You might wonder what is open in Barcelona on Sundays. Traditionally as a Catholic country, there are some restrictions on what businesses can open on Sundays in Barcelona and the rest of Spain, but that is mainly shops and administrative offices like banks. Sunday is actually a great day to be in the city as there are lots of things to do in Barcelona on Sundays, from free museums to the top tourist attractions and outdoor activities. Read on to find out what to do in Barcelona on Sunday!
What’s Closed in Barcelona on Sundays?
The thing I struggle with most about businesses closing on Sundays is that I can’t go to the local market or my usual supermarket. Luckily, I have a flexible work schedule so I can always get things done during the week, but I must admit those being closed on Sundays does take some getting used to.
If you’re visiting Barcelona most things you’ll want to visit are open on Sundays, but here is exactly what is closed in Barcelona on Sunday:
Most Regular Shops are Closed
Barcelona’s shops traditionally open Monday to Saturday and are closed on Sundays. Shopping centres and department stores generally follow the same pattern, opening Monday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm.
There are exceptions in some tourist areas and on specific designated Sundays throughout the year. From 15th May to 15th September shops in some neighbourhoods (including Ciutat Vella, Exiample and Gracia) can open on Sundays and public holidays, from 12 noon to 8pm – but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be open.
Around the Christmas period and January sales stores can also open on Sundays, usually from the last Sunday in November through until the middle of January. Most shops will take advantage of this busy period and are usually open on those Sundays.
Souvenir shops are usually open every day, but if you’re looking for authentic souvenirs from traditional businesses, they are usually closed on Sunday.
The Maremagnum shopping centre in Port Vell is open every day of the year, including Sundays and public holidays, thanks to special rules due to its port location.
Food Markets & Most Supermarkets are Closed
Traditional food markets are closed on Sundays, including La Boqueria Market on La Rambla, Santa Catarina Market in El Born and Barceloneta Market. Barcelona’s markets are well worth exploring for fresh local produce and tasty snacks, so make sure you visit from Monday to Saturday to enjoy them.
Even if you visit a market during the week, check the opening times before you go; La Boqueria is open every day (except Sunday) from 8am to 8.30pm, but other local markets may close in the afternoon – Santa Catarina market for example closes at 3.30pm on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday but is open till 8pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
The big supermarkets also usually close on Sundays, for example Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, most Caprabos and others will be closed. Some smaller supermarkets are still open; Dia supermarkets are usually open on Sundays, some Condis supermarkets are open on Sundays all day, others close at 3pm, others are closed all day.
Small supermarkets under 150 square metres have no opening hour restrictions and can trade on Sundays and even at night, so you’ll always be able to find small shops for essentials – although generally at higher prices than markets & larger supermarkets.
Banks, Post Offices, and Other City Services are Closed
Banks are usually only open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, though ATMs are available around the clock. The main post office is open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings only.
Other services like lawyers, city council offices, non-urgent health services etc, are all closed on Saturday and Sundays.
What to Do in Barcelona on Sunday
Well, now you know what is closed, let’s see what is open on Sundays in Barcelona! As I mentioned, most tourist attractions are open, so let’s explore the details and the best things to do in Barcelona on Sunday:
Visit a Museum
Sundays are great days to discover Barcelona’s museums. They are almost all open on Sundays, and usually close on Mondays. The best thing about visiting a museum on Sunday is you can also often get free entry – if you time it right!
Every Sunday after 3pm
Most of Barcelona’s municipal museums are free from 3pm onwards every Sunday. This includes the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), the Design Museum, the Frederic Marès Museum, the Music Museum, the Maritime Museum, the CCCB (contemporary culture centre), and the Museums of World Cultures, among others.
The First Sunday of Every Month
Most of those same museums open free for the entire day, not just the afternoon. On first Sundays, you can also visit the Picasso Museum free of charge (advance booking is required, and slots open up four days before the visit, from 10 am onwards), the MNAC (the National Art Museum of Catalonia, with its stunning hilltop views), the Fundació Joan Miró, Palau Güell, and the Archaeology Museum.
Make sure you book ahead – even though the tickets are free in most cases you still need to book an entry time as the museums get very busy. Even after booking a slot you’ll often find people lining up to get inside, so come early and prepare for crowds.
