When it comes to bang for your buck, Barcelona has it all: beautiful architecture, coastal location and a cosmopolitan energy that makes it one of Europe’s foremost cultural hubs for art, fashion and technology.
With so much to offer, though, it's also the most expensive city in Spain when it comes to the cost of living. Travelers here will feel the difference – especially if they’re used to visiting a more affordable part of the country.
From the cost of visiting attractions to the nightly rate at your accommodation, everything seems to be a little bit more expensive in Gaudí's playground. However, there are savings to be made compared to Europe’s other urban titans like Paris or London, especially if you're privy to some insider tips. Here's everything you need to know about stretching your budget in Barcelona.
A cab from the airport to the city center will cost you at least €30 each way, but a round-trip Aerobús ticket is only €11.65. A bus departs right outside both airport terminals and goes as far as Plaça Catalunya but also makes stops in Plaça Espanya and Universitat.
You could also take the metro from the airport if it gets you closer to your destination, but you may have a few transfers to make, which won’t be fun if you’re towing around heavy luggage.
This isn’t just a budget travel tip – of course, you will find cheaper rates in the off-season – because Barcelona in the winter is quite underrated. The winter season brings round traditions that summer tourists never experience, like calçot barbecues and Llum, a festival of lights that takes place every winter in the Poblenou neighborhood.
You could also plan a budget-friendly day of skiing nearby – take the train up to the Pyrenees and enjoy some of the cheapest resort prices in Western Europe.
If you’re still early in the planning stage, time your trip so you’ll be in Barcelona on the first Sunday of the month. On this day, many of the city’s biggest museums open their doors for free, including the Picasso Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Urban History of Barcelona, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, Montjuïc Castle and more.
The city center is home to most of Barcelona’s historic landmarks, especially if you’re interested in Barcelona’s Roman origins and its medieval period, but it tends to be more touristy and expensive. You’ll likely find cheaper accommodations and restaurants if you stay in one of the peripheral neighborhoods like Gràcia, Poble Sec or Poblenou, where each district's charm is an attraction in itself. For cheaper options, consider further-out neighborhoods like Sants, Les Corts or Clot. It will take longer to get around, but the savings are worth the effort.
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If there’s one site you cannot pass on while visiting Barcelona, it’s La Sagrada Família. The immense basilica is famed architect Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated creation and the most iconic edifice in a city filled with great architecture. Taking a guided tour of this UNESCO World heritage site is a no-brainer, but you can do much better than a quick visit if you want to admire the site. Booking a hotel near La Sagrada Família (maybe even a hotel with views of the basilica) will allow you to see Gaudí’s last and most cherished project again and again. After all, you can never get enough.
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In this blog post, not only will we explain why everyone should consider adding a visit to Park Güell to their Barcelona itinerary – we’ll even give you essential advice for enjoying your time there too!
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