11 Budget Travel Tips for Barcelona, Spain
Discover a wide range of pocket-friendly opportunities in Barcelona that are perfect for your budget. Experience the wonders and explore the charming streets of Catalonia without breaking the bank. Here are my top 11 budget travel tips for Barcelona, Spain, all based on my experience living here for half a decade. Anda!
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Walking & Transportation
Sundays in Barcelona
Budget-Friendly Supermarket
Free WiFi Access
Beach Picnics
High Season in Barcelona
Menu del dia
Beer, Beer & More Beer!
Bunkers del Carmel
Parc Guell, for Free
Street Fiestas
Free Museums in Barcelona
11. Ditch the cabs
Walk, powerwalk, or even moonwalk your way through Barcelona. That right. These streets were made for strolling!
Barcelona has delightful narrow pathways that meander through tiny squares. These streets mostly lack cars, making them an excellent destination for pedestrian exploration. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse oneself in the local ambience. If walking isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry.
Barcelona offers various eco-friendly modes of transportation. You can rent a bike for as low as €1.50 per hour or €10.00 for an entire day.
Electric scooters and Segways are available, but it is essential to use them responsibly. It is crucial to abide by the speed limit and refrain from using them on the footpath, as locals may not be forgiving if caught violating these rules.
Public transport is also very well organised and very much affordable. I’d recommend purchasing a T10 ticket, which costs around €11.50. This ticket is valid for the bus, tram and metro services.
Top tip: Opt for a Hola BCN Card, which gives you unlimited travel for a daily price of €7.60. Remember, the minimum purchase you can make is for two days.
There’s a manifold of Barcelona Sightseeing Passes with discounted prices on the scope of tours and activities, in addition to entertainment and nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and transport. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed culture vulture, a Gaudí-fanatic, or an avid academic, look no further because I’ve got you covered. Check out this local’s guide comparing Barcelona’s Best Sightseeing Passes.
10. Sundays are where it’s at
Who knew getting cultured could save you some serious dosh? From 3 pm to 8 pm every Sunday, all city-run museums have free admission. That’s right, people!
These include Barcelona’s iconic:
You can also visit the Botanic Gardens of Barcelona. And yes. I am well aware that a garden is not a museum. But I thought it would be handy to add it in since it is free on a Sunday… *Do keep in mind that some museums close earlier than 8 pm.
And on another note, if you just so happen to be visiting on the first Sunday of the month, the following museums won’t charge you a dime: Museu Picasso, Palau Güell, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Real Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes & Museu d’Història de Catalunya (MHC).
And of course, I do have those of you in mind who won’t be in Barcelona on a Sunday. If you’re travelling during the week and want to see a museum for free, you can visit La Virreina Palace, the Photography Archive of Barcelona or the Santa Monica Arts Centre. Yep. That’s any day of the week, without a single penny included! Top tip: Book online and in advance for both the Picasso Museum and Palau Güell.
9. Supermarkets are your best friends
Avoid the supermarkets located near typical tourist attractions. These places are almost always jam-packed and overpriced.
Aim to shop at smaller, locally owned shops in the suburbs or outer city, such as Gràcia or El Guinardó.
You could also head to a local market and get the local experience. Try out Mercat de Sant Antoni or the Mercat de Santa Caterina.
Those tapas bills can seriously add up if I’ve learned anything from living here over the past five years. Squeezing a grocery run into your trip can be a game-changer.
Head to Aldi, Carrefour, Mercadona and Dia to get the best bang for your buck. Charge to Casa Ametller and PlusFresc for the highest-quality, locally sourced fruits and veggies. And, if you’re too hungover to leave your hostel, download Glovo (like Ubereats).
8. Take advantage of Barcelona’s FREE Internet Access
Unlike the majority of major cities, Barcelona offers free, city-wide Wi-Fi. Look out for the W signs throughout the city’s centre. The network isn’t always 100% reliable, but if worst comes to worst and you somehow get stranded somewhere, free internet can save your ass. Praise be to the Wi-Fi gods.
7. Plan a beach picnic
Instead of blowing your budget on eating out, ditch the dining experience, pack yourself a picnic, and take your time to bask in all the city’s glory beachside.
Rather than spending €20 on an expensive lunch, consider saving that money for a train ticket to explore a nearby market. You can purchase fresh and delicious produce, prepare a delightful picnic, and unwind at one of Catalonia’s breathtaking beaches.
The coastline is rugged, and the turquoise waters are abundant, which can make the beaches appear overwhelming. To help you decide your best fit, check out my post here on Catalonia’s Best Beaches.
6. Avoid high season, especially July and August
If you’re on a budget, you must plan your trip to Barcelona at the right time of year.
This means avoiding booking during the significant European school holidays and peak summer months of July and August.
I want to be honest with you, Barcelona is an incredibly stunning city. However, it can be a bit overwhelming in July and August, especially for the locals. The city is flooded with millions of tourists eager to see the main attractions, resulting in crowded and cramped streets.
I find this type of environment unappealing, and I've also heard similar sentiments from more experienced travellers.
The high season takes place from June to September due to the sunnier climate. However, the winter season provides milder weather with fewer tourists and occasional sunshine throughout the day.
If you desire to experience warmer weather without the inconvenience of overcrowded spaces and overpriced services, consider planning your trip for either May or October.
Top Tip: One helpful suggestion is to plan your trip on weekdays instead of weekends to save some money. This can lead to finding affordable flights and hotel rates, among other benefits.
5. Aim for the Menú del día
Because let’s be honest, we all find ourselves on a munchies’ mission from time to time… Barcelona is a literal hub teeming with trendy tapas bars, but the IVAs (taxes) sure do have a way of creeping up on you.
