25 Amazing Free Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

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Are you heading to Barcelona soon and want to save money? Check out these 25 amazing things to do completely free! Barcelona can be expensive, but I’m here to help you experience the Catalan city without breaking the bank.

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Barcelona will always have a special place in my heart since I spent six months there between 2012 and 2013 for my Erasmus. I fell in love with the city back then, and going back always feels a bit like returning home.

I traveled back to Barcelona a few times after that, the last time in the summer of 2024 when I spent a month there housesitting. By the way, if you want to save on accommodation while in Barcelona, I highly recommend signing up for Trusted Housesitters (get 25% off when you sign up through this link). You can stay in amazing places and all you have to do in exchange is take care of some adorable pets. It’s a win-win!

So anyway, after spending so much time in the city, I thought it would be only fair to share my favorite free things to do in Barcelona. Going back to the city recently made me realize it has gotten so expensive! But there is still so much you can do for free. So here is my attempt at helping you save quite a bit of money and still enjoy this beautiful city.

P.S. I also have a blog post on the best free things to do in Valencia, so be sure to check that one out too.

Barcelona and Overtourism

Before you ask whether it’s still okay to visit Barcelona given the recent protests against overtourism, I think it is. I was there right after the summer 2024 protests, and I had no issue at all. Just remember to be a responsible and conscious visitor. Avoid peak seasons, don’t just stick to the overly popular spots, contribute to small local businesses, and leave only footprints.

This list does include several popular spots, as it’s geared towards everyone, even first-time visitors. And you can’t really go to Barcelona and not even see the Sagrada Familia. But you’ll also find some opportunities to get off the beaten track.

1. Explore the Barri Gòtic

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is the heart of Barcelona, filled with historical buildings, from medieval landmarks to Roman ruins. Barri Gòtic is the perfect place to get lost navigating the narrow cobblestone alleys, staring at impressive buildings, and discovering charming corners.

I never really got the hang of Barri Gòtic. It’s the one place in Barcelona where I could go and still find new streets and interesting views. While most of modern Barcelona is a perfect grid, with square blocks that are easy to navigate, the Gothic Quarter and surrounding areas like El Born and El Raval are a cobweb of alleys and little squares. But that’s where its charm lies.

If you’re visiting Barcelona on a budget and want to spend half a day exploring, start with Barri Gòtic. Don’t forget to check out the Avinguda del Portal de l’Angel, Plaça de Sant Jaume, El Pont del Bisbe, and Plaça Reial. These are just a few must-see landmarks, but there is much more to discover!

2. Admire the Barcelona Cathedral

One landmark in the Barri Gòtic you shouldn’t skip is the Barcelona Cathedral. The Gohtic-style cathedral lies at the heart of the neighborhood and dates back to the 13^th century. However, it was preceded by a Romanic and previously a paleo-Christian cathedral in the same spot.

Now, a complete visit to the Barcelona Cathedral costs 14€ for adults (as of October 2024). However, you can still check out the exterior, attend mass, or enter the cathedral for worship and prayer. The latter is possible free of charge at specific times during the day, usually in the morning until noon and the later afternoon, after 5 or 6 pm, depending on the day of the week.

Do note that if you want a proper tourist visit, your best option is to buy the ticket. This gives you access to more areas than any free entry. However, if you want to save money, you can still check out some parts of this wonderful landmark. And don’t forget to take your time and admire the beautiful façade!

3. Stroll Along Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most important streets in Barcelona and, inevitably, one of the most crowded. However, no visit to the city would be complete without a stroll down this wide street lined with shops and beautiful buildings.

The street starts in the iconic Plaça de Catalunya, a square you will likely pass by multiple times. The square is notable for the many pigeons that gather around as lots of people feed them. If that’s your thing, you can do that before starting your stroll down Passeig de Gracia.  

The street is home to all kinds of shops, mostly apparel brands, so it’s the perfect place to go shopping. Passeig de Gràcia is also home to two of Gaudí’s iconic buildings, but more on that later.

4. Wonder at the Sagrada Familia

Yes, entering the Sagrada Familia can be fairly expensive. But if visiting the interior is not within your budget, you can still admire this masterpiece from the outside. Barcelona’s symbol is almost as impressive on the outside as on the inside.

The iconic Sagrada Familia is considered Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, and nearly a century and a half after the beginning of its construction, it is still unfinished. Unfortunately, Gaudí died before he could complete the cathedral. While the cranes have now become almost part of the cathedral, I still find the church exterior incredibly beautiful and unlike any other religious building.

One of the unique things about the Sagrada Familia is the striking contrast between its three façades. Every side of the building is in a different style, from the elaborate Nativity façade to the austere Passion façade, the only two complete ones. The third façade, known as the Glory façade, is still under construction but is expected to be the most striking one. Be sure to walk around the cathedral to admire its beautiful façades and towering spires.

5. Walk Down the Buzzing La Rambla

La Rambla is one of my least favorite places in Barcelona simply for the sheer number of people crowding the pedestrian street at all times of the day. But I don’t mind it in the early morning or late evening when the crowds are gone.

