliners for this year.
- Combine music and modernism with the other evening concert series at some of Gaudi’s masterpieces. One of our top picks is the evening jazz concert series at Casa Milà throughout the summer.
- If you’re on a tight budget, check out the free evening music series in one of the most beautiful gardens in Barcelona: the Vespres de la UB.
- Looking for a festival? Barcelona Beach Festival is a one-day party that more than lives up to its name.
Head to the beach
It’s hot and you need to cool off—that means that the beach is the perfect place to be on those long summer days. While Barceloneta is great for hanging out, wandering and people-watching, the waters tend to be a bit cleaner further down the coast. Walk or bike to Bogatell beach, or take a day trip from Barcelona to a charming Catalan coastal town.
Check out Barcelona’s rooftops
Barcelona is filled with stunning rooftops scattered around the city, which are perfect for enjoying breathtaking views while soaking in those balmy summer evenings. Though most of the best rooftops in Barcelona can be found atop the city’s hotels, you don’t need to be a guest to access them. Barcelona in July can get quite hot, so this is the perfect way to cool down and chill out with a cocktail or two.
Immerse yourself in a neighborhood festival
Catalans are always looking for an excuse to party, and that’s exactly what’s in store for anyone visiting Barcelona in July. Despite its status as the hottest month of the year, July sees two of the city’s most emblematic neighborhoods celebrating their festa major: Raval and Poble Sec.
The Festa Major del Raval is a massive three-day celebration with a special focus on diversity and multiculturalism. In addition to international music and food stalls, you’ll also find a flea market, kids’ workshops, and more.
Poble Sec’s Festa Major has a more daring feel while retaining that famous authentic Catalan spirit. The main draw here are the castellers, or heart-stopping human towers, and you’ll also see adventurous locals participating in the traditional correfoc, or fire run.
See a movie al fresco at Montjuïc
What could be better than enjoying an excellent film? Doing so outside on a warm summer evening at one of Barcelona’s most legendary locations. The Sala Montjuïc Film Festival offers a fascinating lineup of movies that will be screened throughout the summer, complete with onsite bar and restaurant facilities (though you’re also welcome to bring a picnic from home).
