Monday, February 8th, 2010
 The CosmoCaixa science museum. Photo by Alan Bell.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—
Visitors to Barcelona (especially those who stop by the tourist office) will no doubt learn about the Barcelona Card for museum and transportation discounts.
A couple years ago, we were not sure if the Barcelona Card really packed enough bang for the buck. In fact, our conclusion was simple: the Barcelona Card? Not for us. This year, we’ve changed out minds a bit, and offer you another look at this discount card.
 Barcelona Card. Photo courtesy of the Barcelona Card site.
What to consider before buying
The Barcelona Card is about €28 for a two-day pass, and this includes a paper guidebook that comes with the card. You really need to ask yourself: How much of an effort am I going to make to use this card?
If you make a point to go to the museums, restaurants, bars, and shows discounted through the card, then yes, you are going to save yourself some dinero. If you simply use it a few times and then lose it or forget about it, then you would be better off just sticking with the Articket (or nothing at all).
Museum discounts
Many of Barcelona’s museums are free with the card—however, some of them that the card lists, like CaixaForum, are free anyway!
You’ll find some good museums on the Barcelona Card’s free-entry list (Museu de Ceramica, Museu Chocolate, Cosmo Caixa), but none of them are must-see museums. Rather, they are more specialty museums that will appeal to travelers with more time on their hands in Barcelona, or with a certain enthusiasm for say, Spanish and ceramics.
The big dogs of Barcelona museums (El Palau de la Musica and Casa Batllo) are only 20% off with the Barcelona Card, and many other must-see monuments, such as the Sagrada Familia, aren’t covered by the card at all.
Transportation and other perks
One perk that the card does offer is free public transportation around the city and to and from the airport. This part of the card I appreciate.
For ten trips on the Metro in Barcelona, you will pay €8 (if you buy the T-10). A ride to the airport on the airport bus? That’s another €5, one way. So you are looking at €15-20 in transport (depending how long you are in the city and how much you want to walk, of course), which you could deduct from the Barcelona Card price.
The card also offers some nice discounts on the zoo, IMAX theater, and aquarium, so if you have kids it might pay off. I am not impressed by the discounts the card offers at local restaurants or shops, but I do like the 10% off at bars Dry Martini and Gimlet.
Again, it comes down to whether or not you will remember to use the card after two dirty vodka martinis…
The bottom line
To conclude, as a local here in Barcelona, I am neither for nor against the Barcelona Card. It is not something I will insist that my friends buy when they come to the city for a visit, as I do with the Articket. However, if you are going to spend a week in the city, then this card could save you some cash. And, with the dollar taking a serious beating from the euro, that might be a really good thing.
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Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
 Food from the buffet at Fresc Co. Photo by unite.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—
At first glance, it may not seem like healthy options abound in Barcelona. The endless ham, the white bread and chocolate croissants, the fried and breaded tapas… and all of it, as one of my friends from North America put it, is “swimming in olive oil.”
Fair enough. But remember that this is also the land of the Mediterranean diet. Fish, fruit, nuts, steamed greens, and delicate salads are also on the menu in the Catalan capitol. Healthy eating is not hard to come by in Barcelona if you know where to go in the city. Until recently, it was a headache to be a vegetarian, but now this too is no big deal in Barcelona.
For your five daily doses of fruit and veggies, here are my local recommendations:
Fresc Co
Locations throughout Barcelona
Fresc Co is a buffet-style restaurant with an enormous salad and pasta bar. This is a good place for vegetarians and picky eaters because there are no surprises and you take only what you want. It’s also a steal, at about €10 for lunch or dinner. The downside is that Fresc Co does not score high in the charm or uniqueness department but the price makes up for this. There are many Fresc Co locations in Barcelona; visit the website for more information.
Sesamo
C/Sant Antoni Abat 52 08001
934 416 411
Not only is this cute spot vegetarian-friendly, it is also organic! In the hip El Raval neighborhood, Sesamo is a bit hidden, so check your map before heading over—it is worth the journey. Tuesday through Sunday the restaurant offers a set meal for €15, which includes three course, bread, and a drink. To some Cheapos this may seem a bit pricey, but portions are large and €15 is an excellent deal for a three-course lunch in Barcelona.
