Is Barcelona expensive for eating and drinking? Well, the answer isn’t simple. It really depends on where you go, what you eat, and what kind of experience you are looking for.
After spending some beautiful days wandering the streets of Barcelona, tasting its flavors and sipping coffee at cozy corners, here’s a detailed and personal guide to what you can expect.
Is Barcelona Expensive to Eat and Drink? (2025)
Eating out in Barcelona is expensive
Breakfast Costs
Starting your morning in Barcelona can be both delightful and easy on your wallet. In most places, a simple breakfast usually a coffee and a pastry costs between €2 and €5. I remember stopping by a small café near Passeig de Gràcia where I paid just €3.50 for a rich café con leche and a warm croissant.
If you’re like me and prefer a bigger breakfast to fuel a day of sightseeing, you can get a full set (toast, omelette, and coffee) starting around €6. Prices stay pretty consistent across the city, but of course, if you sit right next to famous landmarks like Sagrada Família, expect to pay a little more.
Personal Tip: Look for cafés where the locals are sitting that’s usually a good sign of good prices and better coffee!
Lunch Expenses
Lunch in Barcelona is truly one of the best parts of the day! One thing you should definitely try is the famous menú del día a set menu that includes a starter, a main course, dessert, and a drink.
In the busy parts of the city like the Gothic Quarter, it’s now a bit harder to find a menú del día under €16. I usually found them priced between €16 and €17. However, when I explored quieter neighborhoods like Gràcia and El Poble-sec, I found fantastic lunch deals for about €12 to €13. The food tasted homemade, and the portions were really generous.
Personal Tip: Always check the blackboard outside smaller restaurants. Many places post their menú del día there, and you might find some hidden gems!
Dinner Prices
Dinner is where things can get a little more expensive, especially if you choose a nice restaurant. A typical three-course dinner usually costs between €20 and €30 per person.
I remember one evening when I treated myself to a cozy dinner in El Born. My pasta dish cost around €11, and my friend’s steak was about €13. If you go to touristy places or fine dining spots, though, the prices can go up quite a bit.
Personal Tip: If you’re okay with lighter dinners, tapas are a great and cheaper option. Sharing small plates with friends made our evenings much more fun and budget-friendly.
Beverage Costs
When it comes to drinks, prices can vary quite a lot depending on where you are.
- In regular restaurants, a domestic beer usually costs around €3 to €4.
- In bars, expect to pay €2.50 to €4 for a beer.
- If you plan to dance the night away in a nightclub, drinks can shoot up to €6 to €10.
A nice glass of wine with dinner usually cost me around €3 to €5, which I found very reasonable. Non-alcoholic drinks are also affordable a simple coffee is about €2, while a cappuccino is around €3.
Personal Tip: If you love wine, try visiting small wine bars away from tourist areas you’ll find better prices and wonderful local varieties.
Factors That Influence the Costs
Several things can change how much you spend on food and drinks in Barcelona:
- Location: Tourist hotspots like Las Ramblas always charge more. Going into residential areas can save you quite a bit.
- Type of Place: Family-run tapas bars and small cafés are often cheaper (and honestly more charming) than big restaurants.
- Time of Day: Lunch deals are much better than dinner prices.
- Season: If you visit during summer holidays, expect a small price jump because of tourist season.
Barcelona Drinking Culture
Barcelona has a very relaxed and friendly drinking culture. People enjoy their drinks slowly. It is all about socializing, not just drinking.
In Barcelona, drinking is often part of daily life. Locals meet friends for a drink after work. Families share wine during lunch or dinner. It is very common and very casual.
Wine is a Big Part
Wine is very popular in Barcelona. Spain is one of the biggest wine producers in the world. You will find good wine almost everywhere. A glass of house wine in a restaurant usually costs only €3 to €5. Many locals enjoy a glass of red wine (vino tinto) or white wine (vino blanco) with their meals.
Beer is Also Loved
Beer, called “cerveza” in Spanish, is also loved. People often order a small beer, called a “caña”. It is usually fresh and cold. It costs around €2.50 to €4 in most bars. Popular brands you will see are Estrella Damm and Moritz.
Cava is Special
Cava is the famous sparkling wine of Catalonia. It is similar to Champagne but costs much less. Locals drink Cava on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and holidays. But you can also find it in regular bars and restaurants.
