For students, Barcelona brings a lot to the table. Its mix of art, languages, architecture and museums make this city the perfect place for students studying all kinds of subjects. Plus, there’s a wealth of free activities for both students and teachers to undertake during their school trip downtime. If you’re struggling to find free activities, or are just looking for some inspiration for your school trip to Barcelona, then our list of free things to do should give you a hand.
A cosmopolitan city filled with the hustle and bustle of visitors from all over the globe, Barcelona is a must-visit. The Catalonian capital, it’s a coastal metropolis that combines modern culture with authentic history – creating a kind of buzz that’s difficult to find elsewhere. Here are a few of our favourite free visits for visiting art students.
With a heavy focus on Picasso’s formative years, from his early work all the way up to his Blue Period, the Museu Picasso is a must-visit for art students in Barcelona. Head here to find out more about the painter’s relationship with Barcelona, and how he spent his life there.
The museum is free for everyone to visit each Thursday from 5pm, and the first Sunday of every month from 9am to 7pm. It’s also free for under 18s and students carrying valid ID.
A charming section of the city filled with winding streets, souvenir shops, bars and cafes, the Gothic Quarter is a great place for art students to visit for inspiration. Encompassing everything that’s great about Spanish culture, this area is home to stunning architecture and charming locals – making it a great place to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
What’s more, it’s completely free for everyone to wander round!
The most famous street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas is home to an eclectic mix of street artists, market stalls, shops and cafes. Running right through the heart of the city, the street is great to walk down and soak in the atmosphere of the city. Spanish students might find it useful to visit here and engage in conversation with native Spanish speakers.
Located on Barcelona’s harbour front, this recently developed area is home to a whole host of shops, museums, and most importantly, tapas restaurants. Spanish students might enjoy visiting here to experience some local cuisine and engage in authentic conversation with native speakers.
Running Monday to Saturday, La Boqueria is one of the largest and most famous markets in Europe; great for foodies and Spanish language learners alike. Bustling with locals, tourists and market stall holders, there’s also great little bars and restaurants dotted around the market, where visitors can stop for a bite of lunch.
Spanish students would benefit from seeing how the Barcelonans shop, and experiencing ordering and buying food in an authentic and fun setting.
Barcelona originated as a Roman city – dating back as far a 15BC. Today, it still holds a lot of Roman features, with ruins dotted around the city. Some of the most intact ruins include the Roman city wall at Plaça Nova and Pati Llimona Civic Center, the Roman aqueduct at Plaça del Vuit de Març, and the Temple of Augutus – which is inside a house at the highest point of the city.
These ruins, and many more, are free to visit and are great for history students looking to learn a little more about how the Romans lived.
Housed in an old neighbourhood market building made of cast iron, the El Born Cultural Centre is a recent addition to Barcelona’s offering of activities. Inside, visitors will find archaeological remains from over 300 years ago – which indicate how Barcelonans lived in 1714.
The Centre is free to visit, however guided tours can be purchased during peak seasons for a reasonable price.
Being a coastal city, Barcelona is home to a number of beaches. Turn your city escape into a beach break by heading to the Barceloneta district and spending the day by the sea.
Visiting the beach is completely free and is a great way to spend your free time, you’ll just need a few Euros for the metro to get there.
One of Barcelona’s most famous sights, garnering 2.5 million visitors per year, the Magic Fountains of Monjuic are an evening highlight in the city. With an awe-inspiring display of light, colour and water aerobics, this is a sight not to be missed.
Displays are at weekends only, with start times varying depending on the season.
If you’re planning a school trip to Barcelona, our team of specialists can help organise itineraries bespoke for any subject.
We’ll arrange everything from educational tours and workshops to accommodation and travel to ensure your trip goes smoothly.