Backpacking in Spain is among the best decisions one can make. The country is subject to a Mediterranean climate, making the summers hot and dry. The winters are cool and wet, which is bearable for most travelers. Whether you want to begin with the northern or southern area, you’ll be fascinated by being in the country, starting with Barcelona.
While traveling is excitingly fun, you must prepare and have comprehensive insurance before heading on your backpacking expedition in Spain. This protects you from any unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents, sickness, and even theft or loss of your property. You can embark on your travels with zero worries with the right comprehensive insurance partner, such as Heymondo.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about backpacking in Spain, digital nomadism, and comprehensive travel insurance. Read on!
How cheap is it to backpack in Barcelona?
The cost of backpacking in Spain hugely depends on several aspects. Like any other country, it could be expensive or cheap, depending on what you are looking for as a backpacker. The city of Barcelona has various accommodation options, including hostels, hostels, and serviced apartments or villas.
Other aspects determining the cost of backpacking in the country include your dining preferences and transportation. If you will be dining in high-end restaurants, you must prepare your pockets as you will spend heavily. The city has a well-established transportation system; you can get public buses plying most routes. Nevertheless, if you want a more personalized experience, you may rent a car or take a taxi. The latter option will cost more.
As a budget traveler, you must get hostel rooms and visit local eateries for your meals. The experience you get is unmatched and will be more affordable. For transportation, you can use public means from one area to another. As a backpacker, you can expect to spend between €40 and €70 daily.
Photo by Benjamin Gremler on Unsplash.
List of things to see in Barcelona
Here is a list of things you cannot miss if you are backpacking through Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia Cathedral is among the most popular attractions in Barcelona and Spain. The cathedral is still in progress and has been built for over 90 years. Pioneered by Antoni Gaudi, the cathedral draws inspiration from nature and fairy tales. To get inside, ensure you get a priority-access ticket. It ensures you get in faster and make the most of your experience.
Park Güell
This is a perfect place for people who love beautiful landscapes. It is among the largest green spaces in Barcelona and sits on over 17 hectares of land. Its vantage point allows you to see the city below you, thus magical. Being a huge tourist attraction, getting a skip-the-line ticket or guided tour is advisable to skip the lines, especially during the hot season.
Photo by Daniel Corneschi on Unsplash.
La Rambla
La Rambla is the most famous street in central Barcelona. It has terraces filled with artistic shows, flower stands, and mimes. While people only know it as one street, it involves five streets spanning over 1.5 kilometers. These include Rambla de Canaletes, Rambls dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, and Rambla de Santa Monica. You will be impressed by the many human statues and the Miro mosaic.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batllo stands out as an architectural wonder alongside the Sagrada Familia. Known as the House of Bones, it is among Gaudi’s masterpieces and was built between 1904 and 1906. The building was commissioned by Josep Batllo, thus the name. Your visit to the building allows you to see how Batllo and his family lived, including the rooftop and chimneys. It is a must-visit destination for architectural lovers.
Photo by Van ba on Unsplash.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is an area that teems up alleyways and squares at the heart of Barcelona. It is proximal and allows you to explore the nearby palaces, Gothic churches, and houses that reveal the city’s medieval times. Some of the attractions you shouldn’t miss out on while on this quarter include Barcelona’s Roman Temple, Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat (MUHBA), and the El Bosc de les Fades.
Montjuïc Hill
Montjuïc stands out as the home to some of the finest museums in Barcelona. The area spreads out over a huge hillside to the southeastern side of the city center. There are different ways to get to Montjuic Hill, but a cable car ride is the most convenient and stress-free one. You can take the Teleferic del Port route and enjoy the panoramic views across the city and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea beyond. The other option is the Teleferic de Montjuic route, which takes you from the station halfway up the hill to the castle in minutes. You don’t have to hike to enjoy these beautiful views.
Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash.
Picasso Museum
Any history and art lover will appreciate being in the Picasso Museum. It was built in memory of Pablo Picasso and is located in Barcelona’s heart. The museum contains Pablo’s vast works, including paintings, engravings, and drawings. It spans from when he was in the Training Period to the Las Meninas series. With more than 4,250 original works, you will have a field day learning about Pablo Picasso.
Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Cathedral houses eight centuries of history. You will find relics of Saint Eulalia and Catalan’s most amazing cloisters here. It has a floor plan of Gothic churches, which show a cross of three aisles, a transept and an ambulatory. Have fun identifying more than 140 saints in the cathedral in the form of altars, tombs, and Marian dedications.
Camp Nou (FC Barcelona Stadium)
Whether you are a football fan or not, Camp Nou is a must-visit destination. It is one of the world’s biggest football stadiums and home to Barcelona Football Club. If you stay for a weekend and are lucky enough, you might get to watch a match at this stadium. Don’t forget to carry your camera and capture the beautiful views with the most famous footballers on the pitch.
Photo by Tim Bernhard on Unsplash.
Barceloneta Beach
Beach lovers have a place in Barcelona. The Barceloneta beach allows you to enjoy serene beach time with friends and family. You can play volleyball, bike, or even rollerblade along the beach. The best time is in the mornings or evenings, as you get a great sunset as the backdrop to your photos.
Is Barcelona an affordable vacation?
Barcelona is among the most popular cities in Spain. It is known for its stunning architecture and cuisine. The city stands out as a semi-affordable city in Europe; thus, it is a great vacation destination.
The accommodation options are varied and will depend on your budget. The same applies to dining, as the city has local eateries and high-end restaurants. With many transportation options, you can easily get by from one end to the other without spending much money.
Coupled with its friendly people and exciting tourist sites, the city is affordable for backpackers without breaking the bank. You only need to plan for it adequately to make the most of your five or seven-day visit.
Is 3 nights in Barcelona enough?
While three nights give you a glimpse of the city’s main attractions, you may need more time to soak all its grandeur completely.
Within five days, you can see most of the attractions and even spend an evening at the Barceloneta beach or walk up to Montjuic Castle. All this is only possible when you have ample time and a well-spaced itinerary. You will not feel rushed and will get enough time to explore everything thoroughly.
What is the best month to go to Barcelona?
While you can visit Barcelona any time, the best times to visit must be May, June and September. The weather is pleasant during this time, and the crowds are manageable. With favorable weather, most attractions are open, and you get a perfect time to sightsee and hop from one museum to the other.
However, for those who love to shop, late January and February are the most ideal time. However, you must know that this is wintertime, and the temperatures can take a dip.
Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash.
Barcelona is one of the best cities for backpacking, and that’s why it’s one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads in Europe.
Don’t travel to Spain without your insurance
Are you ready to take on that backpacking trip to Spain? Don’t travel without your insurance. We know how stressful it can get to travel to a new destination, especially on a backpacking expedition. At Heymondo, we have crafted comprehensive travel insurance coverage to ensure you are safe regardless of where you choose to backpack.
Our insurance coverage offers the ultimate protection you need while backpacking. Whether you need medical assistance or emergency services, we have a convenient channel for communication. Use our Heymondo assistance app, which is available 24/7, regardless of location. It lets you get quick medical attention or consultation from an expert medical team.
Besides the health coverage of up to $ 10,000.000 USD, we also cover you against theft or loss of your luggage. We know you may travel light, but you carry the most essential items. With this coverage, you travel confidently, knowing that all unforeseen circumstances are well handled. Choose Heymondo’s comprehensive coverage today and enjoy unmatched peace of mind. We’ve got you!
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