➡️Read more about the free museums in Barcelona here
Watch a Sardana Dance Performance
The Sardana is the traditional Catalan dance, symbolising unity and pride. You can often find locals dancing the Sardana accompanied by a live music band in front of the Barcelona Cathedral on weekends.
Performances are usually from February through to July on Saturdays at 5.30 or 6:30pm, and Sundays and holidays around midday. You can check the schedule here, although the website is in Catalan.
I’ve started taking weekly Sardana classes and now I know some of the steps I must tell you that the dance is a lot harder than it first appears. Visitors are welcome to watch but the steps aren’t easy to pick up, so it’s best just to watch instead of trying to in and risk ruining everyone’s rhythm!
Head to the Beach
No matter what time of year it is, Sunday is a perfect day for strolling along the waterfront, and you’ll find many Barcelona locals have the same idea. You’ll find people walking, jogging, skating or cycling along the boardwalk, playing volleyball on the sand or sitting on a bench and enjoying the view.
In hot weather, the sand is packed with sunbathers, and many people take the train up or down the coast to enjoy the cleaner, slightly quieter beaches out of the city. Return trains get extremely busy as soon as the sun goes down and everyone packs up to head home, so bear that in mind if you decide to go further afield.
Picnic in the Park
On sunny Sundays, green spaces in Barcelona are packed with locals enjoying the sunshine. Parc de la Ciutadella, the parks at Montjuic and around Glories are some of the larger parks and gardens where people go on Sundays.
You’ll often find some live music or dance classes to watch, or bring a book, a blanket and some snacks to while away a pleasant afternoon on the grass.
Stroll Around a Different Neighbourhood
I love wandering around the city on a sunny Sunday morning. Families are out and about, couples are walking hand-in-hand, kids are playing in the parks, and everyone is enjoying the sunshine.
It’s a great time to see more of the city beyond the tourist sites, when most people you’ll meet are locals making the most of their weekend. Choose a neighbourhood you haven’t been to before and take a walk.
Sant Antoni is one of my favourites for a Sunday stroll; although Sant Antoni market is closed, on Sunday mornings there is a large book market all around the beautiful ironwork building, and in Spring the fruit and almond trees are blossoming – it’s wonderful.
Gracia is another great place for a wander, where some of the local independent shops are open, and the many squares or plaças are full of people. Grab a table and some tapas and people watch for a while.
Explore Montjuïc
Montjuïc, the hill overlooking Barcelona and the coastline, is a wonderful area to explore on a sunny Sunday, with gardens, museums and various other attractions. Take a cable car from Barceloneta up to the top of the hill and admire the views on the way, or go up from the Plaça d‘Espanya.
Montjuïc Castle perched on the summit is a historic fortress that dates back to the 17th century and showcases Barcelona’s military history as well as panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s free on Sunday afternoons from 3pm, or all day on the first Sunday of the month.
INSIDER TIP: If you buy tickets for the Montjuic Cable Car through the Barcelona Tourist Office HERE, tickets include FREE entry into Montjuic castle at any time during opening hours! NB: tickets bought at the cable car station don’t include entry to the castle so buy them in advance online.
Barcelona Botanic Garden is also free on the first Sunday of the month or after 3pm on other Sundays, and is home to a wide variety of Mediterranean plants. The Miramar Gardens offer a tranquil green space where you can unwind with more scenic views, or walk along the many pathways cross-crossing the hillside.
There is plenty to see and do for art lovers too, with the Fundació Joan Miró, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) housed in the impressive Palau Nacional which are both well worth a visit, and the view from the Palau Nacional of the Magic Fountain, Plaça d’Espanya and Tibidabo beyond should not be missed.
The Magic Fountain has a spectacular evening light and music show on Thursday, Friday & Sunday evenings, where lights, water and music combine for a colourful display.
Hike to Tibidabo
The Spring and Autumn months are the best times to get active in Barcelona, as the weather is usually not too hot, cold or wet. Collserola Natural Park is crisscrossed with footpaths, so you could hike up there or to Tibidabo for stunning views of the city.
