Barcelona is undoubtedly one of, if not the most romantic city in the world. Movies, TV series and more will have you falling in love with its exotic Mediterranean spirit while the destination itself will have you appreciating its history and heritage. And just like any other city in the world, Barcelona just lights up during the holiday season, so much so that it almost feels like it becomes more romantic during this time of the year. However, that doesn't mean that if you're single, you won't find anything fun to do in Barcelona during Christmas. There's actually a lot you can do and here are some great examples.
Have Fun at Poble Espanyol
Up on Montjuic hill, one of the more scenic
neighborhoods of Barcelona, you won't just get a stunning view of Barcelona. On every weekend of December, at the Poble Espanyol Spanish Village, they host a funfair filled with delicious food, exciting games, great music, and even the chance to meet Santa Claus and The Three Kings. For only €10.00 to €12.00 per person, you can have the time of your life at
Navidad en el Poble Espanyol, one of the Catalan capital's signature Christmas fairs. What better way to forget about your relationship troubles (or lack thereof) than reveling in all the holiday cheer that this annual event offers?
Source: Poble Espanyol de Barcelona
Speaking of fun, it's no secret that the PortAventura World theme park is among the most exciting places in Barcelona. Amidst a sea of historic hotspots and romantic rendezvous points, you can escape your real-world (and love) problems by going on as many thrill rides and playing as many games as you can. Sure, going to theme parks may be typical date activity, but if you're coming here with friends, who needs a significant other? You ought to go here during the holiday season too because the park transforms into its own winter wonderland you won't want to miss!
Source: PortAventura Facebook Page
Party Hard
Letting loose and partying hard is practically a signature way to get over the fact that you're single. And by the time the holiday season comes, you just know that there'll be a ton of Christmas parties you just have to go to! Beyond the common family gatherings and office soirees, you can always head to the bars and clubs in Barcelona. The nightlife scene is alive and well here in the Catalan capital every Christmastime. Famous hotspots like Flaherty’s Irish Bar—which is a
great sports bar too, by the way!—Marmalade Restaurant & Bar, and CocoVail Beer Hall commonly hosts special holiday events every year. You won't want to miss any of them!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go Shopping
Don't forget that staying single during the holiday season means you don't have to pay a lot of money for that special gift for your significant other. Not to say that what you're giving your friends and family is cheap or anything, but isn't it usually your partner's present that's the most expensive? Well, if you're single during Christmas this year, this means you can spend money on yourself this time! And Barcelona is home to many amazing shopping districts, ranging from
designer outlet stores to even
vintage shops that offer great secondhand high-quality pieces. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get Lost in The Christmas Markets
Since you're already shopping, why not get lost in Barcelona's incredible Christmas markets too? Try local delicacies, see amazing antiques, and check out the fascinating knick-knacks that these annual holiday fairs offer. Though it'd probably feel better if you have someone special holding your hand while you browse the stalls and to eat snacks with. But even if you're single this year, you can still have just as much fun exploring them on your own. At least, you won't have to be conscious about laughing out loud once you see the city's unique
Caga Tió and
Caganer holiday decor. You'll find these infamous items in markets like Fira de Santa Llúcia and the Port Vell Fair, among many others.
Source: Flickr.com/ Ajuntament Barcelona
Cycle Around
Biking all throughout Barcelona is a pretty famous pastime here. From the trendy Raval neighborhood to the scenic Barceloneta Beach, the city offers a
ton of places where you can bike and see all of what this beautiful destination can offer. Now, why is this fun to do when you're single and when it's the holiday season? For the former, you can cycle at your own pace, never needing to worry about anybody as you zoom through Barcelona's most beautiful, even
Instagram-worthy spots. For the latter, the crisp and cool weather makes for a great atmosphere for an energetic bike ride. A win-win situation, right?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Indulge in Local Holiday Treats
If you're one to use food as a coping mechanism, especially when it comes to your love problems, then it's a good thing that you're in Barcelona during the holidays. As the famous food capital that it is, this city offers a ton of delicious traditional holiday treats that you can indulge in. Each tastier than the next, it won't be long before you forget that you were crying about being single this Christmas just yesterday. As for which sweets you ought to enjoy, don't miss out on getting a taste of
turrón, nougat candy made with almonds, hazelnut, and honey. The city's classic
churros con chocolate is also a must-have, especially in any of
the city's finest cafes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pray in Peace
Let's not forget that Christmas is all about Christ's birth. Despite how fun, free and openly liberal Barcelona is, it remains a heavily religious Roman Catholic city nonetheless. And amidst all the funfairs, parties, fiestas, and more, the locals never forget to pray and hear mass during this important holiday. Praying helps give you solace, especially when you're troubled with all sorts of problems (even of the love variety). Going to any of the city's grand churches and praying silently is a great way to self-reflect and remember what this day is all about. And if you're not a Catholic yourself, seeing these grand monuments in all their glory is a great way to spend the holiday season too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
As romantic a city as Barcelona is, it's not a place that's exclusive to couples. Even during the holiday season. If you're single and you happen to be spending Christmas in the Catalan capital, you'll find that there are lots to do to celebrate on your own!
Staying in and relaxing in your
luxury home is also another great way to celebrate Christmas in Barcelona when you're single.
