Is October a less touristy time of year

October is very popular for tourists in Europe.

Thank you!

Keep in mind that the 12th is a holiday (the Pilar) and it is a Thursday this year. So many people will have a 4 day weekend and will be making short get aways/city breaks. Several workmates are going to Seville, for example.

Ahh, ok. I fly out on the 12th, so that shouldn't interfere. Thank you so much!

There is almost never not a line for entrance tickets at the Royal Palace in Madrid. You may not need to buy them far in advance, but you’ll certainly want to avoid that line.

I will definitely get my tickets in advance. Thank you everyone!

Hmm.. we arrive in Barcelona by train on October 12th. Will there be a lot of closures, fewer buses etc. Or just more Spanish citizens on holiday?
Thanks for these great tips!

Hmm.. we arrive in Barcelona by train on October 12th. Will there be a lot of closures, fewer buses etc. Or just more Spanish citizens on holiday?

Nothing happens in Barcelona on the 12th, people just taking advantage of the holiday, hours for major museums, churches, and tourist sites should not be affected, you may find an uptick of visitors to these sites on the 12th, as many locals have the day off. Public transport runs normally.

In Madrid on Oct 12 there is a large military parade attended by the King and other big shots, through the centre of the city.

In Zaragoza it is the Pilar, and that is the main fiesta of the city. Duri1wng the whole week there will be all kinds of acts and many things will probably closed on the 12th and 13th.

I don't think they are going to Zaragoza.