Who says students in Barcelona don’t deserve a break? Come on, it’s all well and good to study and prepare. But what if you dare to explore all the city has to offer without putting too much strain on your wallet in the process?
Yes, there’s more than one place in Barcelona to get you out of that “autopilot” mode, giving you stories to tell beyond campus. Check out these 5 must-see spots to make the most of your days off. Take note and don’t miss them.
What to do in Barcelona if you’re a student?
Looking for student-friendly spots in Barcelona that aren’t just your typical corner café? This city has endless options, ranging from museums, beaches, art-filled venues, bars, and many more. These affordable student plans in Barcelona include:
1. Visit the museums
If you’re passionate about art at its finest, you’ll love the Museu d’Art de Catalunya. It has an extensive collection from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, as well as exhibitions covering different periods with Gothic, Romantic, Renaissance, Modernist, and Baroque works.
Money-saving tip: Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, and on Saturdays after 3:00 PM.
- Price: €12 admission.
- Hours: May to September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- From October to April, it’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Location: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc.
2. Discover its beaches and activities
After a long day of classes or on your weekend, you absolutely must visit one of its most famous beaches (such as Barceloneta or Bogatell), which have the following to offer:
- Barceloneta Beach: Located in the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta, this beach offers the best gastronomic offerings with fish, seafood, and tapas.
It also offers all the services for your comfort, such as umbrellas, hammocks, lifeguards, etc., and you can practice kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, volleyball, ping-pong, or simply go for a bike ride. - Bogatell Beach: Located in the Poblenou neighborhood, this quiet and modern beach, 700 meters long, is less crowded than Barceloneta.
Here you can enjoy activities such as beach tennis, soccer, yoga, or the nearby Mediterranean restaurants.
3. Walk through the Gothic Quarter
This is one of those free plans for students in Barcelona that will take you to a new place, as the architecture here is simply stunning.
During your tour, you’ll see buildings with Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and modern architecture, making it a great idea to visit with friends, with your partner, or alone.
During your tour, you can take advantage of the opportunity to visit these sites: Barcelona Cathedral, the Parish of Santa Ana, the Basilica of Santa María de Pi, the Mirador de Colón, and the Barcelona History Museum.
4. Enjoy its nightlife
If you want to leave culture and observation for another day and instead have a party-style student plan in Barcelona, these bars are a must-have on your list:
Belushi’s Bar
Are you planning on having some snacks, beers, and watching a game? You’ll love this place, featuring several screens showing current sporting events, DJ music, happy hour, and more.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Address: Carrer de Bergara, 3, L’Eixample.
Ultramarinos Bar
Considered the best for sipping gin and tonics and savoring their more than 50 brands of gin, this place is a 10/10 for going with your classmates to hang out, eat their patatas bravas, or listen to the local music.
One thing’s for sure: you can unwind a bit and maybe try something innovative, like their strawberry, orange, and cardamom gin and tonic.
Address: Rambla dels Caputxins 31.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
5. Hiking and More Culture
When it comes to outdoor activities for students in Barcelona, Monserrat Natural Park is a must-see on your list of places to visit. This environment, full of natural viewpoints, trails for all levels of hikers, and its rock climbing, is everything anyone who loves nature and adventure is looking for.
One of the most impressive features of this place is its monastery, which still houses monks, its museum, central square, and the Sant Joan funicular, from where you can see the entire area at 1,000 meters above sea level and take photos of your experience.
Although it’s an hour from Barcelona, it’s worth visiting at this location:
Address: Carretera de Montserrat, s/n, 08199 Montserrat
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How can you organize your sightseeing activities in Barcelona if you’re a student?
Now comes the life-saving tips to make these plans possible without affecting your student routine or activities:
- If you have some time during the week and plan a quick getaway, try to keep it to 2 to 3 hours maximum, whether it’s a quick cultural trip to a museum or a picnic for a couple of hours.
- To avoid overspending, use your ISIC card to get discounts on transportation, leisure activities, or museums.
- Make friends with event apps like Fever or Meetup to stay up-to-date on free events or student discounts.
- Choose an area where you can do several activities at once; this will save you time and money.
- Go with friends to places of interest to share the costs.
- Take advantage of free days at museums, such as the Picasso Museum, which has free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Now you have tons of plans for you and all the students you meet in Barcelona that won’t cost you a fortune and will allow you to relax in places that resonate with you and your interests.
Go check them all out and then tell us how it went!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find student discounts?
This depends on the type of card or program you belong to, but to give you an idea, with the ISIC card and the Youth Card from the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government), you can get discounts on transportation, theaters, museums, technology, cinemas, exhibitions, and more.
Is Barcelona fun for students?
It definitely is, thanks to its wide range of cultural and leisure options that are adapted to all ages and budgets. From iconic neighborhoods like Poblenou, food markets, pubs, clubs, and beaches, Barcelona has everything for students to have a great time.
Is it worth studying in Barcelona?
Definitely yes, because it has several internationally recognized universities and schools, a multicultural environment to enrich you personally, access to diverse job opportunities, a good quality of life, and a reasonable cost of living.
