But to help you make sense of it all, we’ve compiled a list of our top 7 cheap hotels in Barcelona. There’s a little of everything here, from spots that are low on rates to those that are high on style.

Our Barcelona Hotel Guide

• Read all hotel reviews in Barcelona
• Read our articles on Barcelona hotel advice
• More ways to save on your Barcelona vacation

7 Best cheap hotels in Barcelona

Whether you are looking for a private room with a balcony overlooking Las Ramblas or a quiet room with a shared bathroom to save a little extra money, here’s a list of our favorite budget hotels in Barcelona.

Make friends in the comfy lounge at Itaca Hostel.

Itaca Hostel

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $85

Extraverted travelers, unite! The communal vibe at the Itaca Hostel welcomes guests and make it easy for you to make new friends during your trip. Rooms vary from shared dorms to private singles and doubles, to apartments that sleep five or six people. You’ll save a pretty penny thanks to the clean shared bathrooms. Read the full review

Enjoy low rates and charming rooms at Hostal Lausanne.

Hostal Lausanne

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $129

We adore the charming, 18th-century building that Hostal Lausanne calls home, and those who come to Barcelona to shop won’t be disappointed by the location on Portal de l’Angel. While the building has beautiful flourishes, like ornate ceilings and chandeliers, the decor here is otherwise minimal. We love the balcony views off the hotel’s communal lounge space. Read the full review

The outdoor patio is a welcome oasis at the Fashion House.

Fashion House

Neighborhood: Eixample
Doubles averaging $157

Rooms at the Fashion House are, well, very fashionable, with tasteful décor and not a speck of dust in sight. Some rooms also have balconies, so be sure to ask ahead when reserving if you want a view. Our favorite part of the hotel? The flower-filled oasis that is the veranda, where guests can linger and mingle. Read the full review

Be sure to request a balcony room at Hostal Levante. Photo: Booking.com

Hostal Levante

Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
Doubles averaging $158

Nestled into an old telephone company building built in 1903, the Hostal Levante offers an excellent Gothic Quarter location. Rooms feature standard hotel decor, but ask for a room with a balcony when booking for an extra treat. The area is a little noisy and touristy, but there’s plenty to see and do here. Read the full review

Score excellent deals on the balcony rooms at Hotel Lloret Ramblas. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Lloret Ramblas

Neighborhood: La Rambla
Doubles averaging $158

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location than Hotel Lloret Ramblas, located at the top of La Rambla. Not only does it deliver on location, but the family-run hotel features plenty of modern amenities, like AC and free Wi-Fi. Plus, some rooms have private balconies with city views. Read the full review

The breakfast room at Hostal Mare Nostrum overlooks La Rambla.

Hostal Mare Nostrum

Neighborhood: La Rambla
Doubles averaging $160

With a location off Las Ramblas, the Hostal Mare Nostrum is a great pick. Rooms feature air conditioning, television and telephone, and those looking to save even more money can opt for one of the few rooms with a shared bathroom. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in a nice room with a view of the action on Las Ramblas. Read the full review

Hostal Eixample offers 7 rooms in a lovely residential building in Barcelona.

Hostal Eixample

Neighborhood: Eixample
Doubles averaging $165

With just seven rooms, Hostal Eixample books up quick. Rooms are cozy and simply decorated, and most of them even have balconies to take in views of the street below. Free coffee and breakfast sweeten the deal at this quiet spot. Don’t worry, despite the quiet location, you’ll find plenty to do nearby, plus there is a metro stop close to the hotel. Read the full review

Looking for more hotels and hostels? Check out our full hotel guide to Barcelona.

The post The 7 best cheap hotels in Barcelona for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Although the products were first-rate, there were days when shopping at La Boqueria was a real challenge, because of the big crowds of tourists both in the market and on La Rambla (which I had to cross to get to the market).

These throngs of visitors have become even more of an issue in the last few years, making shopping difficult for locals who want to get their pound of shrimp for an afternoon paella. In 2015, city officials decided to limit the number of tour groups that can enter the market on Friday and Saturday mornings, the busiest days in Barcelona for food shopping. The hope is to reduce congestion and make the market popular with locals again. Tour groups will not be allowed into the market on those days until after 3 p.m.

We’ll see if this helps alleviate congestion, but in the meantime, there are still ways to have a good shopping experience at La Boqueria. With a little bit of patience and navigation skills, you can see a different side of the market that most tourists don’t even know exists.

Related: Budget hotels near La Boqueria market

The snacks up front are for tourists

Upon first glance, it may seem like La Boqueria is nothing more than a string of stalls catering to visitors, but look a little bit closer, and you’ll find that there are two sides to the market. In the front part of La Boqueria, around the main entrance, vendors mostly serve tourists with stalls offering freshly cut fruit and grab-and-go smoothies dominating the options.

While it’s pleasant to sip a citrus drink while strolling La Rambla, this is not a product that most locals would buy. Also clustered around the front of the market are vendors offering prepackaged Iberian ham and other similar foodie souvenirs.

