Almost every traveller has faced the sinking feeling of having far too much month at the end of the money on a somewhat regular basis. If you haven’t, you are a rather unique backpacker, but I’ve got you covered with my breathtaking things to do in Barcelona with 5 euros.
During the year I spent in Spain one of the hardest aspects was often paying my way through religious holidays and festivals when work would dry up around me. In these times, I hunted and honed my ability to sniff out mind blowing free activities and experience the hyper-expensive city of Barcelona on a dime. Here are my top picks to blow any holiday out of the water without the need to reach into your dwindling wallet. If you’ve ever been backpacking around Europe you know that things to do in Barcelona with 5 euros are essential!
Bellydancing Flashmobs at the El Mon Festival – because nothing’s free-er than shaking your booty!
I took part in the 2012 festival- regardless of non-existent dancing skills and had a real blast. Rather than just Barcelona sightseeing, why not actually get involved? The festival is held in the Arc de Triomf every June. There are also traditional festivals and parades of Spanish culture in nearby Sitges– famous for it’s beaches throughout the whole summer. Not to mention Sitges’ beaches: free as a bird and worth a million dollars.
The Font Magica at Montjuic- a nightly rainbow of colour in the fountain at sunset.
Check out the local stilt walker strutting his stuff- he totters in front of the glowing lights most weekends after sunset. To access this Barcelona attraction everything is free except your metro ticket- grab the underground train to Plaça Espanya on the red and green lines and walk from there any time after sundown. It’s worth avoiding Friday nights, crowds can get quite big at the fountain.
Castellers or Human Towers– mega props to the smallest child who climbs right to the very summit without breaking a sweat.
I witnessed this stunning symbol of Catalan tradition at the Catalan Festival, held every May in front of the Barcelona Cathedral and at other cultural events throughout the year.
Stunning street performances- take the time to stroll the old city and you can’t fail to catch something that puts Punch and Judy to shame.
Take the opportunity to trade a few euros in your pocket for hours of entertainment- part of what gives Barcelona it’s colourful heritage. A great time to try is after the afternoon siesta (around 3-4pm) in the streets of the old town.
Spending a winter weekend in Barcelona? Click through for ideas on how to maximise your trip. Or, take a browse here to get all the info you need on packing for the continent.
Casa Batllo and other Gaudi masterpieces- I think it was Karl Pilkington who said that he’d rather live in a dive looking on to a mansion than the other way around.
As one who’s paid the steep ticket prices for these buildings, the inside can’t compare with the wonders you can admire from outside and the facades are truly worth a trip alone. Take a walk along the Passeig de Gràcia and enjoy an ice cream, you can’t fail to spot some of Gaudi’s top attractions in Barcelona. I love how localised the sites to see are in BCN and when I lived on the Avenida Diagonal it was incredibly accessible.
I hope you enjoyed these penniless pleasures. Think you know a better freebie in Barcelona? Drop me a comment and I’ll add it to the list! Thanks for reading my breathtaking things to do in Barcelona with 5 euros, what have been your experiences in Spain?
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What I love about these things are that they’re all priceless experiences!
There are truly so many interesting things to see on the streets in Barcelona! Don’t forget, the beach is also free (:
This is so cool! This has definitely solidified my extreme desire to visit Barcelona! Love this guide, so unique!
These tips are so fun. I’d also add getting lost in the maze of streets! ?
A great list of magical things to see even if you have some euros in your pocket!
OMG…the human pyramid..its awesome. I hope no one got hurt. Loved your post…European cities are so expensive that its great to get a budget perspective to it! Loved the pic on the colourful house!
Such cool tips. Let´ s face it: We all need more money at the end of the month. So these tips are super cool and it seemed you had a blast.
The human tower is amazing. I’ve been to Barcelona a couple times but was never able to see it. All these tips are so fun. I can’t wait to get back there.
Great options for experiences on a budget yet timeless for their memories. “…Karl Pilkington who said that he’d rather live in a dive looking on to a mansion than the other way around.” – What an interesting perspective and so true! There’s more to see and learn looking in then being oblivious to what’s outside.
I enjoyed reading this post. It is a revelation for young nomads. Spain is a beautiful country. So many things to do in under 5 Euros. Loved the Font Magica, it looks so resplendent. Spain comes alive in all its vivid colours in your photos.
So much about a city is revealed, not by what you pay for, but what is given to you. There is a lot to be said for feeling the beat of an ancient city, like Barcelona, flowing in your veins. The traditions and very souls of its people get passed down though the ages and are on display every day.
Barcelona is an amazing city.. I would love to live there for a while! And it is actually not that overpriced so you don’t need to have a huge budget per day anyway. Though your tips are definitely worth exploring, especially the belly dance 🙂
These are fab ideas if you plan your trip around the times of the shows 🙂 I think although I cannot boogie very well, I would be like you and belly dance in the streets. It is hard to travel on a budget now and then, especially if the currency exchange is rubbish for you and these being 5 Euros or less give the impoverished nomad some wonderful options.