Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and its prices can get very high. However, if you know where to look, it can be very affordable to visit this vibrant city.
You can save on your accommodation, transport and food by traveling during the low seasons.
1. Book Your Accommodations in Advance
One of the best ways to visit Barcelona on a budget is to stay in hostels or airbnb. These accommodations are very affordable and usually offer free breakfasts or meals. They also allow you to meet other travelers and make new friends.
You can save up to 50% of your costs by booking a hostel or an apartment instead of a hotel. This can help you divert more of your kitty toward exploring the city and enjoying all of its amazing attractions.
Another great way to save money is to book your rooms well in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling with kids or people who have special needs. If you wait until the last minute, it can be difficult to find a place that accepts your reservations and will accommodate you.
Hotels tend to fill up fast, especially if you want a room with certain features or a large amount of beds. If you want to have a pool, a spa, or other popular amenities, it’s important to book your rooms in advance so you can get them at the best price.
Traveling to Barcelona in the summer can be expensive, but there are many things you can do to visit on a budget. First, make sure to choose the right time of year. The shoulder seasons between January and March can be the best times to visit because they tend to have fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Spain in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Girona you can rent a car from 15 euros per day, in Barcelona - from 14 euros per day.
2. Eat in Local Markets
One of the best ways to visit Barcelona on a budget is by eating in local markets. These markets have been feeding the city for centuries and they offer a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood.
Some of the top markets in the city include La Boqueria, Mercat de Sant Josep and El Ninot. Each of these markets offers a wide range of food products, handicrafts and farmer’s shops. Most stalls are owned by fourth and fifth generation heirs and offer everything from fresh fruit smoothies to traditional Catalan dishes like botifarra - local sausages, wild mushrooms or Catalan ceps and bacalla - dried fish.
A few stalls also offer takeaway meals for tourists so that they can enjoy a meal on the go. Some of these restaurants even serve a menu del dia, a set lunch menu that includes a main course and drinks for as little as 15 euros.
Other local markets have cafes or bars that are located inside the stalls. These are typically a few small tables with a bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a snack.
There are several places where you can find a good place to eat in the market, but you should always be sure to read reviews before visiting a specific restaurant. This is to ensure that you are getting the best quality and price for your money.
Some of the most famous places to eat in Barcelona are Joan’s and La Pubilla, both of which specialize in authentic Catalan cuisine. If you don’t have a reservation, it is advisable to be there early in the morning as they are usually packed by then.
3. Go on a Self-Guided Tour
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Barcelona on a budget without having to cut back on the experiences you want to have. In fact, there are so many things to do in Barcelona that you could easily spend a month or two here and still not experience everything this city has to offer!
One of the best ways to visit Barcelona on a budget is to go on a self-guided tour. This way, you can avoid the long lines of tourists and take in all the major sites at your own pace.
Another great way to save money when visiting a new city is to use public transport. This is especially true when you are planning on traveling from one place to another. You can find affordable train tickets and buses in Barcelona.
If you are traveling on a budget, you should always check out the different train stations in a new city to see which ones are most convenient for your trip. You can then plan your itinerary around the train station you are using.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a train station is the type of trains you will be taking. There are some older trains that will cost more than the high-speed trains, so make sure to check out the prices beforehand.
Often, train stations have free parking so this can also be a good way to save money on your travel costs. You can also get discounts on tickets if you buy them online before your trip, so be sure to do your research!
Lastly, another excellent way to save money on your Barcelona vacation is to visit the city’s museums. There are a few that are free to visit and there are even some that have special ticket offers that will allow you to enter the museum for free on certain days or weeks.
4. Go to the Beach
While the Catalan capital is most known for its iconic architecture and bustling street markets, it also has miles of scenic coastline to explore. While the weather in Barcelona can be a bit chilly during winter, summer is the perfect time to hit the beaches, as temperatures are warmer and crowds are smaller.
There are a few different beaches in Barcelona, so it's important to find one that is best suited for your needs. Barceloneta Beach is one of the most famous, but you can also check out Bogatell Beach or Sant Miquel Beach.
If you're looking for a laid-back beach in Barcelona that doesn't attract as many tourists, Bogatell Beach is the place to go. This small beach is located in the Eixample neighborhood of the city, and it's a great escape from the heat without leaving the city.
This Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to relax and take in the views. With lifeguards on duty and amenities such as a playground, it's an ideal family-friendly beach.
Another popular beach in Barcelona is Nova Icaria, a long, narrow stretch of golden sand that stretches about halfway along the coast. This Blue Flag beach is a favorite with both locals and tourists.
The main draw here is its extensive range of restaurants, cafes, and chiringuitos (beach bars). This is a great option for those who want to spend the day at the beach with friends or family.
The beaches in Barcelona can be quite busy, so it's important to stay safe when traveling. You should always keep your money in a safe spot and be aware of other people. It's also a good idea to watch out for pickpockets.
5. Take a Sightseeing Tour
Barcelona is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and has a variety of attractions that attract visitors. From beautiful beaches, unique historic architecture, a plethora of modern art museums and brimming nightlife, it has much to offer.
A sightseeing tour is a great way to get around the city and see some of its top sights. It's a popular way to experience the Catalan capital and you can choose from many different types of tours.
For instance, there are Gaudi-themed tours that will take you to the iconic buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi. You'll also be able to enjoy a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and a visit to La Sagrada Familia cathedral, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Barcelona.
Another great way to see some of the most famous sights in Barcelona is by taking a bus tour. These tours typically have two well-planned routes and run every 5 to 25 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off as you please.
You'll have an audio guide with you on these buses and they're the best way to see the city at your own pace! They're also a great option for families.
There are plenty of ways to see Barcelona on a budget but you'll need to be smart about your travel plans and avoid the tourist traps that can be found throughout the city. You'll also want to plan your trip during the off-peak season, which is April to May and September to October. This will help you to minimize the cost of everything and have a fun-filled vacation!