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Cheap Things to do in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley

It can be tough managing your vacation fund, what with the travel, accommodation, and the urge to try every new type of food you come across. So, if you've drained the pot and have a couple days left in the city, you'll want some cheap things to do in Barcelona. Worry not, friend; we've got you covered. These are our pics of the best cheap things to do in Barcelona!

Including:

  • Museu d'Historia de Catalunya
  • Park Güell
  • Barceloneta Beach
  • Picasso Museum
  • Explore Old Town
  • and more!

 

History, city style

Barcelona, while technically in Spain, is actually the capital of Catalonia, a region of the country that has its own language and economy. So, if you want to learn more about Catalonian history and culture, check out Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. It's only €8 to get in, and entry is completely free on the first Sunday of the month. So really, you have no excuse not to check it out and absorb some sweet, sweet culture.

 

Gaudí, not gaudy!

For those not in the know, Gaudi was one of the world's most renowned architects. And if you're vacationing in Barcelona, it's impossible to not see his influence. From the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló, his works are literally everywhere. The same can be said for Park Güell, one of the city's best and brightest green spaces. Feel free to stroll around and see the park's sights for yourself, but due to Gaudi's worldwide popularity, some of the park's more awe-inspiring features are behind a paywall. So why not take a guided tour of the park, learn more about Gaudi and the gardens, and see everything up close?

 

Get your beach on

Sun, sand, and sea - the ideal components for the perfect vacation. If you're visiting Barcelona, you'll want to check out the beach scene. Arguably the city's biggest and best beach is Barceloneta, and given it's a public beach, it's ultimately free to go! Bring your towel and sunscreen, find a spot to spread out, and soak up those powerful UV rays. And, if you get bored, hungry, or thirsty, there are plenty of activities, restaurants, and bars right on the beachfront. Easily one of the best cheap things to do in Barcelona. And, if you're looking for something less crowded or child-friendly, we've done a deep dive on every beach in the city. Find whichever suits you best and make it your own.

 

Picasso Museum

Picasso is one of the most famed painters of the last millennia, with his works paving the way for Cubism and collages, and having captured the horrors of war in his own unique style. Having lived through periods of great upheaval during the 20th century, it's no wonder people want to know more about his life. Enter the Picasso Museum, where you'll learn more about his life through his works, from his more realist youth to his more creative peak. Every Sunday from 3-7pm, it's completely free to enter, and the turnstiles stay open all day on the first Sunday of the month. Or, if you want a more curated experience, take a guided tour of the museum and learn even more about the famed painter.

 

Explore Old Town

Take a step back in time to Barcelona's Old Town and Gothic Quarter. Much of the city's Medieval architecture still stands, and you'll find more than a few Grammable opportunities should your social media need some attention. Get lost in a maze of cobbled streets, residential corridors, and ancient markets. Or, get very much more familiar with the area on a guided tour! Learn about Barcelona's long history, and the many different factions and cultures that have called it home for over a thousand years.

 

Picnic in a park

Parks are brilliant, aren't they? A portal into the rural, they let you escape the busy city and just relax in a perfect pocket of nature. Luckily for you, Barcelona is brimming with green spaces. So, no matter what kinda thing you're looking for, you'll find the perfect park for you.

Relax in Parc de Montjuïc's botanical gardens and explore the planet's different climates in its myriad greenhouses.

Get lost in the green at Parc del Laberint d'Horta's maze. Then, when you've escaped, explore the surrounding gardens and the ancient medieval palace.

Or, take a refreshing break at Parc de la Ciutadella, thanks to the massive water features and fountains.

Each of these is a prime location for a picnic. So pick a park, pack a basket, and go touch some grass!

 

Cosmic culture

Need some awe-inspiring sights to brighten up your Earthbound day? Look no further than Barcelona's very own science museum at CosmoCaixa. With over 30,000sq meters of brilliant exhibits, interactive displays, and much, much more, you'll learn a whole lot about our planet, the solar system, and what lies beyond.

It's only €6 to get in, and with so much to discover, you'll spend more than a few hours exploring every nook and cranny.

 

Historical architecture!

And finally, let's end today's list with some more Earthly discoveries. Located in the heart of Montjuïc, within walking distance of the park's iconic fountain, is Poble Espanyol. It's an open-air architectural museum, which exemplifies Spanish culture, art, and cuisine throughout the centuries. For all intents and purposes, it's a miniature time capsule of the country all in one place.

