If you're planning a trip to this part of Spain then you'll never be short of things to do or see - but here's a great tip - make sure you set aside some time to explore the city's culinary delights. The styles and range of available food is vast and so tempting that you won't find it easy to stick to your food budget. Barcelona is a food lovers paradise!

So - can you eat cheaply in the Catalan capital city? Of course but you need some insider knowledge. Read on for great tips and some pointers on how to eat cheaply in Barcelona without missing out on the fantastic food selection.

There really is no better place than the Catalan capital if you are a bit of a foodie. In fact, it would be oh so easy to spend your entire stay in restaurants, bars and cafes.

Your Barcelona dining experience can be as fun or as serious as you want to make it. Seafood is the traditional choice for most of the locals, but the range of menu options is always wide and appealing.

Try to beg, borrow or buy a city guidebook before you travel. These are regularly updated and of course contain extensive listings of restaurants - with something to meet all tastes and budgets. The guides are usually written by locals and the advice is current and up to date.

I always recommend that you take a look in your local library for different types of guide book before you travel. If you're like me then you'll be tempted to cheat a little and photocopy the pages you really need. Oops - did I say that! Why not try to travel light and then leave the heavy books at home!

Tapas of course are Spain's great culinary gift to the world - and are a very good way to keep your budget down. Go for Tapas as a quick and easy snack type meal or order a banquet and tuck in. There are literally thousands of tapas bars and cafes around Barcelona.

It's also worth watching out for restaurants that offer Tourist Menu's - specially adapted and specially priced selections that are often to be found posted outside. The range is not as extensive as it might be but the value is great and the food usually decent enough.

My personal favorites? I recommend that you try these:

Can Majo

Fish dishes galore. Can Majo is one of the greatest fish restaurants in Barcelona. Tuck into a huge locally caught lobster or the most spectacular range of seafood tapas that you're ever likely to see. If you pick carefully from the menu you won't find it too expensive

Cal Pep

Tapas tapas tapas! Cal Pep is one of the most famous tapas restaurants in the city while still being reasonably affordable. The staff are famous for the buzz they create and the food is quite simply spectacular. Give it a go - it will certainly be an eating experience you won't forget any time soon.

If you love food then you'll love Barcelona. Go book your flight - my tummy is rumbling already !