If you're looking to save money, most establishments in the city provide a Menú del día. This translates to "Menu of the day" and usually offers a three-course meal with beer, wine or dessert. It's usually a great deal, but I suggest exploring the area to find the best options.
My best advice is to hit up this wallet-friendly option during the afternoon so you don’t have to splurge as much on dinner—a food coma for the win.
If you’re short on time to scour the streets, head to one of the following hot spots: La Esquina, La Cupula, Cañete, Nou Celler, Buenaventura Cafe, La Pubilla or Betlem.
4. Time to kiss your hardcore abs goodbye and embrace the beer gut
If your idea of a good time involves alcohol, ditch the bars and buy your grog directamente from the supermarket.
Just a friendly suggestion for beer lovers visiting BCN: don't miss out on trying Estrella Damm, Voll Damm, Moritz, or San Miguel. Personally, I highly recommend Estrella Damm. The name speaks for itself - it's simply delicious.
If you wake up with a hangover that feels like a fly smashed against a car's windshield, a good cup of coffee can help you shake off the zombie mode and return to life. Despite the recent surge in coffee culture, many popular cafes in Barcelona still don't serve high-quality coffee.
So, to save you the hassle and your bank account, check out this post on the Best Coffee Spots in Barcelona.
3. Bask in the views from Bunkers del Carmel
Not many cities worldwide, let alone in Europe, offer free views of a major city… Turó de la Rovira, locally known as Bunkers, boasts the best 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
Located in a prime location with breathtaking views of the Sagrada Familia, Hotel W, Montjuïc, and the Mediterranean Sea, Bunkers is an ideal spot to catch a stunning sunrise or sunset.
To complete the experience, consider bringing along some refreshments such as beers and snacks.
There are several other locations in Barcelona where you can enjoy a panoramic view. These include Collserola Hill, Montjuic Castle, Tibidabo, and even Park Güell.
2. Park your booty, free of charge, in Parc Güell
Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic places in Barcelona. This beautiful park is known for its lush gardens and the unique works of Antoni Gaudí, making it a must-visit destination.
You can access all areas of Parc Güell without spending any money. Here's the catch - arrive before 8 am for free entrance! This is my best-kept secret, and I hope it proves helpful to you.
Take advantage of the fiestas and street parties
One of the best things about living in Barcelona is that there is always some sort of free cultural event, public holiday or fiesta going down. Whether it’s jazz in the Parc de la Ciutadella or a poetry slam in the style of 22 Jump Street. Undoubtedly, there is something for everyone.
If you’re on a budget and you love acting like an absolute machine on the dance floor, don’t miss out on my all-time fave, the Fiesta de San Juan. Celebrated on the 23rd of June, this event is one you can’t miss. Catalunya knows how to throw a good beach party, and this is among the best of the best. The beachfront is lit up with bonfires and free-for-all firework displays. The local chiringuitos (beach bars) go off. So far off the charts, you’ll still be there at dawn.
Self-proclaimed culture vulture? No need to fear, you won’t be missing out.
If the attractions listed above do not tickle your pickle, tranquílate, Barcelona’s chockfull with just about everything to satisfy your needs.
Check out this post on The 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona for free.
I've got you covered with my extensive knowledge of events, attractions, day trips, and insider tips! Having lived in Barcelona for over five years, I have carefully sifted through the options to bring you the best. This guide is designed to cater to the preferences of adventure-seekers, thrill-seekers, food enthusiasts, photography buffs, history buffs, and museum-goers. In other words, this comprehensive guide truly has something for everyone.
If you want more information on Barcelona, check out my top activities, local tips, and insider advice here.
Don’t know how to budget? Does beginning your budget for Barcelona seem a little too overwhelming?
My best advice is to avoid aimlessly following those sheep that free-ball it and tackle it balls-on by budgeting for it. Sure, it does require a fair bit of time, research and effort, but it’s an integral part of the planning process that you can’t afford to miss.
Get the basics down pat by checking out my latest post on How to Budget for a Big Trip.
We’ll provide you with a game plan to approach everything tactfully. From the most significant expenses of flights and accommodation down to food, activities, tours and entertainment, these hacks will effectively assist you in saving and budgeting enough cash to travel to Barcelona and maybe even squeeze in a few day trips too.
If you’re on the hunt for more Barcelona content, be sure to check out this Travel Guide to Barcelona.
This is the only guide you’ll ever need to Barcelona! With everything from travel logistics, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, airport information, packing lists for every season, insider tips, weather information, local languages, and additional information.
Barcelona Budget Tips
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If you find yourself in a restaurant with a menu that has more than 3 languages, get the hell out of there.
In the inner city, it is common to speak Catalan, Castellano, and English. However, if additional languages are needed, it's important to note that there may be a cost associated with it.Avoid the tourist bus shuttles A1 and A2.
If you can spare some extra time, you can catch to the airport on public bus #46 (if it’s during the day) or the N16, N17 or N18 (if it’s during the night-time).There’s no Uber, it’s illegal. Instead, catch a Cabify. Avoid taxis at all costs. In case you find yourself in a taxi, it is important to ensure that the driver has turned on the meter.
Book an Airbnb or a hostel. Hotels will suck the life out of your wallet. Couchsurfing is also becoming more popular here too!
When traveling during high season (June to September), finding suitable accommodation can be a significant factor in your overall experience. You may want to consider looking for lodging options situated on the outskirts of the city center, in areas such as Gracia or Sarria.
Discovering Barcelona on a budget is easy with these helpful tips and recommendations. By following these suggestions, you can enjoy all the city offers while keeping some extra cash in your pocket for a third serving of tasty tapas. Don't forget to save these 11 Budget Travel Tips for Barcelona, Spain!
I’m calling it. This place is one of Spain’s most underrated travel destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Aragon, don’t miss these top 17 things to do in Zaragoza.