With over 100 buildings and streets from across the country recreated, it has to be seen to be believed. One minute you'll be walking through a 17th-century neighborhood; the next, you'll end up at a medieval market.

You'll also find over 300 works from some of Spain's contemporary art giants. The likes of Picasso and Dali are on proud display, and are frankly worth the entry alone. And, if you need some gift ideas for when you go back home, there are a multitude of craftsmen on-site that make anything from bags to jewelry. Easily one of the best cheap things to do in Barcelona, and should be on everyone's itinerary when they visit!

And that's our list of cheap things to do in Barcelona!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Sagrada Familia

Gaudí is one of the world's most famous architects. Such was his influence at the beginning of the 20th-century, you'll find his work all over his native Barcelona. His greatest achievement is undoubtedly La Sagrada Familia, a huge monument to Gaudí's faith. So, let's take a deep dive into La Sagrada Familia, and discover why it absolutely has to be on your itinerary! What is La Sagrada Familia? To put it simply, La Sagrada Familia is a temple that was designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was considered his Magnum Opus, but he was unable to finish it before his death more than 100 years ago. To this day, the monument has yet to be finished, and work continues to this day. Who was Antoni Gaudí? Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was a Catalan architect born in 1852. His unique style, characterized by the marriage of neo-Gothic art, Oriental art techniques, and a fascination with nature and the human body, led the Catalan Modernism movement. A Barcelona local, his creations are found predominantly in the city. Rather than working from sketches, Gaudí preferred creating detailed 3D models of his would-be buildings before construction. This often meant more time spent in pre-production than many other architects of his time, but is likely part of the reason his works remain so unique to this day. History of La Sagrada Família The idea for La Sagrada Familia was conceived in 1872, after bookseller and prominent religious organizer Josep Maria Bocabella returned from the Vatican. After seeing the Basilica Della Santa Casa, or Basilica of the Holy House), he wanted to create a similar church in Barcelona. Josep approached famed Catalan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who planned to create an authentic Gothic revival church. Work began in 1882, but Villar only oversaw the creation of the apse crypt before resigning from his position in 1883. That's when our man Gaudí stepped in. After radically redesigning the building, work continued, and he was appointed architect director one year later. But Gaudí knew his design would take many years to come to fruition. Thankfully, Josep didn't mind this; the work, and the time it would take to finish it, would speak for itself. However, nearly forty years later, only 20% of the work was complete. And worse yet, Gaudí soon passed away, leaving his understudy Domènec Sugrañes i Gras to carry on in his stead. In fact, both Gaudí and Maria Bocabella are the only two people to be laid to rest in the crypt. Then, tragedy struck. The Spanish Civil War led to parts of the building being destroyed and the plans being badly burnt. Therefore, once the war was over, it took over 15 years to reconstruct his original plans from early concepts and undamaged sections. In the years since, many architects have taken control of the project. And now, nearly 150 years after the project was conceived, it's almost complete. La Sagrada Familia design and influences Every inch of the church is symbolic of important elements of Christianity. Originally, eighteen spires were planned, symbolizing Jesus, his twelve disciples, the Virgin Mary, and the four Evangelists (Luke, Mathew, John, and Mark). However, to date, only nine have been completed. A religious man himself, Gaudí insisted that the largest spire, dedicated to Jesus, be shorter than Montjuïc Hill, so as not to surpass divine creation. The three grand façades are similarly dedicated to important moments in the faith; the Nativity represents the birth of Jesus and life itself, the Passion of his sacrifice, and the Glory of his everlasting reign. Each has its fair share of iconic imagery, ranging from life-affirming to torment. The interior of the church is a feast for the eyes, with geometric shapes intersecting throughout the pillars and the ceiling. No single surface is flat, as abstract shapes undulate with curves, twists, and jagged edges. Gaudí's style influenced the Cubism movement, and you can see as much in the church's design. Visiting La Sagrada Familia La Sagrada Familia is easily one of Barcelona's most prominent tourist spots, with thousands of people visiting the breathtaking building every year. And the best way to see it is by taking a guided tour. Your experienced guide will give you insight into every exciting part of its design, from inside to out. They'll unravel every hidden element of symbolism not covered above, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Gaudí's work. However, as one of the city's most visited places, you have to book ahead if you want to get a spot. And expect to be among crowds, which has taken on a whole new meaning after recent events! If you'd rather skip all that and see the church from a different perspective, why not take a Virtual 360 tour of the building without even setting a foot inside? Thanks to the power of virtual reality technology, you can explore every surface up close, all while standing outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the church's innards! What would Gaudí think about that? We're sure he'd be impressed. Other Gaudí Highlights Of course, La Sagrada Familia is just one of Gaudí's many creations in Barcelona! You could stroll around Park Güell and see his many unique creations, including the salamander mosaic El Drac, and ascend the rib-like staircase to the Porter's Lodge. Why not visit Casa Batlló? It's a homestead turned tourist attraction that's often considered the epitome of Gaudí's finished works. Or, take a trip to the ghoulish-looking La Pedrera, with its limestone-chiseled walls mimicking bleached bone. Alternatively, go back to where it all began at Casa Vicens, Gaudí's first-ever architectural work. Perhaps this all seems a bit pedestrian? If you want to see Gaudí's creations through a different lens, head to the Gaudí Experience 4D and take a breathtaking digital ride through his life, times, and influences. If getting to all of these on your vacation seems a struggle, board a hop-on hop-off bus tour and get to them all in a single day! And that's everything you need to know about La Sagrada Familia!
Dom Bewley
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Things to do in The Gothic Quarter Barcelona

