Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe, especially for group holidays. However, this Spanish marvel has also become increasingly more expensive in some aspects and might not be the first destination you think of when you’re looking to book a cheap and cheerful budget holiday.
Fear not, though, as there are plenty of ways to delve into Barcelona’s rich history, art, culture and entertainment options without breaking the bank – and we’re more than happy to share.
Eating: Head to the Locals’ Favourites
Some of the city’s best restaurants are in fact located away from the tourist-heavy areas of La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia. Head to Gracia or Poble Sec for a wallet-friendly meal, where you’ll find delicious food at prices that are much more affordable than in the Gothic Quarter.
Transfers: Book a Shared Shuttle
A really convenient and cost-effective way to travel from the airport direct to your accommodation, pre-booking a shared shuttle transfer takes the hassle out of your transfer. Sharing the cost of this between the members of your group means this could even work out cheaper than public transport – the perfect way to begin your budget holiday in Barcelona!
Exploring: Enjoy a FREE Tour
While you might expect, correctly, that many of the tours on offer in the city are rather expensive, you might not be aware of the multiple free options available. Walking tours that come with a zero price tag operate throughout the Gothic Quarter and in the nearby areas to explore some of Gaudi’s best-known works. You can even hop on a bike for a free tour, although it’s worth remembering that it’s considered good practice to tip your tour guide, whether you’re walking or cycling!
Events: Look For Freebies!
The event calendar in Barcelona is filled with variety, whether you fancy music concerts, free cinema screenings or street parties. Check out the Festa Major, a network of street parties hosted in every neighbourhood of the city, with live concerts, dancing and colourful decorations lighting up the nights.
You can also head to the beach during your budget holiday in Barcelona for more than sun, sea and sand! You’ll find free cinema screenings on certain days of the year, whilst September sees the hosting of the La Merced festival.
La Sagrada Familia: Enjoy the Exterior
This is undoubtedly one of the city’s most iconic attractions but you don’t necessarily need to head inside to appreciate its full beauty and splendour. Why not save on the admission fee (which can be anything from €15 to €29) and just take it all in from the outside? You won’t be disappointed.
Barcelona, whilst it may be becoming a little more expensive, is in fact the ideal destination for those looking for budget holiday with a group of friends. You can still enjoy the wonderful food, culture, architecture and entertainment for a reasonable amount of money, and you’ll certainly make some incredible memories and share in some wonderful experiences.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you're heading off on a budget holiday, pre-book a shared transfer to your hotel to save money. Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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