Barcelona, the capital city of the Catalonia region in Spain. The city is popular with tourists and is known for its architecture. Short on time? I have some great tips for how to spend a weekend in Barcelona. It’s a great weekend getaway destination and can be enjoyed even if you’re on a budget. Here are some tips if you’re planning a budget trip to Barcelona.
You can find plenty of cheap places to stay on sites like Airbnb and Hostelworld. When looking, make sure you consider how close they are to places you plan on going to, and where the nearest transport links are. The last thing you want is a 30 minute walk to the metro station before getting anywhere! Also make the most of these websites – Airbnb have a “travel guide” especially for Barcelona. Hosts sometimes have their own travel guides on their adverts too. Use the tips from locals! After all, who knows the city better than them?
You can get very cheap flights to Barcelona from most budget airlines which is why it’s such a good getaway. For a weekend trip the metro is what you’ll need. All the typical tourist sights have a metro station nearby and the network is easy to use. It’s way simpler than the London underground – and that’s coming from a Londoner! A worthwhile investment is the Hola BCN! travel card. These offer unlimited travel on Barcelona public transport for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days making them perfect for a weekend break. They include travel to the airport too which is a plus! Tickets cost between €14.50 and €33.70 and can be bought from a ticket machine inside a station or online.
Like any city, there are tons of restaurants offering different types of food in Barcelona. La Rambla is a pedestrianised street stretching 1.2km full of restaurants and bars. There is definitely something there for everyone. One restaurant worth a visit is iTapa. This chain offers an all-you-can-eat tapas buffet at a set price. Restaurants can be found dotted around the city. Located just off of La Rambla is Plaça Reial, a beautiful square. Here you can find Restaurante Pizzeria Rossini, an Italian restaurant with food to die for.
Pizza from Restaurante Pizzeria RossiniThe Spanish architect’s influence on Barcelona can be seen almost everywhere. From Park Güell in the north of the city, to Casa Mila and Casa Battló nearer the centre, there are plenty of examples of his work. Whether you’re an architecture fanatic or not, you can definitely appreciate his unique style. Casa Mila is worth paying extra to go inside. The roof – or La Pedrera as it’s known in Barcelona – offers great views over the city as well as weird and wonderful architecture. A student ticket is available for €16.50 so remember to take your student card!
Another of Guadi’s creations but deserves a section of its own. Construction of this Catholic church began in 1882 and is estimated to finish in 2026. That’s 144 years worth of building work just to finish it. If that’s not interesting enough for you, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it’s pretty important. A basic ticket to go inside costs €15 but is definitely worth it. This is one of the most stunning churches in Europe. Whether you’re religious or not, you can really appreciate its beauty and significance once inside.
So there you have it! These are just a few tips of ways to keep the cost down and make the most of a weekend in Barcelona. There are loads of other things to do and places to go, so don’t think this is it! Barcelona is a city full of culture and there is something for everyone. The best part is that a long weekend trip can easily be enjoyed on even a student budget. Maybe next time you need a break from all your assignments consider a trip to Barcelona…
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