Ra
Plaça Gardunya, 3-4
933 014 163
Another one of my old favorites is Ra Restaurant, which also offers a set meal for €13 on weekdays and weekends alike. Ra is a popular choice for locals and tourists because it is right off Las Ramblas and has one of the nicest outdoor terraces in the city center.
Ra is not a veggie restaurant, but it always offers a veggie option, usually lasagna or some other delicious creation. Ra changes its menu all the time, but the eats are always tasty. I have never been disappointed at Ra, and I have been there many times. Tip: Go before 1:30 PM or you WILL NOT get a table.
Juicy Jones
C/ Hospital, 74
934 439 082
Amazingly, there are even vegan options in Barcelona! Juicy Jones offers vegan fare, smoothies, and fresh squeezed fruit juice. There are a few Juicy Jones around the city, but I am only familiar with the ones in the Gothic Quarter and El Raval. Dreadlocks, hipsters, and new generation hippies abound at Juicy Jones, sipping guava shakes and warming up with homemade soups in the winter months. The prices are reasonable for the high quality.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
 The audience at Barcelona's Liceu Opera House. Photo by scalleja.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—
When people think about Catalan Culture, they think Gaudi, Modernista Architecture, and laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. They should, however, also think music. Barcelona loves music. While jazz and classical are perhaps the most popular genres in the city, all music is embraced with open arms in Barcelona.
This love of music means that there are concerts every night of the week. See classical on Monday, opera on Tuesday, jazz on Wednesday, blues on Thursday, and rock on Friday. Groove to internationally-renowned DJ’s over the weekend. There are plenty of shows to pick from and venues which range from posh to underground.
If you’re in the mood for something classical, the city offers an array of locations and programs to fulfill your desires. Here are a few of the best to consider.
L’Auditori
Concerts at L’Auditori range from inexpensive (€10) to pricey (€100). It is a matter of looking over their website and seeing what’s available. Quite often, performances on weekdays are cheaper than those on the weekend.
If you’re in town now, I recommend Camerata Aragon on December 17th, 2009 which is FREE. Another good one is Carmina Burana on December 18, 2009 for €18. Also, the Gran Gala Strauss featuring the Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra plays on December 26 and 27, 2009 for just €10.
Liceu Opera House
It’s also possible to see an opera at Barcelona’s prestigious Liceu Opera House on Las Ramblas. For good seats to “The Magic Flute” and their other fabulous productions, you will have to pay a hefty sum.
However, if you don’t mind not seeing the stage, and just hearing the music, then you can get a ticket to most of the performances for about €10. From your €10 seat, you will be able to hear the performance and see it on a small TV screen set up in front of you. It is less than ideal, but it is a budget-friendly option. The Liceu has some biggies coming up in the next couple months including Montserrat Caballe, Verdi’s “Troubadour,” and said “Magic Flute.”
Bonus tip: Look for deals at El Palau de la Musica
Finally, it is always worth taking a peek at El Palau de la Musica’s concert listings. They often have deals on Sunday mornings. El Palau is a Modernista masterpiece and is absolutely the best place to see a concert in Barcelona.
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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
 Buying trees at Barcelona's Christmas Market. Photo by Anna Champel.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—
Despite its lack of snow, fir trees, and reindeer, Barcelona still tries to put on a good show come Christmas time. The city government has hung elaborate lighting displays throughout the streets and, as a local here, I am excited for the evening to come when they will illuminate the city, inaugurating the holiday season.
With the lights twinkling, the Christmas Market is the next sign that Santa or The Kings are on their way. (King’s Day is more important in Spain than Christmas for children.) The Christmas Market is not as elaborate as those in northern Europe and Germany, but nevertheless is a fun, albeit crowded experience.
Picking up a tree
Set up in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral in the center of the city, the Christmas Market offers freshly cut trees ranging between €20 and €100, depending on size. You can also pick up a fake tree here, which is perhaps more eco-friendly, but does not have that delicious pine smell.
