Barcelona, with
its tasty food, nightlife, city beaches and unique Gaudi-built architecture is
an exciting and colourful city to explore. However, with so much to keep
visitors occupied costs can build up quickly. Here are my tips on how to save
money while enjoying the best Barcelona has to offer.
Transport
Like most large
European cities, Barcelona has an extensive and reliable public transport
system. Buy a T10 ticket for less than €10 and you can take 10 trips on the metro
or bus. Not only is it simpler than paying individual fares, as long as you
take 10 trips, it is cheaper. If you plan to visit other nearby towns or areas
it is also cheaper to take the train than book expensive tours through travel
agents.
Accommodation
One of the biggest dents in a traveller's budget is often accommodation. There is a trend
at the moment to rent holiday apartments. Depending on the number of people
staying and the length of stay these holiday rentals can work out cheaper than
per night accommodation prices. They also usually have kitchen facilities,
which means you can save money by making light meals yourself.
Food
Eating well is a
great pleasure for the Spanish and with such treats available as Iberian Ham,
Manchego cheese, a plethora of tapas, sangria and churros con chocolate, it is
not something visitors should miss. The best way to eat inexpensively in
Barcelona is to look out for set menus at lunchtime. These three-course ‘menu
del dia’ will fill you up for around €15, which is considerably cheaper than
eating a large evening meal. If you are hungry again later go to a bar that
offers free tapas to bar customers. It is also cheaper to keep to small
restaurants off the main streets.
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| Spanish ham |
Drinks
If you enjoy a
drink in the evening small bars in quieter locations will offer the best
prices. If you are happy to buy a beer on the street and sit in a town square
people watching, that is cheaper still.
Culture
Many of
Barcelona’s museums and galleries offer free entry on specified nights or
discounts on certain days. Check the establishment’s website before you visit
to take advantage of the best offers. Students should ensure they can present
their student card to enter at discounted prices. If you plan to visit a lot of
museums and galleries purchasing a ‘Barcelona Card’ can also bring savings.
Shopping
Keep to markets and street stalls for the best shopping prices but if you do go into shops don’t assume that
marked prices are the final prices items will sell for. If you ask politely,
shopkeepers will often bargain on prices, especially those of souvenirs.
Generally speaking, the more items you can see for sale, the more likely the
shopkeeper is to bargain.
Nights out
If your travel
experience is all about hitting the town on nights out Barcelona is a great
destination. The Spanish are late-night people and Barcelona’s streets buzz in
the evenings. Nightclub cover charges often include the first drink, but to
avoid paying any entry fee at all simply arrive before 11.30pm, which is
still pretty early by Spanish standards).
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| Barcelona beach, Spain |
Explore on foot
Much of the life
in Barcelona can be found down the streets of the cities districts. Exploring
El Gotico, El Born, Eixample and other areas on foot is the best way to take it
all in, and of course, is free.
Las Ramblas
The heart and
soul of Barcelona to some, a tourist trap to others, Las Ramblas is a long, and
busy, avenue showcasing Barcelona’s love of life. From bars and cafes to street
performers and trades people operating mini market stalls, Las Ramblas has
plenty to keep the casual observer occupied and is definitely worth enjoying a
stroll along. For inexpensive replenishments dive off down a side street and
keep an eye on your bag as pickpockets pounce on those distracted by the
sights.
Hit the Beach
When you need to
chill out and recover from everything else you have been up to in Barcelona
head for the city’s marvelous sandy beaches. Barcelonata is the most popular
but on a sunny day you can guarantee all of the beaches will be busy. Relax and
enjoy them but beware that Barcelona’s petty thieves operate a lively trade on
them too.
Have you been to
Barcelona? Can you think of any other money saving tips? Please share them in
the comments section below.
Photo credits: Sarah Ackerman, Andrey Belenko