Nevertheless, strolling down La Rambla is a must when visiting Barcelona. Start from Plaça de Catalunya and make your way down to Port Vell, checking out the countless souvenir shops and restaurants. I wouldn’t recommend eating here, but you can find some decent and not overly touristy places.

La Rambla is also one of the go-to places for souvenir shopping. All along the pedestrian street, you’ll find lots of shops selling all kinds of gift ideas, from magnets and postcards to ceramics, typical products, and jewelry.

Note: As of 2024, extensive construction work is happening all along La Rambla, which makes it even less of a pleasant stroll, especially at peak hours. I think it’s still work checking it out, but it may not be as scenic right now. Renovation is expected to last until 2027, when the new Rambla will open, with more space for pedestrians and limited vehicle traffic.   

6. Check out the Colorful Mercat de la Boqueria

One must stop along La Rambla, Mercat de la Boqueria is Barcelona’s most popular market. For that reason, you can expect the market to be very crowded, but as is the case for many landmarks in Barcelona, it’s popular for a reason.

Mercat de la Boqueria is an explosion of colors, scents, and sounds. Yes, it’s chaotic, but I kind of like it, in small doses. It’s an experience that engages all your senses, from the smell of Jamón as soon as you enter, to the bright colors of the fruits and veggies, and the taste of delicious treats you may get to sample.

Some say this is a tourist trap. While I won’t recommend you do your daily food shopping here, I think you shouldn’t skip a stroll through this buzzing market and maybe grab a refreshing fresh fruit juice or a cone of traditional Jamón Serrano. I recommend heading there near closing time, as some vendors may offer discounts on things like pre-made fruit juices or diced fruits that would otherwise go to waste.

7. Explore the Port Vell Area

After walking down La Rambla, another great free thing to do in Barcelona is exploring Port Vell. This is one of my favorite areas in Barcelona. I loved strolling along Ronda Litoral by the harbor, watching the seagulls fly over the boats, and having coffee outside Maremagnum.

You can either walk to Port Vell from Plaça de Catalunya or catch the metro and get off at Drassanes. Check out the Columbus Monument then cross the street and head to the harbor. Walk down Rambla de Mar towards the Maremagnum shopping mall, and you may even witness the bridge open to let the ships pass. Go window shipping in Maremagnum and make your way back across the bridge to stroll down Ronda Litoral toward Barceloneta.

There are often events going on in this area, from the Christmas markets to boating competitions and amusement rides. I particularly love going here in the late afternoon or around sunset time.

8. Relax on the Beach at La Barceloneta

One of my favorite things about Barcelona is its seaside location. This means that whenever you want a break from the buzzing city, you’re just a walk or a short metro ride away from the beach. Unless you’re visiting in the peak summer months. Then you may want to travel a bit further if you want to avoid the crowds.

However, heading to the beach at La Barceloneta is a great way to relax nearly all year round unless it’s raining. Whether it’s warm enough for a swim or just a sunny winter day, you can enjoy soaking in the sun on the beach or stroll along Passeig del Mare Nostrum. You can always expect to find people meeting up on the beach or working out, but I love the vibe here any time except from June to early September.

9. Check Out the City Views from Montjuïc Hill and Castle

Montjuïc Hill offers some sweeping views of Barcelona and is one of my favorite places for sunset. Unfortunately, the castle at the top no longer has free entry daily, but if you happen to be around on a Sunday, you can take advantage of the free entry all afternoon.

Moreover, Montjuïc Castle is free to visit every Sunday after 3 pm and every first Sunday of the month all day. The 17th-century fortress also houses a military museum, although most people head here for the sea views.

I like going to Montjuïc Castle in the late afternoon and staying for sunset.  If you can’t take advantage of the Sunday free entry, you can still walk around the castle and enjoy beautiful views.

10. Enjoy the Serene Atmosphere at Parc del Laberint d’Horta

This serene park away from the chaos of the city center is one of my favorite hidden gems in Barcelona. I only discovered this place on my last visit to Barcelona, but it immediately made it to the top of my list of cool free things to do in the city.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta, as the name suggests, is better known for its tree maze, but if you ask me, that’s the least impressive feature. The park boasts gorgeous fountains, statues, and imposing stairways connecting the various levels.

My favorite spot in the park is the Neoclassical Pavillion. Go early in the day to enjoy the beautiful reflections in the pond in the soft morning light. The park is free to visit every Wednesday and Sunday. The other days, it costs just over 2€.

11. Meander Around the Lively Gràcia Neighborhood

Gràcia is my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. This is where I lived for six months when I did my Erasmus, so it holds a special place in my heart. While popular among visitors, the neighborhood still preserves its authentic, local feel, with charming squares, great tapas bars, and small local shops. 

A walk around Gràcia is great at any time, but the neighborhood is particularly lively around mid-August when the Festa Major de Gràcia (or Festes de Gràcia) takes place. Think street decorations, music, street food and drinks, and loads of people flowing down every little street in the barrio. Yes, it’s crowded and chaotic, but it’s also really fun!

