How to Live in Barcelona on a Budget (Guide for Students)

Barcelona is not cheap. If you stay there for one semester you might want to save some money and still enjoy life to the fullest. This guide will show you how (proven methods).

Let’s see some fun activities and methods to live cheaply while enjoying!

Cheap Food Barcelona

The food scene in Barcelona is vaste, ranging from Catalan cuisine to international food. After some weeks, it can get expensive. Let’s see how we can profit from few tricks to get great food at a discount.

Go at the right time

Some restaurants offer different prices for lunch and dinner, with remarkable differences. Others straight up offer discounts for particular days of the week. An example?

La Fabrica del Taco!

From Monday to Friday at lunch, you can eat tacos until you explode! The tacos are delicious and they are served fast. All of this, at the price of 16.95 euro (at the time of writing).

Yeah, but I don’t know where to search for these deals over all of Barcelona…

Don’t worry, I got you!

You can download my map of Barcelona, designed for Erasmus students!

I include the best places to eat, bars, places to study and much more. Including pro tips like the one above 😉

Save the food and the planet

What if I told you that you can save money… and the planet too?

Yes, that’s right, there is an app for that. It’s called Too Good To Go, and lets you save quality food from top restaurants all over Barcelona. You just need to download the app, and start searching for deals!

Once you found what you like, pay from the app, go at the restaurant at the assigned time, and pick up your meal to consume where you want.

Cook cheaply at home

The cheapest way to eat, is to cook yourself! But you already know that.

The cheapest stores in Barcelona are Aldi, Lidl, and Mercadona.

Fun activities on a budget in Barcelona

Midnight Runners

If you’re looking to stay fit, meet new people, and enjoy the city by night, check out Midnight Runners. It’s a social running group that meets weekly for night runs around Barcelona, often combined with music and scenic routes through iconic parts of the city. They usually start at a central location and run in packs, so it’s fun, social, and entirely free. This is a perfect option if you’re seeking community and cardio without the gym fees.

How to join: Look up Midnight Runners Barcelona on social media or their website for schedules and meet-up points. Just bring your energy and running shoes!

Beach Days and Park Picnics

One of the best parts of Barcelona? The Mediterranean coastline and its beaches are all free! Whether it’s Barceloneta, Bogatell, or Nova Icaria, bring a towel, some sunscreen, and you’re set for a perfect beach day. For a budget-friendly meal, grab an empanada or pack a few snacks from home to enjoy by the shore.

If you’re more of a park person, Parc de la Ciutadella offers wide lawns, palm-lined pathways, and the famous Cascada Monumental fountain for a relaxing day outdoors. It’s great for a picnic, reading, or a casual stroll. You can even find free live music or spontaneous group dance classes on weekends, especially near the Arc de Triomf.

Free Workout Spots: Calisthenics Parks and Sports Courts

If you love staying active, Barcelona has various free, outdoor gyms and sports courts. Calisthenics parks are scattered around the city, including popular ones in Parc de la Ciutadella and Montjuïc. These parks are perfect for bodyweight workouts, like pull-ups, dips, and stretches, so you can keep fit for free.

Prefer team sports? Many parks and beaches have open basketball and volleyball courts where you can join locals and other travelers for a quick game. It’s an easy way to meet people, stay fit, and enjoy the vibrant outdoor culture of the city.

Explore Events on Meetup

Barcelona is a hotspot for international groups and events, many of which are listed on Meetup.com. From language exchanges and photography clubs to hiking groups and cooking classes, there’s something for everyone. Many of these meetups are either free or involve a very small cost. Check Meetup regularly for new events, as it’s a great way to make friends and try new activities on a student budget.

Pro tip: Look out for special interest groups that meet in free public spaces or bars offering drink discounts—another way to stretch your budget.

Enjoy Museums with Free Days and Student Discounts

Barcelona’s world-class museums usually have entry fees, but many of them offer free admission on certain days or during specific hours:

• Museu Picasso: Free every Thursday after 5 PM and all day on the first Sunday of the month.
• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC): Free every Saturday after 3 PM and on the first Sunday of the month.
• Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB): Often free on Sundays after 3 PM.

Take note of these times and bring your student ID for additional discounts. Visiting these museums during free hours is a fantastic way to soak in Barcelona’s rich art scene for less.

Montjuïc: Free Views and Hiking

Montjuïc Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean, and it’s free to explore! Take a hike up the hill for incredible photo spots and to see landmarks like the Magic Fountain (check out its free light and music show in the evenings), Montjuïc Castle (free entry on Sundays after 3 PM), and the Botanical Garden. It’s a beautiful, budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon or evening, with some of the best views of Barcelona.

Cheap Nightlife Barcelona

Barcelona's nightlife is legendary, but it can also be pricey if you don’t know where to look. The city is filled with options for an unforgettable night out that don’t require spending a fortune.

ShazList for Free or Discounted Club Entries

The cost of entry to Barcelona’s popular nightclubs can add up fast, but ShazList is a budget-savvy solution. ShazList is an online guest list that gets you free or heavily discounted entry to some of the top nightclubs around the city. Whether you want to dance to techno, reggaeton, or house, ShazList has something for everyone, with options like Pacha, Opium, and Razzmatazz.

How it works: Check out the ShazList website or app to see the current guest lists, select the club you’re interested in, and sign up with your details. Be sure to arrive at the club on time, as the free entry is often limited to specific hours. Using ShazList can save you anywhere from €10 to €20 per night!

Pub Crawls for a Budget-Friendly Bar Hop

Barcelona’s pub crawls are legendary and one of the best ways to experience the city’s vibrant bar scene without overspending. Most pub crawls offer a fixed price (usually between €15 and €20), which includes entry to several bars, free shots, and discounted drinks throughout the night. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, pub crawls take you to a mix of classic spots and hidden gems, so you don’t have to worry about finding the best places.

Many pub crawls end at a nightclub where you’ll also get free or discounted entry. It’s a great way to meet new people, especially other travelers, and enjoy a budget-friendly night out.

Pro Tip: Some pub crawls partner with hostels, so if you’re staying in one, check if they have discounts or meet-ups for pub crawls.

Midnight Swim and Drinks on the Beach

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and free-spirited way to enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife, head to the beach at night. Many locals and travelers head down to Barceloneta Beach or Nova Icaria Beach after dark to enjoy the cool Mediterranean breeze, a swim, and a few budget-friendly drinks. It’s common to see groups of friends gathering with blankets, music, and drinks from the supermarket or local shops.

For a truly memorable experience, join in on a tradition of midnight swimming—a refreshing way to end a night. Some even go for a skinny dip under the stars (just be mindful of your belongings). If you’re up for it, bring a couple of drinks, kick back with friends, and let the Mediterranean set the mood for a perfect budget-friendly evening.

Conclusion

If you want to spend less and still have fun, there are several ways to do it. Even for free!

And if you are an Erasmus student in Barcelona, check my article on everything you need to know for Erasmus in Barcelona.

Lastly, check out the map that I created for you, and never wonder where to go ever again!