As a traveler in a new culture, it will be really hard, if not impossible, to look “local” so why not just be comfortable and go with the flow? (However, this doesn’t mean wandering La Rambla with three cameras tied around your neck wearing socks and sandals — there are limits!)

Acting like a tourist is a different subject. We’re here to help you overcome some common mistakes that tourists make when visiting Barcelona, from spending too much time on La Rambla to trying to eat at 6 p.m.

Related:
• How to navigate Barcelona’s most popular attractions
• 10 Best cheap hotels in Barcelona

25 Things to do in Barcelona & What to Avoid

Follow our lead and you’ll be acting (and eating) like a local in no time!

Barcelona Basics

1. Do try to learn a few words in Spanish and Catalan.

Por favor, gracias and bon dia go a long way.

2. Do try to adhere to local customs and schedules.

Remember that Spaniards eat late and that many shops will be closed midday for lunch and on Sundays.

3. Don’t get too political.

It’s fine to ask locals their opinion on Catalan independence, but be careful if you’re voicing very pro-Catalonia or pro-Spain opinions. You might end up offending those around you and find yourself in a heated debate or fight.

Late dinner means more time for snacking on tapas beforehand! Photo: Craig Nelson

Eating & drinking in Barcelona

4. Don’t eat on La Rambla if you can avoid it.

We’ve been over this many times before, but it’s worth mentioning again.

5. Do visit Barcelona’s wine bars.

Head to these spots to sip reds and whites from all over Spain.

6. Don’t tip 20% on your restaurant bill.

Tipping is not common in Spain. If you want to leave something, leave your change or a couple of euros.

7. Do take a cooking class.

Learn how to make Catalan dishes and Spanish classics like paella.

8. Don’t try to go to dinner at 6 p.m.

Any respectable restaurant won’t even open the doors until 8 p.m. (Here are 18 tips for eating like a local in Barcelona.)

9. Do eat delicious tapas.

Tapas will get you over the 6 p.m. hump and tide you over until your late Spanish dinner.

10. Do visit the famous Boqueria Market, but…

Also visit Barcelona’s lesser-known markets, all of which will be less crowded. Santa Caterina is a good option.

11. Don’t order paella for dinner.

It’s a lunch dish considered too heavy for a late meal.

A shop selling Spanish jamón in La Boqueria Market. Photo: Jessica Spengler

Shopping

12. Don’t take photos in shops or at market stands unless you’ve asked permission.

Fortunately, most of the time, the vendors will say yes.

13. Do shop for exquisite Spanish shoes and clothing.

Looking for Zara, Mango, etc.? Head to the Gothic Quarter around Portal de l’Àngel and Carrer Comtal.

14. Do score deep discounts during the twice-annual city-wide sales.

They’re held in Barcelona in January/February and July/August.

15. Don’t buy souvenirs on La Rambla.

Look for locally made goodies to take home on side-streets off La Rambla.

16. Do check out museum stores.

They offer a great selection of books on Barcelona and artsy souvenirs crafted in Barcelona.

The spectacular Park Güell designed by Gaudí. Photo: Jorge Franganillo on Flickr

Sightseeing

17. Do pay the entrance fee to see La Sagrada Família.

It’s Barcelona’s most important sight and there is a reason for this — it’s stunning! Cough up the entrance fee and spend a few hours inside gawking at Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. (And do get tickets online and skip the wait. Read all of our tips for visiting Sagrada Familia.)

18. Don’t go to Park Güell if you’re short on time.

It’s a bit of trek to get up to Park Güell that can easily eat up most of the day. Stick to Gaudí sights in the city center if you’ve only got a couple of days.

19. Do rent a bike.

Ride along Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk from La Barceloneta to Llevant beach. Stop along the way for lunch at a seaside eatery.

20. Don’t spend all your time on La Rambla.

It’s tempting to spend too much time with the human statues, cheesy vendors and crowds of tourists. But do walk down La Rambla at least once and stop in to see La Boqueria Market.

21. Do take a tour of the Gothic Quarter.

Get an in-depth look at what Barcelona was like in Roman times.

22. Don’t confine yourself to Barcelona’s city limits.

Consider a day trip to Girona to wander its medieval lanes, Figueres to see the Salvador Dalí Museum, or the Penedès region for wine tasting.

Hostal Fernando offers a central location and rooms for every budget. Photo: EuroCheapo

Barcelona Hotels

23. Don’t try to save money by staying at an out-of-the-way hotel.

It’s worth it to spend a little more to be central. You’ll save time and money getting to popular sights, and it will be easier to walk home at night. Check out these affordable hotels near Barcelona’s most popular attractions.

24. Do make sure your hotel has a safe in the room or at the reception desk.

Leave your passport, extra cash and credit cards, and anything else of value that you will not need on you in the safe. Here are 10 tips for staying safe in Barcelona.

25. Don’t pay for an expensive hotel breakfast at your hotel.

Instead, head to the nearest cafe and eat breakfast like a local for about $5-$6 (coffee and a small sandwich or pastry).

Finally, do come to Barcelona with an open mind and flexible itinerary.

Travel is tricky and things may not pan out the way you planned. It could rain, a museum could be closed for remodeling, or the taxi drivers could go on strike.

However, good things can crop up too, and it’s rewarding to be able to spot these opportunities when they surface and embrace them. A restaurant owner offers you something that’s not on the menu, and it turns out to be the best meal of your life. A local invites you over to their condo for coffee, and you make a new friend. A wrong turn takes you down a winding alleyway with unique bars and boutiques.

The unplanned can many times be the best part of the journey — embrace it!

The post 25 Things to Do in Barcelona (and Avoid!) That Will Improve Your Trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Beyond its amazing architecture, most of the things to do in Barcelona cost much lower than elsewhere in Western Europe. Tasty Mediterranean cuisine, clean and comfortable budget accommodations, discounted and free entry to shows, museums, and attractions — Barca has something for every visitor and every pocketbook, even Cheapos!

Budget tips for visiting Barcelona
• Barcelona: The best cheap hotels near top attractions
• 25 Do’s & don’ts to improve your trip to Barcelona
• 7 Phrases to learn before your trip to Barcelona

Budget travel guide to Barcelona

Read on for our best advice on making the most of your euros (and your time) in Barcelona.

