Eating Cheaply Abroad?

HoofeHearted

spiro wrote: »

I was in Las Ramblas 3 days ago and it wasn't the pickpockets taking the money it was the guys with the 3 match boxes and the pea underneath. There must have been 6 operating each with at least one stooge in the crowd egging the victims on.

Dont know were you aqre staying but the el Corte ingles at the top of the Ramblas (Placa de Catalunya) has a large supermarket in the basement. They do have a gluten free section because I've seen it in the past. The also have a self service snack bar/cafe/resturant on the top floor with great views across the city.

I remember the cafe on the top floor. Went there when on a day trip to Barcelona from the beach resort. That was when I first learnt (from the tour rep) about the different prices depending on where you sit, not only in Barcelona but throughout Spain, France, Italy etc.

Cheapest is sitting at the bar, next is sitting at a table and the dearest (where applicable) is sitting outside.

Doshwaster

HoofeHearted wrote: »

Cheapest is sitting at the bar, next is sitting at a table and the dearest (where applicable) is sitting outside.

Yes, a lot of people get caught out by this. Be very careful when you are asked where you would like to sit.

Donnie

Doshwaster wrote: »

Actually, promenading along Las Ramblas is one of the most expensive (and dangerous) things you can do. The whole strip is swarming with pickpockets often working in tandem with the street prostitutes. The girls come up to hassle you and while you are fighting them off someone else will come up behind you and help themselves to the contents of your pocket or bag. I only escaped one gang by running into a bar past the protection of a bouncer.

We missed all that excitement. Where on earth were they when we we there?
Perhaps it's because I've be training my girlfriend to protect me. she's getting quite good at the spinning back elbows.

markandkate

What a silly thing for Doshwater to say that you should avoid all the tourist area and public places for fear of pick pockets. It will obviously be cheaper and safer if you stay in your room all the time!

Of course you have to be sensible and vigilant but to suggest that you do not vist one of the main tourist streets and attractions in the city is plain daft

Bob_the_Saver

Doshwaster wrote: »

Actually, promenading along Las Ramblas is one of the most expensive (and dangerous) things you can do. The whole strip is swarming with pickpockets often working in tandem with the street prostitutes. The girls come up to hassle you and while you are fighting them off someone else will come up behind you and help themselves to the contents of your pocket or bag. I only escaped one gang by running into a bar past the protection of a bouncer.

Seconded, read this post!

Doshwaster

markandkate wrote: »

What a silly thing for Doshwater to say that you should avoid all the tourist area and public places for fear of pick pockets. It will obviously be cheaper and safer if you stay in your room all the time!

Of course you have to be sensible and vigilant but to suggest that you do not vist one of the main tourist streets and attractions in the city is plain daft

I don't think warning people of the dangers of a particular area is "silly" or "daft". I have travelled all over the world and, in my opinion, Las Ramblas at night is one of the most dangerous places I have been.

It's not even as if Las Ramblas is such a great part of Barcelona. There are many nicer, safer and cheaper areas to explore.

jillby

My advice is to take as much with you as you can. I travel abroad frequently and freeze things the day before i go then wrap them up and pop them in my case. I take ,t-bags ,sugar,coffee, frozen butter, rice , cereals, bacon, anything i fancy really!
Call me mean but the less spent on food the more money to enjoy yourselves with, happy holidays x

alocacoc

I hope the OP has a good time still but in my honest opinion shouldnt go abroad with that little budget

I agree 100% with delwynsholidaydeals you need at lease 60 pounds a day abroad everything is dear

youll spend 20 pounds without batting an eye lid

arent you wanting to go out for a nice drink on the night time at the bars etc?

are you just going to walk around all holiday?

what happens if you need anything from a pharmacy the hospital could be a 20 euro taxi away etc etc

what happens if theres volcano again

Donnie

alocacoc wrote: »

I hope the OP has a good time still but in my honest opinion shouldnt go abroad with that little budget

I agree 100% with delwynsholidaydeals you need at lease 60 pounds a day abroad everything is dear

youll spend 20 pounds without batting an eye lid

arent you wanting to go out for a nice drink on the night time at the bars etc?

are you just going to walk around all holiday?

what happens if you need anything from a pharmacy the hospital could be a 20 euro taxi away etc etc

what happens if theres volcano again

We'll find out when they are back, won't we?