Don’t be shy and make your way through the big crowds to find the best stalls. Photo: EnGuillem

Push through the crowds to find the locals

To get to the part of the market that locals love, you need to charge ahead, moving past the smoothies and down La Boqueria’s long aisles. Don’t be afraid to keep wading through the crowds. Eventually, the tourists will slowly fade away, and you will find some breathing room to explore where the locals shop. Take a look around, and if it looks good, it probably is!

Located along the coast, Barcelona has an incredible variety of shellfish and seafood. Photo: Cha già José

Shopping for seafood & meat

Eventually, you’ll get to the fish and seafood section which is always fascinating. Watch wriggling razor clams and jittery crabs shiver on blankets of crushed ice. Nearby is the meat and poultry area, and if you’re staying at a place with a kitchen, this is the spot to get fresh eggs of all sizes and colors (be on the lookout for the enormous ostrich eggs).

Ham heaven

Near the back of the market, there is a large section dedicated to Spanish ham (jamón). Stalls provide ham in its many forms, including ham flanks, hoof and all, set up for slicing. You can ask for a few grams of ham, and they will masterfully crave off tissue-paper-thin pieces.

Go ahead and try a few slices of the most famous kind, jamón ibérico. It’s not cheap, but it’s much more affordable than buying it abroad, where it can cost over $100 per pound. These stalls also usually have prepackaged ham for sale, perfect for bringing back to your hotel room or taking on a road trip to your next destination after Barcelona.

Specialty shops

Dispersed around the back of the market are diverse specialty stalls selling olive oils, salts, spices, olives and other pickled delights, and bread and sweets such as chocolates and candies. A bottle of fine olive oil makes for a nice gift, and a small tub of green olives stuffed with garlic can be a tasty afternoon snack with a glass of wine, which is also sold in shops along the market’s periphery.

Finding fresh fruit and veggies

Fruit and vegetables stalls are mostly located near the front of the market, but also be sure to check out the ample, uncovered plaza on the market’s right side. Here vendors have less formal stalls, offering their farm-fresh veggies instead from folding tables. Whatever is in season is what they’ll have on offer. If you’re hoping to make a big salad or broil some asparagus, visit these vendors first.

Go at lunch time and grab a stool at El Quim for tapas and wine. Photo: Jeremy Keith

Stop for some tapas and cava

The market is dotted with tapas restaurants. Several can be found near the front and get more attention from tourists. One of the most famous is El Quim de La Boqueria.

If the eateries at the front of the market are full, keep going, there are more in the back. Many of these restaurants are nothing more than long bars with stools around them. Take a look in their glass cases to see what tapas are on offer for the day, and then grab a seat at the bar. Order a glass of cava, a locally produced sparkling wine, and take in the bustling scene around you.

Related: Guide to tapas in Barcelona

Safety and etiquette

However, don’t get so swept up in the market’s hubbub that you set down your purse or camera. Always keep your purse in your lap and your phone near you at all times. Visitors are easy prey for pickpockets in La Boqueria.

And one more thing about cameras: Be considerate when you snap photos. Not all vendors will want you to take their picture or photos of their stalls. If you are trying to get a close-up of a razor clam on a busy morning when the fishmonger has a line of customers, she may rightfully tell you to beat it. When in doubt, ask permission. Usually vendors will say yes with a smile, and of course, it helps if you buy something.

Related: Safety tips for women in Barcelona

Bring cash

Make sure to have your pockets full of euros if you want to make a lot of purchases. Some stores might take credit cards, but it will be a lot quicker and easier for the vendor if you pay the old-fashioned way.

Also, most fresh goods are sold by the kilo (1 kilo = about 2.2 pounds), and it helps to know a little bit of Spanish when ordering. Most vendors speak English thanks to the high volume of tourists, but here are a few Spanish phrases that may come in handy.

Tour and events

Finally, despite the new limit on tour groups in La Boqueria, it can be fun to see the market with a guide. There are a number of cooking classes and food tours that go through the market. Cook & Taste is the only one I have personally experienced, and I would very much recommend it. There also frequent foodie events at La Boqueria. Check the calendar for full details.

Also keep in mind that La Boqueria is just one of many markets in Barcelona, although it is by far the most touristy. For another market in the center of the city with a more local vibe, head for Santa Caterina near the cathedral.

Staying near the market

EuroCheapo lists several affordable hotel options within easy walking distance of La Boqueria. Staying close by means you can wake up early, stroll down La Rambla and beat the midday crowds. Check out our full hotel listings to browse and book a room.

Details

Address: Rambla, 91 Mercat de la Boqueria
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m – 8:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.boqueria.barcelona/home

The post Barcelona: Local tips for visiting La Boqueria market appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve done the hard work for you by putting together this list of affordable hotels in Barcelona that we love. Cheapos will rest easy (and comfortably!), as we have chosen hotels based on price, cleanliness, comfort and user ratings.