Flying into Barcelona–El Prat Airport on a budget airline. Photo: James A

When to visit Barcelona

When it comes to finances, the best time of year to visit Barcelona is mid-January through February. It’s not particularly warm or sunny but it’s not freezing outside either. Besides, once the local Christmas holidays end on Three Kings Day (January 6th), airfare prices plummet and accommodations are especially reasonable, given the low occupancy levels during the lull between the holiday rush and when things warm up again for spring.

That said, deals can be had in Barcelona pretty much year-round, especially from late October through early December and then from mid-January up until Easter week. After Easter week, prices are on the rise but get exponentially higher after locals welcome the summer months in with fireworks and bonfires for Sant Joan’s Eve on June 23rd.

If you must visit for a major city event like the festival of La Merce (September 20-24 in 2024) or the Mobile World Congress (March 3-5 in 2025) our best advice is to book in advance — and not just flights and accommodations but any must-sees on your monument list, too. Gaudi sites like Sagrada Familia are known to sell-out regularly, particularly when your visit coincides with local holidays or an important conference.

Related: How to find the best dates in Barcelona and beat the crowds

Getting to Barcelona

Transatlantic fares to Barcelona start as low as $300 round-trip, if you’re flexible and shop around. For example, we recently found deals from Newark Airport on Tap Air Portugal from $401 and deals in the fall and winter from Boston with Iberia Airlines starting at $399.

If prices for flights to Barcelona seem a bit high for the dates you need, you can always fly into London or Paris, then hop a budget airline to Barcelona from about $33. Look for low-cost airfare to Europe with CheapoSearch.

Getting around

From the airport

To get to the city center from the airport, the best value for your money is to take the train from Barcelona’s old terminal, T2. If you arrive into T1, follow the arrows to the shuttle to T2 and the train. At about €4.50, or even less per ride if you buy and use a T-casual ticket (€12.15 for 10 rides) for your time in Barcelona, it’s cheaper than the Aerobus (€9.75) or the Metro (€5.15) and much cheaper than a taxi (about €30-€45). If you time it right and don’t have to wait for the next train, it’s also slightly faster than taking a regular city bus (46/N16/N17), a €2.40 option.

Walking

Once you get to the center from the airport, Barcelona is a very walkable city. Most of the major attractions you’ll want to see can be reached on foot, and for the most part, the center is fairly flat. That said, a few attractions, such as Gaudi’s Parc Güell, are far enough away that it’s probably worth your while to hop public transit to get there.

Public transit

Fortunately for residents and visitors alike, public transit in Barcelona is very cheap. A one-zone, multi-person 10-trip ticket, called the T-casual, can be had for €12.15. That’s only around one euro per swipe! See our tips on how to use the Barcelona bus system for more information.

Looking out over the city from Park Güell designed by Gaudi. Photo: Lauren F.

Cheap and free things to do in Barcelona

Gaudi for less

While you’re well-advised to go ahead and spend some cash on seeing the inside of some of Gaudi’s buildings, for travelers on a limited budget, there’s another good option: gawking at the outside of said buildings for free. One more pointer? If you’re going to go inside, go ahead and book your tickets online for Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Parc Güell. It’s slightly cheaper, saves you a little time waiting in line, and guarantees you won’t be turned away at the door because they’re sold out for the day.

Related: Best hotels for sleeping near Gaudí architecture

Another free thing to do? Head to Ciutadella, Cervantes, or Palau Reial Parks for a picnic and a walk around the grounds. Ciutadella is the most centrally located, Cervantes has a gorgeous rose garden, and Palau Reial has a Palace. Or, if you can scrounge up €2.23 and a metro pass, head to Barcelona’s Garden Labyrinth Park. Scenes from the movie Perfume were filmed in its neoclassical maze.

We also highly recommend visiting Barcelona’s historic cemeteries in Montjuïc and Poble Sec. Full of fascinating funerary art, they offer unique insights into life in the community.

Most of the city’s museums have a free afternoon weekly, a free day monthly and also waive admission on certain holidays.  For example, MNAC, the National Museum of Catalan Art in the palace on Montjuïc is free Saturday afternoons from 3 p.m. until close, as well as the first Sunday of the month, and on four city holidays. Even the Picasso Museum has a free evening weekly, Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (November through April) or 7 to 9 p.m. (May through October), in addition to a free day every first Sunday of every month.

Tapas is a tasty and cheap staple of Barcelona life. Photo: Craig Nelson

Wallet-friendly eats and drinks

You can’t leave Barcelona without trying staples like Cava and tapas. And before you walk into a restaurant, cafe or bar in Barcelona, there are only a few rules you need to follow to get more bang for your buck:

Don’t eat right next to a popular attraction

Prices will always be higher and the quality has the potential to be lower. This is particularly true on the Rambla.

Eat when the locals eat

Barcelona eats on a very specific schedule, learn it, and you’ll not only save but you’ll be blending in with the locals (or at least trying to). Here are 18 tips to dine like a local in Barcelona.

Boqueria market is busy but worth exploring for local food. Photo: G0Dex

Explore La Boqueria market

Although La Boqueria can be a mob scene, it also a world-class food market with incredible tastes around every corner.  If you push through the crowds, you’ll be rewarded with a more local experience at La Boqueria.

Avoid places with their menu translated into more than three languages

In a popular city like Barcelona, Catalan, Spanish and English are pretty much a given in the city center. If your menu is in more languages than that, scram, because you’re likely in a tourist trap.

Always read the menu and the prices before you go in

Typically places post the prices outside the restaurant, but if not, ask to take a quick glance at the menu just to know what you’re getting into. For a super cheapo meal, head for these five cheap eats under €6.

Go out for lunch

Looking for the best price on freshly prepared food in massive quantities? Go for lunch around 2 to 4 p.m. and grab a menu del día. Multicourse meals including bread, dessert, coffee, and wine start at around €8. For the lowest prices, get away from Plaça Catalunya and La Rambla and head to the side streets. Here are the 8 best lunch deals in Barcelona.

Turn tapas into a meal

Tapas is a beloved tradition in Barcelona. It’s a chance for a quick drink and snack before dinner, but you can also go for a tapas crawl or settle into one spot and fill up on small plates of cheese, ham, and seafood. Read more: Barcelona Tapas Guide: What, where, and when to eat tapas.

The amazing view from Eddy Rooms Barcelona.

