19 Barcelona Tips: Travel on a Budget
Barcelona is home to an ample array of opportunities awaiting you, and better yet, they’re fit for your budget too. Just because you’re watching your pennies doesn’t mean you have to miss out… these Catalonian cobblestone streets have oh so much to offer. After half a decade of dabbling in the city’s dos and don'ts, here are 19 Barcelona Tips: How To Travel On A Budget.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Walking & Transportation
Pickpockets
Sundays in Barcelona
Budget-Friendly Supermarket
Free WiFi Access
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Beach Picnics
Aerobus
Find Authentic Cuisine
High Season in Barcelona
Menu del dia
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Beer, Beer & More Beer!
Souvenir Shopping
Nightclubs
Bunkers del Carmel
Parc Guell, for Free
Skip-The-Line Tickets
Street Fiestas
FAQs
Walk, Powerwalk, or Moonwalk
That’s right. These streets were made for strolling! Barcelona boasts charming backstreets that wind through little plazas.
They’re primarily car-free, too, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot. This is one of the best ways to soak up the local atmosphere. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes!
If walking simply isn’t your style, that’s no hassle. Barcelona has a great range of sustainable means of travelling. You can rent a bike for as little as €1.50 per hour or around €10.00 for a full day.
There are also electric scooters and segways up for grabs, but be respectful when you’re hitting it hot. Locals will show no mercy if you’re caught above the speed limit or on the footpath.
Yes, you’re on holiday; I get it. You want to let loose. But please keep in mind that it’s not a playground.
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 Barcelona Tip: Opt for a Hola BCN Card, which gives you unlimited travel for a daily price of €7.60. This Barcelona tip is top-notch for budget-inclined travellers, but the minimum purchase is for two days.
There are many sightseeing passes and discount passes to help save yourself some cashola without missing out on anything. The ample array of Barcelona Sightseeing Passes encompass discounted prices on the scope of tours and activities, 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 comprehensive guide comparing the best of Barcelona’s Sightseeing Passes.
Watch Out For Pickpockets
Like other popular European cities, Barcelona is plagued by pickpockets. When travelling to popular tourist destinations, exercise caution and be on the lookout for potential scams.
It’s best to refrain from accepting bracelets or flowers from strangers on the street, as well as individuals who engage you in conversations. Moreover, stay alert in crowded areas such as flea markets to avoid falling prey to pickpockets, who are known to take advantage of the hustle and bustle.
Sundays, Baby!
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! If you want to plan a trip to Spain, this is one of the top Barcelona tips. You can enter the following iconic museums for free:
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. Suppose you’re travelling during the week and want to see a museum for free. In that case, 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 Barcelona Tip: Book online and in advance for the Picasso Museum and Palau Güell. These sites sell out quickly!
Grocery Shop ‘Til You Drop
One of the top Barcelona tips is avoiding shopping at supermarkets 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, in areas 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.
If I’ve learned anything from living here over the past five years, it’s that those tapas bills can seriously add up. 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—head to Casa Ametller and PlusFresc for the highest-quality, locally sourced fruits and veggies.
And, if you’re too hungover to leave your hostel, ditch UberEats, do your bank account a favour and download Glovo. It’s a hell of a lot cheaper. Not only can you score great meals (and hella good stuffed cookies), but they also sell supermarket items and random stuff.
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. Praise be to the Wi-Fi gods.
Book Your Tickets in Advance
When planning a trip to Barcelona, it's crucial to plan ahead and book your tickets for popular attractions ahead of time. This not only guarantees that you won't miss out on any must-see sites, but it can also provide opportunities for significant savings on your trip expenses. Given the immense popularity of Barcelona as a tourist destination, tickets for many attractions can sell out rapidly, making advance booking a wise choice.
During the high season, popular tourist attractions like Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batllo are known to sell out.
Plan a Beach Picnic
Ditch the dining experience, take your time and bask in all the Mediterranean's glory.
Instead of spending €20 on a big ass lunch, spend that dosh on a train ticket, pack yourself a picnic and head out to one of Catalonia’s beautiful beaches.
With a rugged coastline and ample turquoise beachfront to choose from, Catalonia is brimming with blissed-out opportunities. To help you decide, check out this post on the Best Beaches Near Barcelona.
