Barcelona on a Budget: 2 Days of Fun!

Discover Barcelona's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Barcelona is a beautiful and vibrant city that can be explored even on a tight budget. From the iconic Gothic Quarter to the famous Park Guell, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. With affordable accommodation options and cheap eats, a trip to Barcelona can offer an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Gothic Quarter

  • Start the day with a breakfast of churros and hot chocolate at Granja La Pallaresa, a traditional Catalan cafe.
  • Explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, stopping at the stunning Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça del Rei.
  • Visit the Picasso Museum to see some of the artist's early works and gain insight into his life in Barcelona.
  • Grab a quick lunch at La Boqueria, a vibrant market filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
  • Take a stroll along Las Ramblas, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • End the day with a sunset view from the top of Montjuïc, a hill that overlooks the city and offers stunning vistas.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hostal Goya, centrally located and affordable for budget travelers.
Day 2

Gaudi and Beach Day

  • Start the day with a visit to Park Güell, a whimsical park designed by Gaudi that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Make your way to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous unfinished cathedral that is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
  • Head to Barceloneta beach for some sun, sand, and sea. Rent a beach chair and umbrella or try windsurfing or paddleboarding.
  • Enjoy some seafood and cocktails at one of the many beachside restaurants, like La Guingueta or El Bigote del Raval.
  • In the evening, check out the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, a colorful display of water, light, and music that is free to the public.
  • End the night with a drink at one of Barcelona's rooftop bars, like the Skybar at Grand Hotel Central or the Terrat at Mandarin Oriental.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Oasis, located near the beach and offering stylish rooms at an affordable price.
  • Barcelona may be known for its architecture and beaches, but it also offers a vibrant culinary scene and a rich cultural history. With this itinerary, you can experience the best of the city on a limited budget.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Barcelona by plane is to fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the main international airport in the city, served by many major airlines from all around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Barcelona by car is to drive on the AP-7 toll motorway that runs all along the eastern coast of Spain, passing through cities like Valencia and Alicante before finally reaching Barcelona.

Train

The best way to get to Barcelona by train is to take a Renfe Train from Madrid to Barcelona. The journey takes around two and a half hours and the train station in Barcelona is called Sants Station.

Boat

The best way to get to Barcelona by boat is to take a ferry that runs from several cities along the Mediterranean coast, such as Rome or Palma de Mallorca, to Barcelona Port. There are several companies that provide this service including Grimaldi Lines and Balearia.

Bus

The best way to get to Barcelona by bus is to take a Eurolines coach that runs from major European cities to Estació del Nord Bus Station in Barcelona.

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