Barcelona is a cultural city known for the Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, and Montjuïc Castle. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Barcelona, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Barcelona?
You should plan to spend around $192 (€183) per day on your vacation in Barcelona. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $60 (€57) on meals
- $20 (€19) on local transportation
- $202 (€192) on hotels
A one week trip to Barcelona for two people costs, on average, $2,685 (€2,562). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,342
€1,281
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,685
€2,562
-
One Month
Per person
$5,753
€5,490
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,685
€2,562
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,370
€5,124
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,506
€10,980
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Barcelona cost?
A one week trip to Barcelona usually costs around $1,342 (€1,281) for one person and $2,685 (€2,562) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Barcelona on average costs around $2,685 (€2,562) for one person and $5,370 (€5,124) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Barcelona will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Barcelona on average costs around $5,753 (€5,490) for one person and $11,506 (€10,980) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Barcelona expensive to visit?
Barcelona is a big, exciting city with a global reputation that attracts all sorts of travelers. From budget-conscious to lavish, everyone finds their own style and budget here. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Barcelona can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $76 (€70) per day, mid-range travelers spend $199 (€183) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $537 (€493) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Barcelona.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Barcelona is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Orkney Islands or Albufeira.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Barcelona Expensive?
Barcelona, Spain
How much money do I need for a trip to Barcelona?
The average Barcelona trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Barcelona travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Barcelona cost?
Barcelona on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$37
(€35)
|
$101
(€96)
|
$295
(€281)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(€7.26)
|
$20
(€19)
|
$55
(€52)
|
|
Food 2
|
$24
(€23)
|
$60
(€57)
|
$141
(€134)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(€13)
|
$34
(€33)
|
$83
(€79)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€3-10)
|
$9-27
(€9-26)
|
$23-68
(€22-65)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Barcelona without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Barcelona on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $76 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Barcelona offers plenty of hostels such as St Christopher's Barcelona, Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona, and Mediterranean Youth Hostel. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. Moreover, the city has a well-developed public transit system that allows budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxi or rideshares. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Barcelona, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Barcelona will want to visit the Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, or Montjuïc Castle. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $199 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Barcelona. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Casa Camper is a good kid-friendly option, and Mercer House Boria BCN is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Barcelona here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $537 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Private Tour with Guide - offered by Viator.
Barcelona, Spain
Accommodation Budget in Barcelona
In Barcelona, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $125, but during peak season they jump to an average of $233. You can find budget options starting at $69 up to luxury rates at $435. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Barcelona for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $202 (€192). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $101 (€96) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Barcelona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Barcelona include:
- Hotel Casa Camper starting at $177
- Mercer House Boria BCN starting at $160
- Olivia Plaza Hotel starting at $142
- Casa del Mediterraneo starting at $107
- Primero Primera starting at $162
In the large city of Barcelona, you'll find a broad selection of places to stay. Options range from budget hostels like St Christopher's Barcelona to charming vacation rentals and luxurious hotels. While city center accommodations can be pricier, they offer easy access to public transit and popular attractions.
With Barcelona's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the city is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.
Planning to spend a week in Barcelona? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
The city's vibrant old town is a big draw for visitors. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but often have a lot of character and a location with easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Barcelona
Barcelona is a large city where transportation is key. Luckily, the city has a very good public transit system. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating. If you want to save money, public transit is the best option, but taxis and rideshares can be found all around town.
Regrettably, the walkable areas in the city are quite limited. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 (€19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Barcelona. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Barcelona is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
€19
If you intend to use public transit a lot, multi-day passes can significantly reduce your transportation expenses.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets while on the buses and trains, particularly in the stations. Barcelona is a major city, after all.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport Transfer for $160 details
- Departure Barcelona Airport Private Transfer for $31 details
- Transfers From Cruise Port to Barcelona Airport for $38 details
How much does it cost to go to Barcelona? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Barcelona will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Barcelona are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Barcelona. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
10 Trip Metro Ticket
€7.80
-
Airport Bus
€5.00
-
Metro
€2.10
Food Budget in Barcelona
You'll find that the food in Barcelona is wonderful. Be sure to spend time enjoying all the local flavors. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Barcelona can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Barcelona is $60 (€57) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$60
€57
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Barcelona is around $62 (€57) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $146. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Barcelona are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Food in Barcelona can vary by restaurant and even neighborhood. As with most cities, avoid eating near major tourist attractions as the food will be more expensive and lower in quality. Many restaurants in Barcelona offer set menus (menu del dia). This menu of the day is usually a two course meal with a salad and main dish. Occasionally a drink and dessert may also be included. There are usually three or four simple options and the price is reasonable, from 10-20 euros depending on the restaurant. The portion sizes may be small though. Also be on the lookout for lunch specials which may be available on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm. This usually offers a significant discount.
