Barcelona for Families (Without Breaking the Bank)

Barcelona, with its dark, twisty lanes and its open-air plazas, is an amazingly vibrant city that should be on every family’s bucket list.  When you think Spain, you don’t necessarily think about the things Barcelona has to offer, because you are thinking bullfights, flamenco and paella.  That is NOT Barcelona, that is Madrid and further South in the Malaga, Granada and Seville cities.

Spain is much more diverse than you think.  This area is known more for its Catalan grub (tapas), Spanish wine pitchers and modernistic buildings of its most famous architect, Gaudi.

With family in tow, I am sure you can plan a visit to Barcelona without breaking the bank.  Here are a few tips I have discovered:

Gaudi

His work is a must see on any trip to Barcelona, but I have discovered that sitting in the park across from his most famous piece, La Sagrada Familia, is just as satisfying as standing in line in the queues in order to get tickets to go inside!  The amazing work of this building that is still under construction today is a sight to see.  Take a light-weight blanket, picnic basket and sit in the park, so the kids can run around in the play park and you can enjoy people-watching and spotting each detail of this incredible building.

There is also his stunning Park Guell, without an admission fee, which is great for the kids to climb and run around and then going upstairs to the colorfully tiled platform for the magnificent views of the city.

You will also not want to miss his Casa Batlló, which is easily accessed from the Passeig de Gracia, the main thoroughfare near Las Rambles.

Wander down Las Ramblas:

There is plenty to see and do here if you’re on a budget, as you can make your way to the biggest Barcelona public food market.  No need for those expensive, fancy restaurants, here you and the kids can eat your way through lunch and a snack that won’t break the bank!

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

I loved the Gothic Quarter with its dark and windy roads,  but it’s easy to get lost and so for this area, I have found that the walking tours are well worth the money you pay (value). I cannot recommend this area enough, it is fabulous!  And just my two cents; I think the walking tour of the area is worth it, as you don’t want to miss a thing!

Climb up to Montjuic

Take the bus over to climb Montjuic, but if you just don’t have the energy, check the website for times and go in the later afternoon so that you can see the fabulous rays of color and music that radiate out of the Montjuic Fountain each night.

I’m confident you can find plenty of inexpensive things to do on your family trip to Barcelona! Let me know any of your own tips below.

Cacinda Maloney is the author of the Points And Travel blog, offering advice on how to travel in luxury without breaking the bank.

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