To enjoy lunch out at one of the many city centre restaurants, at a price you can afford, then look for the signs advertising Menu of the Day, as they include dishes that you wouldn't have thought to order and so give you a taste of the local dishes available. Offers are typically written on blackboards at the restaurants, with prices ranging anywhere from 6 EUR at the local corner eateries, to 25 EUR at the more sophisticated establishments. A well-liked classic dessert to tempt you is crème caramel served at the end of the feast. If quick, cheap and healthy is what you are after then head to Moaz, with two branches in the La Ramblas area alone, they offer pita with unlimited refills for 5 EUR, including falafal, hummus and other addictive specialties.

You need to be aware of a few things when eating out in restaurants. For instance there could be a value added tax which can increase the total bill by an additional 7%. Certain cafes may serve you wine and water with no charge whilst others will incur a small fee; don't be afraid to ask what's included in the advertised price. The Spaniards eat at different times to other parts of Europe, so don't be alarmed to find restaurants closed when you want them to be open, just try again a little later in the day. It's not wise to leave your bag or coat hanging unattended on the back of a chair either as there are pickpockets operating around the city centre looking for gullible tourists. And don't stress about how much tip to leave the waiting staff, it's really not necessary – up to you.

The arrival of the World Wide Web has meant a lot more convenience for most of us, particularly when it comes to making travel plans and arrangements. It's definitely worth working out your travel schedule ahead of time so you can look into free places to visit, principally museums and galleries that can eat into your spending money. Whilst some museums open their doors at no charge every day of the week, others are free only on certain days. A visit to the city is not complete without a trip to the Museo de Picasso de Barcelona, especially since it is free on the first Sunday of the month, plus they often hold complimentary guided tours at a cost of the museum's ticket price.

Art lovers can also pay a visit to the gallery scene at the Fundacio Caxiaforum, or stroll along the Conseil de Cent Street between Mutaner and Rambla Catalunya, where there is a whole scene of freebie galleries. Many parks provide an undisturbed respite from the turmoil of the city, such as Parc de la Crueta del Coll, the Botanical Gardens and the illuminated Font Magica. The biggest park, Parc de la Ciutadella is the best place for tranquil picnics in the huge grounds, while Parc Guell will intrigue your mind with its fancy sculptures. Locally known as 'Works of Antoni Gaudi' the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable structures and statues strongly influenced by nature.

You'll find some of the best art creations not in the museums and galleries themselves but around the city, including Ciutadella Park and Parc Guell and Barcelona is filled with historical monuments, many of which can be enjoyed for free. The structural designs in Barcelona range from imposing churches, and Modernist style to the Old Quarter with its gorgeous Gothic mansions – here are some of the best examples of medieval architecture you'll ever see. The Santa Maria Mar Church is a great example of how exquisite Gothic architecture can be, particularly when the light shines through its clerestory windows.

These are but just some of the many ways to enjoy this city on the cheap without burning a hole in your pocket. Barcelona has plenty of cheap apartments to rent if you want stretch your holiday funds to enjoy this marvellous destination.