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Welcome to Barcelona: the sun-soaked Mediterranean city where art and architecture mix with amazing food, buzzing nightlife and laid-back beach vibes. In other words, you’re looking at one of the world’s top student cities!
With so much on offer, it’s difficult to know where to start! That’s why we’ve broken down the best things for students to do in Barcelona that you can enjoy without spending a fortune. Sounds good? Let’s jump in!
Arts & culture
From Art Nouveau architecture to contemporary street art, Barcelona is an absolute paradise for art lovers. And while there are plenty of galleries and other artistic sites you can visit, there's a lot to enjoy simply by wandering through the streets.
Gaudí sites
The prodigious Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí, has his fingerprints all over the city, and there are various sites you can visit that trace his evolution as a designer. Drawing on a mix of influences to create something truly unique, many of his works look like they’ve jumped straight out of a fairytale.
La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are the most famous sites, and while you can admire the famous basilica from the outside, you do need to pay to enter both. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà – two apartment buildings designed by Gaudí – can be observed from the street for free, while Casa Vicens is reasonably priced.
Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso may have been born in Malaga, but he spent some of his formative years in Barcelona studying as an artist. The Picasso Museum, tucked away in the Born district, chronicles this part of his life, housing the most extensive collection of the famous artist’s work.
There’s a great student discount on offer, too, which makes tickets very affordable. You can even get in for free on the first Sunday of each month, while some evenings are also free during the year. You need to book these tickets in advance, though, and they generally disappear very quickly!
National Museum of Art of Catalonia
Perched on top of Montjuïc, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (or MNAC as the locals call it) is housed in a palace that’s as impressive as the art inside. The museum's collection spans a thousand years of Catalan art, from medieval church frescoes to modernist masterpieces.
Even if you're not the biggest fan of art, the building itself and the panoramic views from the rooftop make the trip worthwhile. Plus, you can visit on Saturday afternoons and the first Sunday of each month for free – again, though, you’ll need to reserve these tickets in advance.
Food & drink
Barcelona has one of the world’s best foodie scenes, and as a student you can eat well without breaking the bank. From cosy cafes and casual tapas bars to bustling food markets, there are so many affordable options.
Food markets
Nothing beats wandering through Barcelona's vibrant food markets, where you can sample local delicacies without committing to a full restaurant meal. La Boqueria off Las Ramblas is the most famous (and touristy), so head to Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de Santa Caterina for a more authentic and affordable experience.
Grab some fresh fruit, local cheeses or a paper cone of jamónfor just a few euros and create your own picnic to enjoy in one of the city's parks. Or you can sit with a coffee and people-watch as locals go about their business. These markets aren’t just about food; they’re sacred spaces for soaking up the buzz of the city.
Restaurants
Barcelona's restaurant scene can accommodate even the tightest student budget. Look for the "menú del día" (daily menu) offered by restaurants at lunchtime – usually around €10-15 for three courses and a drink. The neighbourhoods of Gràcia and Poble Sec are great places to go hunting for this kind of fare.
Tapas is, of course, a big deal in Barcelona. Some of the most famous bars are El Xampanyet and Quimet & Quimet, where you can find delicious small plates for sharing. Barceloneta is also worth checking out for its seafood, with spots like La Cova Fumada serving up the freshest prawns, calamari and clams.
Cafes
Whether you need a quiet study spot or somewhere to grab a coffee before class, Barcelona’s cafes have you covered. From Nomad Coffee to El Magnifico, there are tonnes of speciality coffee shops scattered throughout the city, as well as historic spots like Els Quatre Gats where Picasso used to hang out.
For something more casual, head over to Sandwichez or Cosmo in the university district, where you'll find good coffee, free WiFi and plenty of other students. Look out for breakfast deals and "merienda" (afternoon snack) options which include student favourites like churros, croissants and other pastries.
History
Barcelona has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, with many of its oldest neighbourhoods perfectly preserved to this day – you can get a good sense of the city’s past by exploring the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets that characterise these areas.
La Sagrada Familia
We’ve already touched on La Sagrada Familia, but this Gaudí masterpiece warrants further discussion. Construction started in 1882, and while it’s not yet complete, the famous church towers above the skyline and is undoubtedly Barcelona’s most iconic landmark.
If you’re going to be spending a semester or more in the city, it’s worth booking a tour (student discount is available!) and paying a few extra euros for the views from one of the basilica's towers – just prepare yourself for a lot of walking to get to the top!
Gothic Quarter
Dating back over 2,000 years, the Gothic Quarter is one of four districts that make up Barcelona's old town or “Ciutat Vella”. With its medieval architecture and labyrinthine streets, walking through the neighbourhood feels like stepping back in time.
On your wanderings, you'll come across magnificent sites like Barcelona Cathedral and the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi. Need a break? Grab a coffee at one of the cafes surrounding the Plaça Reial and watch the world go by!
El Born
Bordering the Gothic Quarter to the north, El Born is another historic neighbourhood that today serves as one of Barcelona’s main creative quarters. Its narrow medieval streets remain, but many of these are now lined with independent cafes, trendy boutiques and cocktail bars.
Still, you can peer back into the past at El Born Centre for Culture and Memory, which shows how the city looked in the early 1700s before much of it was destroyed in the War of Spanish Succession. The Basílica Santa Maria del Mar – yet another stunning Gothic church – and the Palau de la Música Catalana are also worth checking out.
Nightlife
Barcelona truly comes alive after dark, offering everything from beach bars and live music venues to pumping clubs that don't get started until well after midnight. Many spots cater to a younger crowd, so you won’t have any trouble finding fellow students to party with!
