Last week in Barcelona I dodged a 50 euro tourist trap scam and ate like a local for 3 days straight

I was walking down La Rambla in Barcelona last Tuesday and this guy tried to sell me a "free" map that turned into a 50 euro donation pitch. I said no and ducked into a side street where I found a tiny market selling jamon and cheese for 5 euros total. That same evening I stumbled on a family run spot near El Born where a full plate of patatas bravas and a beer cost me 7 euros. The next day I walked 20 minutes to a neighborhood bakery for 1 euro croissants instead of the 4 euro ones near the cathedral. What are your best tricks for eating cheap in touristy cities?

2 comments

2 Comments

anna_craig16d ago

You mentioned the bakery near the cathedral was 4 euros for croissants, but did you find the local spot was actually better or just cheaper? In my experience, some of those cheap places cut corners on quality. Just curious if the taste difference was noticeable or if it was a win-win.

hannah38516d ago

Yeah the "cut corners on quality" thing is hit or miss for sure. I remember one time I found this little hole in the wall in Rome that had pastries for like 2 euros and they were honestly some of the best I've ever had, but then another cheap place nearby had this weird stale taste. So it's a gamble, but when it pays off it's hard to beat.