Pleasant weather, great food, large parks, beaches… The University students in Barcelona have all the ideal conditions to enjoy a spectacular city on weekends.
Barcelona is a fun and modern city where there are not only museums and monuments to visit. It also offers the possibility to spend days outdoors admiring its streets, neighbourhoods and activities.
If you are a student in Barcelona, don’t miss these weekend trips:
1. Barceloneta bike tour
Near Barceloneta, you can rent a bike for as many hours as you want and take a ride through the surrounding streets. There are several stalls offering this type of rental, so it won’t be difficult to find one.
Have fun on the route from Barceloneta beach to Llevant beach. Make a stop in front of the Mediterranean Sea and take a breath of fresh air. This walk is ideal for releasing tension and forgetting about the responsibilities of university for at least a few hours.
A good recommendation is to invite your friends to enjoy it with you. Also, if you are a big fan of these bike rides, consider buying a Bicing card. By paying the annual fee, you can use these public bicycles anywhere in the city.
2. Ride in Park Güell
Park Güell is one of those places you can’t miss as a student in Barcelona. It is part of the World Heritage of Humanity along with other works by Antoni Gaudí.
Initially, it was built as a luxury housing development with 60 houses. However, when the First World War broke out in 1914, construction was halted and so only two houses were built.
This land was later sold to Barcelona City Council and became the park we know today. When you visit it, you will see Gaudí’s art in every corner and it will be a great walk. Especially, if you like to admire the architecture in roofs, columns, staircases and monuments.
You will also see the Gaudí House-Museum, where the architect lived from 1906 to 1925.
3. Walking in the Gothic Quarter
A visit to the Gothic Quarter is a must if you live in Barcelona. The architecture of the buildings gave it its name, but you should know that not everything here is Gothic architecture. There is also neo-Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and even modern architecture. Everything comes together to give life to this neighbourhood that is so much admired by tourists.
Some of the points of interest that we recommend you visit during your tour are:
- Barcelona Cathedral, formally called the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (Metropolitan Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia).
- Barcelona History Museum
- Columbus viewpoint
- Santa Ana Parish Church
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
At the end of the day, you can have lunch in any of the restaurants in the area with your friends to round off the tour with a flourish.
4. Sightseeing afternoon in the Born
The neighbourhood known as El Born is an area that young people love. It is part of the Old Quarter of the city, but it has recently been refurbished, so there are also modern shops and restaurants.
In this area of Barcelona, you will find some iconic landmarks such as:
- Arc de Triomphe
- The Parc de la Ciutadella
- The Palau de la Música Catalana
- The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
- The old Born market
- The Gothic Palaces of Montcada Street
- The Picasso Museum
All this is mixed with craft shops, art galleries and alternative clothing, which gives this neighbourhood a very special atmosphere.
5. Escape to the Raval
The Raval is another of Barcelona’s must-see neighbourhoods. This area is full of treasures from medieval times, so you’ll love going there if you’re a lover of history, culture and vintage style.
Among the interesting places you’ll find in this neighbourhood you’ll find:
- The Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona
- The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
- La Boqueria Market
- Botero’s Cat
6. Beach Saturday
One of the reasons why students in Barcelona love this city so much is because it has it all. The beaches here are kept clean and well maintained, so you’ll have a good time at almost any of them.
The most popular are Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel because they are closer to the city centre. However, you could easily go to Llevant beach and enjoy a less crowded atmosphere.
In Barcelona, there will always be something new and interesting to do. This is a city full of special atmospheres, good food, fun and a lively artistic and cultural life.