To find a lunch that is tasty and yet affordable then cast your eye over the blackboards posted outside the cafes and restaurant around the city as they advertise Menu del Dia, a wonderful way to taste what the locals are eating in the area. Usually the first course starts with a refreshing salad, followed by generous servings of two main courses, and dessert – a classic one is sponge cream cake which is delicious served at the end of the meal. Another well-known eating place to look out for is Pans & Company, where there's a good choice of baguettes, hotdogs and salads. They offer more economical value than eating in restaurants with menus offering meal packages such as Funwurst meal, or Iberian ham with french fries, a side dish and a soft drink. A meal should cost between 6 EUR to 7 EUR.

There are certain things you should have knowledge of when eating in Barcelona restaurants, just like in your own country they charge a VAT tax. When an IVA tax can add 7 % to the total bill then it pays to budget for it. Several places charge on top for bread, or 'pan', so ask prior to sitting down for a meal. Restaurants and shops often close in the early hours of the afternoon for a siesta and then re-open again later. Also never leave your things out of sight like your wallet and mobile phone as thieves are rife in the city centre and will grab every opportunity. Finally, it really is up to you whether you leave a tip or not, you won't get a dirty look if you decide not to!

With the ease of the internet allowing you to formulate your sightseeing plans in advance it's simple enough to find freebies once you arrive in the city. Museums, art galleries, and various activities and attractions offer free entry or a reduced rate on certain days or at particular times of the year so it will save you money in the long run if you prepare yourself beforehand. With the massive amount of museums available here it means there are guaranteed to be some that are free to visit, while others are free only on Wednesdays and Sundays. The national art gallery of Catalonia, Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya, or MNAC in short, has free entry for those under-15 or over-65, and everyone gets in for nothing on the 1st Sunday of the month. In the evenings it's amazing with the light thrown onto it from the spectacular water and light display at Font Màgica de Montjuïc, but it is the fine art and many other priceless exhibits that will keep you busy.

The MACBA's real name is the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona and you can visit it for a free workshop held every now and again in the one of the lecture theatres. There is a Study Center, Library Reading Room and Special Collections Room all of which have an amazing selection of publications and books, as well as an archive that's completely free for the public to use.

Several of the best parks have great places to hang and chill out if you want some time away from the hectic life of the city centre, the Parc de la Crueta del Coll is one such place, and check out Fundacio Joan Miro Musuem and the illuminated Font Màgica too whilst you're in Barcelona. A tempting invitation from the Parc de la Ciutadella, the biggest in the city, is to loosen up in its peaceful grounds, and the Parc Guell is guaranteed to get your attention with its fantastic array of bizarre and creative sculptures. One of the most famous parks in Barcelona, Parc Guell was designed and constructed between 1900 and 1914 by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, its winding paths are surreal, mosaic sculptures enthralling, and the columns gigantic.

The city is filled with religious monuments, many of which can be visited without paying a penny. The structural designs in Barcelona alone can entertain you for weeks and it has one of the best preserved Gothic-era medieval centres you'll ever come across. The Santa Maria del Mar Church can give you an example of how subtle Gothic architecture can be with its Celestine windows, charming and beautiful especially when the light streams throughout the church.

There are a profusion of apartments to stay in Barcelona and they are priced according to where they are located in the city centre, anyone who wants to spend a longer time here than just a few days will find it is affordable if you follow the tips above.