I bought a tree one year at the Christmas Market, and thought I was doing some good, as it still had its roots and was potted in a heavy mass of dirt. It was only much later, and after carrying the tree, pot, and dirt through the city, that I realized that my tree was nothing more than a cut stump shoved into dirt to look good. Such is the case with all the trees at the market–for some reason the tree stand does not exist here.
…and the trimmings
Besides trees, you can also pick up all the trimmings. Some of the decorations are straight from China and others are handmade from Spain—you’ll know which is which by the price.
My favorite part of the market are the stands selling houses, figures, animals, and mangers for nativity scenes. I don’t put up a nativity scene at home, but most people do. Many times the nativity scene is much more important in the Barcelona household than a tree. Many of the figures for the nativity scenes are finely carved and intricate, with fabulous expressions on their tiny faces. Stalls also sell all the extras for making your nativity scene a wower, like moss, mini trees, and fake rivers made of plastic.
Souvenirs
Around the perimeter of the market and down side streets connected to the square, you will also find many stalls with artisans selling handmade gifts such as jewelry, soap, clothing, and games. This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir made in Catalonia or even wines and cheeses from local farmers. Prices vary but there are deals to be had. I have never walked away from the Christmas Market empty-handed!
When to visit
The Christmas Market, which is officially called “La Feria de Santa Lucia,” opened November 28, 2009 and closes the December 23. It’s open all day but really gets going in the evenings and on the weekends. In fact, it is so crowded on the weekends that it is almost unpleasant. It’s best to go midweek.
Feliz Navidad, or as they say in Barcelona, “Bon Nadal!”
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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
 Leaves in in Gallecs, Catalonia. Photo by Horitzons Inesperats.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona–
Fall is creeping into northeastern Spain ever so slowly. Today I even saw someone swimming in the Mediterranean, mind you, it is far too cold for that nonsense. We know the seasons are changing here in Barcelona, because all non-palm trees are beginning to shed their leaves, which is especially obvious on the tree-lined Rambla.
Replacing lush leaves are the “Yam Guys.” This is not their real name, but it’s what I call them. They show up as the weather gets nippy and set up their food carts throughout town. Their operation is simple, nothing more than a BBQ grill and a cash box, plus a stack of old newsprint to wrap up the chestnuts and barbecued yams that they sell for a couple euros. I strongly recommend the yams—they’re a strange sort of street food, but very delicious and seem to embody autumn with their sweet burnt flavors.
Looking for leaves around Barcelona
While it is clear that fall is here, those who want to see forests ablaze in reds, yellows and tangerines will have to hit the road and get out of the city. Sad but true, Barcelona does not have enough in the way of green spaces for one to take much notice of fall colors. That and the fact that many of the trees here are of the tropical variety.
Instead, head for the mountains, the Pyrenees to be exact, just an hour and forty-five minutes from the city due north. Along the highways that run up to Spanish-French border town Puigcerda, you’ll find plenty of autumn splendor tucked amongst quaint Catalan villages.
Do yourself a favor and rent a car to really get out into the countryside. Sure, you could take the RENFE train inland and glimpse some fall shades, but a car will get you out into the thick of the color-fest. (Note: Catalonia is not Connecticut, but there is still fall flare to be had!)
I recommend the following route for fall colors and nature lovers:
Take the C-16 north from Barcelona all the way to Puigcerda. Stay the night there if you can, or at one of the smaller (and most likely cheaper) villages along the way. On the way back to Barcelona take the long way home heading west to La Seu d’Urgell and then swinging south again towards the city.
To make renting a car budget-friendly, try to get a few people to go in a group to share gas costs. Also, consider renting on off-days (week days) or reserving the car ahead of time which can also save you some dinero. Lately, because fall is off-season here, there have been some great car rental deals with the company Sixt.com.
For extra savings, grab a couple of yams and a newspaper full of chestnuts for road grub from the Yam Guys. Happy Trails!
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 Waiting for the Metro in Barcelona. Photo by Jamison.