Vermouth Tradition
In Barcelona, drinking vermouth is a tradition. Vermouth is a sweet, spiced wine served with ice and an orange slice. Many people enjoy it before lunch, usually around noon. Locals call it “La hora del vermut” (the vermouth hour). It is a lovely way to relax and start a meal.
Cocktail Bars and Nightlife
Barcelona also has a fun cocktail scene. There are many cocktail bars where you can enjoy creative drinks. Some popular areas for nightlife are El Born, the Gothic Quarter, and Eixample. Drinks in nightclubs can be expensive. A cocktail might cost between €10 and €15.
Drinking Laws
The legal drinking age in Spain is 18 years old. Drinking in public places like parks or streets is not allowed in Barcelona. You can be fined if caught. But drinking at a terrace, bar, or restaurant is totally fine.
Pace of Drinking
In Barcelona, people drink slowly. They enjoy their drinks over good conversation. It is very different from drinking cultures where people drink quickly. Here, sharing a bottle of wine or sipping a beer with tapas is very common.
Meals and Drinks
Meals in Barcelona often include drinks. A typical lunch or dinner will have a glass of wine, beer, or Cava. Some restaurants offer a drink included with the menú del día (set menu).
Festivals and Drinks
During festivals, drinking becomes even more lively. Popular local festivals like La Mercè or Festa Major de Gràcia are full of street parties. You will see people enjoying Cava, beer, and cocktails during these celebrations.
Responsible Drinking
Even though drinking is part of daily life, locals usually drink responsibly. You rarely see people getting very drunk in public during the day. At night, especially in tourist areas, you might see more partying. But most locals prefer to keep it relaxed and social.
Tips for Visitors
- Try local drinks like Cava and Vermouth.
- Enjoy your drink slowly, like the locals do.
- Sit at a terrace café and watch the world go by.
- Be careful not to drink in public places to avoid fines.
- Taste house wines — they are cheap and very good.
Cheap Flights to Barcelona
Finding cheap flights to Barcelona is not very hard if you plan early. We found some really good deals by checking prices often. It also helped to be flexible with our travel dates.
Flights from London and other big European cities can be very affordable. If you avoid peak seasons like summer holidays, Christmas, and Easter, you can save a lot of money. Traveling during the off-season, like in February or November, usually gives you the best prices.
We booked our own trip in February 2025. It was a quick weekend getaway, from Friday to Sunday. We flew direct from London Gatwick to Barcelona. The flight time was less than two hours, which made it super easy and stress-free.
For our round-trip flight, we paid around £100 per person. This price was without any extra baggage, just a small carry-on. We didn’t mind traveling light for such a short trip. If you need to add checked luggage, be ready to pay a little more.
I remember feeling so excited when we booked the tickets. It felt like a real steal! We kept checking different websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights. Playing around with different dates helped us find the cheapest options.
I remember feeling so excited when we booked the tickets. It felt like a real steal! We kept checking different websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights. Playing around with different dates helped us find the cheapest options.
One tip I would give is to book flights at least two to three months in advance if you can. Last-minute tickets are often much more expensive. Also, flying mid-week, like on a Tuesday or Wednesday, can sometimes be cheaper than flying on weekends.
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet have a lot of flights to Barcelona. But always read the fine print. Sometimes the cheap ticket looks good at first, but they add extra fees for things like picking a seat or bringing a big bag.
Overall, getting to Barcelona from London was easy, quick, and very affordable for us. We spent the money we saved on some great tapas and fun experiences once we arrived!
Barcelona Romantic Hotels Cost
| Hotel Type | Price per Night (Euro €) | Price per Night (Pound £) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Romantic Hotel | €100 – €150 | £85 – £125 |
| Mid-Range Romantic Hotel | €150 – €250 | £125 – £210 |
| Luxury Romantic Hotel | €300 – €600 | £250 – £500 |
Example Hotels
| Hotel Name | Type | Price Range (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Praktik Èssens | Budget | €120 – €150 (£100 – £125) |
| Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux | Mid-Range | €200 – €300 (£170 – £250) |
| Mandarin Oriental Barcelona | Luxury | €450 – €600 (£380 – £500) |
Note:
Prices change depending on the season. Expect higher rates during summer and festivals.
Tip:
Booking early can save you money. Many hotels offer discounts for longer stays.
Breakfast: $0
Is Barcelona Expensive?
Barcelona can be both cheap and expensive. It depends on where you eat, stay, and what you do.
