The Best Cheap Eats in Barcelona

Barcelona is a dream for food lovers — and it doesn’t have to break the bank. While the city has no shortage of upscale dining, some of the best meals in Barcelona cost just a few euros. From fresh market bites to local tapas joints, this guide will help you find the best cheap eats in Barcelona without sacrificing flavor or experience.

Just a quick note: This page might include affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything from the links I receive a tiny commission to support this website. The good news? I only recommend products I actually use and believe in. So you’re getting the best products at a super good price.

Visit the local markets

Markets are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to find cheap eats in Barcelona. Whether you want a snack, a sit-down bite, or a chance to wander past rows of colorful produce and jamón, these two central markets are the best places to start.

La Boqueria Market (Touristy but Worth It)

Located just off Las Ramblas, La Boqueria is the most famous market in Barcelona — and yes, it’s touristy, but still worth a visit. You’ll find everything from €1 fruit cups and €3 smoothies to cones of jamón and manchego cheese for less than €4.

There are also tapas bars inside, where you can sit down for a quick lunch. Prices here are a bit higher than elsewhere. However, if you stick to affordable classics like pan con tomate, papas fritas, or a bocadillo, you can easily enjoy a budget-friendly meal in the middle of the action.

Mercat de Sant Antoni (More Local, Less Crowded)

A short walk from the Gothic Quarter, Mercat de Sant Antoni is where locals actually shop — and eat. While it has fewer Instagrammable smoothie stands, it makes up for it with authentic food stalls, better prices, and a slower pace.

Come at lunchtime and you’ll see locals grabbing beers and plates of paella, pasta, or seafood before heading back to work. It’s a great place to try fresh, cooked-to-order food or to pick up fruit and snacks for the day. Expect to spend less here than at La Boqueria — and enjoy a much more local vibe.

Travel Tip! If you’re visiting the Picasso Museum, pair it with a walk to Sant Antoni for lunch. It’s about a mile away, and you’ll get to explore a less touristy neighborhood.

Cafés and Grab-and-Go Eats in Barcelona

Barcelona’s café culture is strong — and a great way to find cheap eats between sightseeing stops. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee, a light breakfast, or a casual sandwich, there’s no shortage of spots where you can fuel up without spending more than a few euros.

What to Order at Cafés

Most cafés offer café con leche (a milky coffee) for around €2, and many serve bocadillos (baguette sandwiches) filled with jamón, cheese, or tortilla for €3–€4. You’ll often see pastry and coffee combos for less than €3, especially in local chains.

If you’re trying to eat cheaply in Barcelona without skipping quality, hitting up cafés is one of the easiest daily money-savers.

Favorite Budget-Friendly Cafés

Eat the Menu del Dia

If you’re eating out in Barcelona and want a full meal without blowing your budget, look for the “Menú del Día” — a set daily lunch special that’s typically served Monday through Friday.

For around €10–€15, you’ll get a starter, a main dish, dessert (or coffee), and sometimes a drink or glass of wine. These menus are designed for locals, so you’ll get a hearty, traditional meal at a great value.

Restaurants list their menú del día on a chalkboard outside or printed near the entrance. If you don’t see it, just ask — even tourist-heavy spots often have one for office workers nearby.

These lunches are typically served between 1:00–3:30 p.m., so try to time your sightseeing around them.

Pinchos are a must!

If you want to snack your way through Barcelona without spending a ton, pinchos are one of the best cheap eats in town. These bite-sized bar snacks, usually served on slices of bread with a toothpick stuck in, come topped with everything from jamón to smoked salmon to tortilla española.

Most bars charge €1–€3 per pincho, depending on the toothpick style, so you can build a full meal for under €10 if you pace yourself.

You grab a plate, pick whatever looks good, and pay based on the number and style of toothpicks at the end. It’s fun, filling, and a great way to sample lots of flavors without committing to a big meal.

Where to Try Them

El Drac de Sant Jordi Located with views of the Basilica de Santa Maria, the El Drac Gothic Quarter location is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Their menu features 80 different pinchos with a variety of styles. Be sure to try the crab salad and cheese with anchovies.

Bilbao Berria Barcelona Bilbao pinchos are 2 and 3€ a piece. The restaurant also has a tapas menu you can order small plates from. Many people recommend the sangria but be warned… sangria is largely a tourist drink.

Tapas on a Budget in Barcelona

Tapas are a must in Spain — but they don’t have to break the bank. While some trendy spots can charge €15+ per plate, plenty of local bars and casual joints serve fantastic tapas at budget-friendly prices. You just need to know where to go (and what to order).

Local Tapas Bars That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

These spots are loved by locals and offer great value:

>> Looking for something to do? I joined this tapas tour on our trip to Barcelona and loved it!

Best Budget Tapas to Order

If you want to fill up without going broke, order like a local:

  • Pan con tomate – Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil. Simple, delicious, and usually the cheapest thing on the menu.
  • Patatas bravas – Fried potatoes with spicy sauce. A classic, and very shareable.
  • Pimientos de padrón – Mild fried green peppers with sea salt. Slightly addictive.
  • Tortilla española – Spanish omelette with potatoes. Thick, hearty, and filling.
  • Olives – Usually just a couple euros for a bowl. Great snack while you sip a drink.
  • Calamares fritos – Fried calamari is often one of the more affordable seafood options.

Budget Tip: Pair a few cheap tapas with a local vermut (vermouth) for a full Barcelona experience under €10–15.

Weekly Food Deals & Restaurant Specials in Barcelona

Barcelona is full of food deals if you know where to look. Whether you’re craving a burger, taco, or traditional Spanish bite, here are a few budget-friendly spots with specials that can help stretch your euros.

The Quick Greek
Enjoy a full combo for just 7€—pita, fries, and a drink. A solid choice for a filling lunch that doesn’t break the bank.

La Fabrica del Taco
Score 1€ tacos daily. While portions are small, a few will fill you up without costing more than pocket change.

365 Café
This local chain has locations all over the city. Try the coffee and croissant combo for 2€—perfect for a light breakfast or midday snack.

The Good Burger
On Thursdays, it’s 2-for-1 burgers. Grab a friend and split the bill or save one for later. Either way, you’re winning.

100 Montaditos
Every Wednesday, everything on the menu is just 1€. From mini sandwiches to snacks and drinks, it’s a go-to for budget travelers who want variety.

Consider a food tour

If you’re like me and travel mouth first, food tours are one of the best ways to experience a city—especially one as delicious as Barcelona.

Trying six dishes at six different restaurants might sound like a dream, but it’s not exactly budget-friendly or realistic. That’s where food tours come in: you get a curated taste of the city, hit local favorites you might not find on your own, and leave full. Like, skipping-dinner-tonight full.

My favorite in Barcelona is this affordable food tour, which includes 3 hours of walking, eating, and learning from a local guide. You’ll try regional specialties, visit tucked-away spots, and even get some tips for where to eat next. The cost is around $70, which is less than what you’d spend hopping between five different restaurants anyway.

If you’re short on time or want to make your first night in the city count, a food tour is the perfect intro to Barcelona’s food scene.

More Barcelona Tips + Inspiration

I hope you enjoyed finding some great cheap eats for your trip to Barcelona! Here are some other posts to help you plan your trip to Spain:

  • Need help with flights? I’ve put together the best ways to travel to Spain on a budget
  • Barcelona can be affordable – check out my guide to visiting on a budget
  • Planning a visit to Montserrat? Don’t miss this helpful guide to visiting with a guide or on your own

Similar Posts