By Regina Winkle-Bryan in Barcelona—
Barcelona is small enough that you can walk most places, but big enough that you will probably want to hop on the Metro or grab a ride at some point. Here’s the scoop on how to navigate Barcelona on a budget.
Metro
The Metro is the fastest way to get from point A to point B in the city. Buy a T-10 card for €7.70 (good for ten journeys on the Metro or bus) and you’re on your way (tickets and cards are sold in the Metro entrance; cash or credit card). The Metro is not dangerous unless you are going way out to the outskirts late at night. Open from 5 AM to 12 midnight Sunday through Thurs; 5 AM to 2 AM Fridays, and all night long Saturdays.
Bus
You might be intimidated by the bus system with its multicolored route maps. Never fear, it’s easier than it looks! It is much slower than the Metro but more scenic. You can use the same T-10 cards on the bus and the Metro. If you don’t have a card, you will have to buy a ticket—but be warned: the bus driver will only accept small change.
Train
If you’re planning to travel outside of Barcelona, the train will be the obvious transportation choice. The trains that serve Catalonia are called the Cercanias (‘the close ones’) and the company is RENFE.
Here’s a tip: Don’t buy your RENFE tickets online. Go to the office. The RENFE website is a bit of a mess, although you can usually find the train departure times and locations on it with relatively little hassle. The main train stations are Passeig de Gracia and Sants Estacio.
 Biking Barcelona. Photo by Silatix.
Bike
Renting a bike for a day is not expensive (€7-15), and it’s a fabulous way to explore the city (just be prepared for riding in traffic!). A word to the wise: Do not leave your bike unattended. Check Bike Rental Barcelona, which offers bicycles rentals from €10.
Taxi
Taxi fares are relatively reasonable, especially if you are a group of three of four people and can split the cost. Most rides across town will run you about €10. At night and on holidays, however, taxi prices are more expensive. Taxis to the airport will run about €25-30, and they will add a surcharge for your luggage.
Check out our Barcelona city guide for more Cheapo advice on planning your trip.
About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
 Grocery shopping at El Corte Ingles. Photo by modulor.
By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona—
There are two aspects of traveling in Barcelona that are particularly hard on the pocketbook: hotels and eating out. (EuroCheapo already has you covered on the cheap hotel front.) Even though Barcelona offers a fair amount of cheap eateries, eating out three times a day adds up. Instead of hitting up a café or restaurant, consider buying a few meals at the grocery store.
Making good use of the local grocery
Even if you don’t have a kitchen at your hotel or hostel, the grocery store can still be a good option. Simply buy ready-made snacks and drinks, or grab some plastic cutlery and some paper plates and head for the park.
Although this last week (September 2009) has been stormy in Barcelona, the weather is usually sunny regardless of the season, so eating on a bench or having a simple picnic in the city center is totally realistic.
Some foods you might look for at the grocery store include: ready-made sandwiches (ham and cheese, tuna, egg, etc.), bottled gazpacho, bottled yogurt (to drink, like a smoothie), bags of olives, chips and dips, sliced Spanish hams and cheeses, ready-made salads, and fruit.
Pick up the basics at the supermarket, then head to a bakery for fresh baguettes and croissants (perfect for breakfast).
Three central Barcelona supermarkets
In the center of the city, it may be hard for the untrained eye to find the grocery stores hidden among the sea of touristy restaurants. Here are three suggestions:
Carrefour
Rambla de los Estudios, 113
Located on the Rambla, Carrefour is one of the most complete supermarkets in town, and it’s also cheap. You’ll find ready-made goods at the front of the store.
El Corte Ingles
Plaza Cataluña
It doesn’t look like a grocery store, but go down to the “-1″ level of this department store on Plaza Cataluña and you’ll find a full-service supermarket with local and international products.
Bonpreu
Calle Jordi De Sant Jordi 1
Meaning “good price” in Catalan, Bonpreu is true to its name. The supermarket is the smallest of the three, and offers local products and, usually, a bakery.
About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.
