Summer fun on a budget

Summer is in full-swing and Barcelona is the place to be if you’re looking for fun and excitement. Even better, if you’re on a budget, just know that it’s possible to have an eventful summer season without having to spend the big bucks. Barcelona has a wide variety of cheap or free activities lined up for the summer, just waiting for you to enjoy!

Movies at Montjuïc

In its 14th year running, Sala Montjuïc is a great opportunity to see a film in a different kind of setting and at a lower price. Starting from the beginning of July and continuing until August 5th, you can enjoy an outdoor film at Montjuïc Castle on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. All films start at 8:30 PM and tickets cost €6 per person, with discounted rates for children. If you’re willing to splurge, you can rent a lounge chair for an additional €3 or buy a combination ticket for €10, which not only lets you see the movie but gets you a guided tour of the castle as well. The selection of movies ranges from classics like “Casablanca” to modern hits such as “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Be sure to check the website for the full program of scheduled films.

Neighborhood festivals

What’s summer without a good neighborhood festival or block party? Throughout the year, various neighborhoods of Barcelona have their own festa major, or local celebration, and many of these fall within the warm summer months. These festivals feature all of the familiar Catalan traditions such as castellers, gegants, and live music and dancing. This summer you can enjoy the festivals of El Raval, Barri Gòtic, Sants, and Gràcia, just to name a few. Typically spanning at least a weekend or more, these festivals often have free workshops, concerts and activities for children. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine and learn how to dance sardanes like a true Catalan. Check the calendar for the schedule of festivals and get ready to party!

Related article: Free summer activities in Barcelona

Hit the beach

Barcelona hosts many beautiful beaches stretching along 9 kilometers of coastline. While many people flock to the beaches throughout the year to take a walk or enjoy the view, during the summer the beaches are full of both tourists and locals alike. Taking a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean is a great way to beat the heat and cool off on a hot summer day, and the only thing you’ll need to pay for is a Metro ticket or parking. And since all of the beaches are easily accessible by public transportation, skipping the expense for parking is completely doable. Beach season extends into early autumn, so you have plenty of time to visit and discover all nine of Barcelona’s public beaches, or travel beyond the city limits to explore those of the surrounding areas.

Try a new restaurant

Food fans should become familiar with websites like Eltenedor.es and Atrapalo.com since both sites offer discounts and deals at many popular restaurants across Barcelona. By booking ahead on these sites you can save up to as much as 50% on your bill depending on the restaurant. This is a great way to try a new cuisine or eatery and save a few euros as well. You can read recommendations or search for restaurants by price, cuisine, or neighborhood. Try something new and delicious that will guarantee to keep both your stomach and your wallet happy!