Budget-Friendly 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary: Affordable Stays and Top Sights

Day 1: Gothic Quarter Exploration

Barcelona, Spain on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granja M. Viader

Enjoy traditional Catalan pastries and coffee at this historic café open from 7:30AM, perfect for a budget-friendly and authentic start.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Explore Barcelona’s medieval heart with free walking tours starting at Plaça Sant Jaume, admire the Barcelona Cathedral and narrow alleys blending history and vibrant street life.
Free (tip-based), 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Taste affordable and fresh foods from the market’s stalls, with options including tapas and fresh fruit, allowing you to sample local flavors on a budget.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Museu Picasso

Discover Picasso’s early works housed in medieval palaces; open 10AM–7PM with affordable entry fees, it's ideal to book tickets ahead online.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hostel One Ramblas

Budget-friendly accommodation near Las Ramblas with a social atmosphere and clean facilities, perfect for solo travelers or groups.
EUR25 per night, Overnight stay

7:00PM

Dinner at El Rincón del Artista

A friendly local spot offering affordable tapas and main dishes close to your accommodation, ideal for an economical yet tasty dinner.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Sagrada Familia & Eixample

Barcelona, Spain on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy a reasonably priced continental breakfast with vegetarian options in the Eixample area, open from 8AM.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece with tickets costing around EUR26; early morning visits help avoid the crowds. Open from 9AM.
EUR26, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll Passeig de Gràcia

Walk along this famous boulevard to admire architecture including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, window-shopping or stopping briefly at free-access spots.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cervecería Catalana

Popular and budget-friendly tapas bar, serving delicious local dishes in a lively atmosphere. Arrive early to avoid wait times. Open daily from 1PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Parc de la Ciutadella

Spend a peaceful afternoon in this scenic park with free entry, boating lake, and the Barcelona Zoo nearby if interested (additional cost).
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bodega la Palma

Affordable, authentic Catalan cuisine in a casual setting in the old town, open until 11PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Park Güell & Gràcia

Barcelona, Spain on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forn Baluard

Start your day with fresh baked goods and coffee at this popular bakery open from 7:30AM in the Gràcia area.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s famous park with colorful mosaics and panoramic city views; book tickets in advance for EUR10. Open 8AM–9:30PM in April.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Gràcia Neighborhood

Roam this bohemian district's plazas and narrow streets with free access, perfect for people-watching and checking out local artisan shops.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Vermuteria del Tano

Affordable and local vermouth bar and eatery offering tasty tapas in a cozy atmosphere in Gràcia, open from noon.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Casa Vicens

Tour Gaudí’s first major work, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; tickets cost EUR16. Open 10AM–6:30PM with online booking recommended.
EUR16, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sagardi Gràcia

Enjoy budget-friendly Basque-style tapas and pintxos near the Gràcia area, perfect for an evening meal open until 11PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Beach & Port Vell

Barcelona, Spain on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start your final day with an affordable and hearty breakfast near the beach area, open at 8AM with healthy and vegetarian choices.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Barceloneta Beach Walk

Enjoy a morning walk along the beach promenade, perfect for free relaxation and people watching.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Maremagnum and Port Vell

Explore the waterfront mall and marina area with free access, great for souvenir shopping and sightseeing.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Jai-Ca

Popular seafood tapas bar offering excellent affordable dishes close to the beach, open noon to midnight.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Departure or Optional Visit to Montjuïc

If time allows, consider a quick visit to Montjuïc Hill for gardens and free-entry areas accessible by funicular (not included in budget).
Free (funicular extra), 2 hours