Hotels in the city center are pricey. Expect to pay around €120 to €150 per night. Cheaper hotels outside the center cost about €70 to €100.
Food can be affordable. A “menú del día” (lunch deal) costs €12 to €16. Tapas and drinks are also cheap if you avoid touristy spots.
Public transport is cheap. A metro ticket costs €2.55. Walking is free and the city is easy to explore on foot.
Big attractions like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló charge entry fees. But there are many free things to do, like visiting parks and beaches.
In short, Barcelona is affordable if you plan well. Spend wisely, and you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank!
Average Costs in Barcelona
Here is what you can expect to spend per person:
| Item | Price in Euro (€) | Price in Pound (£) |
|---|---|---|
| One night in a hotel (double room, total) | €150 | £125 |
| Daily tourist tax (per person) | €6.27 | £5.28 |
| Airport bus to city (one way) | €7.25 | £6.10 |
| Lunch or dinner at a restaurant | €24 | £20 |
| Coffee at a local café | €3.50 | £3 |
| Glass of wine | €4 | £3.30 |
Attraction Costs in Barcelona (Per Person)
| Attraction | Price in Euro (€) | Price in Pound (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry to Montjuic Castle | €12 | £10 |
| Entry to Sagrada Familia | €26 | £22 |
| Entry to Park Güell | €18 | £15 |
Tips for Eating and Drinking on a Budget
Here are a few tips from my experience to help you enjoy Barcelona without breaking the bank:
- Explore Local Neighborhoods: Areas like Gràcia, Sant Antoni, and El Poble-sec have great food, local vibes, and fair prices.
- Opt for Menú del Día: It’s one of the best deals you’ll find in Spain lots of food for a fixed, low price.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: If a restaurant menu is in five languages and someone is waving you inside, it’s probably overpriced.
- Visit Markets: Markets like La Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni are perfect for picking up fresh and tasty treats.
- Drink Smart: Alcohol adds up fast. Enjoy water with meals and head to a local bar afterward if you want a drink.
Conclusion
So, is Barcelona expensive for eating and drinking? It can be, but it really doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy the best of Barcelona’s food scene without spending too much. From delicious €3 croissants to memorable €12 lunches and cozy wine bars, Barcelona has something for every budget and every appetite.
For me, every meal was not just about eating but about experiencing the soul of the city. Whether it was a lazy breakfast at a street café or sharing tapas late into the night, the memories and the tastes were absolutely worth it.
FAQs
Q1: How much does an average meal cost in Barcelona?
On average, expect to pay around €12–17 for a lunch menú del día (set menu) and €20–30 for a nice dinner at a mid-range restaurant. You can save money by eating your main meal at lunchtime when deals are better!
Q2: Is it cheaper to eat out or cook in Barcelona?
If you’re staying in an apartment or hostel with a kitchen, cooking at home can save a lot. Local markets like La Boqueria have fresh and affordable ingredients. But honestly, trying Barcelona’s amazing tapas and seafood is part of the fun just balance eating out with some home-cooked meals if you’re watching your budget.
Q3: Are drinks expensive in Barcelona?
It depends on where you go. A beer at a casual bar costs around €2.50–4, but at a nightclub, it can shoot up to €6–10. Wine is usually quite reasonable, with a glass costing around €3–5 in most restaurants. Coffee is also affordable about €2 for a regular one.
Q4: Where can I find cheap eats in Barcelona?
Look beyond the touristy areas! Neighborhoods like Gràcia, El Raval, and Sant Antoni have fantastic local spots that are much more affordable. Also, don’t miss trying a menú del día at lunch — it’s one of the best deals in the city.
Q5: How can I save money on food and drinks while visiting?
Here’s what worked for me:
- Stick to local cafés and tapas bars.
- Eat your main meal at lunchtime (menú del día).
- Skip the tourist traps with big flashy signs.
- Visit food markets for fresh, cheap bites.
- Drink water with meals and enjoy your wine or beer later at a local bar.
Q6: Are tips included in restaurant bills in Barcelona?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Barcelona like it is in the U.S. Locals usually round up the bill or leave small change. If you loved the service, leaving 5–10% is appreciated, but not expected.
Q7: Is it more expensive to eat near tourist attractions?
Definitely. Restaurants close to famous places like Sagrada Família or the Gothic Quarter usually charge higher prices. A little tip walk a few streets away from the main attractions, and you’ll find much better prices and more authentic food!
