November in Barcelona is mild, with daytime temperatures usually around 15–18°C and shorter days. The city’s autumn traditions take over: chestnut stalls on street corners, seasonal food in the markets and, by the end of the month, the first Christmas lights and fairs.
This guide covers the seasonal side of the city. For dated events this month, see What’s On.
Chestnuts on street corners
From late October, castanyeres set up small stalls on street corners and squares, selling roasted chestnuts (castanyes) in paper cones. Many also sell roasted sweet potatoes (moniatos). The stalls usually stay until the end of winter.
Chestnuts are part of the Castanyada, the Catalan festival on 31 October, the eve of All Saints’ Day.
Panellets at the bakeries
Panellets are small round sweets made from almond paste, most often coated in pine nuts. Other versions are rolled in coconut or flavoured with coffee or lemon.
They are the other traditional Castanyada food, and bakeries (pastisseries) sell them by weight around this time and into November.
Mushrooms at the markets
In November, the fruit and vegetable stalls change with the season: wild mushrooms (bolets), chestnuts, pomegranates, and the first mandarins. Mushroom stalls often display several varieties side by side, each labelled with its Catalan name. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fascinating to see the different shapes and types.
La Boqueria on La Rambla is the best known and closes on Sundays. Santa Caterina, near the Cathedral, has a wavy, colourful tiled roof and fewer crowds. Our markets guide has more on both.
Indoor visits
Two immersive exhibitions are on this autumn. Dalí Boulevard Cibernètic looks at Dalí as an artist, scientist and designer, with a large immersive room and virtual reality. Gaudí Code at Espai Imagina shows how Gaudí worked, also with virtual reality.
CosmoCaixa is Barcelona’s science museum, with a recreated Amazon rainforest, a planetarium and hands-on exhibits for younger children.
The Museum of Illusions, the Paradox Museum and the Big Fun Museum are all built around optical illusions and photo rooms. Our code BCNFORKIDS gives 10% off Big Fun Museum tickets.
House of Candy has sweet-themed rooms, and White Rabbit has interactive art installations. Code BCNFORKIDS gives 15% off tickets at both when booked online.
For more, see our guide to the best museums in Barcelona for kids.
Parks in autumn
The plane trees along the streets and in Parc de la Ciutadella turn yellow and brown in November. Ciutadella has a boating lake and a large fountain, and Montjuïc has several gardens connected by paths and escalators.
Our parks and playgrounds guide lists the parks with play areas.
The first signs of Christmas
Christmas starts in late November. The street lights are switched on, the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market opens beside the Cathedral, and Natalis at Poble Espanyol opens on 28 November.
See our Christmas in Barcelona with kids guide for dates and details.
Good to know in November
1 November (All Saints’ Day) is a public holiday: many shops close.
It gets dark at around 5.30pm.