Vacationing in Barcelona this year? Why not sample the cultural delights of the city's Gothic Quarter? There are so many things to do in Barcelona's older areas, so get reading and get picking! Here's our guide to the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Including: Check out the Cathedral Take a walking tour of the area A taste of the Jewish Quarter Eating out Watering holes and more! Cathedral de Barcelona Let's kick off this historical and cultural extravaganza with one of Barcelona's most grandiose landmarks. Barcelona Cathedral, or 'Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia' to its friends, is a gothic cathedral that towers over the Gothic Quarter like some kind of cathedral. Dedicated to one of the two patron saints of Barcelona, Eulalia of Barcelona, who it's said became a martyr during the Roman occupation of the city. Both outside and in, it's hard to deny its beauty. After you've admired all that Middle Ages architecture, you can head to the top of the cloister for some of the best views in the city. Just make sure you're on your best behavior when you visit. As one of Catalonia's most sacred places, any hijinks will be heavily frowned upon. Oh, and dress appropriately. God doesn't like skin on show, it seems. Gothic Quarter Walking Tour If you want to get your bearings, explore the Gothic Quarter, and learn all about its history, why not take a guided tour? With over 2000 years of history dripping from each corner of the neighborhood, you'll need a well-versed guide to make the most of it! Learn about the Plaza del Rey and its Palace of Viceroy, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar. Walk up the bustling Ramblas and sample the Catalan delicacies within the famous Boqueria Market. We recommend tucking into some cured Iberian ham, paired with a refreshing glass of cava. But really, all of the market's offerings are available to you, so pick what you please. Not only will this tour give you the lay of the land, but you'll pass plenty of hidden bars and local restaurants you can go back to once the tour's concluded. Easily one of the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, especially for newbies! Old Jewish Quarter Experience The Jewish have a rich history in Barcelona, dating back hundreds of years. In fact, there's a neighborhood of the city named after them. Why not take your exploration of the past into the future with a 3D Virtual Reality Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter? Head to the "Call Barcelona Shop" and take a trip back to the Golden Age. Exchange your voucher at the meeting point to visit the Major Synagogue, the oldest one in Spain, and learn about its history. Then, use the self-guided map to explore the Jewish Quarter's most remarkable sites. Plaça Sant Felip Neri As with many locales, some of the best cultural landmarks can be found off the beaten path. So take the road less traveled by tourists, and visit Plaça Sant Felip Neri. It's a residential square that may seem pretty eventless but, in fact, is quite the opposite. During the Second World War, a bomb detonated in the Plaça Sant Felip Neri, killing 42 people, most of whom were children. In fact, you can still see the shrapnel damage present at the bottom of the nearby church's walls. Nowadays, this cozy area has a fountain, school, and a hotel with an upmarket restaurant inside. How things have changed. Plaça de la Generalitat While you're in the area, why not check out the beating heart of Barcelona's political scene? At the Plaça de la Generalitat, you'll find Barcelona's City Hall, as well as the Catalan government palace. On Sundays, you can even venture into City Hall and explore it for yourself. And, if you're lucky, you may catch a group dance performance or other types of street performers in the big square in front of the building. Grab a bite to eat If all that exploring has given you hunger prangs, then you're in luck. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter has some fantastic restaurants to discover. At L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic, you can chow down on delicious authentic Catalan dishes made with locally-sourced produce from the nearby markets. Sitting down to eat within its stone walls is quite the delight. Or, if you're in the market for Tapas, head to Gourmet Sensi. With a wide variety of tapas dishes featuring meat, fish, or vegan options, as well as the welcoming, English-speaking staff, it's a great place to sit for a bite to eat if you don't want to embarrass yourself with your broken Spanglish. Alternatively, if you'd rather go meat-free, check out La Cereria. Tucked away off the beaten path, you'll find a world of vegetarian and vegan delights waiting to be sampled, all surrounded by the quirky decor and a brilliant drinks menu. And get a drink while you're at it! And if you want a nightcap to put a bow on the evening, or simply want to explore the Gothic Quarter's brilliant bar scene, check out our recommendations below! If you're in the mood for a snug, romantic cocktail bar, check out Sub Rosa. This cozy joint has fashionable red lighting, a Mediterranean take on speakeasy decor, and a host of well-made cocktails to choose from. If you want something a little bigger, louder, and less refined, go visit Bar Manchester. This British-themed bar has a whole host of cheap beers on draft, happy hour deals, and a playlist of 80s and 90s British indie rock on rotation. And finally, if you like a little entertainment with your drinks, head to Craft Barcelona. Along with bar snacks and a burgeoning beer menu, you can also sit down and enjoy live music from local artists, as well as the occasional comedy show if you fancy a tickle. And that's our guide to the best things to do in The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona!
Dom Bewley
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Shopping in Barcelona

