Looking for things to do in Barcelona alone? One thing I highly recommend to other solo travelers is to experience the local culture by attending concerts, art shows, and other unique events while traveling alone.
During an early morning walk in Barcelona I noticed a flyer advertising a guitar concert that evening at the Santa Anna Church just a few blocks from my apartment.
I took a flyer so I would have all the details for later as it was too early in the morning to purchase a ticket.
Art de Guitarra Concert at Santa Anna church – Ksenia Axelroud and Joan Benejam
Experiencing concerts in more intimate settings is my preference compared to big venues. You can see the performers and the acoustics are often much better.
Brochure for concerts at Santa Anna Church
One of my fondest travel memories is of the classical music concert I attended at Hagia Irene on the grounds of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul Türkiye during the Istanbul International Music Festival.
Attending a concert in a historic site like Hagia Irene – a 4th century church built for Roman Emperor Constantine – is a memory to cherish.
Santa Anna Church – Classical Guitar Concert venue
The concert at Santa Anna Church was the last in the series for May so I felt lucky that I saw the brochure during my morning walk around the neighborhood.
Later in the day I might not have noticed along the crowded street near Plaza Catalunya.
I purchased my ticket a few hours before the concert. Although Santa Anna Church is a small venue – seating about 70 – there were still a few tickets available for purchase at the door.
Ceiling of Barcelona’s Santa Anna Church
In addition to the stunning architecture and historical interest of venues like Santa Anna Church – the acoustics are outstanding.
Built between the 12th and 13th century the church was designed with acoustics in mind.
Stained glass window at Santa Anna Church in Barcelona
Stone carving of priest kneeling before St Augustine – Santa Anna Church
Detail of stained glass window at Santa Anna Church – Barcelona
Cheers! Santa Anna Church – post concert wine reception in the Gothic cloister
Cheers! If you are looking for things to do alone while traveling I hope you will enjoy a concert or two on your next solo trip – it’s a great way to mingle with both locals and other travelers attending the event. You will cherish the memories for many years!
Santa Anna Church Barcelona
Address: Carrer Santa Anna, 29, Barcelona
Phone Number: +34 934 12 18 80
Hours: 11AM – 7PM (weekends: 11AM – 2PM) / Mass: daily at 12PM
Concerts: Concert schedule can be found here. (in English).
How to Get There: Metro: Plaça de Catalunya
Anita
Monday 7th of July 2014
Even I love the art & cultural shows, Susan! I too feel blessed! Lovely pics here :) Great to read!
Susan Moore
Monday 7th of July 2014
Thank you Anita! Have a lovely week & thanks for stopping by! Cheers, Susan
Sand In My Suitcase
Sunday 6th of July 2014
So did you end up getting tickets for the Barcelona church concert? Think so... We remember fondly taking in a classical quartet in an historic venue in Salzburg. And in Dubrovnik and Split, we've watched classical concerts outdoors in a beautiful palace and also a church. Soooo beautiful. And in Europe, it's not just older folk who go to these classical concerts. Many young people in backpacks also attended the concerts we took in. Everyone appreciates the culture and music there!
Susan Moore
Monday 7th of July 2014
The concert was amazing! Ksenia Axelroud and Joan Benejam are extraordinary musicians and the venue was superb!
Good to hear you are fans of classical music as well - you've had some truly unique experiences attending concerts in such memorable locations. I'm used to seeing a lot of young people at the symphony here in Austin too as it's such a music town and a college town as well.