Inexpensive accommodations in Barcelona

Compared to Paris, London or even Madrid, Barcelona’s a very reasonable city to sleep in. Basic budget hotels offer private rooms from about €100 per night, and hostels have beds in shared dorms from €35. Apartment vacation rentals start at €80 per night.

Where to stay

It’s important to note that while accommodations out in Barcelona’s outlying neighborhoods like Horta-Guinardó and Clot and sleepier communities like Hospitalet and Santa Coloma may be cheaper, you’re probably better off staying closer to the center. You’ll save time, money and stress! Check out our list of Barcelona neighborhoods to see where to stay. And if you want to stay at our favorite cheapo picks, here are the top budget hotels in Barcelona.

Looking for even more Barcelona hotels? You can browse and book listings in our Barcelona hotel guide.

Safety tips

Generally speaking, Barcelona is a very safe destination and violent crime is very rare. Even political demonstrations tend to be very peaceful. That said, petty theft is very common, so keep valuables close and pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. Here are 10 tips to help you stay safe during your trip to Barcelona.

Your tips for Barcelona

Have you been to Barcelona? We’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite tips for exploring the Catalan Capital on a budget in the comments below.

The post Barcelona Budget Travel Guide: How to save in the Catalan capital appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But fear not Cheapos, because we’ve compiled the dates you need to pay attention to, so you can plan your trip with a little less stress and more money in your pocket.

When to visit Barcelona

Easter Holidays during April

Spring break in Spain happens during Easter Holy Week. Each year the spring break dates change, and this year it comes late enough to promise (hopefully) sunny weather and Mediterranean swimming for the brave.

Oftentimes, locals take the whole week off and travel. If they can’t get the whole week off then they take the 18th-21st off, as these dates are national holidays, and make for a nice four-day weekend. This is not a good time to travel because everyone else is.

Easter Holy Week, or Semana Santa as it’s called here, is the first big vacation for Spaniards since Christmas and they like to make the most of it! You’ll have a hard time finding rooms during these dates and sights will be more crowded. In addition, you might be asked to pay more for a hotel room because it’s Semana Santa: supply and demand.

Barcelona’s beaches fill with people ready to party for Sant Joan. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Sant Joan beach parties: June 23-24

After Easter Holy Week, things tend to calm down and prices return to low-season or shoulder-season rates, only to shoot up again in June for Sant Joan. Held on the 23rd and 24th of June, this is another block of dates when Spaniards like to travel. If you’re planning a trip around this time make your reservations way in advance. Wild parties are held on beaches all over Spain for Sant Joan, and Barcelona is no exception.

Where to stay during Sant Joan

If you like noise, fireworks and a rowdy good time, book one of the 72 rooms at Hotel del Mar, a three-star property between the Gothic Quarter and the beach. You’ll be right in the middle of all the action. If big bangs and late-night parties grate on your nerves, reserve a tastefully-decorated room at Fashion House, an intimate B&B in a non-touristy location away from the hubbub. There’s even a lush garden patio, so you can still relax outside, while the rest of the city parties down on the beach.

Fashion House hotel is far enough away from the Sant Joan party to enjoy some peace and quiet. Photo: Regina W Bryan

High Season: Late June to the end of August

From Sant Joan until the end of August, it is officially high-season in Barcelona and all over Catalonia. You’ll pay more during this time and will be sharing the city streets with many more tourists. In August visitors flock to Barcelona, but locals leave for month-long vacations elsewhere. This is a problematic month in that many shops and restaurants will be closed for 20 days or more (though this is not true in the tourist areas of the city).

Plan around these tough dates to save money and beat the crowds in Barcelona and around Catalonia. Good luck!

More trip planning advice

Visit our Barcelona section in the blog for many more articles about ways to save on your trip. Plus, be sure to check out our favorite cheap hotels in Barcelona our full guide to Barcelona hotels.

The post When to Visit Barcelona: Choose the best dates to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And the food and wine? Don’t even get me started on how much I love it!

But no place is perfect. That’s just not how life works. There’s a difficult side to even the sweetest destination. We’ve talked about a few of the negative aspects of Barcelona before, but I believe that the most annoying aspect of Barcelona is the petty theft and occasionally more aggressive forms of robbery that take place.

However, don’t let these minor safety issues discourage you from visiting this wonderful city. Instead, keep safe with these Barcelona safety tips.

Barcelona safety tips to follow for your next vacation

By following these Barcelona safety tips, you can have a better chance of avoiding any risky situations.

1. Watch your luggage

I’ve never seen it happen, but I’ve heard of luggage thieves on the AEROBÚS, the bus that connects downtown Barcelona to the airport. You don’t necessarily need to sit with your bag between your legs, and in some cases that may be seen as impolite, especially if the bus is very full. The AEROBÚS has a luggage rack; you should store big bags there.

My advice is to sit as close to the luggage rack as possible so that you can keep an eye on your belongings. Of course, laptop bags, purses and cameras should all go in your lap, not on the rack.

2. Keep purses close

Never place your purse on the floor in a public place. If you are in a restaurant, your purse should be on your lap, not strung across the back of your chair. I’ve seen multiple robberies where a purse was slung over a chair or placed in an empty chair. The thief comes by your table running, snatches the purse and keeps going. You are too flabbergasted to react, plus you have a mouthful of patatas bravas, making it difficult to sound the alarm. You may try to run after him, but he’s faster, knows shortcuts and is long gone in seconds.

I did see this exact scenario go down in an outdoor eatery once. The victim screamed and three men jumped up from a neighboring table to run after the thief, eventually catching him and returning the purse. She was lucky. You might not have three track stars lunching beside you.

3. Be alert when shopping

You should keep an eye on your purse in clothing shops, too. For example, if you take off your jacket and purse in order to try on something without going into the dressing room, you’ll want to make sure that your purse is nestled snugly between your feet, not left unattended on a chair or on the floor. Thieves lurk in shops looking for an opportunity to snag a bag.

4. Choose the right neighborhood

Some areas of the city are safer than others, especially at night. The safest zones are those with few tourists because crime follows the jet-lagged, unaccustomed traveler. The safest areas are L’Eixample and Gràcia. The least safe are El Raval and the Gothic Quarter.

This does not mean that you shouldn’t stay in El Raval or the Gothic Quarter. In fact, they are both vibrant hoods with some of the city’s top nightlife and restaurants. But if you choose to stay in these areas, you need to keep your wits about you or travel with friends.

