Barcelona had a stormy week, with a red weather alert for Saturday 17 October and more heavy rain forecast for Monday, while a bus strike was called off at the last minute. Looking ahead, a train drivers' strike on 29 October, a steep property tax proposal for tourist rentals and a busy run of cultural events fill the calendar.
The Week's Biggest Stories
Council approves large property tax rise for tourist rentals
Barcelona's city council has backed a 150% increase in the IBI property tax on tourist rentals, intended to make them less profitable. The measure now goes through a month of public consultation and is due to be finalized in December. It is one of the city's most direct moves yet on tourist housing.
Barcelona bus strike called off after deal with TMB
TMB and the workers' committee reached a last-minute agreement, so the planned bus strike will not go ahead. The deal includes a 35-hour working week and extra rest days for staff. Bus services should keep running as normal.
Red alert issued as heavy rain and storms hit Saturday
Authorities issued a red alert for several regions on Saturday 17 October, with the worst rain and storms expected in the evening. A sharp temperature drop was forecast overnight. More heavy rain and high seas were also expected on Monday 19 October.
Train drivers plan 24-hour strike on 29 October
A union representing train drivers has called a full-day strike for 29 October. It says previously signed agreements on railway safety have stalled in administrative delays. Commuter and regional rail users may see disruption that day.
Collserola Park expected to reopen by end of November
The park has been closed for about six months because of African swine fever. Officials now expect it to reopen by the end of November, and they say access will return in stages. For many residents it is the city's main nearby green space.
Bonus Consum offers €10 vouchers at local shops
The city's new Bonus Consum scheme began on 13 October and gives €10 discounts on purchases at neighbourhood businesses. Nearly 1,000 shops are taking part. It aims to steer spending toward local trade.
Open House Barcelona opens 224 buildings free on 24 and 25 October
The 48h Open House festival lets visitors tour 224 buildings at no cost over the weekend. This year adds 67 new sites. Many of them do not need a reservation.
Fiesta del Cine brings €3.50 cinema tickets from 19 to 22 October
Cinemas across Spain, more than 300 in total, are offering discounted tickets for four days. Current releases are included in the offer. It is a cheap way to catch new films in Barcelona this week.
How this page works: it is a weekly snapshot, refreshed every Monday, of what our daily newsletter covered. Summaries are condensed and details can change after publication, so double-check dates and official announcements before planning around them.
This page updates weekly. Your inbox can update daily.
Barcelona Expat Daily is a free 5-minute daily email with Barcelona's local news, events and deadlines in plain English, written for people building a life here.
What's On in Barcelona This Week
11:00 · Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Departure Area
11:00 · Foment del Treball, Barcelona
16:00 · Marina Vela, Port Vell
17:30 · Marina Vela, Port Vell
Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona · Tickets required
These are 5 picks from the 70+ events we are tracking in Barcelona this week, and new ones are added every day. Pro members get the full calendar in our app; the free daily email flags the highlights.
Previous Weeks
Daily Barcelona news in English. Free.
Join 1,900+ expats. Every day: a 5-minute summary of Barcelona news, free events, deadlines and local recommendations.