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Friday, August 21st, 2009
 A street in Gracia decorated for Festa; photo by Jaume Meneses
By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—
Barcelona is well known for its lively nightlife. Here the idea of a “festa” may only be surpassed in Spain by Madrid’s infamous “marcha” (literally meaning “to go out on the town”). And if you want to party in Barcelona like the locals, it’s not uncommon to spend between €30 to €40 on a night out—especially if you plan on hitting up a club with a DJ or want to hear live music.
But before you resign to just sit in your hotel room afraid of the costs of painting the town red, consider these 100% free August “fiestas” and events. Most of them are put on by the city government. Leave it to Spain to spend tax money on parties–you gotta love it!
Festa de Gracia
Through August 22, 2009
Most locals agree that this is one of the best parties in Barcelona. It begins on the 15th of August and lasts for one whole week. Expect lots of music including jazz, rock n’ roll, folk and more on multiple stages every night. Gracia is a neighborhood in Barcelona, and the Festa de Gracia is essentially a block party that spans many, many blocks. Residents of the barri (neighborhood) organize all of the festivities and do all the decorating. Neighbors also sell home-made food and drinks in the street at super Cheapo prices.
The decorations beg mentioning in more detail. Each year, different blocks in Gracia compete against one another for the prize for best decorations. This year some blocks are decorated with floating plastic jellyfish or Japanese gardens and lanterns. Half of the fun of the festival is in checking out the outrageous and creative décor.
Of course, the Festa de Gracia is free and a drink and some street food will set you back all of €5. For more info, visit the Festa’s web site.
Outdoor Cinema: Film Fest at the CCCB
Through August 27, 2009
This is one of my favorite Barcelona freebies. During the month of August the art museum CCCB shows films in an outdoor theatre called “Gandules” (which means “lawn chairs”). The films are mostly about music this year, and the event is popular. If you decide to go, make sure to get there an hour early to get a chair. Otherwise, bring your own chair or blanket and pull up a patch of grass nearby. There is beer and wine for €2.50, offered at the venue.
Movies are shown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 PM and go until around 11:45 PM, just in time to catch the metro after the show. The event ends August 27th.
More info: www.cccb.org
Music in Parc de la Ciutadella on Fridays
August 21 and 28, 2009
This is a great one for families or groups of friends. Grab a picnic and a blanket and pop over to Parc de la Ciutadella on Fridays at 9:30 PM. The music starts at 10 PM and runs for about an hour. Again, this event is popular, so it’s best to arrive early.
Live bands are mostly local groups who play jazz. At times the music is fantastic and at other times it is, admittedly, a bit flat. But that’s half the fun. You never know what you’re going to get, but at least it’s outside and offers a festive vibe. Those who want a closer view can sit in the gazebo, which is really just an extension of the stage. This is one of the nicest places to see music in the city on hot, humid Barcelona nights.
Upcoming acts include the Alejandro di Costanzo trio (August 21) and the Martin Leiton quartet (August 28).
For more info, visit the website.
Festa de Sants
August 22-30, 2009
This fiesta is much like that of Gracia, but it’s located in the more low-key neighborhood of Sants. Beginning on the 22nd of August, the party gets started around 7:30 PM with a family-friendly parade. Expect music, lots of food and drinking.
Sants can be reached by taking the metro and getting off either at Plaça de Centre or Sants Estacio. You’re best bet? Go around 8 or 9 PM to have dinner at the Festa (party) and then stay to wander around and hear Saturday night’s music line-up..
For more info, visit the website.
About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2009
 The scene at the Harlem Jazz Club in Barcelona; photo by panic
By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—All year long, but especially during summer months, Barcelona’s balmy air is filled with music. From opera to blues, pop music to jazz, the city offers up music daily. Since most of us can’t pay the big bucks to see major acts on tour here, I’ve put together a list of a few places where concerts are cheap—or better yet—even free. Enjoy.
Harlem Jazz Club
Despite the name, this club offers more than jazz. Six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays), Harlem offers a diverse line-up. Going to Harlem is a local tradition, where you may not know what will be on that night (Read: They used to post the schedule on-line, but no longer do this.), but you can be sure the vibe will be fun and different. Case in point? The last time I went there a Flamenco-Brazilian band was playing a jam set of groovy fusion. Expect to spend €8 for entry and a drink.
