The Ultimate Budget Guide to Barcelona (Plus 10 FREE Things To Do!)
Are you looking to visit Barcelona without breaking the bank? Follow this guide for the best tips on how to find affordable accommodations, low-cost transportation, dining deals, and even discover the top 10 FREE things to do in this amazing city! You’ll find that Barcelona is a destination that isn’t just unforgettable, but also quite budget-friendly.
Budget Accommodation
One big way to save on any trip is by booking affordable, quality accommodation.
Generator Hostel. If you don’t mind sleeping in a dorm, then I highly recommend Barcelona’s Generator hostel. An 8 person dorm starts at around $17.00 USD a night. The hostel is clean, in a great location close to the Metro, and I enjoyed my stay here.
Airbnb. If you, like me, prefer getting a good night’s sleep in a more private location, then you may want to give Airbnb a try. I rented a room in a shared apartment during my last visit and couldn’t have had a more gracious host-she even made me dinner one night! A private room starts at around $20.00 a night, and if its your first time booking, you can receive a $35 travel credit by signing up here!
Public Transportation
Airport Transport. If you are flying into Barcelona, don’t wind up paying an expensive taxi fare (like I did…ugh) to get to the city center. Though taxi prices in Barcelona are relatively inexpensive, a taxi to the center costs around 30-40 Euro. Instead, try booking a shuttle in advance, taking a RENFE train and the Metro to the center (€4.10 + €2.15), hop on the Barcelona Aerobus (€5.90), or link to the Metro. For more details on the best option for you, click here.
Image Source: Stay Barcelona Apartments
Metro. Another great way to save money (and get around the city easily) is Barcelona’s metro. The metro will get you near pretty much any tourist destination you can think of and runs late into the night on weekends. The most economic ticket for tourists is the T10, which cost €9.95 for a total of 10 rides.
Affordable Food & Drink
Street food available at the historic La Boqueria market
Avoid tourist prices. As always when in a touristy city, avoid dining in extremely touristy areas. Instead of eating right next to Las Ramblas (one of Barcelona’s most tourist-filled streets), head to the Gothic Quarter or El Raval.
Menu del dia. A great way to save some $$$ but still experience the delicious cuisine Barcelona is well-known for is to order the “menu del dia” at lunchtime. For around $12.00, you’ll enjoy bread, a drink, and several courses. The menus are set, and you’ll get to choose between several options, so you’re bound to encounter plenty of yummy foods.
Tapas. If you are still full from a multi-course menu del dia from lunch time, then tapas, or small appetizer plates, are the perfect option for you to save and avoid feeling totally hungry later. I’m pretty sure I lived off tapas while I was in Spain-I just couldn’t get enough. So many options!
Attractions
Barcelona Card. If you are planning on packing in a bunch of tourist activities, then check out see if a Barcelona Card is for you. These city cards offer free public transportation as well as free or discounted attractions. It may take some planning and some math to determine whether this card will actually save you money in the end, but if it will, then go for it!
Free museum days. Check to see if your visit to Barcelona coincides with any free museum openings. Many museums are free the first Sunday of the month, and many have free hours during the week. Just be sure to take a look online to confirm which times you’re “free” to go. Students-don’t forget to bring your cards along to get discounts!
Book Ahead. While booking ahead online won’t always save you money, it will save you time, and you know what they say…time is money! Many of Barcelona’s popular tourist destinations, particularly Gaudí buildings such as Sagrada Familia and Park Güell have long wait times. Order your tickets in advance to avoid being disappointed day-of, or wasting a ton of time in line.
10 FREE Things to Do In Barcelona
1. The Magic Fountain
While many are originally skeptical when they hear about Barcelona’s Magic Fountain, I can promise you that this free attraction lives up to the hype. On weekends during most months, locals and tourists alike gather to watch the stunning choreographed music, water, and light show. You won’t want to miss it, so check this schedule before planning your itinerary!
2. Head on a Free Walking Tour
There are many quality free walking tours available in Barcelona. Simply research a tour online, show up at the meeting point, and enjoy a tour. I especially recommend touring the historic Gothic District. While these tours are technically free, you will want to be sure to tip the guide!
3. La Boqueria Market
Barcelona’s most historic market is free to enter, and the yummy foods sold inside are affordable as well! Find fresh squeezed juices for just €1 and a variety of other snacks from Iberian ham cups to street food. This market is easy on your wallet-if you can avoid eating everything in sight!
4. Citadel Park
Enjoy an afternoon in Barcelona’s beautiful citadel park. Heck, bring some recently purchased food from La Boqueria and make a picnic of it! The park is not only a welcome slice of nature in the middle of a busy city, but features the beautiful Cascada fountain-free art!
5. Arc de Triomf
While you are in the neighborhood near Citadel Park, be sure to stop by the nearby Arc de Triomf, an impressive arch erected for the 1888 World’s Fair. The red brick used in its construction sets it apart from similar arches in Paris and New York.
6. The Beach
Go ahead and hit the beach! Summer or winter, Barceloneta’s beach remains lively. From surf shops to yummy seafood joints to the sand, the beach is a perfect (and totally free!) way to spend some time in Barcelona.
7. Bunker del Carmel
Forget expensive rooftop bars! Catch a spectacular view of Barcelona from the Bunker del Carmel. This site is pretty close to Park Güell, and is worth a trip if you love seeing a city from a bird’s eye view.
8. Gothic Quarter
The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter is home to some of Barcelona’s most historic architecture, and is also the location of Barcelona’s Cathedral. Get lost in the streets and the history, and be sure to stop by the beautiful Placa Reial-one of my favorite squares in Barcelona!
9. Montjuïc
The so called “jew mountain” is a large hill just a funicular away. Enjoy the park, Olympic stadium, and some pretty great views of Barcelona from here.
10. Gaudí for Free
Though I personally recommend visiting as much of Gaudí’s architecture as possible while you are in Barcelona, it can be difficult to afford the often expensive prices placed on entrance to his historic homes and works. My advice? Walk past the Casa Milà and Casa Batlló to take a peek, and splurge on a visit to the amazing Sagrada Familia and more affordable Park Güell.
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There you have it, my complete budget guide to visiting Barcelona. What are your favorite money saving travel tips?
Check out all my posts on Spain or check out these popular posts:
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