Another favourite with both locals and tourists is the view from the Bunkers at El Carmel, what remains of civil war anti-aircraft bunkers perched on Carmel Hill. It’s a popular Instagram spot in Barcelona and is worth the walk (or bus journey) to see it. It used to be popular at sunset but it now closes before the sun goes down.
Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch or Brunch
Sundays are perfect for a long lunch, and everybody in Barcelona knows it. The ritual of La Hora del Vermut (vermouth hour) starts around 12pm, with a glass of vermouth and a aperitif of olives, anchovies or salty snacks. A gilda is a perfect combination of an olive, spicy guindilla pepper and anchovy on a stick, which is best eaten all in one mouthful!
Then around 2pm (or sometimes later) families and friends gather for a relaxed lunch which often takes hours. If you are planning to have a traditional lunch on Sunday then make sure you book a table, sometimes restaurants will open at 1pm which is a great time to beat the rush!
Brunch in Barcelona has exploded in popularity in recent years, and although I prefer the more traditional lunches here in Catalonia, if you have a craving for eggs benedict and pancakes, Sunday is always a good day for brunch! Popular Barcelona brunch places do fill up quickly though, so aim to go early or expect to wait in line for a table.
Worship in a Beautiful Cathedral
Going inside La Sagrada Familia is a special experience, and if you are religious and want to attend mass here then there is an international mass held here every Sunday morning at 9am. There is also an international mass every Saturday at 8pm.
As it is a Catholic church, you must dress appropriately, and there is no opportunity to tour around the Basilica – it is not a tourist visit. You can get more information on the official Sagrada Familia website here.
Mass is free to attend but there is a limited capacity so please only come to mass if you want to worship. Remember that the Sagrada Família is an active place of worship, not just a tourist attraction, and local parishioners shouldn’t have to compete with visitors looking for a free ticket.
After mass has finished, usual tourist tickets are available from 10.45am, when you can visit the Basilica, take a guided tour, or take some time to sit and contemplate the incredible space.
Remember to make sure you wear:
- No see-through clothing.
- Trousers and skirts must come down to at least mid-thigh.
- Visitors may not enter in swimwear.
- Visitors will not be allowed to enter wearing special clothing to celebrate any sort of festivities, nor with any decorations designed to distract or draw attention for artistic, religious, promotional or any other purposes.
- Bare shoulders are not allowed in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament
Similarly, the Gothic Cathedral on Sundays is primarily a place of worship. On Sundays and public holidays, entry is free from 8:30am to 1:45pm, but this is for mass and religious services which are in Catalan or Spanish. Paid tourist access begins at 2pm and runs until 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm) on Sundays, when you can visit the Cathedral and go up on to the rooftop for lovely views of the city.
Visit Other Attractions
As I mentioned, most other tourist attractions in Barcelona are open on Sundays, although they may have shorter opening hours than during the week. So, you can do pretty much everything you would do on a normal day, whether that is visiting Park Guell, Casa Batllo or another Gaudi building, exploring the Gothic Quarter or getting lost in El Born.
Explore Catalonia on Day Trips from Barcelona
Sunday can be a great time to explore more of Catalonia beyond the city limits. The Natural Parks around the city are excellent for hiking, and some of the most popular Barcelona day trips include Montserrat Mountain with its monastery and statue of the Black Madonna, as well as spectacular views and hiking opportunities, the medieval city of Girona and the seaside town of Sitges.
There are several wine regions within easy reach of the city too, and by train or on a wine tour from Barcelona where you can taste delicious Catalan wines and cava sparkling wine in the Penedes, Alella or Priorat. France isn’t too far away, and the tiny country of Andorra can make a nice day trip as well.
The beaches of the Costa Brava are beautiful to look at throughout the year, or take a swim in the sea in warmer weather. Hiking or hiring a car to explore the harder-to-reach areas is well worth the effort. The Dali museum at Figueres is often included in a Costa Brava day trip, or you can take the train there easily too.
I hope this has helped you realise that there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona on Sunday, so you don’t need to worry about things being closed affecting your trip. It’s still a good idea to plan ahead if you want to do some shopping or visit a local market, but generally you should be fine. Don’t forget that museums are often free on Sundays, but tend to be closed on Mondays – that has caught me out more than once here!!
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