Use the Aerobus
Upon your arrival in Barcelona, the most optimal mode of transportation to reach the city centre is via the Aerobus.
This reliable service operates two separate lines in Barcelona. This convenient service, including national and public holidays, is available every day of the year, making it a dependable option for travellers. With an Aerobus departing every five minutes, there are no lengthy waiting times, allowing you to quickly and efficiently reach your destination.
The Aerobus is the best option if you stay in neighbourhoods like the Gothic Quarter, El Born and El Raval.
Find Authentic Cuisine
When in Barcelona, indulge your taste buds with delectable Spanish tapas. These shareable, small portions of food are usually paired with drinks like vermut, cava and sangria. You can find tapas in Barcelona almost anywhere, but not all restaurants and bars serve authentic cuisine.
To avoid the tourist traps, steer clear of the Rambla and major tourist areas. Head to local restaurants that don’t boast menus in more than three languages. If you see photos on the menu, walk away! After five years of living in Barcelona, I compiled this local’s guide on the Best Places to Eat in Barcelona, Spain.
Avoid High Season
If you’re searching for budget Barcelona tips, you should plan your trip at the right time of year. This means avoiding booking during the major European school holidays and in the peak summer months of July and August.
To be completely transparent with you, Barcelona is a bloody beautiful city. But in saying that, July and August can feel overwhelming, especially for locals. Millions of sedulous sightseers flock to the city's heart, lining and piling upon one another to scan the spectacles on offer. There’s something about a sardine-like, squished environment that deters me. And I’ve heard it on other experienced traveller’s accounts too.
Given the sunnier climate, the high season kicks off between June and September. On the other hand, the wintertime is relatively mild, offering fewer tourists and a few rays of sunshine throughout the day!
So if you want a taste of the warmer weather but with the absence of swarming crowds and skyrocketing prices, aim for either May or October.
One of the best Barcelona tips is to plan your trip during the week, not on the weekend. You’re guaranteed to find cheaper flights, and hotel prices, amongst many other factors.
Munchies Missions: Menú del día
Barcelona is a literal hub teeming with trendy tapas bars, but the IVAs (taxes) sure have a way of creeping up on you.
If you’re on a budget, most places in the city offer a Menú del día. Literally translating to ‘Menu of the day’, this deal will generally include a three-course meal and a beer, wine, or dessert. Typically, it’s excellent value for money, but I recommend walking around to check out the best on offer.
My best advice is to hit ‘em hard for lunch during the afternoon, so you don’t have to spend as much for dinner.
Food coma for the win.
Fun fact: the Menú del día was originally made law during Franco’s regime during the 60s. And even though Spanish eateries are no longer legally required to serve up this affordable alternative, nowadays, this wallet-friendly option is what they’re well-known for.
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.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Barcelona boasts abundant sunshine all year round! To make the most of your time, it's important to protect your skin by using ample sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat. Getting sunburnt can take the fun out of your travels, so prepare ahead to avoid the hassle.
Embrace the Beer Gut
Kiss your hardcore abs goodbye, my friend!
If your idea of a good time involves alcohol, ditch the bars and buy your grog directamente from the supermarket. Side note: If you’re a beer fanatic, you cannot leave BCN without trying Estrella Damm, Voll Damm, Moritz or San Miguel. My personal choice? Estrella Damm. As the name suggests, it’s Damm good.
If the next morning’s hangover hits you just like a fly getting annihilated by a car’s windscreen, there’s no doubt you’ll need some decent coffee to bring you out of zombie mode and back to life. Coffee culture has finally turkey-slapped Barcelona in the face, but it’s still not prevalent in most big-name cafes.
So, to save you the hassle and your bank account, check out this post on the Best Coffee Spots in Barcelona.
Souvenir Shopping
Barcelona is a beautiful city, but it’s plagued by tourism. The souvenir shops you see along the Rambla and popular tourist areas are mediocre at best. You can discover unique and affordable souvenirs by visiting flea markets like Els Encants Vells. This top-rated market in Barcelona offers an array of items, including clothing, jewellery and paintings, all at reasonable prices.
