Barcelona in mid November - I have questions

[timetotravel1610]

I am heading to Barcelona for the first time ever in mid November this year. Going with a friend. Just wanted some tips and advice beforehand.

1. What is the weather like around this time? I've read highs of 18 and lows of 10. But I know an 18 can feel cold in some places and alright in others depending on the wind etc. Surely I won't need thick jumpers and my Winter coat, right?

2. Style. I'm very much a skirt and black tights kind of girl, which I never seem to see anyone wearing from the 100 vlogs I've watched. Is black tights not a thing there? Will I look hugely out of place? I might opt for wide legged trousers or joggers. Converse.

3. We will be getting a taxi from the airport to our hotel in the gothic quarter. Is it best to pre-book or just jump in a taxi once we arrive? I have previously been to another European city and used a company called Welcome Pick-Ups (a third party taxi organising company), which has been lovely as they greet you in arrivals. For Barcelona, quote is coming in at around 35 euros in total, which I think is reasonable?

4. As we are staying in the gothic quarter, does anyone have any good breakfast spots? I refuse to pay 20 euro per person per night for hotel breakfast which tends to be a bit bland.

5. Any recommendations for restaurants/cafes/activities welcome. We will of course be visiting all the typical sightseeing spots like Sagrada Familia etc.

Following as we’re going in late December.

I’m 100% planning on wearing black tights, whether they’re in vogue or not!

Sorry not to answer any of your direct questions, but you need to be very aware of pickpockets and other property crimes in Barcelona.
It seems to have got a lot worse there in the past few years.
My friend planned her wedding there in 2019 and had her car broken into.Her wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses shoes etc were stolen.
Lots of the guests were pickpocketed during the same weekend.
I don’t mean to pour cold water on your trip and it’s a beautiful and interesting city and you may have a wonderful and positive experience.

We went to Barcelona in November a couple of years ago, maybe we were just unlucky but it was properly cold, bring winter layers just in case.

We got a taxi from the airport to our hotel, no issues at all. There is a bus you can get to the centre but as it took us a long time to get through immigration we decided to treat ourselves.

Sorry no help on the style section.

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Take layers! It was hot in the daytime when I went in early November, but quite cold at night. I would just get the airport bus into the centre - its about 12 euros for a return ticket.
https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/transport/barcelona-airport-bus-aerobus.html

You need to book tickets for Parc Guell / Sagrada Familia - you can get a combined ticket to save on costs.

there’s a gazillion places to eat - just walk around!

As least I won't be the only one then! I think I'll pack a pair or two for dinner in the evening.

Thanks, we will definitely be booking attractions in advance. I have seen enough Youtube videos of people being turned away from Park Guell and queueing hours for Sagrada Familia tickets haha.

I did look into the airport bus, but I'm happy to pay extra for the taxi, to be dropped off straight to the hotel. Early flight so I know I will be shattered and will just want to drop my luggage off..

Oh okay, I was expecting guaranteed Spring weather. I will definitely pack a jumper in case then! When you say properly cold, was it anywhere near as cold as November in the UK?

Aside from temperature, be aware that when it rains, it rains torrentially.

Also that the "free shuttle bus" between airport terminals 1 and 2 is not free.

We went to Barcelona last November and it was t-shirt weather during the day (26 ish) and we were sitting outside for our evening meal with just the addition of a light cardigan! I realise we were probably lucky and it can vary. I don’t think you need to worry about what you’re wearing from a fashion pov - Barcelona’s style is very eclectic! You’ll have a fabulous time. We really loved it.

@timetotravel1610 we may have been unlucky but it was full length puffa jacket weather. I ended up buying a jumper, scarf and hat. Still bright and sunny though.

@watcherintherye @rookiemere Haha such contrasting experiences. Okay I will definitely pack both summer and winter pieces. Sounds like the weather will be a bit of a lucky dip then. I'll probably just check the forecast before I travel too.

We were there over new year. Lucky to have sunshine everyday - tshirt and jeans was sufficient during the day but it got colder quickly as the sun went down. So I'd recommend layers and a puffa or similar that you can stuff in a rucksack rather than a heavy coat (unless you'll go home between afternoon and evening).

We got the airport bus to and from the centre which worked well.

Must sees are Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and one of the Gaudi houses.
Worth a stroll along the seafront and exploring places to eat down there.