Plaza España, Barcelona, Spain by Canaan

Travel & Accommodation

As with most trips, the lion’s share of your budget will probably go on flights, airport transfers and accommodation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whenever I am planning a trip, my first task is to check out what I have in terms of air miles and rewards cards. If I can get  flight for free, or at least for a discounted price, then that frees up money to spend once I reach my destination!

When it comes to hotel accommodation in Barcelona prices are based on style rather than location, so if you are happy to choose more basic accommodation then it is possible to find something fairly central for a reasonable price. One great tip is to select a hotel which usually caters to business travellers, if you stay here over the weekend or during a holiday than you will get a cheaper rate.

If you are looking for absolute rock bottom pricing then Barcelona also has its fair share of hostels if you are happy to sleep dormitory style and share a bathroom with several strangers.

Finding Low Cost Activities

One of the main things that people always connect with Barcelona is the arts, and culture in general. When we hear ‘culture’ we often think it is going to be expensive, but that is not always the case! One of the most famous sights in Barcelona is Las Ramblas. Perhaps the most famous street in all of Spain, this 1.2km long boulevard runs directly through the heart of the city.

Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain by Oh-Barcelona.com

Not only is Las Ramblas a bustling shopping area, but you will be able to see the famous ‘living statues’ and other forms of street entertainment. The living statues are often painted from head to toe in silver, gold, bronze or stone effects. You will be astounded at how still they are, with the best barely breathing or moving their eyes – until that is a tourist drops a coin in their hat or bucket, then they will come to life and offer performances ranging from mime and dance to music and singing. This is fantastic entertainment for just a few euros!

In addition to the lively entertainment offered on Las Ramblas, you will find that many of the museums and galleries are free to visit, or hold regular open days. Some of the places to check out include Museu Picasso which is free on the first Sunday of each month, Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) which offers free admission on the first Monday of the month and the Centre de Cultura Contemprania de Barcelona which is free on the first Wednesday of the month. As you can see, it is certainly better to visit Barcelona early in the month!

Another famous tourist attraction is the Magic Fountain at Montjuic, which offers a breathtaking display of colour, lights, music and movement. The Magic Fountain has shows scheduled Thursday through Sunday all year round and is a must see when visiting Barcelona.

Magic Fountain at Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain by Iván Melenchón Serrano

In conclusion, I think that it is clear that a budget trip to Barcelona is certainly possible. Once you have secured flights and accommodation, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. I have listed enough free activities to keep you busy for 5 days in this article alone, which will free up your cash for more expensive activities such as Barcelona Zoo or Camp Nou Stadium. Barcelona is beautiful and now you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.

Tim Baker is a writer who loves travelling around the world spending as little as possible by taking advantage of Avios shopping rewards and other programs.

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