From free museums on Sundays to the cheapest way to get to Park Güell, save your cash for the tapas.
Barcelona is a city that can easily drain your wallet if you're not careful. Between Gaudí's masterpieces, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, the costs can add up. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Living here as a student taught me how to experience the best of the city without breaking the bank.
Here are five essential hacks to make your euros go further.
1. Master the Metro with a T-casual Card
Don't buy single metro tickets. As soon as you arrive, head to a machine and purchase a "T-casual" card. It gives you 10 journeys on the metro, buses, and trams for a fraction of the cost of buying individual tickets. It's the single best way to save on transport.
2. Eat the "Menú del Día"
This is the ultimate Spanish life hack. Most restaurants offer a menú del día (menu of the day) on weekdays for lunch. For about €12-€15, you get a three-course meal including a starter, a main, a dessert or coffee, and a drink (yes, often including wine or beer). It's a huge, delicious meal for an incredible price. Eat your big meal at lunch and just have light tapas for dinner.
3. Know Your Free Museum Times
Many of Barcelona’s best museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, and sometimes on other weekday afternoons. Check their websites before you go—a little planning can save you over €20 in entry fees.
4. Skip the Taxi to Park Güell
Getting to Park Güell can be tricky. A taxi is expensive, and the metro stop is a long, uphill walk. The secret? Take the Bus 24 from Plaça de Catalunya. It winds its way up the hill and drops you right near a side entrance, saving you money and a sweaty hike.
5. Enjoy the Free Stuff
The best things in Barcelona are often free! Spend hours getting lost in the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, relax on Barceloneta beach (just watch your belongings!), and for the best view of the city, hike up to the Bunkers del Carmel at sunset. It's a panoramic view that rivals any paid observation deck, and it costs nothing.