You have found your Catalonia villa rental close to the city, and now it’s time to explore. Cities can be expensive, and it’s easy to go over budget if you are not careful. We thought about this and have compiled a list of things to do for free in Barcelona so that you can see the best of the city without compromising your budget.

 

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Las Ramblas & La Boqueria

Considered one of the most famous thoroughfares in the world, Las Ramblas awaits with its outdoor stalls, flower buckets, caricature and mime artists – it is one of the most tourist-driven avenues in the world and one of the liveliest. Starting from Plaça de Catalunya, easily accessible from your Barcelona holiday rental (it is one of the main bus and metro stops in the city), Las Ramblas walks you through a myriad of entertainment, souvenir stalls and music, ending at Port Vell by the sea.

 

On one side of the avenue you have many shops, tapas bars and restaurants, as well as access to the famous Gothic Quarter, and on the other side pretty boutique hotels and La Boqueria St. Josep indoor market. The indoor market is a must see, with rainbow colours of citrus fruits, juices, artisan breads, cured meats and cheeses you can pick up a feast for your Barcelona holiday villa for very reasonable prices. The market is open until around 20.30, so make it your last stop before you depart the city with all your gastronomic goodies, it will keep them fresh and you won’t need to carry them around all day.

 

Gothic Quarter

Explore the Barri Gòtico which is the old medieval city centre, it is also known as the Gothic Quarter. The area is nestled between trendy El Born district with its many bars, restaurants and nightclubs, and Las Ramblas. The medieval streets date back to the Roman settlement of the city, and parts of the old city wall still remain around the areas of Sots Tinent and Tapinera. It is a fascinating labyrinth of streets with some of the best tapas bars, shops and medieval squares in the city. Immerse yourself in the Barri Gòtico and imagine the Barcelona of old. Places of interest include Plaça Sant Jaume, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi and the Presidential Palace.

 

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The Architecture of Antoni Gaudí

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to see the many architectural masterpieces for which the city is famous. It can become expensive if you wish to view the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) but what if you could see them all for free? There are free walking tours throughout Barcelona, one of which is a Gaudí tour. The tour takes 2 – 2.5 hours leaving from Plaça de Catalunya at 11.00 daily. The tour offers inside information into the great architect’s life and the incredible structures he built which make Barcelona the city it is today.

 

Whatever you decide to do when you holiday in Spain, Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities on Earth. Whether it is a day trip from your Catalonia villa rental or you are planning to stay for a little longer, there are many things to see and do in the city that won’t cost you a euro. It’s just about knowing where to find them! Use these tips to help you start on the right track.