Low-cost Ways to Explore Barcelona and Still Do Everything You Want
Low-cost Ways to Explore Barcelona and Still Do Everything You Want! Barcelona is home to many famous and iconic sites. La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Barceloneta beaches, Las Ramblas, famous and beloved for a reason. But for when you’ve seen all you can of Barcelona’s most-renowned sites: or rather, you find yourself wanting to do something that doesn’t require a time-consuming stint in a queue or a €15 entrance fee? Try out some of these low-cost low-commitment ways to experience the best of the city.
Sight-seeing trips for free or reduced prices
Many museums offer free or greatly reduced entrance tickets on Saturdays or Sundays. Particularly in the mornings or on the first Sunday of each month. The Picasso Museum, the MUHBA History Museum, the Jardi Botanic, and Palau de la Virreina are just a small selection of the sites that offer free entrance on weekly basis. Many also offer reduced cost tickets on a more regular schedule. It’s worth keeping an eye out for other free days too, which happen often throughout the year. Such as during the 48H Open House Barcelona festival which offers free entrance to sites around the city over two days.
Search your favourite destination online to see if you can take advantage of one of the many free opportunities. Visits may require advance reservation of tickets, but all without cost – making the most of online websites often works in your favour. Many sites, including restaurants, bars, and clubs host free events or offer a discount you can find online.
To see the best views of the city
So let’s continue with Low-cost Ways to Explore Barcelona and Still Do Everything You Want! with an entrance ticket, you can pay to go to the very top of La Sagrada Familia and get an incredible view of the city. Paying, queuing, and lots of steps don’t appeal to you after an already busy day of experiencing what Barcelona has to offer? Try these ideas for more relaxed free views of the city.
Carmel Bunkers
One of the best and most complete views of the city, the views from the Carmel Bunkers are 360-degrees and free to visit. While people like to visit for the view, it also is a popular hang-out spot for locals and picnickers. Also good for people looking to spend a little time outdoors in one of the most impressive outdoor sites of Barcelona. The site itself is free and can be easily accessed via Barcelona’s public transport system.
Teleferic de Montjuïc
An incredible view of the city on the cable car up to Montjuïc. You can make the journey there with a standard metro ticket and then get 10% off the cable car fare by booking online. Alternatively, visit the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya. Find yourself in Montjuïc for a great place to explore and view the city. The museum also has free entry from 3pm on Saturdays and is free the first Sunday of each month.
Go out
Many great restaurants and cafes offer great views of the city in spaces where you can relax. You’re after a metropolitan view of the city that’s a bit less packed? With tourists and a bit more up close, try the local spots around you. Many hotels have rooftop bars and cafes open to non-guests, such as the Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central. Or the W hotel on the sea front. If you’re out during the day or don’t just want to drink, there are lots of day-time cafes and cafeterias that offer spectacular views too. For even cheaper, the food court at El Corte Inglés, which is free to access, has a panoramic view of the city from the top floor. Similarly, the cafés and restaurants on the top floor of the Maremagnum Centre are a good place to stop when visiting Barceloneta. But access to the outdoor balconies is also unrestricted anyway, so it makes a great place to get a casual but beautiful view of the port, the city, and Montjuïc.
Take advantage of the local neighbourhoods
For something different, step out into the local neighbourhoods of the city. Barcelona is rich with distinct neighbourhoods, and many host local events and festivals on different weekends on the month. For example, Gràcia hosts a neighbourhood-wide street market on the first Sunday of every month. See what’s on while you’re here for a more authentic experience of Barcelona life.
We also recommend going further afield from the packed bars and restaurants on Las Ramblas for example. Heading to the local neighbourhoods for cheaper, more authentic, and more ambient eating and dining experiences is recomanded.
Each neighbourhood offers a unique environment
Try the neighbourhood of El Born for an afternoon spent browsing the many unique vintage and boutique clothing shops. Cheap but good local restaurants, or La Ciutat Vella in general for its independent artisanal art shops and galleries. Gràcia is home to many gorgeous parks that provide the perfect place to cool down in the summer. With bathing pools and open green spaces, and beautiful scenery to explore even in the colder months.
If you now only need a good Spanish course in Barcelona besides discovering the city feel free to contact our Language School!