Related: Is it safe to stay in the Gothic Quarter?

Avoid carrying around large amounts of cash in Barcelona. Photo: Images Money

5. Be careful with cash

It’s best to take money out of an ATM in the middle of the day when lots of people are about. Avoid withdrawing large sums at night from desolate ATMs when no one is around. Also, avoid carrying lots of cash. Instead, leave most of your euros in the safe in your hotel room, and carry only what you need for the day. You will want to have some cash on hand because not all shops and restaurants in Barcelona accept credit cards.

Keep your bag in front of you like this rider on the Metro. Photo: Mathieu Marquer

6. Be aware of pickpockets on the Metro

Unfortunately, many a trusting tourist gets robbed on the Metro. The worst scenario is a packed car when everyone is squished up against everyone else. It’s hard to know in this situation if the tug you feel is a thief opening your bag or just the guy next to you trying to breathe in the cramped space. Keep your purse in your hands or held against your body and keep your wallet in your front pocket. If it’s really crowded, keep your hand on it.

Be aware when getting on or off the Metro. One trick thieves like to play is to grab a bag and hop off, just as the doors snap shut. They have your bag and all of your credit cards on the outside of the Metro, and you’re stuck inside. By the time you get to the next stop and find a police officer, the thief has enjoyed lunch on your Visa.

Another thing to keep in mind about the Metro is where and when you ride it. Late at night avoid the fringe lines. You will be fine at night on all lines in the city center, and there are usually many other revelers around. However, it does get a little wild on Fridays and Saturdays after midnight. Expect teens and college kids sipping booze, smoking joints and cigarettes, and singing off-key in a joyful haze. Mind you, none of this is legal (apart from the singing), but that hasn’t stopped anyone.

7. Bring a buddy to the beach

The beach is best with a buddy. If you go alone, you won’t have anyone to look after your stuff while you swim. On a crowded day at the beach, ask the closest trustworthy-looking person to keep an eye on your things while you go for a dip. While you are sitting on the sand observing the waves, musing about the previous night’s wild Metro ride, make sure your bag and belongings are in front of you. Visitors make the mistake of setting their bag to their back, which makes an easy invitation for purse-snatchers.

Related: Best affordable hotels near the beach in Barcelona

In addition, be wary of someone who comes up and starts making small talk. Your first reaction should be to locate your bag, camera, belongings, etc. Thieves often work in twos: One distracts you with small talk while the other makes off with your stuff. The thief will keep you occupied until his friend is safely away, and then he will say his goodbyes.

8. Stick to the well-lit streets at night

El Raval and the Gothic Quarter are both fun ‘hoods to spend a night out on the town. Bars, clubs, pubs and concert halls abound in both areas. However, El Raval can be dangerous for women alone, especially down side streets. I’ve known many women who have been harassed in El Raval, and quite a few others who have been robbed in the neighborhood. You are better off if you go out with a group of people, or at least with a friend. Stick to well-lit streets with lots of traffic.

In the Gothic Quarter the same rule about sticking to well-lit areas applies. Another consideration in the Gothic Quarter is just how confusing its winding lanes can be. It is easy to get lost in this ‘hood, particularly in the dark after a few glasses of wine. Be aware of your surroundings, look for street signs and keep an eye out for suspicious characters.

9. Carry a copy of your passport

Make a copy of your passport and carry the photocopy around with you. Leave your passport, one of your credit cards, and extra cash in the safe in your hotel room. Remember that in some stores, like FNAC, you will need your physical passport in order to make a purchase with a credit card — but this is the exception, not the rule.

10. Armed robbery is very unusual but can happen

Most crime in Barcelona is of the petty theft variety. Muggings are rare. Guns are not common in Spain, and being held up at gunpoint is not at all common. However, it would be incorrect to assume that violent robbery does not happen. A friend of mine, who lived in El Born, was robbed violently twice in the course of six months. Understandably, these incidents upset him so much that he moved away from El Born. (And, of course, I have other friends who live in El Born, and nothing has ever happened to them.)

The thing is, El Born is a touristy area. There are many hotels and holiday apartments scattered around the ‘hood, and robbers know this. Both of the times my friend was robbed, it was near his house on a side-street in El Born at night. The first time, a man with a broken bottle approached my friend and demanded his wallet. He gave him what he had and the thief disappeared.

The second time, my friend had just returned from a long road trip to France. He had his luggage all about him on the street and had set down his laptop bag to look for his keys. He was standing right in front of his apartment. The thief came over with a knife, took his laptop bag, and then ran off as my friend screamed. It’s hard to say why my friend was a target, but I think it is probably because he looked like he was an unsuspecting tourist arriving late to a vacation rental.

These stories are infrequent, but that does not mean that they can’t happen. I think if someone comes up to you with a broken-off bottle and a deranged look in their eyes, the best thing to do is fork over your money. After all, you stowed your back-up cash safely away in the safe in your hotel room.

Remember: Barcelona is not dangerous

Despite my friend’s grim story, it’s important to stress that Barcelona is not a dangerous place. Let me just state that again: Barcelona is NOT dangerous.

Rife with petty theft, perhaps. Rife with kidnappers and gun-wielding drug lords, no. Plus, there are always lots of people about in downtown Barcelona. Safety comes in numbers. I feel much safer in Barcelona at 2 a.m. than I would in my hometown of Portland, Oregon, at the same time.

To have a trip free of pickpocketing and harassment, pay attention to where you are and where your belongings are at all times. Be vigilant and, at the end of your trip, you’ll leave town with both beautiful memories… and all your credit cards in your wallet.

Your Barcelona safety tips?

Have a tip about how to stay safe in Barcelona? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Barcelona: 10 tips for staying safe when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Furthermore, the busiest attractions in Barcelona can get incredibly overcrowded depending on when you visit. The beauty of the Gothic Quarter, the majesty of the Sagrada Familia, and the quirkiness of Park Güell just don’t have the same appeal when you’re just trying to keep your sanity.

But we can help. Before you run away back to your hotel, don’t give up. Follow these tips to enjoy Barcelona to its fullest — even at its most visited sites.

La Rambla

You absolutely should stroll La Rambla once. But once is probably enough. It swarms with visitors and therefore also with pickpockets. Avoid gambling on La Rambla, which seems obvious, but tourists are frequently suckered into street games which they will never win.

