Barcelona is a city of unique architecture, tasty treats, and that oh so Mediterranean feel. The entire city, largely thanks to the architect Antoni Gaudi, is like an outdoor art museum. Getting a taste of that culture can be frugal or even free.
Park Guell
Park Guell gives the frugal traveler one of the best views of Barcelona and for free. Within the park is the Gaudi Museum and numerous examples of his work.
How to get there? Barcelona’s subway system is easy and economical to use. The Metro stop for Park Guell is Lesseps.
Church of the Sacred Family/Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia
This half completed church built by Antoni Gaudi is the most unique religious structure that I’ve ever seen. Something along the lines of extreme, extreme gothic. Barcelona is the city to see Gaudi’s work and this church, one of the shining examples. There is a fee to go into the building and I hear the views are half decent. However the real wow is the outside and to look at that is free.
Las Ramblas
Barcelona’s own pedestrian walkway, Las Ramblas is lined with cafes, markets, and quaint shops. On sunny days, artists display their wares and street performers, including the world famous living statues, entertain. An ideal place to people watch and this people watching is free.
One food choice that travelers in Barcelona should experience is the tapas. Tapas are snacks or finger foods and are often accompanied by wine. This is an economical way to try a variety of Spanish tastes without breaking the budget or expanding the waistline.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria is a popular food market selling fish, fruit and vegetables. The fresh fruit is a perfect and inexpensive snack. It is also a place to rub elbows with the locals.
Barcelona is a city with a soul all its own. Fortunately for the frugal traveler, a glimpse at this soul can be inexpensive or even free.