Packing Recommendations for a Summer Trip to Barcelona

Now that I’ve posted about all three places we visited in Europe last summer, I’m sharing packing lists for each of them, starting with Barcelona.  Summers there are pretty hot — it was mid to high 80s when we were there last June — and it can be humid, too.  It’s on the coast, which makes for a relaxed, laid-back feel. But it’s also a big city, so there is a fast-paced, cosmopolitan element, too.  What does all of this mean in terms of packing?  Bring clothes that are light and comfortable to help stay cool when you’re walking outside a lot, but also some things that are fashionable and a bit breezy, that fit both the coastal and city vibes.  Here are some staples I recommend.

 

Linen Shorts – They are light and cool for the hot weather, can be worn casually or dressed up, and they are very in style right now, so there are lots of options.  I recommend 100% linen because they are the softest, but a linen blend usually costs less and are comfortable enough.
1)  These shorts are 100% linen, pull on with drawstring, and come in many colors + a couple of patterns.
2)  This pair is a linen blend. The button front gives a “polished” look, and the longer length is trending right now. Several colors available.
3)  This shorter pair are 100% linen, and the flat front make them look sophisticated, imo. Come in more colors.
4)  For something unique, this embroidered pair are fun but still chic, and they can be worn with anything from a simple tank top to a nice blouse.

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Light Tops – Bring a few basic shirts in light materials  and neutral colors that go with many things, but also a couple that have some extra details.
1)  I have this linen blend tank top — it’s loose and light, and slightly more elevated than a cotton t-shirt. Comes in several colors.
2)  I also have and really like this linen blend v-neck. It’s soft and drapey; not too fitted in hot, sticky weather. Comes in several colors.
3)  Gauze is another nice, light material, and it works so well for this popover top.
4)  For something with a little more to it, this tank style with pretty lace details could work for daytime or evening paired with a nice skirt or pants.

 

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Blouses – Both pretty tops for nicer outfits and at least one simple button down to layer.
1)  Crinkle gauze button down shirt to layer or wear on its own.
2)  Breezy colorful floral is perfect for the Barcelona vibe — wear with shorts, pants, or skirt.
3)  This one with eyelet designs and flutter sleeves is is so nice.
4)  Tie-front to wear closed as-is or open over a tank top. Long sleeve here.

 

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Dresses – Bring at least a couple of versatile dresses (or skirts) that can be worn day and evening, with sneakers for a casual look or sandals for a nicer evening outing.
1)   Simple, above-knee, 100% linen is kind of perfectly versatile and it has pockets. Plus, Quince has really nice linen.
2)  A skirt/top set is a great option since the pieces look good together but can be worn with other outfits. Top here.
3)  A linen shirtdress is a great travel staple, especially for a big city in summer, and the cut of this one is really nice. For similar, but less expensive, this one.
4)  This dress style — fitted tank top with billowy skirt — is everywhere right now, and I love the print on this one, though it comes in solid colors, too.

 

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Loose Pants – A couple of pairs of pants are a good idea. Ideally go for versatile to wear casually and dressier, maybe one a little more sporty, the other a little nicer. But all loose, light, and flowy in the hot weather.
1)  Athleta is best, imo, for comfy, sporty pants that are great for the airplane, outdoor recreation, and casual but cute outfits. Both this pair and this one look just right.
2)  Long linen pants work in so many ways and don’t make you overheat. Less expensive linen blend option here. The blue/white stripe is cute, too.
3)  Vacation & Barcelona are a great time and place to go for fun, colorful pants.
4)  If you really want to bring jeans, I recommend loose and cropped or a pair in summer white.

 

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Sneakers  – I guarantee you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable sneakers are a must.  White is always a good bet because they go with everything, but it’s also fun to mix it up with a color.
1)  I have a couple pairs of New Balance 327s and love them for walking around all day.  My only issue is that they didn’t work for me for exercising (running), too — something to consider if you like to get in a run on vacation.
2)  Solve the above issue by bringing white running shoes, like these Hokas — they still go with everything, but you don’t have to bring two pairs of sneakers. More white running shoe options here.
3)  Adidas Sambas are cute and comfy, and something about them seems to complete an outfit.
4)  Pumas are popular again, and there are a lot of fun styles and colors.

 

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Comfy Sandals – The warm weather and relaxed vibe — Barcelona is on the Mediterranean, after all — call for them.  But with all the walking a big city requires, make sure they are very comfortable.
1)   Birkenstocks are so comfortable, and there are many styles that look nicer and could work with everything from shorts to a dress. More styles here.
2)  For the Birk look, but more sleek, this pair from J.Crew look great (in my cart).
3)   “Hiking” sandals are great for walking in all day, but usually tend to look more utilitarian.  However, both Teva and Chacos have them in simple neutral colors, even leather, that could actually pass for stylish and cute.
4)  If you want a heel, a wedge like these or block heel like these are the way to go, because chances are you’ll still be doing a decent amount of walking in them.

 

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Swimsuit – Since I recommended staying at a hotel with a pool in my write-up about our trip, I’m also recommending bringing a swimsuit.  Plus, there is a beach right there, or you may opt to day trip to a nearby beach town.
1)  The Amalfi one-piece by Andie is a nice, classic shape and flattering on all body types with varying “levels of support and coverage”.  And there are many more great styles, including bikinis.
2)  Athleta swimsuits are basic, but fit very well and hold up nicely (I have several from there that I really like).
3)  For both pretty prints as well as solid colors in cool styles, the brand Seafolly has a good selection.
4)  Anthropologie is always great to browse for swimwear with lots of styles from many different brands.

 

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Sunglasses – It’s very sunny in Spain, so you’ll need them, for sure!  Bring your favorite pair and an inexpensive back-up, just in case (coming from someone who often misplaces sunglasses).
1)  I love Knockarounds for the low price, cool styles, and good lenses.
2)  For another reasonably priced brand, Goodr glasses come in a lot of fun colors and styles.
3)  Nordstrom Rack has great deals on designer sunnies, like the Gucci pair above.
4)  I’ve found that J.Crew has many styles that look designer, but for way less.

 

Sling Bag  –  Barcelona is known to have a pickpocketing rap, so wearing a bag that sits close to the body, a sling or crossbody, is not a bad idea.
1)  lululemon’s All Night Festival Bag is like a chic upgrade to the original Belt Bag. Lots of other cute options, too.
2) This bag from Uniqlo is cute and only $15.
3) This woven belt bag by The Sak is stylish and summery.
4) This leather bag by Quince is nice and would look good worn like a fanny pack around the hips, too.

 

Have you been to Barcelona in the summer? What would you add to the list?

 

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