Barcelona · Backpacking
ON A BUDGET
Barcelona is expensive to sleep in and cheap to enjoy — beach, Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc cost nothing.
Gràcia and El Raval
Hostels cluster in El Raval and around Gràcia's squares. Gràcia is quieter and better value; anything on the beach at Barceloneta charges for the view.
What a day costs
Dorm €25–45, a menú del día €12–16, metro rides about €1.30 on a T-casual. A frugal day lands €50–80, roughly $55–90.
Getting around cheap
The T-casual gives ten metro or bus rides for around €12 and can be used on the airport train. Bicing bikes are residents-only, so walk the old town.
Free by day
The Gothic Quarter lanes, the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint at sunset and Barceloneta beach. Many city museums open free on the first Sunday of the month.
Plaça Reial
Free walking tours leave from Plaça de Catalunya and end near here; the arcaded square and its bars are where the groups reassemble afterwards.