  Sights, sunshine... whilst there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, shopping in Barcelona is pretty high on the list. As well as being home to some of the best markets in Europe, the city boasts one of the biggest open-air shopping routes. The Barcelona Shopping Line covers five whole kilometers of retail paradise, winding from Port Vell to uptown Diagonal, along La Rambla, through the historic centre and into the Eixample district. So whether you’re a determined shopaholic, a savvy souvenir hunter or simply browsing in between gazing at Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, you might want to save some room in your suitcase. From bijou boutiques to big name brands, discount designer-wear to the locals’ favourite deli, let us help you pack your bags...with bargains! Best markets in Barcelona Barcelona’s markets are famous the world over with food, fruit and vegetables, art, books and bric-a-brac piled high for your delight. Why not join the Ancient Markets Walking Tour to drop in on a few of them, whilst exploring the ancient streets of the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter)?   Mercat de la Boqueria Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria, is a must-do destination for visitors. Enter through its distinctive Art Deco arch from La Rambla and your senses go into overdrive. Crowds of locals and tourists jostle amid rainbow fruit and vegetable displays, brightly coloured smoothies, open-mouthed fish, zingy spices and mountains of meat, cheese, chocolate and much more. Once you’ve selected your savoury souvenirs - or picked up perfect picnic ingredients - perhaps you’ll pause at one of the food trucks for a churro dipped in hot chocolate or a chilled glass of Cava?   Mercat de Sant Antoni Over in the Eixample District, outside stalls sell clothes and homewares whilst, housed in an impressive steel structure that spans an entire block, you’ll find more tempting displays of fresh fruit, veg, meat and seafood. On Sundays the market transforms into a magnet for memorabilia collectors - second-hand books, stamps, coins, comics and magazines are all on offer, alongside vintage clothing, handmade homewares and hand-crafted jewellery.   Mercat dels Encants Meanwhile, at Barcelona’s famous flea market, remember that one person’s trash is another’s treasure! Amid the random rubbish keep your eyes peeled for gems amongst the second hand clothes, books and especially furniture. This chaotic temple of sustainability is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Get there early for the best bargains at the 8am auctions, then pop back at midday when unsold items are reduced! Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep If you’re in the market (see what we did there) for some art to remind you of the beauty of Barcelona, this small but perfectly formed market is made up of Catalan artists, their easels nestled in the shadow of the church. From watercolours to oils, their work covers every style and medium - and sometimes they are joined by musicians or fortune-tellers to add to the boho vibe. Go see.   Best shopping streets in Barcelona Of course, if sifting through stalls is not your scene there are many, many stupendous stores! But where to start? Here’s a retail rundown of some of Barcelona’s best shopping areas for high street names, designer boutiques and more besides. Plaza de Catalunya is not only the city’s main square and meeting point but a buzzy retail hub. Just off the square, Calle Pelai is packed with fashion stores, whilst a giant neon thermometer hanging over Portal del Angel shows you it’s a shopping hot-spot for European fashion chains including Zara, Pull & Bear, Benetton, H&M and Berska. Look out for quirky independent stores too - and delicious snacks including turrón (a kind of nougat) and artisan ice-cream.   