Cultural Barcelona: 8 experiences you absolutely must live during your internship
Are you doing an internship in Barcelona or preparing your arrival, and wondering how to immerse yourself in the local culture?
Good news: Barcelona is one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe.
Gaudí, Picasso, Miró, Dalí, street art, electronic music festivals, opera, open-air cinema… it has it all.
And the best part? Many cultural experiences are free.
Here are the 8 cultural experiences in Barcelona you absolutely need to tick off during your stay.
The myth to forget: “Barcelona is just beaches”
This is the number one mistake students make when they arrive here.
Yes, the Mediterranean is stunning. Yes, Barceloneta is iconic. But Barcelona is above all a city of art, history and creativity.
Spoiler: you’ll probably experience your best museum, concert and theatre nights here. Maybe even more than on the sand.
1. Gaudí: the absolute master of the city
When people say Barcelona, they immediately think of Gaudí. You simply can’t leave the city without discovering his architectural masterpieces.
Gaudí’s must-sees in Barcelona
- Park Güell: the most visited park in the city.
- Casa Batlló: one of the architect’s most original works.
- Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera: Gaudí’s most famous house.
- Casa Vicens: his first major architectural work.
- Sagrada Família: his unfinished project and legendary cathedral.
As UNESCO points out, several of Gaudí’s works in Barcelona are listed as World Heritage Sites. A unique concentration in the world.
Tip: if you are a student in Barcelona, many museums and monuments linked to Gaudí offer reduced rates with proof of student status, or even free entry on certain days.
2. Museums: a new world every day
Barcelona is a true museum capital. Whether you love art, history, sport or gastronomy, you’ll always find a museum made for you.
Museums to visit depending on your interests
- Do you love modern art? Discover the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation and MACBA, dedicated to contemporary art.
- Are you fascinated by Dalí? Head to the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, around 1h30 away by train.
- Are you interested in history? Visit the Museu d’Història de Catalunya and the MUHBA, with Barcelona’s Roman remains.
- Are you passionate about football? The FC Barcelona museum is a must-see.
- Do you have a sweet tooth? The Museu de la Xocolata is waiting for you.
Bonus tip: many museums in Barcelona are free on the first Sunday of the month. Remember to check the opening hours before your visit.
3. Street art: Barcelona in the open air
Barcelona has become one of Europe’s capitals of street art. The city can also be discovered on foot, by looking up at its walls, façades and hidden murals.
The best neighbourhoods to see street art in Barcelona
- Poble Nou: walk along carrer de Veneçuela and carrer de l’Agricultura to discover large urban murals.
- Poble Sec: the Parc de les Tres Xemeneies is a free wall highly appreciated by artists.
- El Raval: explore the Rambla del Raval, carrer de Floridablanca and the wall of La Carbonería.
- Gràcia: spot works inspired by TV series near Fontana metro station.
- El Born: look for hidden murals in the neighbourhood’s narrow streets.
For enthusiasts, the Montana gallery focuses almost exclusively on urban art. A real insider address.
4. Public art and urban sculptures
Beyond spray paint and stencils, Barcelona is filled with monumental sculptures and public artworks.
The artworks you absolutely need to see
- Miró’s mural at the airport and Dona i Ocell in Parc Joan Miró.
- Works by Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Gehry with the golden fish in Barceloneta, and Rebecca Horn on the seafront.
- The façade of the Architects’ Association, decorated by Picasso.
- L’Homenatge als castellers by Antoni Llena, near Parc de la Ciutadella.
In short, Barcelona is a giant open-air museum. During your internship in Barcelona, every walk can turn into a cultural outing.
5. Theatre and opera: between tradition and modernity
The cultural scene in Barcelona is not limited to museums. The city also offers some of Europe’s most beautiful theatre, opera and performance venues.
Unmissable cultural venues
- Gran Teatre del Liceu: one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.
- Palau de la Música Catalana: its stained-glass windows and inverted dome are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- El Grec: a reconstructed amphitheatre on Montjuïc hill.
- El Molino: Barcelona’s “Moulin Rouge”, a historic cabaret on Paral·lel.
Even if you don’t speak Catalan, the visual experience alone is often enough to make the evening unforgettable.
6. Free concerts under the stars
When the weather is nice, and it is nice for a large part of the year, Barcelona lives outdoors. Squares, parks and bars turn into open stages.
Where can you find free concerts in Barcelona?
- On Plaça Reial, Plaça del Sol in Gràcia and Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia.
- In Parc de la Ciutadella, especially on Sundays.
- During neighbourhood festivals such as the Festes de Gràcia in August or La Mercè in September.
- In some pubs and music bars, almost every evening.
No need to plan everything: wander through the city and the music will find you.
7. Open-air cinema under the moon
What if you watched a film under the stars? From June to early September, Barcelona turns into a giant cinema.
Cinema experiences to try
- Sala Montjuïc: screenings inside Montjuïc Castle, with a picnic and a concert before the film.
- Cinema Lliure a la Platja: free cinema on Barceloneta beach.
- Phenomena Experience: cult screenings, from Tarantino to Hitchcock and 80s classics.
As TimeOut Barcelona points out, the city’s summer cultural offer is one of the richest in Europe.
8. Festivals: Sónar, Primavera Sound, Cruïlla…
Barcelona is one of Europe’s major music festival capitals. During your stay, you can attend world-famous events.
Festivals you shouldn’t miss in Barcelona
- Primavera Sound, usually in early June: indie, rock, electronic music and international line-ups.
- Sónar, mid-June: the global meeting point for electronic music and digital art.
- Festival Grec, in July: theatre, dance, music and circus.
- Cruïlla, mid-July: artists from all over the world and a summer atmosphere.
- Jazz Festival Barcelona, from October to November: perfect for jazz lovers.
According to Lonely Planet, Barcelona is one of the major cultural destinations to visit in Europe.
Why choose Stud&Globe to support you during your internship in Barcelona?
Because enjoying Barcelona starts with living there. And at Stud&Globe, we help you turn your stay into a real professional and cultural experience.
In concrete terms, we help you:
- Find an internship suited to your profile.
- Get advice on accommodation and neighbourhoods.
- Discover the best cultural tips: festivals, museums, exhibitions and local events.
- Get support before, during and after your departure.
You leave with peace of mind. You enjoy the experience. You come back with memories that will last for 10 years.
Ready to experience Barcelona like a local?
Eight cultural experiences, hundreds of artworks, festivals, museums, concerts and a city whose cultural scene never sleeps.
And above all, an internship in Barcelona to enjoy it all fully.
So, what are you waiting for?