If you're on a particularly tight budget, there are many different supermarkets around town that offer prepared food. This is a great way to enjoy a picnic and some decent food, without paying high restaurant prices.
You can save money by enjoying meals at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist areas or business centers provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and cheaper versions of their dinner options. Sometimes, if you search in the right places, you can have a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget price. For dinner, just keep it light.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Barcelona. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Paella Cooking Class and Market Visit with Personal Chef for $171 details
- Clandestine Dinner Party Barcelona for $125 details
- Barcelona best private food tour: TAILORED TAPAS & food guidebook for $107 details
Typical prices for food in Barcelona are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Barcelona. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Hot Cocoa & Churro
€4.15
-
Sandwich
€1.70
-
Baguette & Horchata
€3.80
-
Tapas on the beach
€8.28
-
Gelatto
€2.50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Barcelona
Travelers flock to Barcelona because it is well-known for its nightlife, music, budget-friendly accommodations, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Barcelona typically cost an average of $34 (€33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$34
€33
A few of the most popular sights are:
- The Sagrada Família for €26
- Parc Güell for €26
- Montjuïc Castle for €12
- The Gothic Quarter (Free)
- Casa Milà for €25
- Bogatell Beach (Free)
- La Barceloneta Beach (Free)
- The Labyrinth Park of Horta for €2.25
- Camp Nou for €28
- The Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) for €7
- The Palace of Catalan Music for €20
- Boqueria Market (Free)
- Las Ramblas (Free)
Part of the pleasure of Barcelona is simply exploring the city, wandering through its streets, finding the many hidden squares, and soaking up the great atmosphere. This is particularly enjoyable in the Barri Gotic.
There are many major attractions around the city. The Temple of Augustus is impressive and is found inside a building that now has four columns and Corinthian fluted shafts, and a architrave of the podium. The Temple was built by the Romans during the Imperial period in the colony of Barcino (which is now Barcelona). It was a place of worship for Emperor Augustus.
Many people enjoy seeing the Gaudi architecture that is throughout the city. Some good examples include the Parc Guell in Gracia, the Sagarad Familia in Eixample, and the houses La Pedrera/Casa Mila and La Casa Batllo in Eixample. To see the best Modernisme, or art nouveau buildings around town, take the Ruta del Modernisme, which is run by Modernisme Centre. If you don't want to pay for the trip, you can walk the main route in a few hours.
The most famous building in the city is La Sagrada Familia. The church is still incomplete and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's impressive height and details make it a breathtaking place to visit. The building began about a century ago and is still in progress.
There are many yearly festivals in Barcelona, many of which highlight the Catalonia culture. Cavalcada de Reis is a float parade held in January. Sonar is a three day music festival in June. Festes de Gracia is a Catalonian celebration in August. There's a midsummer solstice celebration in June known as Revetlla de Sant Joan. La Merce is the annual festival of the City of Barcelona that is held in September. There are many others as well, so check a detailed calender before your trip begins.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Barcelona specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.
Music:
In Barcelona, you'll find a popular music scene that brings people together. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town area brings in many visitors. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.
Shopping:
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
A nice way to explore destinations in Barcelona is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Montserrat Private Tour from Barcelona with Pick-up for $167 details
- The Ultimate Old Town Tour in Barcelona for $90 details
- Priorat: Jeep tour & Foodies Lunch from Barcelona for $266 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Barcelona are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Barcelona
The nightlife scene in Barcelona is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Barcelona per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
€17
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Barcelona. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Barcelona Craft Beer Tour with a Brewery Tour and 3 Local Bars for $53 details
- Cultural Walking Tour in Barcelona with Food & Wine Tasting for $88 details
- Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona for $29 details
Travel cost data last updated: Jun 18, 2024
Traveling in Barcelona
Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
Barcelona is a wonderful travel destination year around. There are many outdoor markets, restaurants, cafes and events that take advantage of the relatively mild weather. Although the summer months are the peak time for visitors, it's great to go during the low season winter months as well. The weather is not that cold, averaging about 10 degrees Celsius with high humidity and rain is uncommon. In general, the best time to visit is between April and June and late September and November.
Neighborhoods & Around
At the center of the city you will find Barcelona's Old Town, Ciutat Vella. There are many sights concentrated in this area including Barri Gotic, La Rambla, El Raval, and El Born. Next to Ciutat Villa, is Eixample, which is the Modernist quarter. This area is famous for its nouveau buildings. Further out is Gracia, which was originally its own town, but later joined into Barcelona. It has narrow streets with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you're looking to get away from the tourists then this area offers a young and hip atmosphere. Sants-Montjuic is where you will find Placa d'Espanya, or Spain Square. This square often hosts many different fairs or exhibitions. There are also many museums, monuments and festivals that appeal to tourists. Other neighborhoods include Sant Marti and the Inland Suburbs.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We always visit during the fall months because the weather is better and the tourist crowds are gone. It's also a lot cheaper at these times of the year.