Free activities in Barcelona

So you want to feel fresh for the summer but you’re on a tight budget? Training is usually expensive and, when summer is here, you maybe don’t feel like staying in a gym and missing out on the lovely weather. Fear not, behold the magic of the many free outdoor activities Barcelona has to offer. With plenty of parks and beaches, you’ll surely find something to your taste. Here’s a list of free (or almost) sport activities in Barcelona to enjoy solo or in a group.

Move your legs

The nicest and let’s say, easiest option, is going for a run – but where? Depending on the level of difficulty, you can choose from the different routes that we have listed for you below. So, no excuses!

Barceloneta beach – fully renovated for the Olympic Games of 1992, the entire seafront is the perfect running lane. It’s flat, straight and wide, with stunning views and enough space for everyone. You’ll pass a lot of fellow runners, or groups doing bootcamps or yoga on the beach. On the Playa Olímpic, right in front of the Hospital del Mar, the city of Barcelona has installed a large open-air gym on the seafront, so you can exercise while working on your tan.

At AB Apartment Barcelona we also have beautiful apartments only a stone’s throw away from the beach! Check out our offers here.

Montjuïc – the nice thing about going for a run on the hill of Montjuïc is the shade! Unlike the seafront, you will find some nice shady paths where you can enjoy sensational views of the city. We recommend starting in the Jardín de Joan Brossa although it’s (very!) steep, then going through the pine forest on the Passeig de Migdia and head to the Bernard Picornell Olympic Pools. If you’re not too worn down and want to feel a last push, try the pull-up bars installed in front of the building (next to the parking lot of the pools). Good luck!

Collserola Park – located on the west side of Barcelona, the Parque Natural de la Serra de la Collserola is one of the biggest natural parks around Barcelona. Tibidabo Mountain and the city of Sant Cugat del Vallès are the two most well-known locations to visit in the park. Easily accessed by foot or with public transport, it is well loved among locals and tourists for its wide range of outdoor activities like running, hiking, biking, horseback riding and much more. It offers amazing views of the city as well… Check out this map to select your favourite route.

Beach Volleyball

In Barcelona, where the sun almost always shines, locals and tourists alike go to the beach to soak up the rays and refresh. But just lying on the sand isn’t made for everyone – so why not play beach volleyball? Instead of reading that intellectual book you’ve been planning to get into for a while, head to the Nova Icaria beach and join the action. There are a lot of groups on Facebook or Meetup that you can join, or if you’re feeling brave, simply walk down to the players and ask if you can join in for a game (or three)! You’ll be a dab hand before you know it.

Yoga in the Park

Enjoy a relaxing yoga session in the fresh air at Parc de la Ciutadella. It has become a regular and beloved meeting spot for yoga friends, both amateur and experienced, find a quiet place in the shade and… start stretching! If you want to do a yoga-sesh on the beach, better go early in the morning or at sunset so you can enjoy your exercise without being bothered by goggling eyes, or worse, suffering from the heat.

Walking

Walking is also a wonderful way to exercise and explore a city on a short budget, discovering new areas and spectacular views with nothing more than walking shoes and a rucksack. Read more about hikes you can do in Barcelona here… with most of them starting in Barcelona or really easily reached by public transport, you’ll barely have to spend a dime!

Canal Olímpic de Catalunya

Discover this multisport ground for competitive and non-competitive activities in Castelldefells, just 20km away from the centre of Barcelona! For only €3 (€2 for kids) you can access the enormous pool, some 1,200 metres long and 120 metres wide. Take a dip and enjoy the nice view of the Delta del Llobregat. There you’ll have the possibility to try out windsurfing, optimist, kayaks or paddling classes (which sadly are not for free) and for only €10 access you can also try their four fitness studios and, even better, their spa facilities! Check it out here.

Meetup

If you don’t feel like going for a run on your own and fancy playing a group sport with other enthusiasts, we recommend checking out the Meetup Barcelona page! Meetup is a website and app based on reciprocity and friendliness, where people with the same interests can meet(up) and share their passions and knowledge. Be it language exchanges, tennis groups or art classes, it’s a great way to meet new people or to discover new sports and hobbies yourself. Make sure that you sign up for groups of your own level and let the fun begin! Check out the website h ere.