Admire the human statues (they will want a tip, especially if you take a photo), pop into La Boqueria Market, check out the flower stands, and then move off La Rambla to have lunch or dinner. Avoid buying souvenirs on La Rambla, as you are sure to find the same thing somewhere else at half the price.

Related: Is La Rambla a tourist trap? Read our take

Sometimes just getting beyond the entrance can be the biggest challenge at Park Güell. Photo: Slim Ficky

Park Güell

There are two aspects of a trip to Park Güell that are difficult: getting there and finding something to eat.

Getting to the park takes some time, but it’s not rocket science and is well worth the effort. If you take the metro to the park, remember that you will have to walk uphill to reach its gates. It’s not a bad walk, but you may not want to do it in the middle of the day when it’s 90 degrees outside. There is also a bus that will take you right to the gate, and this is an easier option. Plan 30 minutes to an hour to get up to the park, and maybe a little less to get back to the city center. Here is our full guide to visiting the park.

Once you are at the park, there is little in the way of cafes and restaurants. Pack a lunch or at the very least take a bottle of water. The park is expansive, so allow yourself plenty of time to walk the grounds and visit the museum. Though Park Güell was once free to visit, those days are over; see more on purchasing tickets here.

It’s easy to get lost amid the old architecture and streams of tourists in the Gothic Quarter. Photo: Michael C.

The Gothic Quarter

Welcome to the heart and soul of the city and one of the most interesting areas when it comes to history and shopping. Strolling the Gothic Quarter (“Barri Gotic”) is a must to see fragments of Roman architecture and medieval homes, and to hear your heels click across cobblestone streets. However, wandering around the Gothic Quarter can also mean battling crowds of tourists and locals, dodging pickpockets, and paying too much for meals.

The area around the city’s cathedral is often mobbed with tourists in the summer. To avoid the crowds, visit in the early morning or during low season. Tour groups tend to stick to the main streets in the Gothic Quarter, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can always duck down an alleyway where you’ll often find yourself alone with the cobblestones and dangling laundry. But take note: At night you’ll want to avoid these same charming side-streets, because pickpockets are known to lurk along them. Again, in the daytime it’s fine, but at night stay on main streets (also because you’re less likely to get lost!).

There are wonderful restaurants tucked into the Gothic Quarter’s many nooks and crannies. There are also numerous eateries that cater exclusively to tourists and charge a pretty penny. It’s hard to tell which is which, but generally the restaurants around Plaça Reial and along Carrer Ferran are for visitors, not locals, and you’ll have to shell out more for your tapas. There also plenty of affordable hotels in the Gothic Quarter, so you can also make this neighborhood your home base during your trip.

La Sagrada Familia is an incredible experience, worth braving the long lines. Photo: Antonio T.

La Sagrada Família

Don’t waste your valuable vacation time waiting in the endless ticket line at La Sagrada Família. Instead, get your tickets ahead of time online and walk right past the poor souls in the endless queue. La Sagrada Família is well worth the €15 it costs to get in (unless you attend a service for free), so splurge on this one even if you’re on a budget.

After touring the basilica, search out lunch in a local spot a few blocks away from the tourist hype. Most of the restaurants around the site are geared toward separating tourists from their euros. However, La Sagrada Família is also a thriving neighborhood with lots of authentic offerings available for those who sniff them out. One excellent tapas and wine bar in the ‘hood is Casa Mariol.

Related: Tips for visiting Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia

Slip down a quiet alley to escape the crowds and discover a different side of Barcelona. Photo: mrcl

Final Tip: Wander off the beaten tourist path

Critics say that Barcelona is becoming more and more soulless, because the city government has sold out to easy money, creating a metropolis that is more for tourists than residents. In some cases, this is true, but overall the sentiment is incorrect. Those who have come away from the city with this limited impression did not venture too far off La Rambla. While your experience in Barcelona could be akin to a trip to Disneyland, you also have the opportunity to make it a profound encounter with Catalan culture.

If you prefer the latter, make sure to spice up your time at heavily visited monuments with trips to secluded plazas, up-and-coming ‘hoods (Poble Sec, Poblenou), and traditional eateries that draw a local clientele. (Check out this list of off-the-beaten path hotels to sleep closer to the locals.)

Take a chance and venture out of the tourist zone, and you’ll discover a city that’s unlike any other.

The post How to survive Barcelona’s top 4 attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

It can also be a way to save. There are certain words posted on signs at ticket offices, Metro stops, and on menus that non-Spanish and Catalan speakers’ eyes would glaze over, missing an opportunity on a discount or deal.

With that in mind, here are seven words and phrases that you should look out for in Barcelona, as they might help you unlock some savings.

A quick note about bargaining

Bargaining at the marketplace is not common in Barcelona. If you try to low-ball vendors, you will probably be met with confused or irritated looks. The price listed is the price you pay in Spain, but this doesn’t mean that there are not deals to be had. Read on to find out how to save.

1. “Rebajas”: Sales

From January 7 until the end of February, and again in July to the end of August, there are great discounts to be found in Barcelona shops. Rebajas means “sales,” and you’ll want to keep your eyes open for “rebajas” signs in boutique windows. The best deals are found in clothing and shoe shops, though other emporiums often extend price cuts, too. It is not the norm to have ongoing sales throughout the year in Barcelona. Instead, plan to shop until you drop during these four special months where items can be found for up to 70% off.

2. “Entradas reducidas”: Reduced price tickets

Depending on your age and what you do, you may be able to snag a discount when visiting many of Barcelona’s museums. Entradas are tickets and Entradas reducidas are tickets at a reduced price.

For example, at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), students (estudiantes) get 30% off the €12 ticket price, as do those with a Barcelona library card (Biblioteques de Barcelona – free to sign up for). If you buy a pass on the Bus Turístic or Barcelona City Tour you’ll get 20% off the ticket into MNAC. Look for similar deals at other museums.

3. “Entradas gratuitas”: Free entry

Even better than a discounted ticket is a free ticket. Look for information about entradas gratuitas at museums throughout town. Note that most museums have a few days a year when entrance fees are waived.

In the case of MNAC, it’s free to get in every Saturday after 3 pm, the first Sunday of each month all day, February 12, May 18, September 11, and September 24. Also, anyone under 16 gets into the MNAC for free year round. Again, it pays to take a look at museum websites and see what they have listed under entradas gratuitas, though most will be similar to the MNAC’s offerings.

