Visiting Barcelona can get expensive fast. Between Gaudí’s masterpieces, beach days, rooftop cocktails, and shopping sprees, your travel budget can vanish in no time. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well here. Barcelona is packed with affordable food options that locals love just as much as visitors.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or simply prefer to spend wisely, here’s a list of 20 must-try cheap foods in Barcelona—plus where to find them.
20 Must-Try Cheap Foods in Barcelona
As a Barcelona local, I know exactly where to go when I want something tasty, filling, and inexpensive. From churros to pintxos, sandwiches to tapas, Barcelona has plenty of budget-friendly bites. Here’s my personal guide to the best cheap eats in the city.
1. Churros
Churros are a must when visiting Spain, and luckily, they’re one of the most affordable treats you can find. These golden, crispy sticks of fried dough are best enjoyed with a thick cup of hot chocolate, making them especially popular during the winter months.
A local favorite is Granja La Pallaresa, a historic café in the Gothic Quarter where you can get a portion of five churros for just a few euros. For locals, this is the perfect breakfast or late-afternoon snack.
2. Bocadillos
If you’re looking for a filling and cheap meal in Barcelona, nothing beats a bocadillo. These sandwiches, made with crusty baguette bread, are usually filled with Spanish classics like jamón, fuet, or Manchego cheese. In Catalonia, we rub the bread with fresh tomato, olive oil, and a pinch of salt before adding the filling, giving it an extra burst of flavor.
You can find bocadillos almost everywhere—from small bakeries to lively bars. I personally love the sandwiches at Bocatini, but Conesa and Bo de B are also popular among locals. For a convenient and budget-friendly chain, Pans & Company is a solid choice. For less than €5, you can get a well-filled sandwich with a drink and fries.
3. Tapas
Tapas are practically synonymous with Spanish food culture, and the good news is that they can also be very affordable. Ordering a tapa or two with a drink is a common way for locals to eat without spending much. Some of the best cheap tapas in Barcelona include the famous bomba de la Barceloneta at La Cova Fumada (€2.20), the tortilla de patatas from Los Tortillez (starting at €8.50), and the patatas bravas from El Tomás de Sarrià (€3), an institution in the city.
For a sit-down tapas experience that won’t stretch your budget, restaurants like Vinitus, Ciutat Comtal, and La Flauta are excellent. And if you’re looking for a true bargain, head to Casa Pages in Gràcia, where you can enjoy a beer and a tapa for only €2.50 every day between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.
4. Pintxos
Another cheap and delicious option are pintxos, small bites of food served on bread and held together with a toothpick. Originally from the Basque Country, pintxos have become very popular in Barcelona too. Prices usually start at around €2 to €2.50 each, making them an ideal option for a light and affordable meal.
Irati Taberna Basca serves some of the best pintxos in the city, but for the full experience you should head to Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec. This street is lined with pintxos bars where you can hop from one place to another, trying different bites at each stop.
5. Montaditos
Similar to pintxos but without the toothpick, montaditos are another wallet-friendly option you’ll find in many local bars. For the cheapest and most famous version, check out the chain 100 Montaditos, where you can get small sandwiches for as little as €1 each. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to try lots of different flavors in one meal.
6. Bikinis
In Barcelona, the word “bikini” doesn’t just refer to swimwear—it’s also the local name for a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Simple, comforting, and cheap. You can order a bikini in almost any café or bar in the city. For something more creative, try La Bikineria. In here, the traditional bikini, made with York ham and Emmental cheese, costs €4.50.
7. Patatas Fritas
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack on the go, patatas fritas—Spain’s take on French fries—are a delicious and very affordable option. One of the most popular spots is Las Fritas, where prices start at €3.30. Here you can customize your fries with different toppings and sauces, turning a simple snack into something more indulgent.
But the most famous fries in Barcelona are without a doubt those from Bocatas de Sultan. Although this small sandwich shop is known for its pitas and shawarmas, the real star of the menu is their perfectly golden fries. For just €1, you get a generous cone that many locals consider the best patatas fritas in the city. Affordable, crispy, and addictive—these fries are a must-try cheap eat in Barcelona.
8. Pizza
Pizza is one of the most affordable foods anywhere, and Barcelona has no shortage of great pizzerias. For a quick slice on the go, try Pizza Circus or Pizza del Born, both of which serve generous portions at low prices. If you want to sit down and enjoy a whole pizza without spending much, head to Da Nanni, located near La Rambla. Their pizzas cost between €4 and €6, and the menu offers a wide range of options, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
9. Focaccia
The Italian focaccia has also made its way to Barcelona, and you’ll now find gourmet focaccia sandwiches in many bakeries and cafés. One of the best spots to try it is Focacceria Balmesina, where the focaccia is fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable, starting at €9.50. Other popular stops worth trying are Compà and Santo Porcello.
10. Coca
Coca is Catalonia’s own version of pizza, and it’s a staple of local cuisine. These flatbreads can be savory or sweet, making them perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a snack on the go. You’ll find coca in bakeries all around Barcelona, but one of the best places to try it is Baluard at Praktik Bakery, which offers a wide variety along with other delicious pastries in a cozy setting.
11. Pasta
If you’re craving pasta, you’ll be glad to know that Barcelona has plenty of Italian restaurants serving fresh, affordable dishes. Pasta Macchina Bar and Tucco Real Food are two of my top picks for budget-friendly pasta that doesn’t compromise on quality.
