For an economical midday meal or la comida look out for restaurants offering -Menu of the Day- the best kept secret for a satisfying 4-course meal in Spain. You can find the menus written on the boards outside and inside the restaurants, so you can avoid having to choose what to eat from a long list of items. To finish the meal, desserts such as pannacotta or a piece of fruit will be served. One of the most popular places to eat will be Moaz, with two stores in the La Rambla vicinity a meal deal comes with Belgian fries, a beverage and unlimited salad toppings, all for just for 5 EUR

There are additional charges to look out for when eating outside. Just like restaurants from home some may charge an IVA tax. A value added tax increases your bill by an additional 7 percent. Some also charge on top for bread, so beware and watch out for them too. With a mandatory midday siesta in place don't expect restaurants and stores to be opened till around Do not leave your personal belongings on the table if eating in a restaurant, so stay alert and don't worry about how much to tip. If you are so inclined leave some small change, but it is ok to not tip as well.

With the convenience of the internet it is worth making plans in advance so you can check out where is free to visit, especially museums. There are literally loads of museums in Barcelona; some are free for visitors on that day, while others are free only on Wednesdays and Sundays. The renowned Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya, or MNAC in short, welcomes under 15s and over 65s visitors as well as everyone on the first Sunday of each month. Highlights are on classic Catalonian art, but you can also enjoy massive collections from Gothic classics and modern art to keep you entertained the entire day.

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art or MACBA in short, often offers free workshops in one of its auditoriums. It's Study Center, Library Reading Room and Special Collections Room which houses a collection of books, publications and archives that are free to use for the public. Many parks provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, so do not miss places like Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the greenest in the city which is great for to chill out on its sprawling grounds, while Parc Guell will stimulate your senses with its fairy-tale structures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known as ""Works of Antoni Gaudi"", Parc Guell has unusual materials heavily inspired by curious silhouettes of nature, making it The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or MACBA in short, often offers complimentary workshops in one of its auditoriums. If you need quiet time to read the MACBA houses a collection of books, publications and archives that are free to use for the public.

Many parks are free and are like sanctuaries away from the hustle and bustle of the city, so don't miss places like Ciutadella Park, one of the largest in the city which is great for relaxing picnics on its sprawling grounds, while Parc Guell will stimulate your senses with its fantasy structures. The architectural wonders of Barcelona are countless, but the most famous of all, the Sagrada Familia, is Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece which is visited by thousands and will definitely captivate you with its beauty. Another of Gaudi's work, 'The Quarry', can be photographed freely on the outside and is initially famous for the threats it received to be torn down.

As long as you plan ahead, there is always something happening each day, and many cheap apartments to rent for those who intend to take their time in this marvelous city.