Under $100: Badalona, Spain

Located just a few miles north of Barcelona is the smaller seaside city of Badalona. What Barcelona lacks in small-town charm, Badalona makes up for with its local markets, cultural celebrations and divine seafood shipped straight to plates from the Mediterranean.

Start the day at one of the city’s many forns (bakeries), where a pastry and a café con leche won’t set you back more than a few euros. After a caffeine boost, visit the Monastery of San Jeroni de la Murtra, where Christopher Columbus announced his discovery of the new world in 1493. Next, spend a few peaceful moments outdoors at the Parque de Can Solei i Ca l’Arnus with walking paths, towering palm trees and placid ponds featuring local wildlife.

On weekends, stop into El Trabucaire for a leisurely local lunch of classic tapas and flowing glasses of sangria.

Spend the afternoon lazing on one of Badalona’s four core beaches, where you can spot other beachgoers enjoying siestas or splashing through the blue waters of the sea. Once the sun sets over the distant mountains, treat yourself to a fresh seafood dinner of mussels, paella and tuna tartare at Can Mario’s, washed down with Catalonia’s best wines.