Is Barcelona Worth Visiting in December?
Whether you’re dreaming of traveling to Barcelona in December is also worth considering. If that isn’t enough, there’s also Barcelona, a spectacular and historic city that is the capital of Catalonia, consistently proving that flavour is guaranteed throughout the year. In this article, we will find out whether Barcelona in December is worth visiting and briefly examine a couple of important things you’d better take into account when planning your next trip.
The Weather in Barcelona in December
It is one factor that is essential when choosing a travel destination. Barcelona’s mild winter temperatures average 14°C (57°F) high and 8°C (46°F) low in December. Still quite comfortable for getting around the city compared to the summer months, it’s cooler than it would have been. Although the weather is primarily dry, there’s a chance of rain so just bring an umbrella or a rain jacket for backup.
Festive Atmosphere
In December the city of Barcelona is all festive in preparation for the holiday season. Christmas markets abound, local crafts, gifts and delicacies, the streets are beautifully lit with colorful lights. The most famous is the Fira de Santa Llucia on near the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral. There is also room for tasty treats such as “turron” (nougat) and “neules” (wafer biscuits) whilst perusing handmade gifts.
Less Crowds and Lower Prices
The most positive aspect of visiting Barcelona in December is that there are fewer tourists. This way you will have more relaxed time exploring popular attractions like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter. Besides, you’ll not have as long a wait at museums and restaurants with fewer crowds. Besides that, many hotels and airlines charge cheaper rates during this time, therefore travelling emerges as a more affordable option for travellers.
Experience the Catalan Christmas Traditions
A perfect immersion in Catalan Christmas traditions takes place in December. The “Caga Tió” or “Poop Log” is one unique tradition. A smiling face hollow log with an international Catalan hat. To pass the log and the sticks, the children sing a traditional song, which is meant to make the log defecate little gifts and candies hidden inside. The ‘Caga Tió’ or ‘Catalan Caganer’, a small figurine of someone defecating in the Nativity Scenes represent a good luck symbol for fertility.
Winter Activities in Barcelona
Although Barcelona does not get snow covered winters, there is much to do in winter. Plaça de Catalunya rink is one of many outdoor ice rinks that the city has to offer and if you pour yourself on to the ice at the same time as the festive atmosphere then you will be perfectly good. If you are into skiing and snowboarding you can day trip to the surrounding Pyrenees Mountains which are full of the snows covered ones for you to enjoy.
Cultural Delights
It is known to have art, architecture and cultural events here. The heavy crowds that normally gather to visit Antoni Gaudí’s famous works such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló are easily avoided by touring in December. Many museums and galleries in Barcelona also offer interesting exhibitions and cultural events during this time. To fully get a handle of what Barcelona is really about, be sure to check out the Picasso Museum or even the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA).
Conclusion
Although December is cold in many parts of the world, if you decide to travel to Barcelona in December, you will feel warm and you will also meet great cultural delights. Go at your own pace, without having to queue for a long time, because this is not the time of year where many of the people from all over the world will be coming, and the prices are lower as well. In December, you can indulge in the local cuisine, marvel at the stunning architecture or discover the rich cultural heritage, amongst other things, that Barcelona has to offer. If you plan to travel, go to Barcelona is one of the options.
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