Are Things Open on Sunday in Barcelona?
Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. However, if you are planning to visit on a Sunday, it’s essential to know what is open and what is not.
Sundays in Barcelona are generally considered a day of rest, and many businesses, shops, and attractions have limited operating hours or might be closed altogether. Let’s dive into the details!
Shops and Retail
If you are looking to do some shopping on a Sunday in Barcelona, it’s important to note that most shops are closed. Spanish law limits the opening hours of stores on Sundays and public holidays. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
- Large Shopping Centers: Some larger shopping centers like Maremagnum or Diagonal Mar may remain open on Sundays. These malls offer a wide variety of stores where you can find everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home goods.
- Tourist Areas: Shops located in tourist areas such as Las Ramblas or the Gothic Quarter may also choose to stay open on Sundays.
These areas attract a large number of visitors throughout the week, making it profitable for shops to operate on Sundays as well.
- Convenience Stores: Small convenience stores known as “Spars” can be found throughout the city and usually have longer opening hours, including Sundays. They are great for picking up essentials like snacks, drinks, or toiletries.
Tourist Attractions
If you’re interested in exploring Barcelona’s famous landmarks or visiting its renowned museums on a Sunday, rest assured that many tourist attractions remain open.
- Sagrada Familia: One of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, the Sagrada Familia, is open to visitors on Sundays. However, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance as it can get crowded.
- Park Güell: Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is also open on Sundays.
This whimsical park offers stunning views of the city and is a must-visit attraction.
- Picasso Museum: Art lovers will be pleased to know that the Picasso Museum is open on Sundays. It houses an extensive collection of works by the renowned artist and provides insight into his life and artistic journey.
Restaurants and Cafés
If you’re worried about finding a place to eat on a Sunday in Barcelona, fear not! The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of options available.
- Tapas Bars: Barcelona is famous for its tapas bars, and many of them remain open on Sundays. Enjoy an array of delicious small plates while immersing yourself in the local culture.
- Tourist Restaurants: Restaurants located in tourist areas are more likely to be open on Sundays as they cater to visitors from around the world.
You’ll find a variety of cuisines to choose from.
- Cafés and Bakeries: Barcelona has no shortage of charming cafés and bakeries where you can grab a coffee or indulge in some freshly baked pastries. They are often open on Sundays for breakfast or brunch.
In conclusion, while many businesses have limited operating hours or are closed on Sundays in Barcelona, there are still options available for visitors. Large shopping centers, shops in tourist areas, and convenience stores are some places where you can find open businesses.
Additionally, most tourist attractions and a wide range of restaurants and cafés also operate on Sundays. So plan your itinerary accordingly and make the most of your visit to this beautiful city!