Barcelona is one of the world’s most eclectic, dynamic and interesting destinations to visit if you are planning an upcoming holiday. With pleasant temperatures all year-round, picturesque architecture and beautiful landscapes with rustic mountains and breezy beaches, Barcelona has something for all.
According to Statista, Catalonia received around 19 million visitors in 2017, which makes Barcelona, the capital city of the region, of the most popular tourist destinations, in Spain and Europe. On a global scale, the city is ranked as the 25th most visited based on international arrivals. The city’s tourism board has done an excellent job in promoting this gem, which has maintained Barcelona’s relevance as a travel option for those who want to eat well, shop, relax in the sun and enjoy culture.
Many a travel guide have been written about where to go to discover the real, authentic beauty of Barcelona, including recommendations on top restaurants, museums and hotels. However, since we at Pass The Aux take pride in offering our readers the latest news regarding show announcements, concert reviews, ticket giveaways and music festivals, this article will take a slightly different take on Barcelona. In short, we will guide you through some of the city’s most interesting treats related to the world of music.
If you are a music enthusiast like us, the name Sónar might ring a bell. The Sónar Music Festival in Barcelona started in 1994. And according to its organizers, it is a “pioneering, cultural event with a unique format and content.” It is also well-known on the international festival scene thanks to its ability to combine playfulness and the avant-garde with the newest trends in dance and electronic music.
The festival is mainly focused on electronic music and showcases renowned artists, such as Diplo, 2manydjs and Laurent Garnier, in 2018. The festival is divided into a night area and day area — eloquently described by organizers as Sónar by night (located further out of town) and Sónar by day (in the city centre). Sónar sets itself apart from many other summer festivals by not taking place in an open landscape with camping visitors on its premises. Instead, it markets itself as a city festival where viewers enter to enjoy musical acts and later resume to their hotels, Airbnb’s or homes. Recently, Sónar 2018 concluded with a turnout of an impressive 126,000 visitors. The next chance to enjoy this exciting festival will be between the 18th-20th of July 2019, and ticket prices range from 170-270 euros (depending on whether you are interested in a regular or VIP pass).
It’s no wonder that some of the world’s top creators in music chose to showcase their craft in Barcelona. The city is known for hosting a range of events (not just related to the world of music), such as the yearly Mobile World Congress and the EPT Barcelona, held here between 21 August to 2 September.
For those who want to enjoy Barcelona music-wise without having to commit to a three-day pass at Sónar, we recommend exploring some of the city’s most prominent nightclubs and venues. Located by Barcelona’s local beach, Opium Mar is one of the city’s most popular nightclubs, hosting thousands of guests every weekend. Apart from its talented resident DJs, the venue regularly hosts some of the world’s most famous names in the electronic and house scene. Visitors of the nightclub can dance the night away to names such as Tiesto, Oliver Heldens and Hardwell, to mention a few.
On our latest Google search, we found a flight from New York to Barcelona in around eight hours for $313. So, the next musical highlight of your life is pretty much just around the corner. Don’t forget your headphones for the flight! After all, it’ll help get you in the mood for music and more.
Top photo by Oh-Barcelona.com, Sonar Festival / CCBY
