Spain has a reputation for being an inexpensive destination close to France. However, when you visit a city like Barcelona, expenses can quickly mount up. Hotels, restaurants, paid visits, outings: the bill quickly goes up! Yet it's perfectly possible to enjoy the city's treasures without breaking the bank. From free museums to must-see monuments, discover the 15 best free things to do in Barcelona!
1. Free activities in Barcelona: admire the Sagrada Familia
The magnificent Sagrada Familia is one of the 19 must-see sights in Barcelona. Although admission is charged, there's nothing to stop you contemplating and photographing it from the outside. Its constantly evolving, unfinished architecture is quite simply unique in the world. This masterpiece by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí is simply not to be missed.
2. Hiking on the Carretera de les Aigües, Barcelona's top free activity
The Carretera de les Aigües, or Senda del Agua, is an 11-kilometer trail ideally located in the Serra de Collserola nature park. This magnificent route offers spectacular views over the city. It can be hiked, cycled or run for the more courageous. Accessible to all thanks to its wide, well-maintained path, it's also an ideal spot for a family picnic. This free activity in Barcelona lets you enjoy nature to the full, while staying close to the city. The best!
3. Marvel at Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
Between Las Ramblas and Via Laietana lies the city's oldest district: the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gótic). By preserving its original buildings, it has managed to preserve a rare authenticity. Among the best free Barcelona activities to do in the area, the Plaça Reial, with its superb palm trees and fountain, is a must-see.
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4. Discover the Ramblas, Barcelona's must-see thoroughfare
Located between Plaça de Catalunya and Port Vell, Las Ramblas is a street that divides opinions. For party-goers, it's the city's must-see spot. The atmosphere is lively, with restaurants, bars, party venues and more. During the day, strollers pass colorful stalls, street musicians and human statues. In short, it's the city's liveliest thoroughfare, but it's very noisy and can attract pickpockets, so watch out!
Good to know: if you're looking for a quiet place to sleep in Barcelona, avoid this thoroughfare and its immediate surroundings. It's a noisy area!
5. Visit Holy Cross Cathedral for free!
Barcelona Cathedral is a masterpiece of 14th-centuryCatalan Gothic architecture. Although the Sagrada Familia is more famous, this cathedral, with its imposing façade and spiritual atmosphere, is well worth a visit. It houses the crypt of Saint Eulalia, a figure martyred in the 4th century, as well asa peaceful cloister populated by geese. Not everything at Holy Cross Cathedral is free, but admission to the temple and cloister is.
6. Free Tour Barcelona, one of the best free activities in Barcelona
More and more major cities are offering free guided tours. The principle is simple: the tour costs you nothing, but you tip the guide as much as you like! In Barcelona, this guided tour takes you on a tour of the city's must-sees:
- Las Ramblas,
- the Gothic Quarter,
- sant Jaume square,
- the Cathedral of the Holy Cross,
- place Royale,
- the Born district.
Your free tour of Barcelona ends at the Foso de las Moreras, a place steeped in history.
7. Follow in the footsteps of Gaudí and Art Nouveau for free
Another Free Tour of Barcelona, but this time on the theme of art, and more specifically of the famous Antoni Gaudí. On this free two-hour tour, your route takes you to the "apple of discord". You'll admire the exteriors of famous modernist buildings such as Casa Batlló, Casa Pedrera and Casa Amatller. A metro ride then takes you to the majestic Sagrada Familia, a true symbol of Gaudí's architecture.
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8. Attend the Festes Majors in Barcelona
Soak up Catalan culture at the Festes Majors, colorful neighborhood festivals. Catalan traditions take center stage, and the atmosphere is more festive than ever. They take place all year round, depending on the district.
9. Stroll through the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire Els Encants
Compulsive bargain hunters will love the Mercat dels Encants, Barcelona's most emblematic flea market. Renovated in 2013, it takes its place on a reflective roof that offers panoramic views over the city. The market, which is free to enter, has been in existence for over... 800 years! It's appreciated for its dynamic atmosphere, with its mix of antiques, second-hand goods and cultural events.
10. Free activities in Barcelona: public art in the spotlight
In Barcelona, public art is ubiquitous and freely accessible to all. Among the city's gems, you'll come across several works by Joan Miró, such as his famous mosaic on the Ramblas or the sculpture "Dona i Ocell" in Parc Joan Miró. These works, along with creations by artists such as Botero, Picasso and Chillida, offer visitors a unique way to discover art without spending a cent.
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11. Enjoy free activities at Nova Icària Beach
Fill up on free activities in Barcelona at Nova Icària Beach, located on the outskirts of the Vila Olímpica del Poblenou ( Olympic Village) district. It's the ideal place for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. There are even playgrounds for children to pass the time.
12. Strolling through Ribera, Barcelona's bohemian quarter
Immerse yourself in the heart of Barcelona, in the Ribera district, to experience a real journey back in time. A former medieval suburb, it has inherited the city's artisan past. Its highlight is undoubtedly the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture. A stroll through La Ribera takes you from medieval palaces to art galleries, all of which can be admired free of charge.
13. La Font Màgica, one of Barcelona's finest free activities
Every 30 minutes, the Font Màgica comes to life, free of charge, before the eyes of visitors and locals alike. A magnificent sound and light show awaits you every evening on the Carles Buïgas: not to be missed! This is undoubtedly one of the best free activities in Barcelona.
14. Escape to Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona's green paradise
The monumental waterfall in parc de la Ciutadella is surely its best-known feature. However, this free park also invites you to discover many other wonders: a pond, an English garden, a triumphal arch and even a giant mammoth!
15. Soak up Art Nouveau in the Eixample district
The Eixample district is a veritable open-air museum inspired by the Art Nouveau style. Its modernist facades, with their elegant lines and ornamental details, bear witness to thearchitectural genius ofthe period, which has brilliantly stood the test of time. A stroll through this part of Barcelona is perfect for those wishing to explore the city at their own pace, without a guide.
What free museums are there in Barcelona?
Among the free art museums we invite you to discover are:
- Palau de la Virreina,
- Palau Robert,
- la Rambla 99
There are also a number of museums that are free on the first Sunday of the month, including the Picasso Museum. The latter is also free on regular open days, and on Thursdays from 6pm. The Barcelona History Museum is also free on the 1st Sunday of the month in Barcelona, as is the national Art Museum of Cataloniais also free on Saturday afternoons from 3pm. Other museums that are free on the first Sunday of the month include:
- barcelona Design Museum,
- the Frederic Marès Museum,
- barcelona Maritime Museum,
- the Natural Sciences Museum,
- the Ethnology and World Cultures Museum,
- the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA),
- the Foto Colectania Foundation.
Tip from Petit Futé: if you're traveling at a time other than the beginning of the month, note that many of Barcelona's museums are free from 3pm every Sunday.
Is Barcelona's Parc Güell free?
Unfortunately, no. Only children under 6, the disabled and local residents have free access to Parc Güell. For all others, the price ranges from €7 to €10 (2024 rates).
Have we won you over? Then take a look at our tips for preparing your stay in Barcelona and making the most of it 100%. By following our itinerary tips to visit Barcelona in 3 days, you'll optimize your time, while incorporating free visits into your vacation program. Finally, after the hustle and bustle of the city, perhaps you'll need to find a little plenitude. With these 17 of Spain's most beautiful villages, you'll be immersed in a whole new, equally fantastic world!
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