Barcelona boasts a myriad of awe-inspiring architecture, world-renowned museums, exquisite restaurants, bustling bars, incredible nightlife and beautiful beaches. That being said, your adventures in the Catalan capital can certainly take their toll on your wallet with the costly components of a holiday in the glorious Mediterranean.
Fortunately, we’ve come up with the best ways to enjoy Barcelona in under 100€, which is music to the ears of those wanting to enjoy the cultural richness of this charming city whilst on a budget. What’s more, you can invest your hard-earned holiday savings into returning to Barcelona for another trip next year!
Bask on the beach
Nowadays, it seems as if everything comes with a price tag. One thing, however, that requires zero expenditure is a day lounging on the stunning golden sands of Barceloneta Beach. The perfect day out with friends or family, Barcelona’s oldest and most beloved beach is world-renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a well-deserved break from traipsing around the city and most importantly allows you to enjoy to the dazzling Barcelona sunshine.
Making architecture affordable
You simply cannot come to Barcelona, the home of the genius architect Gaudí, without catching a glimpse at some of his amazing creations. From the magnificent Sagrada Familia to the colourful Casa Batlló, there are certain ways to admire his glorious masterpieces in all their glory without splashing the cash.
Admittedly, entrance fees for such popular attractions can be steep. There are various companies such as Ticketbar, however, which offer discounted tours and queue jumping when booking in advance online, so be sure to investigate possible cost-cutting routes beforehand.
Alternatively, admire Gaudí’s architectural gems from afar without spending a penny. Enjoy a lazy afternoon saunter along Passeig de Gràcia from which you can enjoy privileged views of both La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, two of Gaudí’s most remarkable architectural gems. What’s more, this means more time for shopping (Passeig de Gràcia is a shopoholic’s haven).
Walking tours
A sustainable and eco-friendly way of exploring the beautiful Barcelona whilst in the hands of a professional, what more could you ask for? Oh, and it’s free! You can leave a donation at the end of the tour if you want to, though.
Discover Barcelona’s rich history and main attractions with one of the many free walking tours offered throughout the city. Take a trip through Gaudí’s eccentric life whilst uncovering some of his most impressive buildings in Barcelona. Alternatively, lose yourself in the ancient narrow streets of the quaint yet quirky Gothic Quarter, one of the most charming and picturesque medieval districts in Europe. Listen to captivating tales about the city’s past and develop your understanding of Barcelona’s culture. No matter where your interests lie, there’s something for everyone and, generally speaking, walking tours are a great way to begin your trip in terms of finding your bearings around the city.
Tip: Pack your comfy shoes- we’d hate to be the cause of any Barcelona blisters!
Free entry to museums
One of Barcelona’s most beloved qualities is its fascinating assortment of museums covering a plethora of interests. Avid museum lovers will relish in knowing that many of the museums in the city open their doors to the public for free on certain days throughout the year. If you’re not fortunate enough to visit the city on a bank holiday (several museums offer free entrance on these days), MNAC, CCCB, and the Picasso museum are amongst those that offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, or every Sunday afternoon.
So take advantage of this opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons and simultaneously save money to explore the city further.
Barcelona’s best views
Want to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city? No problem. From the magnificent Montjuïc mountain to the picturesque Park Güell, there is a multitude of locations in Barcelona which boast breathtaking vistas of the Catalan capital.
If you’re looking to venture slightly outside the central city and explore Barcelona off the beaten track, head to the Bunker del Carmel which is the city’s best kept secret. Previously an old military base, it now prides itself on its 360 degree view of the city and makes for a great spot either at sunrise or sunset. All you’ll need to pay for is your bus ticket!
Tapas
Barcelona prides itself on its reputation as a gastronomic centre; in particular its delicious range of tapas dishes which are an integral part of their culture. The beauty of this city is that you don’t have to fork out the big bucks to enjoy high quality and authentic food when dining out, in fact, some places even often tasty samples for free.
Bormuth (Plaça Comercial, 1) is situated in the trendy Born neighbourhood, and is the ideal spot if you’re looking to try traditional Spanish tapas as well as ingenious tapas creations. Their famous patatas ‘mojo picón’ and honey drizzled fried aubergine are simply to die for, and perfectly complimented by the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere.
Although the custom of serving free tapas is usually confined to the northern regions of Spain, there are a select few hidden gems in Barcelona which uphold this fabulous tradition. Ca’l Chusco (Carrer l’Almirall Aixada, 5) is a wonderful family run joint located in the heart of Barceloneta, which serves complimentary tapas dishes alongside your drink. Their famous bombas (potato balls) really are as good as everyone says!
Bars on a budget
Who doesn’t love cheap and cheerful bars! There’s no need to break the bank whether you’re a beer monster or cocktail lover thanks to the many cheap bars in Barcelona.
The Limehouse (Carrer dels Carders, 31) is a bustling bar and a favourite amongst students and travellers thanks to its generous portions and affordable prices. Their tempting yet killer mojitos are only 3,50€ and when we say that only one is necessary to set you up for your night ahead, we mean it!
Calling all shot lovers, Espit Chupitos (Carrer d’Aribau, 77) is a great way to kick start a night out and puts you in the party spirit with their scrumptious shots. With their extensive selection of flavours and tempting concoctions, 500 to be specific, choosing what to order can be tricky business. If you need a helping hand, their ‘Willy Wonka’ shot is highly recommended to all the chocoholics out there.
Nightlife: Let’s party!
Internationally renowned as the city that never sleeps, Barcelona is famous for its buzzing nightlife and happening venues located throughout the city. It may be hard to believe that you can enjoy an unforgettable night at some of the city’s most exclusive clubs for free, but you certainly can.
As long as you arrive before 2am (that gives you plenty of time to prune yourself and glam up), you will can receive free entry to some of the city’s most popular beach clubs including Opium Mar, Pacha, CDLC, Shôko and Danzatoria, bearing in mind you have a flyer that are given out along the Port Olympic strip.
Travelling around the city
Why not be smart about your sightseeing and burn a few calories whilst you’re at it? Save money by conducting your tour of the city on foot, which in addition to being free, also allows you to enjoy many of the city’s sights up close without the faff of parking or relying on public transport.
However, when trekking from one side of the city to the other, the metro and bus are undeniably the quickest, and most importantly the cheapest, ways of getting around the city. It is advisable to purchase the T-10 ticket which is valid for a total of 10 trips and can be shared by two or more people. At just 9.95€, it is extremely reasonable compared to the price of a single journey ticket for 2.15€.
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