How to have fun in Barcelona without breaking the bank

Posted on 06/01/2019 by Eleanor

Despite Barcelona quickly becoming one of the more expensive cities in Europe, it can still be done on a budget, without sacrificing experience. The city is open for every individual, and even an average person can attend excellent restaurants and cocktail parties. It might not be fancy but hey you in Barcelona! Here are our budget tips for Barcelona.

Barcelona Placa Reial - Josep Renalias (CC BY SA 3.0)

Avoid hyped restaurants

In case you want to learn the Bolero dance moves and eat the best meals, a joint that has a lot of visitors means you are on the wrong end. In most cases, those places that are frequented by tourists tend to be high-end restaurants and clubs. Seek a laid-back joint that has a more traditional look. 

Go for the restaurants that have locals in, that way you can be sure up to traditional standards! One great restaurant that’s moderately priced is Llus de les Moles near Plaça Catalunya. This lunchtime restaurant is hidden away with a potato and sausage pie that’s to die for! If that doesn’t take your fancy something else of the very comprehensive menu will! Also, keep an eye out for set menus. Usually, these will include a starter, main, dessert and coffee, all at a reasonable price!

Use a T10

T10 is one of the best budget tips for Barcelona. If your visit involves the use of public transport, then you will need to familiarize yourself with a T10. This card is essential for the fact that it allows you over ten trips using tram, metro, and buses. Perfect for exploring the city.

The T10 card can be purchased for use in zones 1 to 6 in Barcelona. You'll save heaps compared to buying single public transport tickets.

Be on the lookout for free events

If your wallet is facing famine in regards to the amount of money you have, then these events will surely impress you. With the internet era dawning fast than expected, it is now easier to check for upcoming events through the internet. Alternatively, you could ask around from your local buddies on where the “party is.”

Nonetheless, here are some free events that can do your magic. Between June and August, there is Musica Al Parcs, which offers upcoming artists a platform to showcase their talents.

Avoid registration fees

All city-run museums, including the Museum of History of Barcelona and Museu Picasso, are free on Sundays between 3pm and 8pm. Often city-run museums will also have a free day during the month, either the first Wednesday or Sunday of every month.

Another opportunity to fare dodge is when going to the great architectural sights of the city. Luckily for us, when the great architects of Barcelona set to work on these fabulous buildings, they didn’t neglect the outside, and thus, you can simply see these places for free whilst walking around the city.

Romantic locations

If you are a sucker for love, then Barcelona is home to its sister Romance. You can end your day by watching a movie at Sant Sebastià beach. Over months, Cinema Lliure has made a name for itself for showcasing independent film on Thursday and Sunday. Alternatively, you can always try the CCCB (Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona) where they showcase documentaries and short plays at their courtyard, and it is all free.

One event that is not missing is the Correfoc festival. This is an event where individuals dance and run wildly on the streets of Barcelona while shooting fireworks. Another event worth mentioning is the Sant Joan festival. The event takes place on the evening of the 23rd day of June, and it signifies the longest day of the year and also the start of summer. Friends and relatives meet at the beach and share meals as fireworks shoot through the event.

Conclusion

Barcelona is home to a variety of events and mentioning all would take months and loads of coffee. If you are still curious about other ways to find budget tips for Barcelona, you can visit the Barcelona Guide and find more free events among the many all events and activities that are taking place in Barcelona. Have fun or "que te diviertas" as they say in Spanish.

Get an online quote

Compare our campervans & motorhomes