Address: C/ Comtessa De Sobradiel, 8
08002 Barcelona
Tel: 933 100 755
Jazz Si
Located in the Raval, this place fills up fast. Concerts start promptly at 9 PM and because they are inexpensive (€7 a pop), they usually sell out. Your best bet is to arrive a half hour early and wait in line to be assured a spot. Check out the line-up via their Web site. Recent concerts featured flamenco, salsa, and pop.
Address: Requesens, 2
Monasterio
This small, but hoppin’ club offers live music every night of the week, plus jam sessions a few times a week. That’s right, Cheapos. During a jam session, even you can play for the house! Tucked away in Barceloneta, most concerts at Monestario cost about €6 though jam sessions are free of charge. Like Harlem, this is a great place to drop into when you feel like taking in some music and maybe getting a surprise or two. A jam session occurs every Sunday night. For more info, visit Monestario’s Web site.
Free concerts in the park
This summer there are free concerts every Friday in Ciutadella Park (city center). It should be said that sometimes these shows are fantastic and at other times they are a yawn. However, it’s really nice to be out in the park, under the stars, listening to the nearby frogs and smelling the aroma of sweet blooming night flowers. Bring a picnic and a couple candles and set up in the grass near the stage. These concerts start at 10 PM and run for about an hour. For a schedule and more, go here.
About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony’s veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Posted in Barcelona, Clubs, Free Stuff, Nightlife, Performance, Spain, music | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
 Going up at the CaixaForum in Barcelona. Photo by Hector Milla.
By Regina W. Bryan
Cheap or even free is a great price in an expensive town like Barcelona. There are many museums in eastern Spain’s capital city, some with high entrance fees, such as Casa Batllo, and others with ocassional free admission. Let’s explore the latter.
1. CaixaForum
Funded by the Catalan bank, La Caixa, the CaixaForum museum offers rotating exhibitions by national and international artists. The last show I attended was the Mucha collection, which was fantastic. CaixaForum is free, open every day of the week, except holidays.
Caixa Forum Barcelona
Open: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Av. Marquès de de Comillas, 6-8
08038 Barcelona
Tel. +34 93 476 86 00
2. Museu D’Història
There are several museums that form part of Barcelona’s history museum route. However, I recommend the Museu D’Historia at Plaça de Rei in the Gothic Quarter of the city. Here admission is €6.00 for adults and €4.00 for those under 25 or over 65. Admission is free on Sunday, after 3 PM.
Museu D’Història
Plaza del Rey (Plaça de Rei)
08002 Barcelona
3. Museu D’Arqueologia de Catalunya
This archaeology museum will please those intrigued by Barcelona’s Roman past. Set atop the city’s “mountain,” Montjuic, the Museu D’Arqueologia de Catalunya (”MAC”) offers history and a view. Plus, at just €3.00 per person for admission, the price is right.
MAC Barcelona
Passeig de Santa Madrona, 39-41
Parc de Montjuïc
08038 Barcelona
Final Tips: The “articketBCN,” free Sundays, and Montjuic de Nit
Finally, the best way to save if you love museums and plan to see many of them while in Barcelona is to buy the €20 “articketBCN“. This museum pass allows you to see several museums such as the MNAC, CCCB, MACBA and the Miró Museum within a certain period of time. Usually these larger museums charge about €8.00 for admission, so in the long run you’ll save big. Buy the art ticket at the admission counter of any museum or at the tourist information office at Plaça Catalunya.
Also, many museums in Barcelona are free on Sunday afternoons, so make sure to ask about this at the tourist information center when you visit.
And one more thing! This July 4th, 2009, ALL the museums atop Montjuic are free from 8 PM until 3 AM, for a cultural festival called Montjuic de Nit. Enjoy!
About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.
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Posted in Art, Barcelona, Exhibitions, Museums, Spain | 1 Comment »
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