Spain and the Catalan city of Barcelona are renowned as summer holiday destinations. However, it would be wrong to assume that the high-season's beachfront boardwalk delights and summer Gracia and Merce festivals are the city's only attractions. Moreover, for the budget traveler with a keenness to explore some of Barcelona's lesser explored tourist treats, an off-peak trip can often be a far more lucrative way to spend both time and money, with the average Barcelona hostel dropping their prices. Sights It’s true that any city's outdoor architecture and markets are best enjoyed under the warm glow of the comforting Spanish sun. But in the case of Barcelona this is not always the case, because an off-peak trip ensures but there are far fewer crowds to interrupt and frustrate the exploratory mission of the investigating traveler. So while August will offer hours after hour of unadulterated sun, October will bring the space and freedom to move around more popular attractions such as the medieval Barri Gotic buildings in the center of the city, Antonio Gaudi's famous Casa Mila or La Sagrada structures. Indeed, the weather may not reach its August peaks, but still manages a pleasant 21c, with a fair spattering of sunshine-blazoned days. More importantly, the wealth of indoor attractions can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing travelers to take in the fullness of what the city has to offer. Expect less queuing and waiting around at popular venues such as the Picasso Museum, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) and the local Boqueria Market. Nightlife Of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without a sample of the city's famed nightlife, which can still be enjoyed with gusto in the off-season months. Travelers can expect to experience a more authentic night out without the occasional regress to generic tourist traps and overpriced eateries more common at peak time. There’s also likely to be less petty tourism crime such as theft and less of a long, staggering walk back to the hotel or Barcelona hostel to endure after a heavy night out, because prime accommodation will be more readily available. With the weather still amiable, visitors can still while away the hours people-watching on the terraces of a caf or restaurant from dawn till dusk, but without suffering the pressure of making way for the extending queue of customers.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
