Is Barcelona expensive for tourists in 2023? The true cost of exploring this vibrant city

Accommodation Prices in Barcelona

Depending on the type of accommodation you choose, you can expect to spend anywhere from €20-€200 per night. Hostels are the most affordable option, with prices starting at around €20 per night. Hotels can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from €50-€200 per night.

If you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, we recommend looking for Airbnb apartments or guesthouses, which can offer more space and amenities for a lower price.

Food & Drink Prices in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for its incredible food scene, but dining out can be expensive. Expect to pay around €15-€25 for a meal at a casual restaurant. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy local cuisine by visiting markets, food trucks, and street vendors. You can also save money by buying groceries and cooking meals at your accommodation.

Transportation price in Barcelona

Getting around Barcelona is easy and affordable, with options like the metro, bus, and tram. A single journey on the metro costs around €2,20, but you can save money by buying a T10 pass, which gives you ten journeys for around €10. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also explore the city on foot or by renting a bike.

Activities & Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Most of Barcelona’s top attractions will likely have an entry fee or require payment to access certain areas. However, some museums and attractions offer discounts for students and seniors, among others, so it’s worth checking their websites or asking at the ticket desk to save some money. Booking in advance online not only helps you avoid queues but also allows you to choose a preferred time slot and possibly get a discounted price.

• Park Güell, renowned for its Gaudí architecture and breathtaking city views, can be explored without charge (95% is free). However, to visit the «Monumental Zone,» including the main entrance, terrace, and mosaics, there is an entry fee of €10. Gaudí’s House Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí) is a separate entity with an additional cost of €5.50.

Making an advance reservation online allows you to use the bus service from Alfons X metro station to the park entrance (and back). This not only saves you the cost of transportation but also spares you from an uphill walk that can range from challenging to moderately exhausting.

• The Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic cathedral and a highlight of Barcelona, can be enjoyed from the surrounding park area. Admission prices to enter the cathedral itself range from €17, up to €32 for an audio guide and tower visit. Alternatively, Barcelona Cathedral offers free entry at certain times, with a €3 fee to take the lift to the roof for city views, or for €7, you can explore more of the cathedral’s interior.

• Some museums, like the Picasso Museum, offer free admission on specific days, so it’s advisable to check in advance if you plan to visit. La Rambla Boulevard, Boqueria Market are popular attractions in Barcelona that don’t require any cost.
• Tourist passes, such as the Barcelona Card, offer benefits like free entry to selected attractions, discounts, shopping advantages, and public transport deals. These passes are cost-effective if you have a clear itinerary and can make the necessary price comparisons.

In general, considering all the activities and associated costs, it is recommended to budget around €15-25 per person per day.

• Just a short distance from the city center, as you head towards residential areas, prices decrease as bars become smaller and cater to their local surroundings. Here, with €3, you can buy two beers and even have some change for the next round.
• Regarding concerts at the Palau de la Música Catalana, ticket prices vary based on the nature of the event and seating category. Some tickets start below €20 and go up to €100, but they can be purchased in advance online, allowing you to include them in your budget.
• After achieving significant success in recent years, FC Barcelona has become a globally recognized brand, making their home stadium, Camp Nou, a major tourist attraction. Stadium tours have different prices, starting from €28 for the basic package.

For those who want to see FC Barcelona play a live match at the Nou Camp, La Liga tickets go on sale approximately four weeks before the game (this may vary for other competitions and the visit of Real Madrid). Once again, prices vary depending on the seating category.

A ticket in one of the upper corners of the stadium for a Sunday evening La Liga match can cost as low as €30. However, realistically, expect to pay around €60 or more for a better view.