Barcelona on a Budget

Are you on a budget but still want to explore the vibrant city of Barcelona? There are plenty of cheap and free things to do that will give you a taste of the city’s rich culture and history. And with the beautiful architecture and stunning views, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy your trip. On this page I’m sharing all the tips for Barcelona on a budget, all the free and cheap activities in the cities are listed here.

Free Sights in Barcelona

There are many sights in Barcelona that are totally free to visit. Like the exterior of many Gaudi buildings, including the Sagrada Familia. But also the Gothic Bridge, Parc de la Ciutadella, La Rambla, Arc de Triomf and the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral in Born are open to the public.

Barcelona Museums for free

Many museums in Barcelona are free to visit on the first Sunday of the month and/or on Sundays after 3pm.
Museums are one of the best ways to learn about Barcelona’s history and traditions. While some of the city’s museums can be quite expensive, there are plenty of affordable and free options as well. One of the must-visit museums is the Barcelona Museum of History (Museu d’Historia de Barcelona or MUHBA), which offers free admission the entire day on the first Sunday of every month, and all other Sundays after 3pm. Visitors can learn about the city’s development from Roman times until the present day, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep you engaged.

Another affordable option is the Museu d’Història de Catalunya, which explores the unique history and identity of Catalonia. Admission is just 4 euros, and for free on the first Sunday of the month from 10am to 2:30pm. There are also several free admission days throughout the year, check their website for this list.

For art aficionados, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya offers stunning works from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. Admission is normally 12 euros, but there are free admission days on Saturdays after 3 pm and on the first Sunday of the month.

If you’re interested in contemporary art, head to the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona. This museum is completely free on Sundays from 3-8pm, and features exhibitions and events that showcase the city’s creative side. Past exhibitions have included street art, photography, and interactive installations.

The Barcelona Maritime Museum is also free to visit on Sundays after 3pm. The museum is located in the shipyard that has been around since 1378. You’ll learn all about the history of the location and maritime life in Barcelona. There are also some great ship replicas on display.

Extra museum tip: if you’re a student or a teacher many musea are also free to enter. So make sure to bring your student or teacher pass.

Free Barcelona Festivals

But you don’t have to visit a museum to experience Barcelona’s culture. There are plenty of free events and festivals that take place throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Festa Major de Gracia, which takes place in August and features stunning street decorations, music, and traditional Catalan dancing. Similarly, the Festa Major de Sants in August and the La Mercè festival in September are both free events that offer a taste of Barcelona’s unique traditions.

Click here for all food festivals in Barcelona.

Free views over Barcelona

If you’re looking for a cheap way to see the city from a new vantage point, head to the top of the Bunkers del Carmel. These former anti-aircraft bunkers provide stunning views of the city and are completely free to explore. And there are many more free viewpoints in Barcelona.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a labyrinth in Barcelona. It’s a beautiful park in the Horta neighborhood at the edge of the city center. It’s especially nice for kids. Entry is only 2,23 but it’s even completely free on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Click here for all my tips for Barcelona with kids.

Cheap restaurants in Barcelona

I find the restaurants in Barcelona in general to be quite cheap. Especially if you go to an unpretentious small tapas bar. You’ll get good quality food for a very low price. Another great food tip for if you’re on a budget; many restaurants offer a ‘menu del dia’ either for lunch or dinner. You’ll often get a three course menu with a drink for around 10-15 euros.
Below I’m highlighting a few good restaurant deals if you’re looking for cheap eats in Barcelona.

Piñata Cantina

Every Tuesday it’s Taco Tuesday at Piñata Cantina in Sant Antoni. This colorful restaurant has tacos for only €1 every Tuesday evening. You order 4 tacos for €4 if you also buy at least one drink. They only have their pork tacos available for this deal. So vegetarian tacos aren’t available for this deal. Piñata Cantina opens up at 6pm on Tuesdays.

DelHiras

Also low-budget on Tuesdays: DelHiras has Empenadas for only 2,50! Every Tuesday from 6pm onwards. DelHiras, located in Eixample, has different flavored empanadas included in this offer. Like pulled pork, cheese-onion and corn.

Pizzeria Da Nanni

Pizzeria Da Nanni has several restaurants in Barcelona, the most popular ones are in El Born and Eixample. They serve tasty Pizza Napolitana. For a 33cm pizza you only pay 5 euros (you pay extra for toppings). And they have a 24cm pizza for only €3.50! This last offer is only valid for their locations on Carrer Llibreteria 10 and Carrer Tallers 72.

La Fabrica del Taco

La Fabrica del Taco does unlimited tacos for a set price. They call it a Buffet Infinitaco, but it’s not a buffet style, you can just order the tacos of your choice from the menu. They’ve also got vegan options; for them you pay 0,20 per taco extra. On Mondays to Thursdays you pay €16.90 until 5pm and €18.90 from 7:30 to 10:30pm. On Fridays to Sundays you pay €19.90 for unlimited tacos.

Budget on the beach

Finally, no trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the beach. The Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular spots for tourists and locals alike, offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean and a lively atmosphere. While food and drink prices can be high at beachfront restaurants, you can bring your own snacks and enjoy a picnic on the sand.

In conclusion, budget travellers can still enjoy everything that Barcelona has to offer. From museums to festivals to stunning views of the city, there are plenty of affordable and even free options for travellers of all ages. By exploring the city’s unique culture and traditions, you can have a meaningful trip without breaking the bank. 

Click here for the best Instagram spots in Barcelona.