More Barcelona tips:
• 25 Do’s and don’ts to improve your trip to Barcelona
• Cheap hotels in Madrid under $100 per night

5 Affordable hotels in Barcelona with spotless rooms

Whether you want to stay right along La Rambla or in one of the charming Barcelona neighborhoods, we’ve come up with five excellent budget hotels. And the best part? All of these Barcelona accommodations have nice rooms under $100 per night. For example, a balcony room in Barcelona is cheaper than you think!

Hostal Ramos

Address: Calle Hospital, 36
Neighborhood: El Raval
User rating: 7.9
Doubles starting at $95

Run by a friendly family, this two-star stay is situated in an attractive historic building. Highlights include wrought-iron beds and classic Spanish floor tiles. Every room comes with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private bath. There’s a lovely courtyard for relaxing and a lounge where you can make new friends. Read the full review here.

A balcony room at Pension Mari-Luz is one of our favorite options in Barcelona.

Pension Mari-Luz

Address: Palau 4 2º 1ª
Neighborhood: Barri Gotic
User rating: 8.5
Doubles starting $87

Nearly all of Pension Mari-Luz’s rooms, tucked into a beautiful 18th-century building, come with a  balcony view, and for these rates… they’re a steal! Many of the rooms share bathrooms, offering low rates for Cheapos willing to share some space (no worries, these bathrooms are very clean). The hotel also has a kitchen where guests can make delicious, homemade meals to save on going out to eat. Learn more about the Pension Mari-Luz here.

Hostal Benidorm has rooms overlooking the bustling La Rambla.

Hostal Benidorm

Rambla dels Caputxins, 37
Neighborhood: La Rambla
User rating: 8.2
Doubles starting at $89

Despite its lackluster exterior, the Hostal Benidorm features renovated rooms in a central location. Amenities abound here, with air conditioning, television, safes, free Wi-Fi and an elevator all available for guests. Ten of the 45 rooms feature balconies, which make a perfect spot for watching the hustle and bustle on the street below. Read our full review of Hostal Benidorm here.

Hostal Girona is packed with old-world charm.

Hostal Girona

Girona, 24 1º-1ª
Neighborhood: Eixample
User rating: 8.4
Doubles starting at $90

With a prime location near Barcelona’s best sights and rates that stay low even during peak season, the Hostal Girona will steal cheapo hearts. Rooms are spotless, and the antique wardrobes and décor give the place extra charm. Superior rooms have balconies for those who want a nice view. Free Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, and air conditioning make up the list of amenities. Read the full review of the hotel here.

The view from a balcony at Hostal Nuevo Colon.

Hostal Nuevo Colon

Avenida Marqués de Argentera, 19
Neighborhood: La Ribera
User rating: 7.8
Doubles starting at $78

The simple, family-run Hostal Nuevo Colon certainly won’t wow visitors with its décor or amenities, however, it will impress with its cleanliness and location. These cheapo rooms give visitors a home base that is within walking distance to the beach and great restaurants and bars. Rates stay low, even during peak season, which makes it a great choice for budget travelers. Read more about the Hostal Nuevo Colon here.

Interested in viewing more hotels in the city? Explore our list of favorite cheap hotels or the entire list of budget hotels in Barcelona.

The post 5 affordable hotels in Barcelona with clean and comfy rooms appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The rates

Enter Pension Mari-Luz. This budget hotel checks all of the boxes when it comes to our favorite cheapo categories: a low price, fantastic location, charming surroundings, and a welcoming atmosphere. Right now you can reserve a double room at Pension Mar-Luz in November 2016 for only $50 per night. That is truly a steal for Barcelona!

For select nights in December, the price is even a little bit lower. And if you’re traveling with a group, you can find triple rooms for only $71.

Related: Find the best value hotels in Barcelona

The rooms

When it comes to perks, Pension Mari-Luz goes above and beyond what we expect from most budget hotels. The free Wi-Fi is a big plus, but we really love the balconies that offer views of the neighborhood. Almost every room comes with a balcony but ask ahead when reserving if you have your heart set on one. There’s also air-conditioning in the rooms, so you don’t have to worry about getting a good night’s rest even during a heat wave.

The staff is very friendly and earns high marks on TripAdvisor.

10 of the rooms share bathrooms, but they’re all very clean and modern. If you want a little more privacy, you can upgrade to one of three rooms with a private bathroom if you don’t mind spending a bit more. For example, a twin room with its own bathroom goes for $68 in November, while a triple goes for $87, and a quadruple can be had for $106.

Location

For such a low price, you might think the hotel would be in a far-flung location. In fact, it is the exact opposite situation with a wonderful location in the heart of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic). Especially if this is your first time in Barcelona, it’s hard to beat staying here. We love wandering down the narrow streets that twist and turn like you’re in a maze.

Yes, the Gothic Quarter can be a bit too touristy, but the hotel is just far enough away from Las Ramblas to offer some relief. Plus, just finding the hotel will be an adventure! It’s nestled on one those winding streets on the third-floor of a building without an elevator.

Read our full review of Pension Mari-Luz.

The post Hotel Steal in Barcelona: Pension Mari-Luz, balcony rooms for $50 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.

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.