Young & broke in Barcelona
Anyone from Europe backpacker to inspired student who wants to enjoy Spain may find themselves asking: Are there things to do in Barcelona when you’re young and broke? Barcelona has a variety of sights and activities for the tourist or the native, but as with anywhere else, anyone staying there needs to know the right place to look for things to do that are affordable for anyone. As a young person in Barcelona fit for any adventure, there are many possibilities that include walking, climbing and enjoying the sun as well as indoor delights to feed the intellect and sense of artistry.
A simple and popular sight to enjoy is Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. It is Barcelona’s most famous landmark, and is spectacular to behold simply from standing in the street before it. Its construction was begun over one hundred and twenty years ago and is still being worked on, but the parts that are truly worth seeing are already done and viewable without paying. To see the museum’s interior, or to climb to the top and view a lackluster display of the surroundings, does require a fee that would then also help to keep construction going. But unless a visitor has a particular interest in architecture, viewing from the outside is the best view of this landmark.
Ramblas, Boqueria market and Plaça Reial is a festive, busy and sensory-filling experience in Barcelona that can be enjoyed by simply walking through it. Street performers and fruit markets are there to entertain and fill the air with smells. The performers only perform for a donation in their cap, but if anyone waits around for long enough, someone will come by to oblige, and then the shows can be caught for free. Filled with natives and tourists, it is a fantastic spot for people-watching and simply feeling Barcelona’s energy of life.
If Picasso is a favorite artist, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona does show for free on the first Sunday of each month. However, the line to do so is huge, so arriving early is suggested in order to get in. It is also free to those under sixteen years of age, and to study groups on Wednesday afternoons.
Montjuic is a mountain in Barcelona that provides an exhilarating climb as well as a memorable view of the sea. Walking around on the mountain, a visitor would behold the old watchtower as well as a collage of old broken bottles and pottery by Carles Buigas. Also found at Montjic is the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya which is free to anyone the first Sunday of each month, and always free to those under fifteen or over sixty-five.
Barcelona Beach doesn’t cost a thing, and although it is not the most beautiful beach for tourists and was manmade, it still provides a place to lie-out and enjoy the sun or water. If interested, there is also a nudist beach a healthy walk away from the main touristy area of Barcelona Beach.
Other sights that can be appreciated without having to pay money are the Metronom, which displays art that is considered too experimental for traditional galleries, the Barcelona Cathedral, which is free to look at from the inside as well as outside, and the Parc De La Cituadella, which is a great place to take kids to run in a play area created for just that reason. This pleasant park also boasts of fountains as well as a formidable Arc de Triomf.
Feel free to ask a question or leave a reply!