Related: 5 things that are always free in Barcelona

4. “Menú del día”: Daily lunch special

This is one of my personal faves and a bargain I frequently take advantage of. From Monday to Friday most restaurants in Barcelona offer a menú del día from 1 to 4 pm. The menú del día is more or less the daily lunch special, and usually includes three courses, bread, and a drink (wine!) for under €15. The same amount of food during dinner service will cost at least twice that amount. I especially like indulging in a menú del día at posh eateries that would otherwise be too pricey. I may not always be able to splurge and drop €100 on dinner and wine at a fancy-pants spot like Monvínic, but I can afford their €19.50 menú del día.

Note: It is uncommon to find a menú del día on the weekends (though some restaurants will offer it), and if a restaurant does not have a menú del día midweek, then you’re probably better off going somewhere else.

Related: Five cheap eats under €6 in Barcelona

5. “Mayores de 60”: Older than 60

If you’re over the age of 60, there are price cuts to be had at museums and also on public transportation. For example, those over 65 get into the MNAC for free.

And it’s not just museums: if you’re older than 60 and staying in Barcelona for several months (or live here), you can pay €3.90 for a 10-trip metro ticket instead of €10 when you carry a “Targeta Rosa” card. The Targeta Rosa gets the user all sorts of discounts on public transportation and more. Because you have to be registered in the city to use the Targeta Rosa, this deal will only be useful for those who are staying in Barcelona for several months.

TMB/Metro also offers discounts to young people (under 25) and students. From their website: “If you are under 25, you can buy a T-Jove ticket, which lets you make an unlimited number of journeys over 90 consecutive days. You can buy a T-Jove at ticket machines at metro stations. You will need to enter your ID card number or that of any other official ID document (passport, driver’s license). You must have this ID document with you whenever you use your T-Jove.” See more about metro ticket bargains on the TMB website.

6. “Familias numerosas”: Savings for large families

If you’re traveling with children, you may be able to save some big bucks. Familias numerosas means large families, and often times parents will have to pay for tickets but children will get in for free or at a very reduced rate. Special rates are also available for single parents. For example, at the Catalonia History Museum parents with one child or more pay a reduced rate of €2 instead of €4.50 per person. At the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) “familias numerosas” pay just €5 instead of €7.

7. “Ofertas en Atrapalo”: Online deals

Another way to say “sale” or “deal” in Spanish is oferta. One of the best sites in Barcelona, and across Spain, to look for ofertas is Atrapalo.com. It’s only available in Spanish, so you’ll need to have some grasp of the language to use the website. Atrapalo puts up ofertas for flights, car rentals, restaurant deals, and vacation getaways, but I tend to use them for discount tickets to events such as theater and concerts. Many times they will have tickets to Spanish guitar concerts for €15 instead of €23, and I’ve seen up to 50% off on some performances. If you’re interested in catching a show in Barcelona, it’s worth scrolling through Atrapalo first.

Note that you need access to a printer to use their ofertas, as you’ll have to print off your passes. Most hotels will be able to do this for you. Another site which lists deals in English is Money Saver Spain, though their deals are more general than Atrapalo’s.

Final Tip: Make sure there’s a price

One last word of advice: If there are no prices on a menu or a product, beware. It’s rare, but some unscrupulous shop keepers and restaurant owners might raise the price for tourists. When in doubt, ask to see a menu with the prices on it.

Your ways to save?

Are there ways you save in Barcelona? Let us know!

The post Barcelona: 7 phrases to help you save on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Festivals

1. Sant Joan: All-night beach fiesta
June 23-24
Website

The summer solstice is marked by a huge blow-out on the beach: Sant Joan. On the night of the 23rd of June, party people head to the city’s shoreline with picnics, booze, music and a serious desire to get down. The merrymaking does not stop until dawn. The 24th is a public holiday, giving you a chance to sleep it off.

2. Sala Montjuïc: Outdoor movies for cheap
July 6-August 8
Website

Sala Montjuïc is an open-air cinema located within the castle atop Montjuïc Hill. It’s a privileged place to catch a flick from July 6th to August 8th. This year’s line up includes Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, Grease, Gravity, Django, Searching for Sugarman and many others.

Locals love this festival and it fills up early. Friends bring baskets filled with a picnic dinner in addition to Spanish beers and wine, and make a long evening out of it. It’s so hot in Barcelona in July and August that sitting outside on a wide, grassy lawn under the stars as the day cools is just about perfection. The venue opens at 8:30PM, and then kicks off with live music for an hour before the movie begins. Films commence at 10PM.

A couple of things to keep in mind: it takes some doing to get to the castle. Go early and allow time for the bus or to walk. There are also free buses from Plaça Espanya (crossroads with Av. Paral·lel) at 8:15PM. Buses take spectators back only when the film is finished. There are usually long lines to take these free buses, so plan ahead. Despite the hassle of getting up to Sala Montjuïc, the experience is worth the €6 ticket price and planning.

3. Cruïlla Festival: Big name bands for a good price
July 11-13
Website

Three days of music at the Cruïlla Festival, which kicks off on the 11th of July. This show is not as well known as Primavera Sound or Sonar, and so, not as expensive. Many national and international musicians will be at Cruïlla this year, including Macklemore & Ryan Luis, Jack Johnson and Berri Txarrak. A three-day pass goes for €70 or get a day-pass for €45. The festival is to be held at one of Barcelona’s top venues, Parc del Forum, with stages set along the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Música als Parcs Festival: Free open-air concerts
All summer long
Website

Free outdoor concerts are held in parks from June to August during the Música als Parcs Festival. Locals bring family and friends for a night of tunes and snacks. Now in its 19th season, Música als Parcs puts on over 46 concerts throughout the summer. Concerts begin at 8PM or 9PM, so check first.

5. Festa Major de Gràcia: A buzzing neighborhood block party
August 15-21
Website

Gràcia is a top ‘hood for a taste of authentic Barcelona, removed from Gaudí sights, La Rambla and mass tourism. This area was once a village and it still has a small-town vibe. Locals love it.

Like all ‘hoods in the city, once a year there is a ‘block party’ when neighbors feast, dance and party the night away. The ‘block party’ in Gràcia (the Festa Major de Gràcia) is the best in the city, because they go all out with lavish decorations and live music on every corner. It’s crowded. It’s wild. It’s all day and all night. It’s on from the 15th to 21st of August, 2014.

