About the Festival
Llum BCN is an annual event that paints the Spanish city with dazzling lights and colors, transforming Barcelona into an enchanting realm of illumination. It celebrates creative expression, innovative ideas, and the captivating beauty of light through awe-inspiring light exhibitions and displays that ignite the senses.
Each year, Barcelona witnesses the stunning displays of gigantic light installations such as the enormous flower-shaped art pieces and the alternately illuminating life-sized rings. Visitors and locals enjoy sights of projection mapping, turning old chimneys and buildings into beacons of neon lights, and the energetic lantern displays that fill hearts with childlike excitement.
The festival of lights also features installations moving to the rhythm of music and illumination. Aside from that, geometrically shaped hanging lanterns adorn some parts of the city, enchanting festival-goers with delight and excitement.
Llum BCN Lights Festival Dates
The light festival is a yearly event that radiates the city of Barcelona every February (3-5/2/2023), transporting visitors to a world of unique artistry and innovation.
Where It’s Located And How To Get There
The festival happens in Barcelona, Spain, particularly in the Poblenou quarter of the city, inviting everyone from all walks of life to indulge their senses with jaw-dropping light shows and art.
The distance between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and the city center is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) by road.
How to Get from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Poblenou:
Poblenou is a district in Barcelona, and there are several convenient ways to travel from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to Poblenou:
- Taxi – Taxi is readily available at the airport. The journey to Poblenou takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Airport Shuttle – Aerobús is a dedicated shuttle service connecting Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center, including stops at Plaça de Catalunya. From there, you can transfer to the Barcelona Metro system. Once you reach the city center, you can take the Metro Line 4 (Yellow Line) to Poblenou. The journey should take around 45 minutes in total.
- Barcelona Metro – If you prefer public transportation, you can take Line 9 (Orange Line) of the Barcelona Metro directly from the airport to Poblenou. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes.
- Train – The R2 Nord suburban train line connects the airport to the city. You can take the R2 Nord train to the Barcelona Sants station and transfer to the Metro Line 5 (Blue Line) to Poblenou.
Guidelines for Reaching Barcelona from Other Cities by Train:
Here are some guidelines on how to reach Barcelona from other major cities by train:
- From Madrid: The high-speed AVE train connects Madrid and Barcelona. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Trains depart from Madrid’s Atocha or Chamartín stations and arrive at Barcelona Sants station.
- From Valencia: You can take a high-speed train from Valencia to Barcelona. The journey typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. Trains depart from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station.
- From Paris (France): The high-speed TGV trains connect Paris Gare de Lyon station to Barcelona Sants station. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- From Zaragoza: You can take a regional or high-speed train from Zaragoza to Barcelona. The journey time varies depending on the type of train, with high-speed trains taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Seville: The AVE high-speed train connects Seville to Barcelona. The journey takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours. Trains depart from Seville-Santa Justa station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station.
Please note that train schedules and availability may vary, so visit the respective train company’s website for up-to-date information.
Festival Hours
Llum BCN illuminates the city of Barcelona from sunset to midnight, transporting visitors to a realm of magic and unique art.
Cost to Visit The Festival
One of the most appealing aspects of Llum BCN is that it is a free event, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in state-of-the-art light exhibitions and interactive displays.
Weather and What to Wear
Barcelona has a mild Mediterranean climate during the festival dates, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius. You can enjoy the festival’s sights by dressing warmly and comfortably. Bring a light jacket or a sweater to stay cozy throughout the night. A lightweight scarf or shawl can also provide extra warmth around the shoulders.
Where to Sleep – Hotels Nearby
Barcelona is home to some of the best accommodations in the country:
Hotel Barcelona Catedral
Hotel Barcelona Catedral sits in the heart of the city’s Gothic quarter. It offers a delightful harmony of modern comfort and historic ambiance. It features a pool, a rooftop terrace, and a bar. It offers allergy-free rooms with desks, flat-screen TVs, and free high-speed internet connection.
H10 Madison
H10 Madison is a boutique hotel that blends modern design with historical charm. It has a range of amenities that include accessible high-speed internet, a pool, conference facilities, and a bar. It offers air-conditioned rooms with minibars and flat-screen TVs.
Yurbban Passage Hotel and Spa
Located in the center of Barcelona, the Yurbban Passage Hotel and Spa offers a contemporary and sophisticated atmosphere. It offers a spa, fitness center, a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a bar. It features air-conditioned rooms with minibars and free high-speed internet.
What to Eat
Aside from hosting the Lights Festival, Barcelona also offers some of the best dining spots in the country:
Bar Pinotxo
Bar Pinotxo is a Tapas bar that serves dishes such as Tortillas, Callos, Garbanzos, and Gambas, among others. For those who wish to try Spanish cuisine, Bar Pinotxo is the ideal place to be.
Can Culleretes
Can Culleretes is one of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, offering the best of Catalonian cuisine, including Escudella i Carn d’Olla, Crema Catalana, and Bacalao a la Llauna. A classic place to dine in, Can Culleretes complements your entire festival experience.
Tickets
Tickets is a Tapas bar known for its specialties, such as Oysters with Pearl and Lettuce Juice, Galician Natural with Fried Clams, and Candied Potatoes in Olive Oil with Juice Cooked Pork Chop and Ham. Tickets is a great place to hang out after enjoying the festival of lights.
More Things To Do In The Area
While you’re in Barcelona, explore these attractions and experiences:
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is an iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, the basilica is famous for its ongoing construction, which began in 1882. Explore its intricate facades, which depict Biblical scenes and stunning sculptures. Explore its interior and be awed by soaring columns and stained glass windows.
Park Güell
Park Güell is a public park designed by Antoni Gaudi. The park offers attractions such as the Dragon Stairway, Hypostyle Hall, and the Gaudi House Museum, known for their whimsical architecture.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum houses a diverse collection of the world-renowned cubist artist Pablo Picasso. Explore paintings and drawings born out of the great artist’s imagination. Aside from that, you can also explore artworks from other artists, providing insights into Picasso’s influences and impact.
A Final Sparkle: Wrapping Up Your Unforgettable Experience in Llum BCN Lights Festival
Llum BCN is more than just an event; it is a dazzling experience that will leave you captivated by the beauty of illumination and the vibrant culture of Barcelona. Come and visit the city and be a part of an unforgettable experience filled with the magic of art and lights.
FAQ
Is there a specific theme for the festival?
Each year, the festival features different artistic installations, so be prepared for a delightful surprise.
Can I bring my own fairy lights or twinkle lights?
While personal light displays are not allowed, you’ll be immersed in a sea of dazzling lights throughout the festival.
Is Llum BCN suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Llum BCN is a family-friendly event. Children will be enchanted by the magical lights and creative installations.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
While pets are generally not allowed inside the festival’s main installations, it’s best to check the festival’s official website or contact organizers for any specific pet-friendly events or accommodations.
Is photography allowed at Llum BCN?
Yes, photography is usually allowed at the festival, and you’ll want to capture the stunning light displays.
Is there wheelchair accessibility at the festival?
Llum BCN aims to be inclusive, and many areas are wheelchair accessible. However, it’s a good idea to check the festival’s accessibility information in advance and arrive early to ensure you have a seamless experience.
How can I stay updated on information about the festival, such as dates and times?
To stay updated, visit the festival’s official website.
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