Planning a trip to Barcelona in the summer? You’re in for sunkissed plazas, cocktails on shady terraces, and loads of architectural wonders – at the very least! So, read on for a 5-year Barcelona local’s perspective on what to wear in Barcelona in summer what you need to pack with you.
To make the most of your adventure, start making a summer Barcelona packing list to avoid disappointment on arrival. This comprehensive Barcelona summer packing guide will ensure you have everything you need to explore the city comfortably and stylishly. So, here’s what to wear in Barcelona in June, July, and August!
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What to Pack for Barcelona Summers
Here’s your local’s guide on everything you need to know about a Barcelona packing list for summer. Whether you want to visit Barcelona in June or August, here’s what you need to wear.
Comfortable walking shoes
I don’t know if there’s still this misconception that people in Europe don’t wear sneakers, but I’m here to set the record straight: they do.
Barcelona is a city begging to be explored on foot, with its charming balcony-filled streets and awe-inspiring architecture. And don’t worry! Barcelona locals are all about wearing comfy sneakers, so you’ll fit right in! Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes to keep your feet happy throughout the day. Quality comfort is key here. You don’t want blisters after just one day of exploring Barcelona this summer.
I’d recommend bringing a pair or sneakrs like these Pumas plus a pair of Teva sandals like these.
Note: Some of the links in this article contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Lightweight clothing
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. When considering what to wear in Barcelona in July or August, pack lightweight and breathable clothing for your summer trips.
Think cotton or linen tops, casual airy pants, shorts, and sundresses. Don’t forget a versatile hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the Spanish sun. I’ll get into the details a bit more below. These linen pants are PERFECT for Barcelona summer oufits.
By the way, I have a whole itinerary guide on EVERYTHING to do in Barcleona. It’s full of all my favorite bars, restaurants, and things to do in Barcelona – written for tourists, by a local. <3 Read it here!
Layering pieces for the evenings
While Barcelona is definitely hot in summer, evenings can cool off a bit, so it might be nice to have a light cardigan, jacket, or lightweight scarf that you can wrap around your shoulders and arms.
Whatever layer you choose, pick something that will already suit your Barcelona summer packing list!
Plus, I always wear a lightweight linen/cotton layer during the day for some added sun protection.
Swimwear for a beach trip from Barcelona
A trip to Barcelona in summer wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the nearby beautiful beaches.
If you’ve followed my blog for long enough, you know I’m not about Barceloneta or any beach in Barcelona. However, when you venture just outside the city, you have Costa Brava to the north and Sitges and Casteldefels to the south. Either way you’re getting a much cleaner and more pleasant beach experience.
Tangent aside, add a swimsuit to your Barcelona summer packing list. I highly recommend a trip up to Costa Brava to swim in the turquoise Mediterranean and paddleboard or kayak through stunning caves and grottos.
Your favorite sun hat
Embrace your personal style, whether it’s a fedora or a bucket hat, and choose a hat that will go well with your outfits while still providing the sun protection you’re looking for. Usually, on the streets of Barcelona in summer, locals usually go for bucket hats rather than oversized floppy hats (these look to look a bit more touristic).
This summer bucket hat is perfect for summer in Barcelona. And if you like straw hats, go for something like this one.
Looking for things to do in Barcelona this summer? Park Guell is one of the city’s most iconic places to see. Make the most of your time with this budget-friendly guided tour with skip-the-line-access.
Summer dresses & rompers
These will be your best friends when considering what to wear in Barcelona in summer. Flowy summer dresses and rompers are breathable, airy, and lightweight.
I would opt for cotton, linen, or bamboo over synthetic materials that tend to trap heat.
I’m obsessed with this linen spaghetti strap dress on Etsy! It’s a perfect sustainable option, handmade in the US.
Check out my 4-day Barcelona itinerary if you want to see where this iconic Sagrada Familia viewpoint is located.
Sunglasses
Your summer in Barcelona packing list is incomplete without a pair of stylish sunglasses. You’ll see locals wearing all sorts of sunglass styles, so get creative and embrace your personal style along the way.
Some of my favorite’s are this pair from one of my favorite boutique sunglasses shops in the US and this pair of polarized cat-eye sunglasses on Amazon.
Sustainable sunscreen
We should be wearing sunscreen every day, but not the problematic chemically kind you see at most stores. Rather, when packing for a trip to Barcelona, I recommend bringing an eco-friendly sunscreen like my beloved Raw Elements sunscreen. I use this on my face and body, and I love love love love it! Plus, the ingredients are so simple (absolutely nothing concering) and it feels good on the skins (even the face).
Travel adapter & portable charger
Ensure you stay connected and your devices remain powered up by bringing a universal travel adapter. Barcelona uses Type C and F plugs, so make sure your adapter is compatible. Additionally, a portable charger will come in handy for keeping your smartphone, camera, and other gadgets fully charged throughout the day.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring Barcelona by carrying a reusable water bottle. Barcelona has numerous drinking fountains and tap water is safe to drink (though it’s not the tastiest water in Europe by any means), so you can refill your bottle easily and save money while reducing plastic waste.
Otherwise, I recommend buying a 2+ gallon water bottle from a market and keeping it in your accommodation and filling up your reusable water bottle every morning before heading out to explore the city.
Spanish Phrasebook & Translation App
Although English is widely spoken in Barcelona, it’s always helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases (bonus if you can pick up some Catalan, as this is the local language).
You can pack a pocket-sized phrasebook or download a translation app (I use Google Translate and Reverso) to help you out along your travels. These apps can even listen to conversations and type out an English translation for you. Also, Google Translate lets you take a picture of menus or signs and quickly translates it for you.
Secure daypack or crossbody bag
You may have heard that Barcelona is the number one pickpocketing destination in the world. Keep your belongings safe while sightseeing with a secure daypack or crossbody bag – like these anti theft bags that I LOVE. (I own 2 of these!)
Thes bags benefit from anti-theft features, like hidden compartments and slash-proof materials, and zippers that lock to deter pickpockets. If you want to know the best tricks to avoid being pickpocketed in Europe, see my essential guide here.
And if you just need something small to keep some cash, your credit card, phone, and some lip gloss in, I really love this TOPO Designs bag. I use it on a regular basis and it’s one of my all-time favorite bags.
By following this ultimate Barcelona packing guide, you’ll be fully prepared to enjoy every moment of your trip to this captivating city.
Now, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, awe-inspiring architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine that Barcelona has to offer!
FAQ
When it comes to what to wear in Barcelona in summer, here are some of the most common questions I hear.
What do people in Barcelona wear in summer?
The cool thing about Barcelona is that you’ll see so many different styles. However, most locals will wear something with a laidback style such as flowy pants and a tank top. Many will also wear a thin summery scarf and either sneakers, sandals, or espadrilles.
Is it ok to wear shorts in Barcelona?
Absolutely! It’s a common misconception that people in Europe don’t wear shorts – they do! When it comes to what to wear in Barcelona in Jully and August, shorts will be VERY handy.
What do you wear to the beach in Barcelona?
Bring a swimsuit and a towel. The rest is up to you! You can also wear a two-piece and remove the top as its legal to be topless at beaches in Barcelona.
How do you dress like a local in Spain?
Most Barcelona locals and Catalans tend to lean toward neutral tones over bright colors and frilly patterns. So, if you want to dress like a local in Spain, wear linen layers in neutral tones and espadrilles over sandals. You can wear a sun hat but nothing over the top or wide brimmed.
