Barcelona is full of beaches, sun and plans this summer, if you have just come to live in the city, let yourself be surprised by the proposals we make to visit and tour, in these first days of stay, in your student flat in Barcelona.
We propose routes that do not appear in conventional travel guides and plans for all tastes, from exhibitions, to the best swimming pools, summer cinema, concerts and festivals. There are so many options of culture and leisure offered by Barcelona that you will have to choose those that you find most interesting. The only thing we have not included in this post, are excuses to stay in your student flat in Barcelona, so get ready to enjoy the outdoors.
In addition, knowing your international student status, we propose 10 plans in which you will not have to spend too much.
Start the day by meeting and having breakfast at the Zurich café, the city's historic café, and enjoy a stroll along Las Ramblas in the direction of the port. Don't miss the emblematic fountain of Canaletas, the point of celebration for the followers of the F.C. Barcelona and La Rambla de las Flores with their comings and goings of people from all corners. There are two obligatory stops, one at the La Boquería market, the most popular and atmospheric in the city, and the other at the Gran Teatro del Liceu. At the end of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to witness itinerant performances and human statues, as you reach the statue of Columbus, which is said to point towards the new world (although his finger is really headed for Italy).
You can reach this beach with great ease by public transport from any part of the city, but before reaching the shore, stroll through one of the most emblematic neighborhoods: Barceloneta. You can stroll through its narrow, charming alleys and end up sunbathing on one of the country's most famous beaches (even if you don't expect crystal clear water or tranquillity) and cool off in the Mediterranean Sea almost every day of the year. Another option is to stroll along the Barceloneta beach to the end of the promenade and up to the 26th floor of Hotel W, where the Eclipse bar is located. From 7 p.m. onwards, you will be able to enjoy fabulous views of Barcelona and its coastline for free, while DJs from all over the world play music.
One of the most special and enchanting nights in the city is the Night of the Museums. If your stay in Barcelona coincides with it is your chance to dedicate a night to culture. The best museums in the city and metropolitan area open their doors from 7pm to 1am to offer guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, concerts and activities. And all this without paying a single euro. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the MNAC, Montjuïc Castle, the Picasso Museum or the Miró Foundation.
Barcelona's neighbourhoods (and, especially, its neighbourhoods) live very intensely the popular festivities. During the summer most areas of the city celebrate their patron saint fiestas. Everything is full of colour and the neighbours go out to the street to take part in collective dinners, shows and competitions. The "Gracia" neighbourhood celebration takes place in mid-August and is one of the most famous and popular. Some of its streets work for months and compete for the most spectacular decoration of all. Best of all, concerts and fun won't cost you a penny.