1) Not Taking Enough Money
Barcelona is a really expensive city with a lot to do. We budgeted 50-60 euros a day (which, tbf, is our daily budget for most big cities we visit) and it was totally not enough. If you had three meals a day you'd probably burn through most of it. Expect to be paying between 12 and 35 euros for each attraction. Also be prepared for add on costs. Sure, the Guadi park is free, but if you want to get up close to the art or go the museum when inside be ready to get your wallet out.
Barcelona is a really expensive city with a lot to do. We budgeted 50-60 euros a day (which, tbf, is our daily budget for most big cities we visit) and it was totally not enough. If you had three meals a day you'd probably burn through most of it. Expect to be paying between 12 and 35 euros for each attraction. Also be prepared for add on costs. Sure, the Guadi park is free, but if you want to get up close to the art or go the museum when inside be ready to get your wallet out.
2) Accommodation Issues
If you want somewhere great to stay in Barcelona then book it well in advance. Try and get somewhere the has breakfast included, this will save you loads of money. Also, check the location carefully. Some areas of Barcelona are worse for being pick-pocketed, mugged etc. Try and stay near a metro line so its easier to get around. We stayed with Airbnb on this trip as we'd heard great things, but we were stung by this. The apartment was, frankly, horrible. With Airbnb you have to tell them within 24 hours of check in if there is an issue BUT you have to have addressed with your host first. We didn't feel like we could do this as if he threw us out we'd have been well and truly stuck (he was not a nice man and extremely sexist!). We also had no money to find somewhere else to stay and there is no guarantee you'll get your money back. It hasn't put us off using Airbnb at all, we fully intend to use it again, next time we'll be more careful and read the between the lines on the reviews, they are often more honest than the hosts description. The travel in and around the city is also really good and reasonably priced, don't be afraid to stay just outside if you're after something bigger.
3) Trying To Book Everything On The Day
It's a super busy tourist city, book as much as you can in advance. This will guarantee your access to things and spread the cost. Win win really. We missed out on an awful lot of stuff because we got there and it was out of budget or you'd have to wait in a 4 hour line. Always get there early to avoid disappointment!!
Keep an eye out for more Barcelona themed posts coming up in the next few day!!
P.S. NOT for the faint hearted, photos of our unpleasant apartment!!
If you want somewhere great to stay in Barcelona then book it well in advance. Try and get somewhere the has breakfast included, this will save you loads of money. Also, check the location carefully. Some areas of Barcelona are worse for being pick-pocketed, mugged etc. Try and stay near a metro line so its easier to get around. We stayed with Airbnb on this trip as we'd heard great things, but we were stung by this. The apartment was, frankly, horrible. With Airbnb you have to tell them within 24 hours of check in if there is an issue BUT you have to have addressed with your host first. We didn't feel like we could do this as if he threw us out we'd have been well and truly stuck (he was not a nice man and extremely sexist!). We also had no money to find somewhere else to stay and there is no guarantee you'll get your money back. It hasn't put us off using Airbnb at all, we fully intend to use it again, next time we'll be more careful and read the between the lines on the reviews, they are often more honest than the hosts description. The travel in and around the city is also really good and reasonably priced, don't be afraid to stay just outside if you're after something bigger.
3) Trying To Book Everything On The Day
It's a super busy tourist city, book as much as you can in advance. This will guarantee your access to things and spread the cost. Win win really. We missed out on an awful lot of stuff because we got there and it was out of budget or you'd have to wait in a 4 hour line. Always get there early to avoid disappointment!!
Keep an eye out for more Barcelona themed posts coming up in the next few day!!
P.S. NOT for the faint hearted, photos of our unpleasant apartment!!