Under $100: Vila de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain

In a popular city like Barcelona, it can be easy to get swept up in the fray of the “Old City” (Ciutat Vella), where most tourists concentrate their time. But about a mile northwest of the center is a neighborhood called Vila de Gràcia, where residents are able to find a bit of tranquility away from the crowds, and therefore experience a more authentic environment for visitors.

Step out a bit early for a peaceful café con leche in one of Gràcia’s picturesque squares, like Plaça del Sol or Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. Properly caffeinated, spend the morning wandering the small streets and alleys of Gràcia, where vehicles are scarce but local life is abuzz on any given weekday morning. Pop into the Mercat de la Llibertat, a standard indoor food market established in the late 19th century.

Continue your people-watching activities by posting up at one of Gracia’s numerous terrace restaurants, or grab some food at the aforementioned market and take your goodies to your next destination, Parc Güell.

At Parc Güell, entry to the general park area is free, but those who want to explore a section dedicated to and designed by famed artist Antoni Gaudi will need to pay an extra fee. Even without the fee, the park’s winding paths and stunning views of the city all the way to the sea are enough to satisfy your craving for nature.

End the night at tapas restaurant La Pepita, where you’ll most likely face a wait so try to go early. This isn’t difficult to achieve in Spain as dinnertime for locals hovers around 10 p.m.