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Visiting Barcelona on a Budget: Free Things to Do During Your Stay
Barcelona is a city that offers endless opportunities to explore and discover. It is home to some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, awe-inspiring museums, and unique cultural experiences, synonymous with the Spanish way of life. However, as with every European city, the cost of fully immersing yourself in the offerings of Barcelona can be high and you often don’t fully experience it if you are not blessed with an extensive budget. If you are a budget-sensitive traveler and worry you will have to compromise on what to see and do in Barcelona, fear not! We have compiled an itinerary with your low budget in mind which will ensure you experience all the sights.
Things to do
We have made you a list of free activities to do during your time in Barcelona. Let us know which were you favourite! Comment below if you know anymore free activities that you think we should add to our list.
#1 Free walking tour
The best way to experience the city on a low budget is to do a free walking/cycling tour. Fortunately, Barcelona is home to many companies which offer this tip-based service. They generally meet every day at PLAÇA DE CATALUNYA and can be identified by their various coloured t-shirts and umbrellas. Offering various routes based on favorable themes such as contemporary street art, Gaudi and modernism, and the forbidden tour of Barcelona, they have something to appeal to the interests of everyone. For those on a budget, this activity is the ideal way to begin your trip as it allows you to get to know the inside secrets of the city and most importantly you pay what you think the tour was worth.
#2 Labyrinth Park
Located on the outskirts of the city, the Parc del Laberint is the oldest garden in Barcelona, covering approximately 18 acres. Its main feature includes a series of two-meter high hedges in intricate patterns that link together in a maze format. Once you make your way through the maze you can explore the grounds and visit the various water features. It gives an amazing view of the city, overlooking the sea, and provides the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day as you are surrounded by beautiful picturesque gardens. For budget-conscious visitors, this park is perfect as it costs €2.23 for general entry, and on Sundays and Wednesdays, you can enter for free. Simply take the green metro (line 3) to Mundet and follow the signs.
Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, 08035 Barcelona
01/04 to 31/10, everyday, 10h-20h || 01/11 to 31/03, everyday, 10h-18h || 25/12, 10h-14h
2,23 € || free on Sunday and Wednesday
#3 Free Culture in Museums
If you are trying to experience the city on a budget and you are fortunate enough to be here on a Sunday, then we have great news for you. You can discover some of the cities amazing cultural offerings for FREE from 3 pm-8 pm every Sunday. All city-run MUSEUMS offer free entry on Sundays to encourage exposure to culture. Included on this list is the magnificent Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, MUHBA Museu d’Història de Barcelona, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and Museu Picasso. There is something to suit all interests in these fabulous museums.
Nightlife
No time in the city would be complete without experiencing the Barcelona nightlife offering. It is home to some of the best clubs in the country which offer a variety of great live events and even better drinks. However, as we all know, gaining access to some of the more exclusive clubs can be pricey. Luckily for you, we have exclusive access to the hottest clubs in the city and we want to share it with you.
Where to eat
If you’re looking for cheap restaurants in Barcelona, we’ve got you covered. These are some of our favourite low-priced restaurants in the city. We have found that some of the neighbourhoods with the cheapest restaurants are in Gothic and EL Raval.
#1 100 Montaditos
This is one of the most popular Spanish fast foods. 100 Montaditos is a chain of restaurants that serve more than 100 varieties of mini sandwiches (Montaditos) and cheap beer or sweet fine tinto de verano. For each sandwich and alcoholic drink, you will pay from 1 to 1,5 euro. These restaurants are always full of young people and students enjoying a night with cheap beer and snacks.
Plaça d’Urquinaona, 1 / Rambla del Raval, 41 / Rambla de Catalunya, 11 / Rambla del Poblenou, 76, and more.
#2 Chen Ji
Big portions of delicious Chinese food at very low prices. This is what you will get in Chen Ji – one of the most popular and the tastiest ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA! On their menu, you can find more than 100 dishes; from classic noodles, fried rice, and aromatic soups to untypical, traditional Chinese food such as jellyfish salad, duck tongues, or cow bellies.
The average price of most of the dishes is around 5 €!
Monday to Sunday, 12:00-23:00
cca 5 €
Carrer d’Alí Bei, 65, 08013, Barcelona
#3 La Malandrina
Another good choice for cheap eats in Barceloneta is La Malandrina. Small restaurant for meat lovers with a big appetite! This Argentinian-Uruguayan place serves very good quality steaks at affordable prices. For 9 € you will get short ribs, chicken breast, sirloin, or skirt steak. All accompanied by a salad, rice or potatoes, and homemade dressing. If you are not on a tight budget, you should also try their other grilled specialties.
Monday to Sunday, 13:00-24:00
cca 10 €
Carrer de l’Almirall Cervera, 5
Where to stay
This modern apartment is perfect for families or groups of friends, as it features one large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. Luminosity, amplitude, and warmth are the main features of this home, converted into a very comfortable space. It is very close to monuments and major touristic areas, such as Sagrada Familia and the famous Paseo de Gracia, known for its luxurious shops and modernist houses, conceived by Gaudi. The picturesque district Gotico, close as well, disposing of a large variety of world food restaurants.
From €55 per night – Reference: BH-1971- License: HUTB-011654
APARTMENT FOR 4 PEOPLE IN BARCELONA
This wonderful apartment, recently refurbished and decorated to satisfy all your needs during your stay, presents a pair of opened bedrooms that are as bright and spacious. The rooms are the perfect place to rest and relax. The interior has an overall minimalist style. Its proximity to the emblematic Hospital de Sant Pau, the well-known Sagrada Familia, and the Gracia neighbourhood make this place an excellent accommodation for amateurs of local culture and architecture. The neighbourhood offers several cultural activities and a great choice of restaurants.
From €63 per night – Reference: BH-2023 – License: HUTB-002560
Studio apartment in Barcelona recently renovated. It has a nice atmosphere and a warm design. Is located in the quiet neighbourhood of “Sant Gervasi Galvany” very well connected to the city center by public transport and 15 minutes from Plaza Catalunya. For those who want to enjoy the nightlife, there are several clubs within 5 minutes walk. The apartment is next to Barrio de Gracia, a lively area full of restaurants, cafés, and squares. The area is also full of local designer shops. This studio is undoubtedly the best choice for couples or somebody who wants to enjoy privacy and tranquility.
From €69 per night – Reference: BH-1453 – License: HUTB-011523
