Here's How To Spend A Cheap-Ish Weekend In Barcelona, Spain

You’ll find coffee shops and bakeries all over the city’s Gothic Quarter, but we’re guessing you’ve never eaten monastery-made delicacies in historic public baths. This is a reality at Caelum, which sits above the quarter’s old public baths. Order a café and a treat or two (we recommend a huesos de santo) and head to the basement for some Middle Age-esque ambiance.

Cost: around $5

There’s a reason La Sagrada Familia is at the top of every Barcelona to-do list, and there’s a reason we recommend a visit. The ultimate labor of love, construction of the church began in 1882 and is still underway today, over 137 years later. This enormous time span is a testament to the detail and thought Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí put into every door, column, and spire, and the result is a one-of-a-kind structure that’s unlike any you’ve ever seen.

A ticket inside will set you back a precious $22 — but even if you don't want to splurge, it's pretty incredible just to see from the outside.

Cost: free from the outside; $22 to enter

You can swing by a grocery store and grab the basics — bread, cheese, and ham — or pick up a premade sandwich from Guelly Sandwichpark outside Park Güell. At the latter, around $5 will get you a sandwich and drink — and an additional $2 = churros.

At the park, head up Carmel Hill and find a bench overlooking the city where you can fuel up to the sound of street musicians. After you’ve finished lunch, spend some time exploring the park and search out more of Gaudí’s iconic work. You can enjoy most of the park for free, but the monumental area (home to the colorful, Instagram-worthy ceramic benches) requires a ticket.

Cost: around $5 for lunch; free to $11 for the park

It would be a disgrace to leave the land of small bites without having a full-blown tapas dinner. You won’t be disappointed with the expansive menu found at this tiny bistro in the Gothic Quarter. We recommend the bombas filled with squid and aioli and the seasonal vegetable ceviche (we promise, it’s not as boring as it sounds).

Finish off with a beer ($3), a glass of wine ($5), or splurge on the cava (Spanish sparkling wine) sangria ($8).

Cost: around $15

Even the biggest coffee snob can’t turn up their nose at Cafés El Magnífico. The multi-generational family business is all about brewing the perfect cup — which is a good thing, because you have a big day ahead of you.

Tip: If you happen to be in town on the first Sunday of the month, you’re in luck — the Museu Picasso is free all day long and is an easy, 3-minute walk from the café.

Cost: around $2

Grab a spare towel from your accommodation, pack a good book, and find a cozy spot on Playa de La Barceloneta. During the summer months you can take a dip in the sea or join a game of beach volleyball, and when the cooler weather hits (October to March) the surf is at its best.

Cost: free

This hole-in-the-wall tapas bar serves amazing food at even more amazing prices. Grab a mouthwatering sandwich, some chorizo, or a few croquettes, and wash it down with a glass of cava.

Cost: around $10–$15

Your Barcelona to-dos may be a simple list of things to eat and drink, but it’s a tad embarrassing to leave a city knowing nothing about its history. That’s why this tour is a must — and it helps that it’s free. All you need to do is show up and we promise you’ll learn something.

And remember, the tour itself may be free, but it’s always good to tip your guide.

Cost: free, plus a tip

There’s so much going on at La Boqueria that we recommend taking a lap around the market before deciding what you’ll eat and drink. You’ll find everything from empanadas to fresh-fruit smoothies to oysters. Take your pick, or pull up a stool and reward your walk-heavy day with ice-cold beer and some more tapas. (And be sure to grab a few to-go snacks for late evening munchies.)

Cost: around $10