48 hours in Barcelona at Christmas: guide to an unforgettable getaway

Whoever arrives in Barcelona in December usually encounters something unexpected: a city that keeps its usual pace but gradually changes its tone as the Christmas weeks go by. It is not only the lights; it is also the way in which the neighbourhoods prepare for this time of year and how local traditions become more visible.

Since we know this is an especially recommendable time for a two-day visit, we have prepared a guide with the itinerary that works best for a short Christmas getaway in Barcelona.

Day 1

Morning: Christmas markets and culture

Begin your tour at the Mercat de Santa Llúcia, a market with more than two centuries of history that is set up every December in front of the Cathedral. Its more than 200 stalls of crafts, nativity scene figurines, wooden ornaments and the typical “caganers”, a very characteristic element of Catalan folklore, make the Mercat de Santa Llúcia an essential stop you simply cannot miss.

Once you have walked through all the stalls, go into the Barcelona Cathedral, whose Gothic façade presides over a Pla de la Seu decorated with Christmas lights. Inside, the cloister hosts a traditional nativity scene and, if you happen to coincide with a carol concert, you will enjoy an especially moving atmosphere.

From there, continue with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, where the narrow streets and lit-up balconies create an authentic Christmas atmosphere in the Catalan capital.

If after this walk you still want to see more Christmas stalls, head over to the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, a much more local market where you will find traditional sweets, handmade decorations and typical seasonal products, and where you can soak up the city’s most authentic festive atmosphere.

Gastronomic midday

Take advantage of the season to taste traditional dishes such as escudella i carn d’olla, a broth with galets and meat typical of this time of year, or canelons de Sant Esteve, stuffed with meat and au gratin in the oven. As you might expect, we recommend trying the best Catalan cuisine at our Babou Restaurant, located in the Vincci Gala 4* hotel, where the culinary proposal is based on seasonal produce and cuisine with a strong identity.

Afternoon of lights and Christmas shopping

In the afternoon, walk along Passeig de Gràcia, one of the city’s most emblematic avenues and a key point in our 48 hours in Barcelona route, where the Christmas lights wrap façades and trees in a design perfectly integrated into the modernist architecture. Pay special attention to buildings such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, which stand out even more under the winter lighting.

When you reach Plaça de Catalunya, you will find shops offering Catalan design, artisan products, creative stationery, nougat and illustrated books that reflect Barcelona’s Christmas spirit. We recommend booking a tour, as many of them start from this square and will give you a much deeper insight into the history and architecture of the city.

Day 2.

Breakfast and a modernist walk

Start the day having breakfast near Casa Batlló or La Pedrera, two modernist icons and essential stops for anyone wanting to see Barcelona in 48 hours. In the surrounding area there are cafés with artisan pastries, toast and speciality coffee, ideal to begin the day with energy before continuing your Christmas getaway.

Take the opportunity to quickly walk once again along Passeig de Gràcia, a usual stop if the day before you saw it at night and could not fully appreciate the combination of Gaudí architecture and boutiques on this lively avenue.

Morning at Montjuïc or Parc Güell

We suggest two different plans so you can make the most of the morning:

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  1. If you are interested in culture, head up to Montjuïc, where you can visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Poble Espanyol or stroll through its gardens and viewpoints overlooking the port. It is a plan that could easily take up a whole day but, if you organise it well, you will get a very good impression in just one morning.
  


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  2. If you prefer an outdoor setting, Parc Güell is an excellent choice. Gaudí’s layout, the mosaics and the views over the city make it one of the must-see spots, especially if it is your first time in Barcelona.
  

Lunch with local flavour

For the last meal of your getaway, opt for places that serve authentic Catalan cuisine, without menus designed for tourists. We recommend heading to the Sant Antoni neighbourhood, where you will find bars where pa amb tomàquet is served with cured cold cuts and traditional dishes such as butifarra with beans.

You can also go to El Born, where historic establishments coexist with more contemporary proposals. Tapas such as ham croquettes or esqueixada still take centre stage, and a wine from Penedès or a red from Priorat is always a great way to say goodbye to the city.

