It’s well known that a visit to Barcelona is an enchanting experience: stunning architecture, rich historical heritage and perfect combination of sea and mountains. Unfortunately, prices at tourist attractions can sometimes be out of your budget. But don’t panic! It’s still possible to visit Barcelona without ruining yourself. Here is our top selection of free activities to do in Barcelona!
Free Museums
Culture is yours! Barcelona City Council is offering free visits to several of the city’s museums. On the first Sunday of every month, from 3pm to 8pm, you can enter a number of institutions free of charge, including the Barcelona History Museum, the Picasso Museum, the Maritime Museum or the Natural Sciences Museum.
A visual spectacle from the top of a hill
Barcelona is situated between sea and mountains, with the Collserola hill providing the perfect backdrop. So it’s not hard to find somewhere to climb and admire the view. We recommend:
- Montjuic Castle: Barcelona’s icon and the perfect place to admire the city and the port from the Mirador de l’Alcalde. Not only does it offer fantastic views over the whole region, but it is also a lovely walk.
- Tibidabo: This amusement park takes its name from one of Christ’s temptations in the Bible, but this time, Barcelona becomes the temptation! The 1905 theme park and the Sagrat Cor church are both on the top, and on a clear day you can even see all the way to Montserrat.
- Bunkers del Carmel: This viewpoint offers a panoramic perspective of the city, allowing you to see iconic landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Mediterranean Sea all in one sweeping glance. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply seeking a spot to take in the beauty of Barcelona, Bunkers del Carmel is a must-visit destination.
Street Art in Barcelona
One of the best free things to do in Barcelona is to explore the streets in search of street art. To immerse yourself in this artistic wonderland, head to the historic neighbourhood of the Gothic Quarter. Wander through its narrow streets and hidden corners to stumble upon colourful murals, graffiti, and stencil art that adorn the walls. Another hotspot for street art enthusiasts is the Poble Nou district is home to large murals which blend in with the industrial outlook. Smaller works in the form of sculptures can be found all over the city!
Festivities in the city
Barcelona and Catalonia are world-famous for their local festivals, also known as festes majors. Generally linked to a patron saint, these festivals take place throughout the year in the various districts. They are organised by locals themselves, with the aim of bringing people of all ages together to enjoy a variety of activities. One of the most spectacular is the Gràcia Festival in August or La Mercè in the last days of September.
A journey into the past: El Born cultural and memorial centre
The Mercat del Born, a fine example of 19th century wrought-iron architecture, houses a cultural centre and a permanent archaeological exhibition on the War of Succession in 1714, during which the city was besieged for over a year. After the defeat, many of the houses in the district were demolished to build an enormous military fortress, the largest in the world at the same time and a symbol of Spain’s oppression of Catalonia, to ensure that the city would not rebel in the future. El Born Cultural and Memorial Centre offers a unique look at the events that defined Catalonia and became the historical context that continues to resonate nowadays.
Beach bliss at Barcelona
The long stretch of coastline that extends along the entire length of Barcelona has become a haven for sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Summer is obviously the busiest time of year, and all the city’s beaches are packed. As you can imagine, the closer they are to the city centre, the more crowded they become. On the other hand, you’ll be surprised at how quiet the beaches further out are. Our insider tip is that if you want to combine a fun, relaxing day on the beach with some beautiful scenery, take the train to Sitges or do a day trip to Costa Brava.
The calm of Ciutadella Park
La Ciutadella is Barcelona’s second-largest park, after Montjuïc, and is one of the city’s green spaces. Named after a now-defunct military fortress, the park is a popular destination for picnics from spring to autumn, with plenty of shady, grassy areas where you can enjoy a late-morning brunch or relax with a bottle of wine or a cold beer in the evening after wandering around the city. It’s also a meeting place for local yoga enthusiasts, and there are plenty of open classes you can join to get into shape.
A visit to the Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar
The Cathedral of Barcelona is sometimes overshadowed by the fame of the Sagrada Familia. However, this magnificent basilica is one of Barcelona’s architectural treasures and can be visited free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Del Mar, in the Gothic Quarter, is another church well worth a visit – completely free, of course! It is the last remaining Catalan Gothic church, making it a must-see in Barcelona. Entry is free on weekends and working days, but if you want to climb up to the terrace you’ll need a €5 ticket.
Barcelona’s array of free activities ensures that visitors can experience the city’s rich culture and scenery without breaking the bank. With so much to offer, Barcelona truly is a destination that suits all interests and budgets.