Nightclubs
Barcelona is the place to be if you're looking for vibrant nightlife. This party-packed city offers some of Europe’s most coveted nightlife. It's recommended to arrive early because clubs are known to hike up their entry fees as the night goes on. Keep in mind that nightlife starts late in Barcelona, usually around 2 am. So, although entering a nightclub at 11:30 pm is considered early, it’s worth it if you want to save money.
Bunkers del Carmel
Not many cities around the world, let alone in Europe, offer free views of a major city, so let’s give a big gracias to España for this one.
‘Turó de la Rovira’, otherwise known as Bunkers, offers some of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the city, with top-notch views of the Sagrada Familia, the Hotel W, Montjuïc and the striking blue tones of the Mediterranean ocean.
Bunkers is a killer spot to see the sunrise or enjoy the late afternoon buzz. For the perfect combo, bring along a few beers & some munchies.
Other spots to score a panoramic view overlooking Barcelona are Collserola Hill, Montjuic Castle, Tibidabo or even Park Güell.
Parc Güell
As one of the most emblematic places in Barcelona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one for the books. Parc Güell features the iconic works and lush gardens the notorious Antoni Gaudí designed. Cats out of the bag; this right here is my best secret. It’s more than possible to access all areas of Parc Güell without paying a single cent.
If you’re searching for the best Barcelona tips, make sure you arrive early!
Skip-The-Line Tickets
If you're planning a visit to Barcelona, purchasing skip-the-line tickets is a wise decision. With the convenience of booking online, you can take advantage of fantastic deals and discounts that allow you to bypass lengthy queues.
By doing so, you can maximize your time and fully immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring historic landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or simply strolling through charming neighbourhoods, having skip-the-line tickets will undoubtedly enhance your experience. So, why waste precious time waiting in lines when you can enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer? Here are some of the most popular skip-the-line tickets in Barcelona:
Fiestas & 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 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. 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 the Best Free Things to do in Barcelona.
I've got you covered, from events and attractions to day trips and tips. After living here for half a decade, I can proudly say I’ve sorted through the best of the best.
Whether you’re an adventure-enthusiast, gastronomy-intrigued foodie, keen-eyed photographer, history geek, or museum musketeer, there is something for everyone.
If you want more information on all things Barcelona, check out my top activities, local tips, and more 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.
FAQS
What to do in Barcelona on a low budget?
Barcelona is brimming with big attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Luckily, you don’t have to spend much to see the city. Some of the best budget-friendly attractions include Mercado de la Boqueria, Parc de la Ciutadella and Barcelona Cathedral.
How to visit Barcelona on a budget?
Plan your trip during the off-season and book your flights and accommodation in advance. Take advantage of free walking tours, visit the free attractions and walk around rather than getting taxis. Incorporate these Barcelona tips into your upcoming trip!
How to save money on Barcelona attractions?
If you plan sightseeing in Barcelona, save money with the sightseeing passes. You can see top attractions, get discounts and free unlimited transport.
How much money should I spend on a day in Barcelona?
That depends on your travel style, when you visit and what you plan on doing. You should plan to spend around €50-150 per day.
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 biggest expenses of flights and accommodation all the way to food, activities, tours and entertainment, these hacks will effectively assist you in saving and budgeting enough cash to travel to Barcelona.
You may be able to squeeze in a few day trips too!
Barcelona
Budget Tips
1. If you find yourself in a restaurant with a menu that has more than 3 languages, get the hell out of there.
Catalan, Castellano and English are generally a given within the inner city, however if there’s more than that, keep in mind that there’s also a price tag that comes along with it.
2. 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).
3. There’s no Uber, it’s illegal. Instead, catch a Cabify. Avoid taxis at all costs.
And, if you do somehow end up in a taxi, make sure the driver has the meter running!
4. Book an Airbnb or a hostel. Hotels will suck the life out of your wallet.
Couchsurfing is also becoming more popular here too!
If you’re travelling during high season (June to September), accommodation can honestly be one of the biggest game changers. Consider accommodation located just outside of the city’s centre, in neighbourhoods like Gracia or Sarria.
Barcelona is jam-packed with budget-friendly attractions and activities, and with these tricks and tips, you’ll have enough cash up your sleeve to order that third round of tapas. Which one of these Barcelona Tips are you eager to test out?
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.