Farewell afternoon: nativity scene route, beach or museum

In the early afternoon we recommend discovering the Barcelona nativity scene route. Among the must-sees are the nativity scene at the Frederic Marès Museum, set up in its inner courtyard and renewed every year with new themes, and the one at the Poble Espanyol, which you will love if you want to see a staged representation of Christmas.

Nativity scene at the Frederic Marès Museum. Photo by L'Ajuntament de Barcelona.

Other nativity scenes you should not miss are those in Plaça Sant Jaume, right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, and at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes, where a display of plaster figures recreates rural scenes.

Once you have seen Barcelona’s nativity scenes, put the finishing touch on your two-day getaway:

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  1. If you still have time, take a final stroll along Barceloneta, where you can walk by the sea and say goodbye at your own pace to one of Spain’s most important cities.
  


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  2. If you prefer a cultural plan, MACBA is ideal for a short visit focused on contemporary art. You can also choose the Picasso Museum or the MUHBA, spaces that summarise the city’s artistic and historical legacy.
  

Unmissable Christmas events and activities

During the Christmas weeks, Barcelona offers numerous public activities that you can enjoy while following the route we have suggested. Among the most notable are the ice rinks, often set up in places such as Plaça Catalunya or L’Illa Diagonal, light and sound shows in spaces such as the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, and fairs at Port Vell and the Sagrada Família, which combine tradition and craftsmanship and renew their programme every year. We recommend checking updated dates and times on barcelonaturisme.com, the official website of Barcelona Tourism.

Where to stay in Barcelona this Christmas

At Vincci Hoteles we have four establishments in the city, distributed across two areas that fit perfectly with the route proposed for this Christmas getaway in Barcelona:

Northern area: central, urban and very well connected

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  Vincci Mae 4*: located on Avinguda Diagonal, it offers contemporary design and a terrace with a different perspective of Barcelona. Its location makes it easy to move around the Eixample district, reach Passeig de Gràcia and connect with the city’s main cultural and commercial areas.
  


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  Vincci Gala 4*: situated next to Plaça Catalunya, it is one of the most practical accommodations for following this route step by step. Its 1900 building preserves modernist elements that add character and style, and its location allows guests to walk to the Gothic Quarter, Christmas markets and the city’s main cultural points of interest.
  
  

Room at Vincci Gala 4*.

Southern area: close to the sea and with a more relaxed atmosphere

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  Vincci Marítimo 4*: just a few minutes from Mar Bella beach, this hotel is ideal for those who want to combine the Christmas energy of the city centre with a calmer environment at the end of the day. Its bright design and proximity to the seaside promenade make it a perfect resting point after an intense day of sightseeing.
  
  


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  Vincci Bit 4*: a hotel with an avant-garde style, decorated with works by international urban artists. Its location next to Diagonal Mar and close to the sea offers a balance between urban accessibility and tranquillity. It is a perfect option for those seeking a modern and different experience during their Christmas stay.
  
  

Room at Vincci Marítimo 4*.

Book your stay at one of the Vincci Hoteles in Barcelona and enjoy a Christmas getaway designed to discover the city at its best.

Tips for your Christmas trip to Barcelona

Use public transport: the metro runs until late and maintains its frequency even during the holidays. Get a transport card and top it up to move around the city.

Clothing: December is cool, but being on the Mediterranean coast it is not extreme. A coat, a scarf (just in case) and comfortable footwear are enough to explore the city without any problem.

Weather: although it is winter, Barcelona usually enjoys sunny days and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

Planning a Christmas getaway to Barcelona for 48 hours does not require much effort, but it does require good decisions. Choosing what to visit, where to eat and how to get around makes the difference. With the proposals you have just read and by staying at Vincci Hoteles, you have everything you need to make the most of every moment. The rest is up to the city.

If you want to make the most of your 48 hours in Barcelona, don’t miss our podcast Vincci Talks: The Art of Living Barcelona, where you will find the best local recommendations:



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