We’ve made many of these errors ourselves in the past, and we’re here to help you avoid making these rookie mistakes when visiting Spain’s second largest metropolis.

1. Staying out in no man’s land to save bucks

Just the other day I met a couple on the train who were coming to Barcelona for a few days from Paris. I asked them where they were staying and they said Sarrià. “Oh…” I said, and they could see the look of concern in my eyes. Sarrià is a nice area, but it’s not well connected by metro, and it’s not central (there is a train that goes there). Most of the couple’s time was undoubtedly spent negotiating public transportation or paying for taxis.

It may cost you more to stay centrally, but if you only have a few days, it’s worth the splurge of a few extra euros. In the long run you will save money, time and headaches by getting a place in central neighborhoods like Gothic Quarter or Eixample.

One word of caution: La Rambla is centrally located, but it can be crowded and touristy, so if you like a little more peace and quiet try Hostal Fernando and Hostal Goya, both of which are located just a few blocks from the main stretch.

Related: Cheapo tip – Book a hotel in central Barcelona to save time, money and stress

Don’t leave your bag sitting on a bench like this scene along the Barcelona beach. Photo: Regina W Bryan

2. Bringing valuables with you to the beach

You’re asking for it by bringing valuables to the beach—either you’ll lose your keys in the sand or a thief might end up with them. Either way it will put a damper on your vacation. The beach is the last place you want to bring money, cameras or expensive smartphones. Do the selfie later, post-playa.

If you do bring your valuables to the beach, never leave them unattended. If someone comes up to you asking you for a light for their cigarette, the first thing you should do is turn around—his buddy might be behind you stealing your bag.

When I go to the beach, I bring a book and my house keys. If I think I might want to buy something to eat or drink at one of the beach bars (which are plentiful and offer lots of tasty snacks from May – October), I roll up a €10 and keep it in my book. I never bring my wallet with me if I am going to be swimming or sunbathing alone. If you go with a friend, then take turns swimming and watching your stuff.

One more thing: Never sleep or camp on the beach. It is illegal, dangerous and not particularly comfortable.

3. Tipping American-style

It’s hard to not tip if, like me, you come from a tipping culture. However, it is not normal in Barcelona to leave a 10-20% tip, as the tip and tax have already been included in the bill.

If your beer costs €2.75, go ahead and leave them the remaining €.25 if you must. Locals almost never do. And forget about leaving one for a coffee barista. In a restaurant, if the service is exceptionally stellar, you might tip 10%.

For an Instagram worthy food moment, get yourself a paella that looks this good. Photo: Regina W Bryan

4. Eating frozen paella

If you see a brightly colored dish of neon rice that some shady folks are trying to sell as paella on La Rambla or elsewhere: Avoid! Paella should not glow in the dark.

Instead, head down to La Barceloneta and have an authentic paella, or rice dish, by the seaside at La Barceloneta Restaurant, El Suquet de l’Almirall, El Nou Ramonet or almost any of the other seafood joints in the ‘hood.

Note that those in the know do not eat paella for dinner. It’s a lunch dish. Walk to La Barceloneta around 1 PM and search for a place that seems popular with the locals. That’s where you want to be. Normally eateries that have photographs of the food (or the menu in 20 languages!) are not going to be the real McCoy.

Related: 8 tasty and cheap meals in Barcelona (with mouth-watering photos)

Get off the beaten path to take a break from the crowds at local neighborhoods like Gracia. Photo: Ok Apartment

5. Spending all your time in the center city

Most of the tourist sights are in the Gothic Quarter, and visitors spend a big chunk of their time along these cobblestone streets. They are right to do so, as top attractions like the cathedral, Roman wall, medieval buildings, history museum, Picasso Museum and hidden plazas are worth a gander.

Of course La Rambla cuts through downtown, and you should walk it up and down at least once. After the Gothic Quarter many travelers head towards the Gaudí triangle (Passeig de Gràcia’s Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and La Sagrada Família) and maybe Park Güell. There’s a lot to see.

When I speak to people who have visited Barcelona I often hear “It’s SO touristy.” Indeed. The rookie mistake is to spend too much time, or all your time, in areas that cater only to visitors. Make sure to take a break from the well-worn Gaudí track. Find popular ‘hoods where locals live, lounge, and linger. Go up to Gràcia for the day or a night of bar hopping. Eat lunch in Poble Sec. Party hardy in El Raval. Chill at the clothing optional beach close to Poblenou.

Like any touristy city, there are two sides to Barcelona, and the residential side takes some work to discover, but it’s worth the effort.

Related: 3 Barcelona budget hotels favorites in less touristy neighborhoods

6. Eating breakfast in your hotel

I can think of very few times that I’ve been offered a hotel breakfast that was worth it. For some reason the price for toast, jam, juice, limp cheese and coffee at a hotel is usually about three times more than it would be in any nearby local bar. They can get away with this sometimes, because guests seek convenience.

If you want to save €10, then find a cafe or bakery and have breakfast for €3 or €5 instead of €18. It’s true that for this price you will not get eggs and bacon or pancakes and waffles. But, if you want excellent coffee and a buttery croissant, or a ham sandwich and a fresh OJ (typical morning fare in Barcelona), you will find a staggering array of options at low, local prices.

One of my personal faves is Cafe Laie on Pau Claris. Here’s a list of some more favorite breakfast spots.

7. Buying the HolaBCN Metro pass

The HolaBCN! passes are sold at tourist information points, on the airport bus and in the metro stations. They are not a good deal when compared to a normal metro card. If you are going to be in Barcelona for more than two days, buy the T-10, which gives you 10 rides in the city for about €10. Note that this pass can also be used on the bus and tram.

Note: You need to buy the T-10 in a metro station (not on the bus or tram), and you can buy T-10s with cash or credit card.

The post Visiting Barcelona for the First Time: 7 mistakes to avoid 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.