Paseo de Gràcia (Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) is one of Barcelona’s most elegant promenades, home to both designer stores and high street names, as well as distinctive Art Nouveau buildings including Antoni Gaudi’s visionary Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Running parallel, the equally lively Rambla de Catalunya is also packed with high end stores - not only clothes but beauty products, electronics and unique furniture. Both streets run into Avenida Diagonal, the place to be for international luxury brands including Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace and Gucci.   To the south of La Rambla, the Raval district is popular with those seeking alternative shops. Vintage lovers should head to Calle Riera Baixia and look out for ethnic, Goth and handmade clothes on Calle Tallers. Nearby Sant Antoni sees less tourists but boasts some of the best book shops in Barcelona. For the best boho vibe however, head to the oldest parts of the city. The narrow winding streets of El Born and the Barrio Gòtic are packed with not only upmarket stores but independent shops selling antiques, books, handmade clothes, hats, cutlery and gifts galore.   Best for designer bargains Barcelona is full of big name brands but to bag some at a fraction of the usual price you’ll need to hop on the bus to La Roca Village, part of the same outlet group as London’s famous Bicester Village. This fantastic designer mall, just 30 minutes from the centre, is designed to look like a Spanish town centre, with Gaudi-style mosaics and colourful plants but savvy shoppers come for the discounts not the decor, enjoying savings of up 60% off usual retail prices. Grab your credit card and run amok in almost one thousand boutique stores featuring Spanish fashion and luxury brands like Desigual, Loewe and Balenciaga - and international names including Prada, Burberry, Gucci and Jimmy Choo.   Best shops for souvenirs FC Botiga Since FC Barcelona is one of the world’s biggest football teams, fans won’t want to miss their chance to pick up memorabilia featuring the famous red and blue colours. Take the tour at Camp Nou, Europe’s largest football stadium, then visit the FC Botiga Megastore to pick up and personalize some team kit. You’ll find three whole floors crammed with Barcelona football shirts, scarves, hats, balls, boots and signed team photos. There are several more official FC Barcelona stores around the city, including in Barri Gòtic and Eixample. See what you can score. La Capell Part of the Collegi de Arquitectes in the Gothic Quarter and originally opened as a bookstore dedicated to architecture and art, this is now a fabulous three-storey gift store of uniquely designed souvenirs from Barcelona. The mural outside was designed by Picasso and the gadgets, toys, jewellery, stationery, furniture, homeware and gourmet gifts inside are equally original.   Best for chocolate lovers From handcrafted bon bons to hot chocolate to churros and even a chocolate museum, Barcelona is heaven for chocolate lovers. Pasteleria Escriba is one of the most famous chocolate shops in Barcelona. Its flagship store in the Antigua Casa Figueras has been open on La Rambla since 1906 and its edible murals, chocolate sculptures and spectacular displays are as intricate and popular as the building’s unique facade. Xocoa For a more contemporary take on chocolate follow your nose to over 15 Xocoa boutiques around the city. At Petritxol Xocoa, the original store in the old city, you’ll find a cafe, bakery and endless irresistible creations presented in super chic packaging. Look out for chocolate beauty products, exotically flavoured chocolate bars including orange, rosemary, Jamaican pepper and green tea and, even better, chocolate beer!   Best department store If you still don’t know where to find what you’re looking for, make tracks for El Cortes Inglés; after all it’s hard to miss the huge brutalist concrete building looming over the Plaça de Catalunya. It’s much prettier inside though, with 9 endless floors of...well everything you can think of... from fashion to furniture, kitchenware to a cosmetics floor to die for. You’ll either find just what you need or, should you be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of availability, maybe just take the lift to the top floor, enjoy the view of the square and plan where you’ll go next - with Go City.
Jo Cooke

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