Barcelona, Spain Spring Break Packages
Book what you need for your Barcelona trip! »
Cheap flights to Barcelona
If your calling is a bustling city known for crazed soccer fans, flamenco dancing, bull fighting and beautiful yet strange artistic architecture, then Barcelona is a stunning fusion of all these and much more. If you decide to spend your spring break in Spain, you’ll find that Barcelona has everything to cater to the student traveler, from the kick-back nightlife to the high-paced sightseeing and tourist attractions.
Barcelona is known for its hip atmosphere and swank lifestyle. People flock to the city for the food, fashion, music, and all around good times. Barcelona truly has a style of its own. The best time to visit this oasis of energy is from spring to summer when the most events and best weather occur.
The most physically noticeable thing about Barcelona is the buildings and architecture. Antonio Gaudí was at the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement in Spain, and the results of his masterpieces decorate Barcelona. These are not only visually appealing to the eye but are some of the city’s most visited sites.
La Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s last unfinished work. This cathedral defies the laws of architecture and should not be missed on your Gaudí tour.
Beyond the Gaudí sites you have to take a stroll down La Rambla. The street is in the center of town and stretches down to the oceanfront. The street contains things like the bird market on the second block, the famous 19th century opera house, Gran Teatre del Liceu later on down and inevitably ends with a seedy part of the strip. You will eventually find yourself at the Mediterranean Sea and the Port Vell (Old Harbor). At the ocean you will find the Monument a Colom, (Columbus Monument) and harbor activities.
Of course the waterfront activities are a booming business in Barcelona. They have an abundant array of restaurants with fresh seafood, bars and nighttime activities. The waterfront is also host to a great aquarium, maritime museum and two marinas. If the weather is decent strip down to your swimmers and take a dip in the Mediterranean. If your goal is to swim in the world’s oceans then travel up the coast a ways to Port Olímpic, to swim away the day. And yes, it is aptly named for the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona.
After the day ends you will most definitely want to check out the nightlife. Barcelona is not stereotyped as some of Spain’s other southern cities are, as a big party town, but they sure do know how to party till the sun comes up. Night activities don’t start until 11, and they literally go all night. Spaniards also like to start things later. Dinner is usually among friends and can last quite a long time.
Don’t forget to check out the local flamenco dancing that the Spaniards are famous for. During February/March there is an abundance of dancing with the 10-day parade, Carnaval. On April 23, Dia de Sant Jordi, or Day of the Book is a local celebration of Catalunya’s patron saint. Of course if you’re in town for these this is an equation for success, you have to check out these celebrations and take part in Spanish culture and have a blast while doing it.
For the student traveler on a budget the Barri Gòtic, located in walking distance from La Rambla, is the cheapest and a very flavorful part of town to stay in. This part of town is also host to bars, cafés and cheap accommodations. If you thought you recognized this district’s name you are probably right, it comes from the fact that the buildings and surroundings are medieval Gothic inspired. Barcelona is pretty easy on the student traveler’s food budget as well. For the mid-ranged food plan estimate $10-$15 for meals and $40-$70 for accommodations.
Other activities that Spain are known for include, of course, bull fighting. Unfortunately the best location to catch some fights is not in Barcelona (though you may find some during summer). Pamplona is the location of the most famous festival, the Running of the Bulls, held in July. If you want to see how Spain really can fight, soccer is the national sport and more than just a pastime. If you do catch a game you will be amazed at how serious this game is to the country and its inhabitants. Swimming, cycling, trekking and surfing are also some great activities to do while in Spain.
Spain’s welcoming environment will take you by surprise and then envelope your senses so you won’t ever want to leave. The mix of artistic influences, city lifestyle and fashionably chic people encompasses all desires of what makes a great spring break.
