I’ve written before about why I love Barcelona in the off-season, but over the years I’ve become adamant that Barcelona should really be avoided during the major events and conferences that are held there annually. This is not a matter of your classic peak season crowds and prices: this is when accommodation owners raise their rates by, like, a zillion euros.
These events sometimes take place during classic “low-season” periods (so really, Barcelona, is hopping throughout the year), but not to worry – they don’t last more than a few days each.
Unfortunately, the price-raising frenzy doesn’t just go for hotels but also for B&Bs and private apartments with normally very reasonable prices – including the ones on Cross-pollinate. Much love to Barcelona, one of my absolute favorite cities, but do yourself a favor and avoid coming during these events if you can:
Formula Uno (F1) – The Formula One Spanish Grand Prix held close to Barcelona each May. https://www.circuitcat.com/en/
Primavera Sound Festival – A huge rock festival that usually takes place in the early summer. https://www.primaverasound.com/
Sonar Festival – A world-famous electronic music festival in mid/late June. https://sonar.es/en/2016/
Mobile World Congress (3GSM) –A conference and the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, held in February. https://www.mobileworldcongress.com/
There are plenty of other events and local festivals that take place in Barcelona, but these are the biggies. Pick another city if you’ll be traveling during these dates – we have plenty to choose from!
