There are some things you just can’t argue against in life, for example: free food, having a lie in, and that nothing will ever top a cup of tea after a long hard day. Similarly, when someone tells you you can get to Barcelona for five euros, its not a question of if, but when.
The trademark blue and yellow coaches of Megabus have been transplanted onto European soil, complete with their giant ‘£1’ signs, British drivers and UK plug sockets. Destinations include Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. The particular route in question runs from London to Barcelona, making stops in Paris and, thankfully, Toulouse.
Myself and two of my fellow au pairs decided to take full advantage, and five hours later we were back in our favourite city. Luckily, Barcelona doesn’t seem to sleep – so arriving half an hour shy of midnight was no obstacle to enjoying the nightlife.
Plaça Reial is an obvious starting point for any first timers. Wedged between Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, its centrality is only one of its merits. Offering both bars and nightclubs alike, there’s something for everyone. But be warned, a scenic square comes with a price, expect to pay anything between 7 and 10 euros for a G&T – which while very large and arguably ‘worth it’ – may be found cheaper elsewhere with a bit of effort. Many Barcelona ‘veterans’ would in fact deter you from this side of Las Ramblas – too many tourist traps, not enough authenticity, but pretty lights and a fountain are enough to sway me any day.
Don’t expect clubs in Barcelona to liven up until well after 2am, giving you plenty of time for some late night tapas and drinks elsewhere. Much of the nightlife is located out of the city centre, but the well connected metro will take you there, and on Saturdays you’ll be able to use it for a full 24hrs – a city with our best interests at heart.
Since we had all been to the city several times before, the pressure was off to rush around and squeeze in all the sights, instead our energy was put into actually enjoying the city itself. A great way to experience it is by bike, you can get a real ‘feel’ for a place going around on two wheels, especially if you’re only there for a short while. Barcelona being the hipster paradise it is, you can’t walk down a street without seeing the slickest road bikes known to man. Yet, personally opining that dutch bikes are underrated in the cool stakes, an affordable rental from Color Bikes in El Raval suited perfectly.
The sheer size of the city and its many distinctive districts means not only are there endless possibilities for your day and night activities, but a whole host of accommodation options. Airbnb offers a fabulous aray of swanky apartments to suit all types of trip, but if privacy isn’t an issue I would certainly recommend snapping up a bed in one of the Be hostels that form a game of join-the-dots on the city map. At below 10 euros a night, you can rest your head and sleep well in the knowledge that you’re receiving excellent value for money.
It goes without saying that the best time to visit Barcelona is NOT in the height of summer, when the city can be bursting at the seams with overcrowding. Either the spring or the autumn are optimum for an altogether more enjoyable visit, and as we discovered, the weather can stay pleasantly mild well into the month of November.
Salut Toulouse 
