Skip to main content

lucy-garder
3rd October 2012

Experience… Barcelona

Lucy Gardner offers Barcelona on a student budget
Categories:
TLDR

Barcelona’s popularity amongst budget travelers is quickly growing. Although it has obvious attractions (it’s October temperature reaching an average high of 21C – a whole 7 degrees higher than Manchester) it also has it’s healthy backpacker vibe that helps support cheap student holidays.

Day 1

If you are only staying in Barcelona for a couple of days, be sure to visit the Gothic Quarter. Europe’s Art Nouveau movement gave rise to some of the city’s most prized landmarks. The area is home to eight World Heritage Sites including the famous Sagrada Familia. Gaudi’s church is easy to get to with its own metro stop and it doesn’t disappoint. Currently just marvel at its beautiful exterior as most of the inside is under renovation and isn’t worth the entry price. You’re better off exploring the Catalan cafes that are nestled in amongst the Gothic architecture and experience the Mediterranean cuisine. Avoid eating on La Rambla as it is often overpriced and not up to the scratch of the coastline seafood restaurants. If you are still looking to broaden your cultural horizons, the city hosts several different museums from the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art to the Archaelogy Museum of Catalonia.

Day 2

The National Geographic listed Barcelona city beach as one of the top ten city beaches in the world, but in my opinion, relaxation is difficult with the amount of nudists and rubbish roaming around. Whilst worth a visit for the beautiful view of the sea, I wouldn’t spend an afternoon there. Instead take a trip on the cable cars that run from the Port de Barcelona to Montjuic – for €9 you will receive breath taking views of city, a perfect camera opportunity. During the late afternoon stroll around the labyrinth of side streets surrounding the centre and indulge in a spot of shopping, particularly in the pastry and chocolate shops that hand out free samples.

As far as going out is concerned, Barcelona can get quite expensive. There are various party tours on offer, however, that allow you to experience the local nightlife for a fraction of the cost of the big club nights. Barcelona Party Tours offer four venues (a Catalan bar, a bar on Mount Tibidabo with a view of the city’s lit up sky line, a Catalan club and finally Opium – reportedly one of the best party spots in Europe) with a free drink in each location and a coach to get you around for just 35 euros.

Stay – The Be Mar Hostel from £12 per person per night

Fly – Return flights from Birmingham to Barcelona El Prat are £38 during early November


More Coverage

Springleaf Podcast: James Acaster’s new audio adventure

We discuss Springleaf Podcast, the new audio sitcom created by the much loved British stand-up comic James Acaster.

My year abroad, the visa process, and getting lost in translation

Preparing for your year abroad can feel daunting, but with a little preparation and a willingness to get things wrong at first, there’ll be plenty to look forward to

Getting involved: Volunteering at the Booth Centre

Getting involved in volunteering can help you feel more connected to Manchester and support the local community, here’s one writer’s experience

‘An audio treat’: The Mancunion’s favourite podcasts

Whether you’re looking to keep up with current affairs, celebrity gossip or even Formula 1, we’ve got you covered with our top pick of podcasts