Ask anyone who has been to Barcelona, and they’ll tell you its one of the best places in the world. But what makes this Spanish city just so special?
Well, aside from Gaudi’s impressive architecture, the world-famous football stadium Camp Nou and a modern beach-filled harbour, Barcelona is also a city that can be done on the cheap… if you know where to go.
Getting to Barcelona
Although all year round is a great time to travel to Barcelona, choose the time you travel carefully. Summer is the most expensive time to visit Barcelona, fights and hotels during this period are sky high. But then summer really is the best time to visit where you can hang out at the beach and enjoy pretty much guaranteed sun and warm weather. Travel rates though will be much cheaper if you visit out of peak summer (June-August)
Where to Stay
Check out hotels, hostels and Airbnb rentals when you’re in Barcelona. Accommodation here is expensive, this will likely be your biggest outgoing. Hostel dorms are the cheapest way to go, although check reviews before booking as some hostels can be wild. To get the best deals on all types of accommodation book in-advance as far as possible.
Top Places to Visit
Here are some of the essential things that you must see and do while you’re in Barcelona, a lot of which are totally free/affordable.
La Sagrada Familia
Stunning doesn’t begin to describe Antoni Gaudi’s perpetually-under-construction church. Whether or not you’re into architecture, this dramatic building, which Gaudi started in 1883 and continued to work on until his death in 1920, is a must-see when visiting Barcelona. Climbing the stairs up into the spirals of La Sagrada Familia is definitely a workout and anyone who’s claustrophobic and/or afraid of heights, be warned, but don’t let that stop you. Between the views of the city and the amazing decorative details to be discovered throughout the trek upwards, it is very much worth the effort. If on a really low budget, just grab a photo outside.
La Boqueria
It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering around this massive market filled with all kinds of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, flowers, and every other kind of Spanish delicacy. After cruising around La Boqueria for a while, stop at one of its tapas bars, like the popular Pinotxo Bar, to grab something to snack on while people watching.
Parks
Though Park Güell is probably the most famous park in Barcelona, we’re partial to Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella), which features a large, beautiful fountain surrounded by sculptures. There’s also plenty of grass for picnicking, a lake for boating, and the huge stone mammoth near the zoo entrance makes for a fun photo op too!
Museum of Skate
If you’re after something completely unique, then make sure you visit the Museum of Skate. Barcelona is largely recognised as a skater’s paradise. As Matt outlines: “Barcelona is one of the skateboard capitals of the world, a playground of smooth ledges, steep handrails, and bizarre cement structures that allow for all types of impossible body and board contortions. Best of all is MACBA, the modern art museum in the Raval district, which attracts the biggest names in skating year round.” Try visiting on Tuesday afternoons, when the museum closes.
Beach
After busy days filled with sightseeing, there’s nothing like spending a relaxing day on the beach. You are on holiday after all! Besides being an art-filled, foodie haven, Barcelona is also conveniently located on the cerulean blue Mediterranean and offers many wonderful beaches, including the Barceloneta, which was chosen as the “third best beach in the world” by the Discovery Channel’s documentary “World’s Best Beaches.” One of the best parts about Barcelona is its long stretches of sandy beaches, right in the heart of the city. They’re all free to use so just bring a towel, a good book and your swimming costume! Barceloneta is the most loved, although if you keep walking along the harbour, you’ll find some more secluded spots. Be careful though – you may also stumble across a few nudist beaches along the way!
La Rambla
Stretching 1.2 kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell, La Rambla is Barcelona’s main pedestrian-only thoroughfare. However, it’s widely considered as a bit of a tourist trap, so be warned! “It’s a den of overpriced sangria, microwaved tapas and lowlife pickpockets,” warns Matt Goulding from Roads and Kingdoms blog. If you’re after some locals-only restaurants, he recommends heading to Suculent, El Quim de la Boqueria and Somodó, for the best €24 dinner in Spain (prices correct at the time of writing).
Wander the Streets
Barcelona has plenty of local markets, bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs. Overwhelm your senses with the people, colourful fruit, vegetable sellers, gourmet delicatessens, and butchers selling meats you never even knew existed. Sample some of the tastiest cuisine in Barcelona and stop in at one of the local tapas bars and buy a local Estrella beer for a couple of well-spent Euros.
Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter)
The Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) is one of the most-visited places in the city. The medieval part of the city, Barrio Gotico is packed with ancient buildings, has winding labyrinth streets, and even remains of Roman walls.
Free Attractions in Barcelona
Of course, you can’t visit Barcelona without seeing Park Guell, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera. While you have to buy tickets to enter these architectural masterpieces – book online to not only get a better deal, but also avoid the queues – you can still admire Gaudi’s superb design from the outside for free.
There are also lots other hidden treasures that are worth a look. For example, Museu Picasso and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya are both free after 3pm on Sundays. Meanwhile, you could visit the neo-Gothic La Catedral for free in the morning and late afternoon, then wander around the streets in the popular Barri Gotic area.
Last but not least, there’s the Gracia Street Festival. This week-long fiesta sees each street and neighbourhood in Barcelona compete for the prize of the best decorated street – a must see.
Free Walking Tours
Like in most European cities, there are lots of walking tours which are totally free with a donation appreciated yet not formally needed.
Food and Drink
You have to eat no matter where you are of course, but eating and drinking in Barcelona takes on more of a cultural experience than just fulfilling a basic need. Start your evening at a tapas bar, sharing some of these small plates of yumminess and glasses of Tempranillo with your friends (peña) and/or family, then move on to another tapas bar or two. Follow with dinner at a top restaurant in Barcelona, think seafood and/or paella, then head out to one of the city’s best discotheques to dance off all of that delicious food you’ve enjoyed.
Day Trips
For day trips, we definitely recommend a visit to the awe-inspiring Montserrat. Wine country is a short train ride away too, and a tour and tasting at Freixenet would be a wonderful way to spend the day.
Barcelona really is one of Europe’s top travel destinations and although it can be really expensive there are plenty of free activities and cheap things to do all year round. The Spanish love their festivals and you’re sure to find one any time of the year. Whether you are planning a gap year in Spain, or just fancy a city break, book your flight today and find out what all the fuss is about! If you are short on time, check our 2 day Barcelona itinerary.