Is expensive Barcelona for tourist in 2023?✍The True Cost of Exploring

Yes and no, it depends on the budget and what we want to see, and above all it depends on the advice we give you here to save money and not get ripped off for being tourists.

Barcelona is a beautiful city full of history, art, and culture. From the stunning Gothic Quarter to the bustling La Rambla, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant metropolis. But the question is, can you enjoy it all without breaking the bank? Is Barcelona Expensive to visit?

Read more if you can make an informed decision to visit Barcelona.

For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $85-$120/day to visit Barcelona.

Accommodation: $40-125 / night
Transportation: $5-10 / day
Food: $20-40 / day
Activities: $15-20 / day
Entertainment: $5-20 / day

How expensive is Barcelona for tourist

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, which means that it can be pricey, especially during peak tourist season. However, the cost of living in Barcelona is comparable to other European cities. Here are some expenses you can expect when visiting Barcelona:

Accommodation Prices in Barcelona

Is Expensive Barcelona — Tourist-with-no-money

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.

Drinks can be pricey, especially at trendy bars and clubs, so it’s worth looking for happy hour specials or visiting local dive bars for a more affordable night out.

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.

Is barcelona or london expensive to visit

If we compare the expenses of a trip between the two cities, we find that London is more expensive than Barcelona, even considering accommodation.

In our city, you will find a more favorable climate with almost constant sunshine. During the spring and summer seasons, you have the beaches right in the city, and it’s no surprise to mention that the dining experience is far superior to that of the English city.

Additionally, you have the Pyrenees, Montserrat and its monastery, the marvelous beaches and coves of the Costa Brava, and the entire modernist and Gaudí itinerary within the city, all within close proximity.

All of this comes at a much more affordable average cost of travel compared to London.

FAQs:

Is Barcelona a good destination for budget travelers? Yes, Barcelona can be enjoyed on a mid-range budget. By choosing affordable accommodation, eating at local markets and street vendors, and taking advantage of free and affordable activities, you can experience all that Barcelona has to offer without overspending.
What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona? The best time to visit Barcelona is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Avoid visiting during the peak summer months of July and August when prices are higher, and the city is packed with tourists.
Is Barcelona safe for tourists? Barcelona is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it’s always important to take common sense precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas at night.

In my Opinion

Barcelona can be an expensive destination, but it’s also possible to enjoy the city on a mid-range budget. Here you are a recommendations of things to do free or cheap in Barcelona 2024

By choosing affordable accommodation, eating at local markets and street vendors, and taking advantage of free and affordable activities, you can experience all that Barcelona has to offer without breaking the bank.

With plenty of hidden gems to discover, Barcelona is a city that’s well worth a visit, no matter what your budget may be.

Tell me, what doubts, suggestions or concerns do you have about your next trip to Barcelona?

Barcelona is one of our favourite cities in the world:
- It offers a lot to do, see, and experience
- Barcelona can be expensive if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into
How much does a trip to Barcelona cost on average?:
- Accommodation costs range from $30 to $120 per day
- Transportation costs range from $2.50 to $10
- Food costs range from $20 to $40 per day
- Drink costs range from $5 to $30
- Attractions cost between $20 and $40
- The total cost for a weekend trip to Barcelona (excluding airfare) ranges from $77.50 to $240
The estimated expense for flights to Barcelona is $550 for a round-trip ticket:
- The price of flights varies depending on the starting location, season, and holiday period
- Flights from New York to Barcelona range from $350 to $670
- Flights from London to Barcelona range from £60 to £150
- Flights from Sydney to Barcelona range from AUD 1120 to AUD 1700
- Flights from Vancouver to Barcelona range from CAD 780 to CAD 1700
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the busiest airport, while Girona-Costa Brava Airport is a cheaper alternative
The price of accommodation in Barcelona ranges from $30 to $120 per day:
- Hostels in Barcelona are the cheapest accommodation option
- The average cost of a hostel in Barcelona is $13 to $30 per night
- There are hostels in the city center for around $17 per night
- Some recommended hostels in Barcelona are Sant Jordi Hostel Rock Palace and Mediterranean Youth Hostel

Yeah Hostel Barcelona:
- Luxury hostel with a cool party scene
- Offers free walking tours, pub crawls, and personal bars
Airbnbs in Barcelona:
- Average cost of $60 to $110 per night
- Convenient and comfortable stay with full kitchens and prime locations
Top Airbnb Apartments in Barcelona:
- Barcelona beach apartment: Trendy bars and outdoor atmosphere
- Sunshine-filled apartment: Nearby metro rail and spacious
- Apartment in the Gothic Quarter: Perfect way to explore the Barcelona lifestyle
Hotels in Barcelona:
- Most expensive form of accommodation
- Average cost of $70 to $120 per night
- Luxurious options like Grand Hotel Central, Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas, and H10 Marina Barcelona
Transportation in Barcelona:
- Walkable city, public transport is cheap and effective
- Cost of public transport: $2.50 to $10 per day
- Metro is the best way to get around the city
- Train travel is mainly used for airport transfers
- Bus travel offers scenic views but is not as efficient
Barcelona Metro:
- Easy to use, cheap, clean, and punctual
- Purchase a T10 ticket for 10 journeys at $10
- English translations available at ticket machines
Rodalies Commuter Rail:
- Ideal for day trips from Barcelona
- Stations marked with letter ‘R’
- Can be pricey, costing over $80 for a ticket
Bus Travel in Barcelona:
- Opportunity to see scenic views
- Less crowded than the metro
- Not as efficient as the metro

Public Transportation in Barcelona:
- Use TMB buses for convenient transport around the city.
- Buses accept T10 card or cash for payment.
Renting a Scooter or Bicycle:
- Scooters can be rented for as low as $30.
- Donkey Republic app allows easy bike rentals at affordable prices.
Cost of Food in Barcelona:
- Food costs range from $20 to $40 per day.
- Must-try dishes include seafood paella and cold cured meats.
Where to Eat Cheaply:
- Barcelonian food markets offer affordable fresh produce.
- Hostel meals and sandwich shops are budget-friendly options.
Price of Alcohol in Barcelona:
- Drinking is a part of the daily lifestyle.
- Pre-drinking before going out can save money.
Cost of Attractions in Barcelona:
- Sagrada Família is a must-visit site with a ticket cost of $21.
- Many attractions can be enjoyed from the outside without purchasing tickets.

Additional Costs of Travel in Barcelona:
- Unforeseen expenses like luggage storage, cellphone data, and souvenirs should be budgeted for.
- Locals do not tip in Barcelona, but a 5% tip is appreciated for good service.
- Waiters often add their own tip to the bill, especially on busy outside terraces.
Final Tips for Saving Money in Barcelona:
- Don’t pay for tourist attractions – enjoy them from the outside.
- Pack a lunch from supermarkets to save money.
- Buy the T10 ticket for public transport to save on fares.
- Walk around to explore attractions within walking distance.
- Drink at the parks instead of bars to save money.
- Chill out on the beaches to relax and save money.
- Carry a water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
- Consider teaching English or volunteering to earn money while traveling.
Is Barcelona Expensive?:
- Barcelona can be expensive if you indulge in lunches and all main tourist attractions.
- However, it can be done cheaply by experiencing local cuisine, affordable drinks, and natural beauty.
- Save money by planning transport options and buying alcohol from convenience stores.