Let’s face it – traveling isn’t cheap. Even with today’s fortunate travel steals, travel comes with a price. Between airfare, accommodations, and your budgeted daily allowance for food, transportation, attractions, souvenirs, etc. – travel has its expenses.
Luckily for travelers, Barcelona is home to a few freebies, all of which create lifelong memories, cushion your daily travel allowance, and sneak in a little exercise.
Views and a Show. Whether art enthusiasts or not, visitors can appreciate the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Here, extraordinary views of Barcelona await you. Located in Palau National in the Montjuic section of Barcelona, visitors can relax on the front steps of this majestic building and absorb the views. If you’re lucky, a local musician may even be playing the Spanish Guitar.
Afterwards, head down to Font Màgica and/or Plaça d’Espanya to catch a live performance of the water/light fountain show that is set to music and has the MNAC as its backdrop. Check with the tourism board ahead of time for performance schedules/changes.
Tip: There is a small outdoor cafe located at the front entrance to the MNAC.
Park Guell. Take an afternoon escape and explore the grounds of this park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Antonio Gaudi’s many masterpieces. Stroll the grounds and make your way up to the highest point where you’ll find a stone tower fitted with a few large crosses. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking bay and mountainside views. Don’t forget to walk the runway in your best haunted bride manner, as in Cycle 7 of America’s Next Top Model! (At the front entrance, make a left and go past the food court/rest rooms. A little further ahead is where you’ll find the slanted columns where the final runway challenge took place.) Expect to spend at least three hours walking leisurely through this park’s grounds. As with any park, always wear comfortable sneakers and have a bottle(s) of water on hand.
Tip: Pack a light lunch and find a quiet location to indulge in private time. You’ll find benches located variously throughout the park.
Barceloneta and Port Vell. Regardless of the season, no trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting the beach and bay. Barceloneta is home to the sandy shores where the Mediterranean Sea greets the shoreline. The smell of the sea alone is worth dipping into. Sitting on the beach, you’ll see beautiful seaside cliffs in the far distance. There is also a small boardwalk to stroll along and watch as many local artisans entertain you with their impressive sand castles.
Port Vell is about a 45 minute walk from Barceloneta. Along the way, you’ll pass marinas, boats, and outdoor dockside dining. Once you reach Port Vell, you’ll find an aquarium, a movie theater, a mini-mall, and many restaurants. This is a great place to kick back, relax, and enjoy the scenic bay views while watching seagulls swim in the crystal clear water.
Tip: Taxis are easy to find in both areas in case the 45 minute walk throws you off. There are also bike rentals available along the route.
How about you? Do you know of any Barcelona freebies that will maximize travelers’ Euros?
