Barcelona is without doubt one of the most iconic cities on the earth — and never only for its soccer workforce.
The Catalan capital is a favorite vacation spot as a result of it has the whole lot: solar, sea, tradition, nice meals, leisure, and numerous buildings that you just’d must see to consider, courtesy of 1 Antoni Gaudí.
Whereas there’s a lot to see and do right here, Barcelona doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. Actually, you possibly can fairly simply take pleasure in a incredible vacation on a budget, whereas experiencing the various issues town has to supply.
Do not forget that from 2023, for those who’re from a rustic exterior the Schengen Space, you’ll must fill in an online ETIAS application for Spain earlier than setting off (don’t fear, it will solely take a couple of minutes). As soon as the shape is completed, your journey to Barcelona will likely be authorised and you will get on to having fun with your vacation.
Take within the views
Probably the greatest methods to take pleasure in a incredible day trip in Barcelona with out spending a lot is to hike up one of many many hills in and across the metropolis. There are a variety of spots the place you possibly can take within the cityscape in all its glory.
Montjuïc, Mount Tibidabo, and the Carmel Bunkers all supply spectacular vistas, the place you will get the proper photographs of Barcelona’s skyline.
In the event you’d slightly keep away from a number of strolling, there are simpler methods to stand up to those lofty lookout factors. Barcelona has nearly each public transport system beneath the solar. You may get a bus up every of those hills and Tibidabo and Montjuïc produce other choices, resembling funiculars and cable automobiles. In fact, these come on the value of a ticket.
Of the three, the Carmel Bunkers are the least well-known to vacationers and there’s a quick stroll from the place the bus leaves you. Nonetheless, it’s most likely the perfect place to see the Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, and different landmarks towards the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Montjuïc: citadel, Olympics, and the magic fountain
Montjuïc deserves a piece of its personal, just because there’s a lot to this hill, which overlooks Barcelona’s port.
In the event you fancy the hike, you possibly can have a tremendous morning or afternoon climbing up the slopes, coated with inexperienced gardens and parkland, with out having to spend cash on something.
Nonetheless, for an affordable value, there are 2 separate cable automobile methods which might be nicely value contemplating. The primary crosses the port from a tower close to the seashore and leaves you half-way up Montjuïc. The second is situated a brief distance away and carries you as much as the fortress that sits on high of the hill. In addition to saving you a stroll, it lifts you above the tree line, providing unbelievable views over Barcelona.
Montjuïc Fortress is a captivating, if sombre expertise. The fortress’s chequered historical past contains use for bombarding town in previous wars and getting used as a nightmarish jail by the fascists after the Spanish Civil Warfare. At the moment, nonetheless, it hosts displays (each historic and creative) and the panoramic views from the ramparts are second to none.
Heading again down the hill, you’ll discover the immense Olympic Stadium and take a look inside without spending a dime. Discover the intensive plaza and water options constructed for the 1992 Summer time Olympics, earlier than crossing the highway and heading via the gardens and passing the Museu Nacional d’Artwork de Catalunya (Catalonia’s Nationwide Artwork Museum).
In entrance of this imposing constructing are steps main all the way down to the transport hub of Plaza Espanya. All the best way down are fountains and waterfalls, together with the massive “Magic Fountain of Montjuïc”. In the event you time it proper, you’ll be handled to a blinding present of water, mild, and sound — once more, all without spending a dime!
Gaudí’s Barcelona
You’ll be able to’t come to Barcelona with out seeing a number of the works of Gaudí. The well-known Catalan architect left his mark on town, with most of the metropolis’s most-visited landmarks being designed by him. He is without doubt one of the causes that Barcelona is one among Europe’s top destinations.
The immense basilica referred to as “La Sagrada Familia” is the best-known of those. Its a number of towers dominate Barcelona’s skyline. In Gaudí’s signature type, you’d be hard-pressed to seek out any straight strains in its distinctive, curving design.
The primary avenue of Passeig de Gracia is residence to 2 non-public homes constructed by Gaudí, which at the moment are open to the general public (on the value of an entry ticket, in fact). Casa Battló is supposed to evoke a sleeping dragon with its roof coated in glittering, vibrant scales, whereas the undulating waves of Casa Milà make this one other fascinating constructing to go to.
The immense grounds of Parc Güell are free to enter, however there’s a small entry price to entry the centre of the park, the place the extra fascinating bits of Gaudís structure might be discovered — together with his iconic salamander statue (see any Barcelona vacationer store for small replicas of this). The home the place Gaudí lived, now a museum, can be discovered right here.
There are additionally lesser-known gems, such because the Palau Güell, which is discovered close to the centre of the outdated city, simply off the Ramblas. Tickets are less expensive than the extra well-known buildings talked about above.
Additional away from the centre, on the slopes of Mount Tibidabo, you possibly can go to Bellesguard, one other lesser-known, however stunning residence constructed by Gaudí.
In fact, for those who’re doing Barcelona on a price range, going into all of those places goes so as to add as much as some huge cash, and for those who’re travelling with children, they may get bored going spherical a number of buildings. The perfect concept is to decide on one or two that you just wish to go inside. It’s additionally value remembering that the majority of Gaudí’s buildings might be loved from the skin without spending a dime, together with getting vacation snap with the Sagrada Familia within the background.
Wander the streets of the outdated city
Probably the greatest issues about Barcelona is the outdated city. Divided into the Gothic Quarter, the Ravel Quarter, and the Ribera or Born Quarter, this a part of town is a maze of slender, winding streets, outdated stone buildings, quirky little retailers, and fascinating cafés, bars, and eating places.
You’ll be able to simply lose your self exploring this community of streets, however you’ll at all times wind up discovering one thing new.
Plus, it’s atmospheric. Most of the buildings, streets, and the stays of the outdated metropolis partitions have been there since medieval occasions. A couple of constructions even date again to Roman occasions (you possibly can see a few of these close to Barcelona’s Cathedral).
The perfect factor for travellers on a price range is that it prices nothing to have a wander via outdated Barcelona… Until you’re tempted into a few of these retailers by one of many many bargains on supply.
Hit the seashore
In fact, one of many largest attracts of Barcelona as a summer time vacation spot is that it’s a metropolis with a seashore. A number of seashores, actually. And as each guardian is aware of, for those who’re travelling with children, the seashore is a should.
The seashores closest to town centre (Barceloneta and Somorrostro) are likely to get very crowded. Nonetheless, a brief stroll alongside the coast brings you to Bogatell and Mar Bella seashores, the place it’s quite a bit simpler to seek out some area to benefit from the sand, the ocean, and the Mediterranean solar. In fact, there are additionally loads of even nicer beaches near Barcelona, additional out of town.
To economize, deliver loads of drinks with you — the chiringuitos (seashore bars) are usually overpriced. If in case you have drinks and snacks with you, it’s principally a free day trip.
