Barcelona on a budget

Thinking about holiday budgets can be tricky, especially if you’re going somewhere that’s not exactly a cheap destination. But, a lot of the time it’s still possible to live the full experience without breaking the bank. Here I am sharing my recommendations for Barcelona on a budget, including free sites and great value activities.

Mount Tibidabo – Budget: Free

‘Hill in Spain’ is how google has chosen to describe Mount Tibidabo. I can assure you this wording does not do it justice. It is a hill top haven offering panoramic views of Barcelona. If, like me, you are always hunting for photo opportunities then the trip up is worth it just for that. The route is a challenging walk, but doable. Alternatively there is a funicular railway that will take you right to the top, but this will cost €12 for a return ticket. If you’re in search of a bit more than photos, there is a particularly grand church that you can access parts of for free.

There is also an amusement park and a number of food and drink spots on offer at the peak, if you’re happy to pay to enhance the experience. Entry to the amusement park will cost €35, but this does include the funicular railway ticket. Food prices will obviously vary as they do everywhere, just keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Watch The Sunset At Bunkers – Budget: Free

Another hilltop setting with panoramic views of the city. Bunkers, or ‘Bunkers del Carmel’ offers a free access view point of Barcelona where you can sit and take in the sunset. Sticking with the low price point, you are able to walk up to Bunkers. It is a solid uphill walk, but very rewarding with the views if you’re up to the challenge. If not, the view point is easily accessible from the Maria Lavernia bus stop. My advice would be to take some food and drink up with you and then enjoy it whilst taking in the the views of the city turning from day to night.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – Budget: Free

Lights, music and a crowd aren’t usually indicators of anything free. But this fountain, located in front of the historical botanical gardens offers just that. A combination of music and intricate water motions, available for free every Thursday to Saturday during the summer months. A range of music genres are included in this 20 minute displays, meaning there is an appeal to most visitors.

CosmoCaixa – Budget: €6

CosmoCaixa is a science museum with a difference, it has the usual selection of interactive exhibits, some temporary and some permanent. The focuses include the creation of the cosmos, evolution of the species and the human brain. But beyond all of this there is a stand out exhibit called the ‘Flooded Forest’, which recreates the conditions of the Amazon. I visited specifically for this exhibit and was not disappointed. It starts on the lowest level, deep under the surface and you can see up to the daylight from below. A range of wildlife is included within this makeshift ecosystem and I saw it as a real one of a kind exhibit.

The museum is located by the ‘Ronda de Dalt – Císter’ bus stop in the city, on the route of the 196 and H2 buses. This is also at the base of Tibidabo, so it could be an easy two birds one stone situation and with tickets costing less than €6 why would you not pay a visit.

Park Güell – Budget: Free – €10

Offering abstract building designs and spectacular views, Park Guell is something completely different to the rest of Barcelona. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, the park is a perfect example of his abstract style as an artist. Certain parts of the park are free to enter, but full entry to the entirety is just €10. Buy Tickets online, but keep in mind that you will need to book a specific time slot to avoid overcrowding.

Abstract architectural styles combined with colourful tiling across a range of areas gives an iconic setting for an afternoon stroll on a budget. There is plenty of seating space available to take in the views or enjoy the artistic nature of the park. Food is available to buy, but as with any major tourist attraction, don’t expect to be picking up any bargains.

Located in the Gracia region of the city, the 116 bus that stops directly at the park. Depending where you intend to visit, buses are probably the best bet.

There are my top five recommendations for things to do in Barcelona on a budget. Budgets can greatly influence any trip and hopefully this can help with managing funds whilst away.

For more travel based tips check out the rest of my blog here.

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