Looking for what to do in Barcelona when it's hot? Discover 7 cool plans among gardens, museums, and cultural spaces to enjoy the summer. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
When temperatures rise, the way to discover Barcelona changes too. During the peak hours of the day, shaded spaces, gardens, museums, and cultural centers become your best allies to keep enjoying the city without giving up comfort.
If you are wondering what to do in Barcelona when it's hot, here are seven plans to cool down and keep exploring the city. All of them are easily accessible using the public transport network and the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.
1. Stroll Through the Laribal Gardens
The Laribal Gardens (Jardins de Laribal), on Montjuïc mountain, are one of the most pleasant spots to escape the heat. Its fountains, staircases, pergolas, and paths surrounded by greenery create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for taking a walk or relaxing under the shade of the trees.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 or L3 (Plaça Espanya).
Bus: 55, 150, or 13.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Red Route (CaixaForum - Pavelló Mies van der Rohe stop).
2. Discover the Art Galleries on Carrer d'Enric Granados
Carrer d'Enric Granados is one of the most pleasant promenades in L'Eixample. During the hottest hours, you can combine a stroll under the trees with a visit to some of its contemporary art galleries, ideal for enjoying a quiet, air-conditioned environment.
How to get there:
Metro: L3 and L5 (Diagonal) or L1 and L2 (Universitat).
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Blue Route or Red Route (Passeig de Gràcia - La Pedrera stop).
3. Cool Off in the Courtyards of Carrer Montcada
In the heart of El Born, the medieval palaces of Carrer Montcada hide inner courtyards that offer a pleasant break from the heat. Take the opportunity to visit some of the city's most iconic museums, such as the Picasso Museum or the Moco Museum.
How to get there:
Metro: L4 (Jaume I).
Bus: H14, V15, and 47.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Red Route (Barri Gòtic or Pla de Palau - Parc de la Ciutadella stop).
4. Take Shelter at CaixaForum
Located at the foot of Montjuïc, CaixaForum Barcelona is an excellent option for spending the hottest hours of the day. Its temporary exhibitions, cultural activities, and air-conditioned spaces allow you to enjoy art and modernist architecture in total comfort.
How to get there:
Metro: L1 and L3 (Plaça Espanya).
Bus: 13, 55, and 150.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Red Route (CaixaForum - Pavelló Mies van der Rohe stop).
5. Discover Barcelona at Dusk with the Barcelona Bus Turístic
When the sun begins to set, it's a great time to tour the city aboard the Barcelona Bus Turístic. You can discover some of Barcelona's main monuments while enjoying a more pleasant temperature and the views from the upper deck.
Com arribar-hi:
Route starts at Plaça Catalunya.
6. Experience an Immersive Attraction at IDEAL or Palau Martorell
The hottest days are perfect for discovering indoor cultural venues. Both the IDEAL Centre d'Arts Digitals and Palau Martorell offer immersive exhibitions and innovative experiences in air-conditioned spaces.
How to get there (IDEAL):
Metro: L4 (Llacuna).
How to get there (Palau Martorell):
Metro: L4 (Jaume I).
7. Relax at the Umbracle in Parc de la Ciutadella
The Umbracle in Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's most unique and chill spaces. This modernist shade house, surrounded by lush vegetation, offers pleasant shade and is perfect for taking a break after visiting the park or the Born neighborhood.
How to get there:
Metro: L4 (Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica) or L1 (Arc de Triomf).
Bus: H16, V19, 39, and 47.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Red Route (Pla de Palau - Parc de la Ciutadella stop).
Discover a Cooler Barcelona
When it's hot, Barcelona continues to offer plenty of options to enjoy the city in a different way. Gardens, museums, cultural centers, and sunset strolls will allow you to discover some of its most special corners without worrying about high temperatures.
To reach them comfortably, choose public transport and take advantage of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, with unlimited journeys on the metro, bus, tram, FGC, Rodalies (zone 1), and the Montjuïc Funicular. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
