Barcelona Packing List: Simple Checklist of Essentials

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Not sure what to pack for Barcelona? Hey…I’m Justine. I’ve been living in Barcelona since 2008. Here is a comprehensive yet simple list of essentials that you’ll need to bring to Barcelona. I give you tips on the weather so you know how to pack light and pack right for your trip. Read my ultimate packing list for Barcelona!

Barcelona Packing List: Simple Checklist of Essentials

This is a minimalist, straightforward list of what to bring to Barcelona. Click here –> if you want to know what to wear in Barcelona according to region and season. Don’t want to look like a tourist? Knowwhat NOT to wear in Spain!

Clothing to Bring to Barcelona

Be sure to check the local weather! Here’s a general Barcelona travel checklist:

  • Thermal base layer
  • Medium to heavy jacket or coat
  • Long-sleeved tops
  • Winter leggings or thermal tights (as pants or under dresses)
  • Warm scarf
  • Cardigan sweater or hoodie: Perfect for layering and adjusting warmth
  • Medium-weight pants
  • Comfortable sneakers or shoes
  • Gloves and mittens (optional)
  • Warm hat: (optional)

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Barcelona in Spring

March is the coldest month, June is the warmest.

  • Lightweight jackets
  • Long-sleeved tops
  • Short-sleeved tops
  • Light base layer (if going in March or a cold region)
  • Tank top if going to a sunny region
  • Comfortable pants or jeans
  • Casual dresses or skirts
  • Lightweight scarves
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or Cap
  • Undergarments (underwear and bra)
  • Pajamas

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Barcelona in Summer

  • Dresses for both casual and dressy occasions
  • Lightweight and breathable tops (light cotton, linen, modal, etc.)
  • Sleeveless tops for staying cool
  • Shorts and skirts
  • Swimsuits and cover-ups for beach days
  • Comfortable, stylish sandals
  • Light cardigan or shawl for cooler evenings (very rare)
  • Underwear (bra, panties)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Barcelona in Fall

  • Cozy sweaters
  • Long-sleeved tops for layering
  • Stylish cardigans or lightweight jackets
  • Scarves
  • Comfortable jeans or versatile pants
  • Dresses or skirts
  • Casual skirts
  • Undergarments
  • Comfy pajamas
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
  • Sunglasses

Footwear to Bring to Barcelona

Depending on the season and region, you might want to bring this:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Stylish sandals – don’t wear flip flops everywhere you go
  • Dressy shoes for fancy places you want to go
  • Hiking or sport shoes if you plan on doing outdoor adventures
  • Flip flops or beach sandals: For the beach or pool
  • Flip flops or “house slippers” so you don’t touch the gross hotel carpet

Toiletries and Personal Care for Barcelona

  • Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush)
  • Medications and a small first aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Feminine products
  • Cosmetics
  • Skincare products
  • Hair styling products
  • Contact lens supplies and products
  • Eyeglasses
  • Brush or comb

Electronics and Gadgets to Bring to Barcelona

  • Travel adapter: For Spanish power outlets, use this round two-pin adapter
  • Universal adapter
  • Power bank
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Earphones or headphones
  • Laptop and charger (optional)
  • Camera (optional)
  • E-reader like a Kindle (optional)

Travel Documents and Essentials to Bring to Barcelona

  • Passport
  • Visas (if necessary)
  • International driver’s license (If you want to rent a car)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets
  • Physical and digital copies of important documents
  • Crossbody purse for ladies (tips on avoiding pickpockets in Barcelona!) – I use mine every day
  • Money belt or secure pouch
  • Physical map or offline digital maps

Other Essentials for Barcelona

  • Medication if needed
  • Water bottle: I like a double-wall steel bottle for the summer to keep water cold
  • Travel-sized sewing kit
  • Travel-sized laundry detergent packets (for quick washes)
  • Portable phone charger: A battery / backup power source for your devices
  • Mini first aid kit: Tylenol, aspirin, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes
  • Travel towel: Bamboo or microfiber towel are lightweight
  • Travel umbrella: For unexpected rain showers
  • Local SIM Card: If you have an unlocked phone, a local SIM card can be handy for data and communication
  • Reusable shopping bag: They’re handy because you can fold them easily and take them out when you don’t have a bottle
  • Ziplock bags: For organizing snacks and keeping small items like chargers together
  • Wipes: Not just for babies’ butts, but for washing your hands in a pinch
  • Small tissue packs
  • Snacks: For example, granola bars, nuts, gummy bears, etc. to keep in your handbag in case you get stuck with the munchies
  • A fan if going in summer, very handy in hot, crowded situations (We use electric hand fans!)
  • Travel pillow and eye mask (for flights or long journeys)
  • Baby gear if you got a tiny tot (here’s a babies’ or toddlers’ packing list for Barcelona)
  • Toys if you have young kids
  • Travel journal, agenda, pen: For people who like planning and/or reflecting

That’s it! What do you think of my complete packing list for Barcelona? Am I missing something? Let me know in the comments, I read them all!

 

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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