Barcelona is one of the cheaper Western European cities to visit but you can still find plenty of ways to save money. Here is a guide on how to save money in Barcelona to make your next trip a little easier on your wallet.

1. Find the cheap eats

Be sure to check out my guide to cheap eats in Barcelona for a in-depth guide to the best food deals!

Barcelona has some incredible food options but some of them come with a hefty price tag. The good news? You don’t have to eat expensively to eat well in Barcelona. There are numerous weekly specials, cheap cafes and local tapas and pinchos that are well worth your time. Pinchos, especially, are a great way to save money. You know what price you’re paying upfront and the meals are almost always served on bread, making them a filling choice when you’re watching your wallet.

2. Stay close to the Gothic Quarter…

Most of the time, staying away from the touristy area will save you money but Barcelona public transportation can be very expensive. Depending on how often you want to be near the action, it is more affordable to stay near the Gothic Quarter. If you need to take the metro be sure to purchase a T10 ticket and not a single fare. You’ll save a lot of money.

3. … But don’t spend at La Ramba

La Ramba is a tourist trap made to make you spend huge sums of money that locals never would. A tour guide told us you’ll pay 75% more. Yikes. The food and the entertainment is absurdly overpriced – don’t waste your time or your money. Trust me, there are much nicer parts of the city and you’ll pay a fraction of the cost.

4. Take advantage of free admission days

There are many local attractions that offer free admission days in Barcelona. Sundays are always free admission day for almost all major museums, but some of them also offer other free opportunities. Here’s a quick list:

• Picasso Museum Free admission every Thursday from 6-9:30p
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Free admission every Saturday starting at 3:00p
• Museu d’Historia de Barcelona Free admission every Saturday after 3:00p
• Monthuic Castle Free admission every Sunday after 3:00p

5. Travel during low season

With its Mediterranean coast, Barcelona has good weather year-round. Truly, there is no bad time to visit Barcelona. But if you want to beat the crowds and the heat, then the best time to visit the city is during the winter months. With highs in the 50s and 60s, you’ll find a quick jacket is all you need to enjoy the city during the coldest time of the year. Sure, you can’t enjoy the beach but Barcelona has a lot more to offer than its beach anyways. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money with low season hotel prices.

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