What are the best things to do in Barcelona without breaking the bank?

Hola Tina!

Get the hop on hop off bus pass, there are three routes.  You get a coupon book that gives you discounts to some of the entrance fees.  From there you can see the major sites along the route or explore the area and see what you discover.  Of course you cannot miss the main attractions, mainly several of Antonio Gaudi's buildings such as Sagrada Família, Casa Batlo, La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Parc Güell.  Be sure to visit inside these buildings, the rooftops, etc.  Walk Las Ramblas, fun place for people watching and include a visit to Mercat De La Boquería.  Free to visit and take amazing photos of the fruits and fresh seafood.  Once you take care of your airfare and accommodations you will find that Barcelona is very affordable!

Que pase muy buen viaje!     

Hi Tina-the below answers are spot on.  Take a picnic lunch from La Boqueria to Parc Güell and enjoy the views and strolling around.  We walked back and took in La Sagrada Familia.  If you like architecture, take in the other Gaudi stops:  Casa Batlo and La Pedrera Apartment. Or if you don't like the picnic idea, grab a seat at Pinotxo Bar in the Boqueria-let the chef decide what you'll have!

We are both very much in sports, so a wander around the hilltop (Parc de Montjuïc) where the Estadi Olímpic is located might be entertaining if you are similarly suited-there is a neat funicular that will take you up to the top, then walk back down towards the beautiful building of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and it's gorgeous fountain and boulevard out to Plaça d'Espanya .

La Rambla is highly entertaining for the street performers, and the many tapas joints.  While the ones located on La Rambla won't be your best restaurants, they are fun to hop in and out of.  

Lastly, we enjoyed a little square in Barcelona-Plaça Reial-sat outside at Restaurante Italiano Rossini for some great pizza and wonderful wine.

Hello Tina,

I see you have a lot of great suggestions already! I would suggest the Barcelona Alternative Tapas Tour: the Traditional Vermouth, where you will spend approx 2 and a half hours with a gourmet guide visiting different neighbourhoods (like Ciutat Vella, El Barri Gòtic and Raval neighbourhoods) and tasting Vermouth (a typical aperitif in Barcelona) and a selection of the most representative tapas that locals love. 

Check more here:

http://www.tourboks.com/en/product/barcelona-alternative-tapas-tour-the-traditional-vermouth.html

P.S: i work at Tourboks so if you need more help on tours and activities in Barcelona i would be glad to help out :)

Hi Tina,

I would really suggest a bike tour! You will get an overview and you can go back to the highlights whenever you feel comfortable afterwards.

I also suggest to check my three day itinerary with a lot of ideas what to do with small money.

Check www.bcnbylocals.com

have fun exploring like these ;-) cheerz, Jahn

Hey Tina,

Barcelona is amazing! I went for four days too, and was able to do a ton on a budget. Here were some of my faves:

• Parc Güell : the exterior of the amazing park is completely free to enter, and you get great views. You can also enter Gaudi's home, now a mini museum for 5€. I'm not sure what it costs to enter the main portion (popular tourist destination) but it shouldn't be too much.
  
  
• Barceloneta : take a walk at the beach! Free. If you want, grab a cocktail or ice cream. eyescream and friends is really cute and fun, and doesn't cost much.
  
  
• La Rambla + La Boqueria : walk around, take photos. La Rambla is insanely gorgeous, and the big open market is Barcelona's best. Try a fresh fruit juice for a euro, or treat yourself to other inexpensive delicacies.
  
  
• Font Màgica de Montjuïc : a free light/music show that's worth watching. Be sure to check the times before you plan your trip as they vary by day and season.
  
  
• Camp Nou : football fans love Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. It's pretty impressive for anyone to see, even from the outside. 
  
  
• Basílica de la Sagrada Família : even if you don't go inside (I recommend it - was so worth it!), seeing this famous cathedral is a MUST. Early afternoons during the week tend to be less packed, according to our Airbnb host.
  
  
• El Born : check out the Gothic quarter. If you're a window shopper/art lover like me, you'll enjoy seeing all of the small boutiques and street art. This is also home to the Museu Picasso , which is a great way to spend the day for about 15 euros.
  
  
• Enjoy churros + xiocolato - you can find it everywhere for 2-3 euros. :) Sangria is also really inexpensive and some of the best in the world.
  
  
• See the Arc de Triomf , as well as the exteriors of La Pedrera and Casa Batlo . The latter two are by Gaudi, and worth a look even fi you don't enter. The cost to go inside isn't terribly expensive, so it may be fun to see more of one of them.

I also highly recommend purchasing a pack of 10 tickets for the metro to save money. The trains are really clean, efficient and easy to navigate! We also walked almost everywhere, which was another great (and free) way to soak it all in.

Have the BEST time!

I am a rooftop junkie and so I always like to recommend the rooftop on the Museu D'Història De Catalunya. You can pay to go into the museum ( I think it is 4 or 5 euros) and then go up to the terrace and look out. Or go straight up to the restaurant and order a cocktail and sit outside. Of course going for sunset is the most beautiful time. Enjoy!

Hy Tina,

You have many places and sightseeing in Barcelona as: El Born, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barceloneta, Mercat De La Boquería, Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Montjuïc, Casa Batlló, Museu Picasso, Catedral De Santa Maria Del Mar, etc....

I leave a link where you can find tours and tour guides of Barcelona where you can advise:  tours and tour guides in barcelona

Nice trip to Barcelona!!!

Everyone had great answers and I'd like to add, take time in the evening to see a flamenco show and if possible look for a venue to hear some Spanish guitar. There are concerts and shows all around. Enjoy!

The area around Parc de Montjuïc and Estadi Olímpic is beautiful and free to look around with great views. You can wander up to the top of cable car for more views over the city and the Montjuïc Castle. Also be sure to walk along the beach promenade, very nice area and well setup.  

If you want something a bit different, check out the fairground up Mount Tibidabo - fun, vintage & great views also!