Eating out can be affordable even if you have the whole family with you, just keep an eye out for chalk boards outside the restaurants and cafes advertising 'Menu of the Day', not only are they affordable but also give you the opportunity to try some of the local dishes and cuisine you might otherwise have bypassed. Look for special offers and don't forget dessert, particularly one of the city's favourites, crème caramel. Another main chain to keep an eye open for is Pans & Company, a fast-food type of eating place where they bake bread fresh on a daily basis. Sandwiches and side dishes are influenced by the Mediterranean and you can find menus offering meal packages such as Funwurst meal, or bacon and cheese with french fries, a side dish and a drink. Eating here will cost you around 6 EUR to 7 EUR.

You should always check what the total bill includes as some places will add an IVA tax. A value added tax adds 7% to the bill. If you prefer to eat outside on the terrace then expect a supplementary terrace tax, which can be from 1 or 3 EUR for each person, even rising to as much as a 20 percent addition towards the bill. With a mandatory afternoon siesta in place don't expect restaurants and stores to always be open when you are hungry either, you might have to adapt the time you eat to fit in with Barcelona times, and leaving your bag or jacket in full sight on the chair when eating in a restaurant is just asking for trouble as pickpockets in the centre of the city are a common problem. And don't fret about how much to tip, certainly leave some small change but nobody will be rude to you if you decide not to.

With the ease of the internet these days, organising what you want to see and do is much simpler than ever before as it lets you do research from the comfort of home. Check out the free days for local galleries and museums as there are hundreds in Barcelona, some of which offer free entry every day of the week, whilst others are only free on elected days, such as Wednesdays and Sundays. Definitely one of the most famous museums in the city is The Picasso Museum which you should visit on the first Sunday of the month, if you do end up paying then you get a bonus as generally the entrance fee includes a free guided tour.

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, shortened to the MACBA, organises short courses at no cost, held in one of their auditoriums they are interesting and informative. For peace and quiet the MACBA has a compilation of volumes, journals and archives open to the community. Places like the Parc de la Ciutadella have their own versions of art forms to discover and make peaceful and fascinating retreats away from the busy city streets. Parc Guell is another destination to explore and will amaze any visitor with its intriguing visionary compositions, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known locally as the known as the works of Antoni Gaudi and features exquisite twisting trails, charming stone structures and gigantic columns that are like nothing you can imagine. Obtain even more freebies and discounts by getting yourself a Barcelona Card, or stroll along the Conseil de Cent Street between Mutaner and Rambla Catalunya, where there is an entire street of galleries free to enter.

Jean Nouvel's impressive contemporary skyscraper, the Torre Agbar, is one building that screams to be noticed as it nestles next to ancient architecture, particularly beautiful at night-time the thousands of LED lights light the complete structure up from inside.

Taking a holiday to Barcelona doesn't have to be a costly business, there are plenty of places to visit that give you the flavour of the way of life here, and many apartments to rent within the means of those who propose to stay for a longer duration than a weekend or weeks holiday.