For reliable chain options, La Tagliatella and Vapiano are also popular choices where you can get a satisfying plate of pasta for a fair price.
12. Burgers
Burgers are always a reliable option if you’re traveling on a budget but still want something filling. Barcelona has no shortage of burger joints, with local favorites like Bacoa, Vicio, Pim Pam Burger, and Goiko scattered around the city. For something truly cheap and tasty, head to König, a spot that specializes in burgers but also serves a wide range of tapas, including their famous patatas bravas. A simple burger with bacon and cheese here costs just €4.40, making it one of the best-value options in town.
Of course, the well-known international chains like McDonald’s, Five Guys, and Burger King can also be found throughout Barcelona if that’s more your style.
13. Frankfurts
In Barcelona, frankfurts are another cheap comfort food locals love. These German-style sausages are typically served in a baguette as a sandwich, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants across the city dedicated to them. One of the most popular is Viena, a local chain where a classic frankfurt sandwich starts at just €4.75.
14. Empanadas
Empanadas are savory pastries filled with everything from beef and tuna to vegetables, and they’re hugely popular in Spain. You’ll find plenty of shops in Barcelona selling them, but one of the best-known is Las Muns, where each empanada costs around €3. They also offer meal deals, such as one empanada with a drink for €4.50, two with a drink for €6.90, or three with a drink for €9.40.
If you prefer Argentine-style empanadas, check out La Fábrica Empanadas Argentinas, where the recipes come directly from South America and the flavors are authentic.
15. Kebabs
Kebabs have become one of the most popular cheap eats in Barcelona thanks to their flavor, generous portions, and affordable price. Made with grilled halal meat, fresh vegetables, and sauces, they’re the perfect grab-and-go meal when you’re exploring the city.
Two of the most famous kebab spots in Barcelona are Bismillah Kebabish, where a kebab costs around €6.50, and Mustafa Gemüse Kebab, known for its generous fillings and priced at €7.70.
16. Shawarma
If you prefer shawarma, which is similar to a kebab but usually prepared with thinly sliced spiced meat wrapped in pita bread, Barcelona also has some excellent options. Two popular and affordable places are Shawarma Haifa and La Caravana, where you can enjoy a hearty sandwich for around €5–6. Both restaurants are well known among locals for their flavor and value.
17. Tacos
For something with a Mexican twist, Barcelona has some great taco joints too. These soft flatbreads filled with delicious meats and toppings are not only tasty but also very affordable. In fact, some places are famous for offering tacos for just €1 each. For a fun and cheap Mexican night out, head to Tko Tacos or Los Güeros, where you can enjoy authentic tacos without spending much.
18. Dumplings
Asian food is another excellent budget-friendly option in Barcelona, and dumplings are at the top of the list. One of the best spots to enjoy them without breaking the bank is Lady Dumpling, where you’ll find fresh, flavorful dumplings at great prices: a mix of 12 dumplings starts at just €13, and they offer a lunch menu for only €12.50 on weekdays. It’s the perfect place for a quick and inexpensive meal with an Asian twist.
19. Açaí Bowls
On warm days in Barcelona, nothing beats the freshness of an açaí bowl. Made with frozen açaí and topped with granola, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, seeds, or even a touch of chocolate, these bowls are not only refreshing but also healthy and filling. One of the best places to try them is Oakberry, where a generously sized bowl costs around €10. While it’s slightly pricier compared to other cheap eats in Barcelona, it’s a wholesome choice that works just as well as a light meal as it does a sweet treat.
20. Cheesecake
For anyone with a sweet tooth, one of the best cheap desserts in Barcelona is cheesecake from 99 Cheesecakes. As the name suggests, you can grab a slice for just €0.99, making it one of the cheapest yet most delicious treats in the city. Be prepared to wait in line and enjoy your slice on a bench outside, but trust me—the taste and price are worth it. You can even customize your cheesecake with different toppings or try one of their special flavors, though these extras come at a small additional cost.
🎥 Video: Cheap Eats in Barcelona
Want to discover the best and cheapest local eateries in Barcelona? Check out the video below on my YouTube channel! In it, I share the locals’ favorite spots for eating cheap and delicious in Barcelona – including local tips, must-try dishes, and the best places to enjoy yourself without breaking the budget. Some of the tips from this post are also featured in the video, but I share plenty more insider recommendations too!
Good to know
- Not all cheap restaurants in Barcelona are created equal. To avoid falling into a tourist trap, make sure to watch my video on YouTube first!
- Many restaurants offer an affordable lunch menu during the week, including a starter, main course, and dessert, for just €10 – €15.
- On Carrer Blai, Barcelona’s pintxos street, you can find many bars serving pintxos for around €2 each.
- Apps like Too Good to Go offer leftover food from bakeries, cafés, and restaurants at a low price, perfect for saving money and fighting food waste.
As you can see, Barcelona has no shortage of cheap eats that will keep you full without emptying your wallet. From Spanish classics like churros, bocadillos, and tapas to international favorites like burgers, tacos, and dumplings, the city is a paradise for budget travelers who don’t want to compromise on flavor.
With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to eat in Barcelona when traveling on a budget—so you can save your money for the city’s other amazing experiences.
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