How to experience Barcelona on a budget

Every region of Spain prides itself on autonomy and a cultural-uniqueness that is void from the rest of the country, and none more so than the province of Catalonia.

What is commonly known as the most expensive region of Spain, with its capital being widely accepted as the nation’s dearest city, there is an old saying in Catalonia, “Barcelona es bona si la bossa sona”, translating as “Barcelona is good when your pockets are full.”

Whilst it is very possible to spend a small fortune is the stylish and cosmopolitan Catalan capital, contrary to popular perception, it is possible to do Barcelona on a budget – Here’s how!

Visit a festival

Rarely a week goes by when Barcelona is not holding some kind of explosive and highly entertaining festival. Whilst many of Barcelona’s most popular sites and attractions charge quite a hefty entrance fee, most festivals and fiestas are free to enter and are there to be celebrated.

In fact attending a festival in Barcelona, such as La Merce in September, is one of the best ways to experience Barcelona on a budget and witness the unique culture of this fascinating Spanish city.

Visit a museum on a Sunday afternoon

In an attempt to increase the waning number of tourists visiting Barcelona’s many museums, the city’s council made entrance into all the museums in the city free on a Sunday afternoon and extended the opening hours until 8pm – Now you have no excuse not to witness some of the oldest, rarest and most fascinating artefacts Barcelona is home to.

Menu del dia

Eating out in restaurants can be a ‘dear do’ in Barcelona. To help keep costs down look for restaurants that offer a ‘Menu del dia’ – menu of the day – which consists of a set menu of three courses often for less than 10 euros per person.

Make your trip to Barcelona outside ‘high season’

Touristy areas always put the prices up during high season, such as the summer holidays and Christmas, with Barcelona being no exception.

Visiting the awe-inspiring Catalan capital in ‘quieter’ periods can prove to be much less expensive. Springtime is an especially great time to visit Barcelona, as not only is the weather beginning to warm up without being stifling hot, and the streets not too laden with tourists, but you will also find you’ll get a much better deal in restaurants, hotels and attractions than a couple of weeks later in the peak tourist season.