Just a quick train ride away, Sitges offers Mediterranean charm and a break from Barcelona. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Beaches, Parks & Day Trips

6. La Barceloneta: Hit the city’s main beach

La Barceloneta is the most crowded of the city’s nine ‘playas’. Head north, away from the sail-shaped W Hotel, for better spots. Barcelona’s beaches are not entirely natural and were created for the 1992 Olympics. The sand, therefore, is slightly chalky. No matter. They are still heavenly to have nearby on hot July afternoons. Many tiny beach bars line the sands offering food, drinks, music and bathrooms. The Mediterranean Sea is normally calm, warm and safe (apart from occasional jellyfish).

7. Sitges: A quaint seaside village

Take an easy, 40-minute train ride down to Sitges, a whitewashed village on the Mediterranean. Walk along its charming promenade, shop its boutiques and sip crisp Spanish wines while tucking into a seafood paella at one of its many eateries. The beaches are nice, too. Make a day of it.

Related: Our list of great day trips from Barcelona, including more details on Sitges.

8. Parc de la Ciutadella: Outdoor urban paradise

Parc de la Ciutadella is the place locals flock to on sunny mornings in the center of the city. There’s a boating lake, playgrounds for the kids, trails, plenty of picnic spots and the city zoo. Oftentimes there are parties and events held in different corners of the park—you never know what you might come across!

The affordable Hotel Banys Orientals puts you very close to all of the action on the beach. Photo: Regina W Bryan

9. Stay in a beach hotel: Cozy rooms for a great price

Book near the seaside from June through August. A hotel or hostal close to the beach will save you metro fare and stuffy, crowded bus rides from the coastline and back. A reservation at Hostal Orleans or Hotel Banys Orientals means you’ll be a 15-minute walk, or less, from the Med.

Related: More cheap hotels near the beach,  including rooms as low as $55 per night.

10. Head to the beaches of Marseme: White sands off the beaten path

At times, especially on the weekends, the city’s beaches can be too packed. You might find yourself waiting in line to throw down your slice of beach towel. This is irritating. For more room and peace and quiet, head north to the beaches of Maresme. The short train ride makes a world of difference. Some of the best of the bunch are El Masnou and Sant Pol de Mar.

Final Summer Tips

Keep in mind that June, July and August are top tourism months in Barcelona, so the city will be crawling with visitors. In August, most locals leave town for a month-long vacation, and you’ll find many shops and restaurants closed. But with so many beaches and festivals to check out, you won’t be lacking for an endless list of things to do!

The post 10 ways to celebrate summer in Barcelona: Festivals, beaches, and low-cost fun appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

And it should be no surprise that many tourists come with preconceived notions, and generalizations about locals and the Catalan capital abound.

We dive into a few of these myths to help visitors sort fact from fiction, so you can hit the ground running next time you come to town.

1. You’ll see authentic flamenco

This one is tricky, because you very well might catch some flamenco in Barcelona. There are a handful of clubs in the old city center featuring women in tight, bright ruffles and wailing vocalists. But flamenco is not part of Catalan culture. This is akin to visiting Seattle and trying to find the best Philly cheesesteak. If you want authentic flamenco, then you should go south to Granada and Seville to see the real deal. If you must see flamenco in Barcelona, then try JazzSí, which is an out-of-the-way bar in El Raval that has weekly shows. Also, when the flamenco festival De Cajón is in town, you’ll find some excellent performances. Otherwise, why not see regional music? Search out Rumba Catalana or see some Catalan rock and roll at Sala Apolo.

2. The food is spicy

This is another common misconception. People tend to think that Spanish food and Mexican food have spice in common, but in fact Catalan and Spanish cuisine is pretty tame. Apart from garlic, onion, pepper and paprika, not much spice is used. Forget Tabasco sauce and chili peppers. The closest things to jalapeños in Spain are guindillas. They’ve got a nice vinegar-pepper kick to them. Then there is the tortilla. Don’t confuse your Spanish tortilla—which is similar to an omelet—with the Mexican version.

Just because Barcelona has a nice beach doesn’t mean you should wear your swimsuit in the city. Photo: Regina W Bryan

3. Barcelona is a beach, so wear a bikini

Nothing is more offensive to locals than tourists coming into shops, bars, and restaurants without shoes, shirts or pants on! This is especially common in La Barceloneta and other waterside ‘hoods. Spaniards and Catalans are laid-back about dress and lifestyle, but mealtime is sacred. They may be anything-goes while on the beach (there is no body shame here, and topless or nude sunbathing is common), but once you’ve left the shoreline it’s time to get dressed.

Another tip: wear your sandals. You might think that it’s all good to walk barefoot back to your beachside hotel after a morning on the sand, but you’re likely to step in A) dog doo doo B) wads of spit C) recently flicked cigarette butts D) garbage in general or E) the leftovers of someone’s fallen ice cream cone. The sidewalk may look clean with your Ray-Bans on, but it’s probably not.

4. Service is super friendly

Locals don’t tend to chat with random people on the metro, or in line at the grocery store, or even at the bar. They tend to stick to their established friend circle. That said, don’t be afraid strike up a conversation with someone. Just because they don’t tend to initiate, does not mean they are not open to talking to you.

You might also come across some unfriendliness in restaurants. Servers in Barcelona can get a bad rap for being grumpy and sometimes dishing out rough customer service. Although this can happen (and it will, probably at some point during your trip), it’s also important to remember that waiters don’t work for tips, and perhaps that has something to do with it. Big city attitude is also part of the issue. Outside Barcelona in smaller villages, service tends to be better and smiles are offered more readily. On the plus side, turning tables is almost non-existent in Spain, so no one will rush you out the door.

5. You’re visiting Spain

Wait, no. Or yes? Technically you are in Spain when visiting Barcelona; but look up and scan the balconies. You’ll see many Catalan independence flags hanging all over town. Catalonia is a region of Spain whose government is currently trying to separate it from the rest of Iberia.

These bright Catalan colors will be flying with pride almost everywhere you go. Photo: Regina W Bryan

6. All Catalans want independence

Nope. Some do, some don’t. It’s complicated. What most people want in Barcelona and Catalonia is more local control over where tax euros end up, and even more important, work. There is still very high unemployment all over Spain.