Bars
Barcelona's bar scene is perfect for students – diverse, affordable, and incredibly social. Beer lovers are spoilt for choice with options like L'Ovella Negra and the George Payne for ice-cold pints and classic comfort food, while Garage Beer Co and BlackLab Brewhouse offer local craft beers at reasonable prices.
A popular stopping point before hitting the clubs, EspitChupitos has several locations throughout the city and is famous for its extensive menu of over 600 different shots! The Red Garter is another favourite hangout and combines good food with karaoke and live sport.
Nightclubs
If you like to party until the early hours, you'll be right at home in Barcelona – the city's nightclubs don't get busy until after 1am, with most people not arriving until 2am or 3am! In terms of venues, Razzmatazz is a student favourite and has five rooms that play everything from indie to electronic.
Housed in one of Europe’s oldest dance halls, Sala Apolo is another favourite with a mix of musical genres. Over in Barceloneta, Opium and Pacha are two top beach bars that offer free guest lists on many events, meaning you can get in without paying if you arrive early (typically before 1am).
Live music venues
For more of a chilled night out, Barcelona has lots of great live music venues catering to different tastes. Jamboree and Harlem Jazz Club are two legendary venues specialising in jazz, funk and soul that have both been staging concerts for decades.
Big Bang Bar, as its name suggests, is the place to go for blaring guitars and heavy rock, but it also hosts regular jazz sessions and open mic nights. If you’re into your indie music, Heliogàbal is an intimate venue showcasing some of the best up-and-coming local bands.
Outdoors
When you need a break from studying (or partying), Barcelona has plenty of stunning outdoor spaces to recharge – whether that’s on the beach, in a park or high up a hill above the city.
Beaches
Barcelona’s urban beaches are one of the city's greatest assets, offering an escape just minutes from some of the busiest areas. Barceloneta is the most famous and convenient, but also the most touristy. The likes of Bogatell and Llevant, just a few minutes further up the coastline, are just as beautiful but generally less crowded.
For a proper beach day, you can escape the city completely by taking a short 30-minute train to Castelldefels or Sitges. Few tourists venture out to these parts, so you won’t have trouble finding a quiet, scenic spot to pop down your beach towel.
Parks
There are some great parks dotted around Barcelona that are ideal for outdoor study or just hanging out with friends. Ciutadella Park is an obvious choice, with rowing boats for hire on the lake, a small waterfall and plenty of grassy areas for picnics or impromptu frisbee games.
For something a bit different, check out Parc del Laberintd'Horta over in the Horta-Guinardó district, beyond the usual tourist trail. This historic park is home to stunning landscaped gardens and a hedge maze that’s free to enter on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Montjuïc
World-class museums, beautiful gardens and a former Olympic stadium – the historic hill of Montjuic has a bit of everything. Highlights include the previously mentioned National Museum of Art of Catalonia, Barcelona Botanical Garden and the old military fortress of Montjuïc Castle.
If you don’t fancy climbing the hill yourself, the cable car is not only a quick and convenient way to reach the summit, but it also offers amazing views of the city. As sunset approaches, head over to the Magic Fountain below the National Palace for a dazzling light show.
Shopping
Barcelona has all the big-name brands you’d expect of a major global city, but it also boasts lots of independent shops and markets where local vendors sell their wares. So whatever style you’re looking for or budget you need to stick to, the city has you covered.
Shopping malls
Sometimes, you need all your shopping in one convenient place – and Barcelona’s major shopping malls provide that luxury. Maremagnum near the port has the advantage of being open on Sundays, while Diagonal Mar and La Maquinista offer the greatest variety with over 200 shops each.
Many of the retailers found in these shopping malls offer student discounts, so keep your ID card on you and ask the staff before making your purchase for potential savings.
Independent shops
If you prefer independent shops to high-street brands, head over to El Raval. Tucked away in its narrow streets, you’ll find plenty of record shops, vintage clothing outlets and second-hand bookstores. Riera Baixa Street in particular is a haven for independent shopping.
The Gothic Quarter is also packed with independent shops selling everything from handmade jewellery to clothing from local designers. The Gràcia neighbourhood is another hotspot with Carrer de Verdi famous for its second-hand stores.
Flea markets
Nothing beats the thrill of hunting for bargains at Barcelona's famous flea markets. Dating back to the 14th century, Mercat dels Encants is the city's oldest and largest flea market. Here you’ll find a bit of everything, from furniture and antiques to books and second-hand clothes.
If you're an avid reader, you won’t want to miss out on Mercat de Sant Antoni – every Sunday, more than 70 local vendors pitch up to sell second-hand books, comics and other collectables. Remember your haggling skills: prices are often negotiable, especially toward the end of the day!
Barcelona: a student city
With its mix of culture, nightlife and beach vibes, Barcelona is a student’s paradise. It’s a truly global city, too, attracting students from all over the world, so you’re bound to meet all kinds of people and make memories that will last a lifetime during your time here.
What are some of the top things for students to do in Barcelona?
Barcelona’s essential experiences for students include touring Gaudí's famous architectural sites (especially La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell), getting lost in the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, sunbathing on Barceloneta beach and sampling local delicacies at La Boqueria.
Where are the best places for students to eat in Barcelona?
The neighbourhoods of El Born, Gràcia and Poble Sec are packed with affordable options away from the tourist trail. Many restaurants offer a "menú del día", which usually includes three courses and a drink for €10–15. Mercat de Sant Antoni and Mercat de Santa Caterina are also great for picking up snacks and fresh produce on the cheap.
What free things are there to do in Barcelona?
There are plenty of free things to do in Barcelona, with top-rated museums like the Picasso Museum and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia offering free entry on certain days. You can also spend hours wandering the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter, while Barceloneta Beach, Ciutadella Park and Montjuïc are of course free too.
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