The Primavera music festival in Barcelona is one of the largest in Europe – and the biggest in the Mediterranean region. Each June, it draws tens of thousands of music lovers to the city’s seafront for a packed programme that runs largely through the night. But while festival-goers rightly focus on the line-up, it’s also worth preparing for everything else that happens between the sets – particularly when it comes to paying for food, drink, and local travel.
Although Primavera’s on-site payments are digital, cash still plays an important role in the rest of your stay.
Budgeting for the essentials
Barcelona is a relatively affordable city by western European standards. A single ticket on the metro or bus costs €2.65, while a 10-trip pass (T-Casual) is available for €12.15 – worth considering if you’re staying beyond the main festival dates. For taxis, expect to pay a daytime base fare of €3.85, with €1.30 per kilometre during the day and €1.62 at night. Bus rides from and to the airport are priced differently to those within the city, and are €5.70 each way.
Tipping in Barcelona is modest and discretionary. In restaurants, 5-10% is appreciated but not expected. For cafés and taxis, rounding up the bill is more than enough.
Eating well without overspending
Food and drink prices vary depending on where and how you eat. In bars and cafés, a 500ml beer typically costs €3.00 – €5.00, with tourist areas charging more. A café latte or cappuccino usually ranges from €1.50 to €3.00. A can of Coke or similar soft drink tends to cost €2.00 -€2.50.
Fast food options – including burger chains or takeaway pizza – fall in the €8 – €15 range, though local street food can be much better value:
- Bocadillos (filled baguettes): €4.00 – €7.00
- Tapas plates: €3.00 – €6.00 per dish, so probably from about €15.00 – €20.00 for a meal.
- A more substantial evening meal will cost from about €15.00 – 20.00 person; paella dishes will cost from €12.00 – €20.00, for example.
- Be aware of table charges (Cubierto) at many restaurants, starting at €1.00 and possibly as much as €4.00 or €5.00, depending on your venue. Likewise, bread and olives, also tap water, often “free” in other locations, may carry a modest charge.
Seafood dishes and market lunches often represent good value, especially in the daytime hours when the festival is quiet. Prices inside Primavera are in line with other major European events, but if you’re looking to stretch your budget, city options offer more choice.
Digital by design at Primavera – but not everywhere else
The Primavera festival itself operates a cashless payment system. Entry tickets are digital, and food or drink purchased at the site must be paid for by card or with pre-loaded wristbands or apps. The festival advises attendees to top up their accounts online in advance, or at on-site kiosks using a debit or credit card.
However, once outside the festival perimeter, things change. While most hotels, chain restaurants, and transport services accept cards, smaller businesses often prefer cash. This includes:
- Independent food stalls and kiosks
- Local bars, especially away from the city centre
- Some taxi drivers and late-night corner shops
- Small-ticket purchases under €5, where card payments may be refused or carry a surcharge
Having euros to hand can make everyday interactions smoother – and cheaper.
When having cash makes sense, even though Primavera is cashless
Even if you plan to pay for most major items with your card, it’s wise to carry some local currency. You’ll probably need cash for:
- Snacks or drinks from off-site vendors
- Public toilets (some require a small coin payment)
- Luggage storage services or lockers
- Tipping staff at hotels or restaurants
- Buying merchandise or clothing from small retailers
It’s also worth remembering that most ATMs in Barcelona can carry high fees for foreign cards (and your own bank or card provider may charge as well), and exchange rates from airport bureaux are rarely competitive.
Getting your Euros before you travel
For UK-based travellers, a practical way to get cash is to order euros online in advance. Services like Money4Travel allow you to pre-book currency at favourable rates and collect it locally. It’s a straightforward way to avoid airport prices and ensure you’ve got cash ready the moment you arrive.
With its sea views and late-night energy, Primavera is a festival that rewards spontaneity. But when it comes to budgeting, a little preparation — and a mix of payment options — can make your stay in Barcelona more enjoyable and far less stressful.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK.
For Reference: Tickets for Public Transport in Barcelona ; taxi calculator.com ; BCN Travel ; GoWithGuide – Barcelona food ; Tourist Guide, Barcelona – cost of living .
Prices quoted accurate on publication, but may change over time.