Separatists have always been active in Catalonia (as well as the Basque Country, Galicia, and even in Andalusia), but since the 2008  election of conservative president Rajoy, the issue has become increasingly hot. Want to get the locals talking? Ask them about independence while visiting for a lively conversation, as almost no one is apathetic about the subject.

7. Barcelona is very expensive

Yes and no, because compared to the south of Spain it certainly is. Compared to Northern Europe, it’s not even close. Compared to Madrid, it’s about even. The holy trinity of olive oil, wine and cheese are inexpensive, excellent and abundant. Eating out can be very friendly to your wallet if you stick to tapas and local restaurants, and the fabulous food markets have tons of bargains. And while tickets to get into many of Barcelona’s famous sights can be pricey, you don’t have to visit every single Gaudí building to get a feel for the city.

Then there is the cost of sleeping. While it’s easy to spend more than $100 a night on a hotel room in downtown, you can still find plenty of hotel bargains all over the city and even cozy digs for under $70.

8. Everyone guzzles sangria and eats paella

You’ll see lots of people on La Rambla drinking pitchers of sangria and tucking into platters of neon-yellow paella. Avoid this tourist tradition if you can. Locals do not usually drink sangria, and though they do enjoy paella at local spots, you would never find them digging into a platter of the frozen stuff served along the main tourists routes. Instead have a glass of some of the best wine in the world at a local wine bar, as Spain is revered for its reds and whites. Or even better, order a bottle of sparkling cava. It’s very affordable and  produced in nearby Penedès.

One generalization that is no myth is the Spanish love of fiesta. No matter where you go in Spain, whether it’s Catalonia or the Basque Country or Madrid, you’ll find people celebrating life.

The post Visiting Barcelona: 8 misconceptions and myths unmasked appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. These boots were made for walking

A subway ticket in Barcelona will cost you about €10 for 10 rides, and the metro system is efficient and a pretty good deal compared to other cities. But you can do even better. Save that cash and get around on your own two tootsies like the locals do. Barcelona is a great walking city, and there’s no better way to explore the local neighborhoods. Plus, skipping the metro will not only save you euros, it will also help burn off extra calories you’ve gained guzzling wine and spearing tapas.

Hostal Fernando is a great budget choice with affordable double and triple rooms. Photo: Regina W Bryan

2. Stay cheap, stay central

In order to be able to walk everywhere, you’ll need to stay in a centrally located hotel. You would think that it would be hard to find a budget room, but we have a great list of options. The Gothic Quarter or L’Eixample are your best bets for proximity to popular sights. If you want really central, try Hostal Fernando right off La Rambla for an easy downtown location. They have a super cheap hostel area as well as affordable private rooms.

3. The sea is your (free) swimming pool

Guess what? The beaches are still free. Amazing but true. Now, those lounge chairs they put out are not free, so avoid those. Bring your own towel and a book, and you’re all set. Swimming is good in Barcelona from May to October, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, even if you come during the shoulder season.

Parc de la Ciutadella is an oasis for a fun (and very cheap) picnic. Photo: Regina W Bryan

4. Picnic in the park

Most parks are also still free to enjoy for visitors in Barcelona, with the exception of Park Güell, which now charges for €8 admission to tourists. Luckily, Parc de la Ciutadella in the center of the city, where the zoo is located, is a lovely place to explore on a sunny afternoon by yourself or with a group of friends. And it won’t cost you a dime. Bring a picnic and chill in the grass like a true Barcelona citizen. Once you feel that sun shining on your face, you won’t feel guilty at all for skipping a few museums. You can always save those for a rainy day.

5. Bakery goodness for less

To create that picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella, you’ll want to stop into one of the zillions of bakeries around Barcelona. Some are better than others, but most all sell sandwiches, bread and croissants stuffed with savory and sweet fillings. You can get lunch at a bakery for around €5 while eating at a restaurant will usually cost you €10-15. Still hungry? Check out these 18 eating tips for eating like a local Barcelona.

More Barcelona budget information

Remember, Barcelona doesn’t have to be expensive. Going into all the museums and touristy sights (which can be fun to experience) add up fast. Wander and window shop, or spend some time on the shoreline to save big. For more tips on saving, read additional coverage on Barcelona from our EuroCheapo experts.

The post Barcelona on a budget: 5 wallet-friendly tips that any cheapo will love appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There are so many options from small towns in the mountains to buzzing beaches, but one of our favorites is a trip to the scenic whitewashed fishing villages along the Costa Brava. Here you can get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy hidden beaches, beautiful walks and unique cultural attractions.

The white buildings of Cadaques make the perfect backdrop for a weekend escape. Photo: MorBCN

Cadaqués:

This is one of my go-to spots when visitors come to Barcelona. We hop in the car and drive up to Cadaqués, a bone-white village tucked into the bottom of Cap de Creus Natural Park. Portlligat, where artist Dalí lived for 40 years, is nearby and makes for a fascinating day-trip. Make sure to book tickets to visit his house, which is now a museum, in advance.

Calella de Palafrugell is a charming fishing village worth exploring. Photo: Regna W Bryan

Calella de Palafrugell

My husband’s relatives introduced me to Calella de Palafrugell, a popular fishing town to the south of Cadaqués. Stone houses with sapphire and green wooden shutters crowd around compact coves with pebble shorelines. From the center of town the Camí de Ronda winds over the hills, through pine forests, to spectacular hidden beaches.

Stroll along the soft sands of La Fosca in Costa Brava. Photo: Regina W Bryan

La Fosca & Palamós

Although popular Palamós can be touristy and built-up, there are still a lot of options for affordable lodging, nightlife and restaurants in town. But we recommend getting a little bit outside of the action for a more enjoyable visit. Instead of staying in Palamós, chill on the beaches of La Fosca, which are just a few kilometers north. La Fosca is a quiet village with a hostal and a handful of seasonal restaurants and bars. Best of all, the beach is a soft crescent of Mediterranean bliss.

Transportation tips

Unfortunately, reaching these spots isn’t as easy as hopping on a train. Most of the beaches along the Costa Brava have maintained their charm because there is no rail service to them. To get to these sweet spots, you need to either rent a car or go by the bus company known as Sarfa (which can be slow going). Most Costa Brava beaches are about 90 minutes by car from Barcelona proper.

The post Barcelona excursions: 5 beautiful getaways in Costa Brava appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.