Barcelona Apartments - Akaza Holiday Apartments in Barcelona

Dear Akaza Blog-Reader,

Sometimes, when going abroad, it can be hard to not spend a lot of money. Therefore we have some tips for you which makes you and your wallet happy. 

1. Stay out of the tourist zone – grocery stores, mini marts and supermarkets in city centers are nearly always going to be more expensive than supermarkets in residential suburbs, so choose your holiday rental location carefully if you’re on a tight budget. You can also simply plan to eat in a lot.

2. Do your research – before you go to he first major shop to stock your fridge and cupboard, find out where the local shops are located. Ask around or simply compare the prices of a few basic items in different supermarkets and grocery stores.

3. To market or supermarket? – Generally local markets as Mercat de la Boqueria and the Santa Caterina Mercado are the places where you will find the freshest products because you are often buying directly from the producer and cutting out the middle men. However, if you want to save time, it is better to go to a supermarket.

4. Market tips – Get a local to introduce you to their favorite stalls and stall holders, in this way you avoid being over-charged. At most markets, the stalls with the longest lines or that sell out their stuff earliest are generally the best. The freshest and finest products sell out early, however, close to closing time stallholders will often slash prices to get rid of their products.

5. Supermarket tips - pick up the flyer advertising specials and find out if there is one day or night in the week when prices of a particular shop are reduced.

6. Buy local – local products such as local teas, coffees, jams, etc will always be cheaper than imported products because of the shorter distance they have travelled and fewer taxes and duties on them; sometimes they taste better, sometimes they don´t, but buying local is more sustainable and affordable.

7. Drink local – Drink as the locals, for the same reason as buying and eating locally.

8. Bargain if you can – At markets, do haggle for the best price if it´s the local custom. Also, watch what other shoppers are doing.  

When following these tips you will enjoy Barcelona more for less!

Having a self catered apartment allows you to cook your own food, not having to attend breakfast at set ours as what is required in a Hotel, and best of all choose and sample many of the local dishes, by preparing them by yourself, something to brag about to your friends when you come home.

To live in a local neighborhood interact with the locals, open many doors, and often lead to great smiles. Some even find new friends in a foreign country.