Barcelona on a Budget :
How to Experience the Best of Barcelona for Less
Barcelona is a beautiful city that has plans for everyone, and the best part of the situation is that you can make your trip without spending a lot of money.
Let me tell you how to enjoy the city without spending so much money. Believe me, with a few tricks, you can eat well, get around easily and see the best of the city without spending too much.
Cheap and easy transportation
The first thing you should do is forget about cabs or private transportation. Instead, buy the T-Casual which is good for metro, buses and streetcars, you can buy 10 rides or a month if you plan to be in the city for a long time.
It is one of the best options to get around the city, however, if you like to walk, you are in luck. Barcelona is super walkable and each neighborhood has its own personality. I walked a lot and only used the metro when I really needed to. Another option is to rent a bike, which is cheap and allows you to move fast.
Free (or almost free) attractions
Barcelona is full of amazing places that don’t cost a euro. Here are my favorites:
Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter: Just walking around here is an experience. Medieval streets, lively squares and street art everywhere.
El Born and GrĂ cia: They are neighborhoods full of charming squares and corners, perfect for exploring without spending anything.
Beaches: Although Barceloneta is the most famous, I liked Bogatell Beach better because there are fewer tourists and more space to relax.
Extra Tip: Most museums have free admission on the first Sunday of the month and some, like the Picasso Museum, are also free every Sunday from 3 PM.
Eat well without spending a lot
Usually one of the biggest cats that are made when traveling is the food, however, if you want to save money you can do this
Menu of the day: A classic. For €10-€15, you have first course, main course, dessert and drink. Another less fancy but equally tasty option is to eat in a Chinese bar, they are very economical, have a good amount of food and taste nice.
Cheap tapas: Instead of expensive restaurants, I went to local bodegas. Quimet & Quimet has very good and well priced montaditos.
Markets: La Boqueria is famous, but it is best to go to the back, where prices are lower. Mercat de Sant Antoni is another less touristic and cheaper option.
Avoid tourist restaurants: Any place near Las Ramblas or La Sagrada Familia has more expensive prices because they are tourist areas. It is better to eat in neighborhoods like El Raval or Poble-sec, where the locals go to eat.
Author:
Whether you are a local or a tourist, Barcelona opens its doors for you to have a space to enjoy.
Party and drinks without spending too much
Going out in Barcelona can be expensive if you don’t know where to go, but I found several ways to enjoy yourself without overspending. Before going out, you can buy beers at the supermarket for €1, or you can go to a bar where shots cost €2-€3. Also, many clubs like Opium, Pacha and Razzmatazz have online guest lists, so if you sign up and arrive before 1 AM, you get in without paying and sometimes get a free drink.
Hostels
Last but not least, hotels here are very expensive, so I recommend staying in a hostel in El Born, where for €25 a night you have a clean, well located place with a good atmosphere.
If you book in advance, you can also find Airbnbs at a good price, although in high season they go up quite a bit.
Another option I like are the pensions, which are private rooms much cheaper than hotels, ideal if you are looking for tranquility without spending too much.
Barcelona is a spectacular city and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Walk through its streets, eat well without overpaying, visit the free places and, if you go out to party, do it wisely so as not to empty your wallet. Here it’s all about moving like a local.
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