If you wonder how much it costs a foreign student to live in Barcelona, considered one of the most cosmopolitan and innovative cities in Europe, it's not exactly cheap. Barcelona is always full of tourists willing to spend high amounts of money every day, which makes certain neighborhoods of the city almost forbidden for a student. Don't worry, there's still an authentic Barcelona with neighborhoods where tourists don't arrive, with fabulous restaurants where cheap dining is still possible.
The first discovery is “La Champañeria (Can Paixano)”, located right in the centre, at “Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7.”
It is a mythical place in Barcelona, open since 1969, where large quantities of rosé cava are served, together with tapas and delicious sandwiches of loin and roquefort, loin with foie-gras, smoked chop, serrano ham, cured cheese and peppers, at ridiculous prices, between 3 € and 4 €. The bad thing about this place, is that during the weekend there are long queues waiting to take room. It has become very popular with tourists, but it is still a recommended place for its authenticity. We recommend you to get to know it during the week!
Restaurant Bao Bao, located in “Carrer d'Aglà,4”.
If you haven't tried the baos, what are you waiting for? This kind of steamed bread sandwich is of Asian origin, and its dough is soft and spongy. The Bao Bao restaurant makes them really rich and for only 4€, you can enjoy one of its delicious baos: grilled chicken, pickles, fried onion and parsley; veal with citronella, pickled vegetables; squid, fried avocado and red onion.
The place is a bit small, but they have a bar with several stools if you want to eat in the place instead of taking them home.
Santa Piadina: it is a very small place, but with the charm of the cozy “Plaza de Sant Pere”, which, despite being located in the centre of Barcelona, still allows you to enjoy the tranquillity and authenticity of neighbourhood life. In this place you can enjoy a piadina made to your liking, you choose from the dough to the ingredients and you have them from only 5€. If you still don't know what a piadina is, plan a dinner with your classmates from your student flat in Barcelona and discover it as soon as possible!
Barcelona is a city that invites you to maintain a very active social life, we encourage you to discover great restaurants and local city to complete your experience as a foreign student.