Like everywhere else, New Year’s Eve is synonymous with celebration in Barcelona. Here we dine with family or friends, drink and dance until the end of the night. Barcelona is known as a quintessential summer destination, and it is often overlooked in the winter. It is an amazing place to spend the end of the year celebrations. One of the main New Year’s attractions in Barcelona is the weather. At the end of the year, the temperatures are much milder than other places in Europe and the sun can still shine all day.

There are some unique traditions in Spain that take place during the holidays! One of the most famous is that of the 12 grapes, it is the best known and most popular tradition. It’s actually about eating a grape at the stroke of midnight, so 12 in total corresponds to the 12 months of last year. If you are spending New Year’s Eve in a restaurant or nightclub, you will be given grapes for sure! If you can eat all 12 grapes in time, you will have a particularly lucky year ahead of you. This tradition has existed for more than 100 years. Also place a gold ring in your glass of cava to attract wealth and prosperity in the new year.

Here’s our guide to a successful New Year’s Eve in Barcelona. 

 

Celebration in Plaça Espanya

This celebration features a musical light show in Plaça Espanya, one of the most iconic squares in the city. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Barcelona with the family.

Here you will see a special Magic Fountain show with concerts and a beautiful fireworks display. With more than 80,000 spectators in attendance each year, be sure to arrive early to grab a good seat.

How to get there.

 

Street Party in Plaça de Catalunya

This one is more for the youngsters who want excitement. A large space is emptied in Plaça Catalunya and people throw their bottles of wine in the square. It is quite an impressive (if also nerve-wracking) sight to see hundreds of bottles flying through the air and breaking.

From there you will see a noisy crowd rushing towards the famous areas of La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, both very popular for their bars. If you are not looking for a night out in an expensive club, but want a good evening in trendy bars, the choice is yours. Make sure to go there early around 11pm.

How to get there.

 

New Year’s Eve show and fireworks in Montjuïc

Every year, the city organizes a great performing arts show to the rhythm of Montjuïc’s magic fountains and light and sound entertainment at 9:30 PM. The celebration takes place on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and is free for everyone.

Make sure to arrive early. Although the spectacular entertainment can be viewed from a distance, it is always best to be as close to the heart of the action as possible.

How to get there.

 

Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol, a unique space in Barcelona built for the Universal Exposition of 1929. It looks just like a small town since its streets and squares are actually a replica of those typical of other Spanish cities. For more than 30 years people have gathered in this location to spend New Year’s Eve in Barcelona. This year, just like every year, one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the Catalan capital will take place on the Poble Espanyol stage.

Three pavilions offer a multitude of options: the central pavilion can accommodate up to 5,000 people dancing to a mix of the 70s, 80s and 90s hits, as well as contemporary music. A smaller space can accommodate up to 1,500 people dancing to electronic music. The parties usually start at 10:30 p.m. and end at 6:00 a.m., for a price is 35€ with grapes, gifts, chocolates, a good atmosphere and 4 drinks included. Not bad value! This price is valid for the first 500 tickets, the price then increases to 60€ if you buy your tickets on the site. This is usually one of the best New Year’s offers in Barcelona. So get it in quick and get your ticket at the cheapest possible price!

How to get there.

 

Illumination of the Agbar Tower

If you are in the Poblenou neighborhood or have views of the Torre Agbar, then you’re in for a spectacle. The tower is particularly pretty during the transition to the new year. In fact, it marks each stroke of midnight by lighting up in a different way. It’s a good visual guide to when you should try to eat the next of your 12 grapes!

How to get there.

 

Nightclubs

If you want to continue partying and celebrate the New Year in Barcelona until late at night, we recommend heading to some of the most fashionable nightclubs in the city along the seafront after midnight. Here you’ll find New Year’s Eve parties for all tastes with a wide selection of music at Carpe Diem, Opium, Razzmatazz, Apolo, Fira, Jamboree or Bling Bling.

All the major nightclubs in Barcelona have special events for New Year’s Eve. We recommend that you buy your tickets ahead of time, otherwise the line will likely be very long. And remember, pre-sales are usually cheaper than entry into the venue. Usually one or more drinks, as well as party favors and grapes, are included in the price.

That all said, remember that COVID-19 may influence how nightclubs operate this year and the regulations can quickly change. So make sure you check the latest info before making plans.

How to get there.

 

With temperatures so mild in Barcelona at the end of December, it is novel to do some sightseeing in the city without having to wrap yourself in multiple layers. Book our Barcelona Segway Tour and enjoy seeing the city in an original way if you’re in town.

Happy New Year’s Eve and Happy New Year! And don’t forget to make your list of resolutions.