If you’re not around for the Festa Major, don’t worry. The neighborhood is always lively and full of things to do. Check out charming neighborhood squares like Plaça del Sol and Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia.

12. Visit the Less Chaotic Mercat de Sant Antoni

If Mercat de la Boqueria is too crowded for you, worry not! There are plenty of other markets in Barcelona. Mercat de Sant Antoni is a great alternative for shopping for local products and gifts without overwhelming crowds. Or better said, with a mostly local crowd.

If La Boqueria gets flooded by the thousands of tourists seeking to experience local flavors and buy souvenirs, Mercat de Sant Antoni is where locals do their grocery shopping. You still get to experience the mouthwatering smells and bright colors of the fruits, veggies, and various treats, but you’ll mostly hear Catalan being spoken.

Mercat de Sant Antoni is in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, close to El Raval. You can catch a metro and get off at Sant Antoni or walk about 20 minutes from Plaça de Catalunya. The market is open daily except on Sundays when you can find an outdoor book market instead.

13. Get Lost Around the Streets of El Born

The beautiful Via Laietana separates Barri Gòtic from El Born, another iconic neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella, Barcelona’s Old Town. Unlike Barri Gòtic, El Born is more laid-back, with fewer tourists despite being home to top attractions like the Picasso Museum. 

El Born is a great place to base yourself if you want to stay close to the main tourist spots and enjoy a more local vibe. With plenty of cozy cafes, hip restaurants, and tapas bars, El Born is great for dining and nightlife.

The neighborhood is also great for a cultural experience. Aside from the most famous Picasso Museum, here you can find the European Museum of Modern Art, the Moco Museum, and the El Born Center for Culture and Memory. Don’t forget to also check out Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, Mercat de Santa Caterina, and Palau de la Música Catalana.

14. Check Out the Vast Collection at the Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is one of the must-see museums for art lovers. Housed in five adjacent medieval buildings, the museum was the first dedicated to the Spanish artist and has an extensive collection of works, including some of Picasso’s most renowned paintings.

Normally, the Picasso Museum has a 12€ entry fee. However, you have plenty of opportunities to visit for free. The museum offers free entry every first Sunday of the month, on open-door days (11^th February, 18^th May, and 24^th September), and on specific days of the week. From November to April, you can visit for free every Thursday afternoon, while from May to October free entry is on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.

Note that you need to book your free visit online in advance. Free admission tickets are available every Monday from 10 am, but hurry because they go fast. Check the official website for more up-to-date information.

15. Have a Picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella is the most popular park in the city and one of the best free things to do in Barcelona. Located just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, the park boasts several attractions, from the gorgeous Cascada Monumental to the greenhouse and small botanical garden.

In the park, you will also find the Barcelona Zoo, The Parliament of Catalonia, the Castle of the Three Dragons, and the Museu Martorell. While most of these have an entry fee, you can wander around the park and admire them from the outside. Also, you can reserve a free Parliament visit online, but note they are only available on certain days.

What you can do freely any time of the week and nearly year-round is pack some food and a beach towel and enjoy a picnic in the park. This is a great alternative to the beach, especially on hot summer days.

16. Visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

It took me a long time to finally enter the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and I can absolutely recommend it. Sitting on a hilltop overlooking Plaça Espanya, MNAC is one of the must-see museums in Barcelona.

Usually, the museum charges a 12€ entry fee, but you can visit it for free every Saturday after 3 pm and all day every first Sunday of the month. There are actually quite a few museums that are free on the first Sunday of every month! You can find them all here.

I love the MNAC not just for the wonderful collection of Catalonian art, but also because the building itself is stunning. After checking out the vast collection, sit on the stairs in the main hall and head up to the roof to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Barcelona.

17. Watch the Wonderful Show at La Font Màgica de Montjuïc

Watching the light and music show at the Font Màgica was one of my favorite free things to do in Barcelona when I lived there. It wasn’t nearly as popular as it is nowadays, with hundreds of people gathering around the fountain and on the steps leading to MNAC to watch the show.

The Font Màgica shows usually take place at set hours in the evening, but the days and times vary depending on the season. The shows are typically more frequent in summer, however, given the draught that Catalonia has been dealing with in summer 2024, the shows have been temporarily suspended.

Nevertheless, I had to include this place in this list. Just be sure to check the schedule and any notice regarding the Font Màgica show before your visit. Hopefully, it will be back on soon.

18. Admire the Stunning Exterior of Gaudí’s buildings

Gaudí influenced Barcelona’s architecture more than any other personality. His quirky buildings are some of the most iconic sights in the city, but they are not cheap to visit. If you’re on a budget, you may want to stick to one or two buildings.

However, the great thing about Gaudí’s buildings is that they aren’t just beautiful on the inside, but also on the outside. Each Gaudí building has a unique façade, giving you a good idea of the artist’s creativity.

In the Barri Gòtic, you can check out Palau Güell, while La Pedrera and Casa Batlló are both on Passeig de Gràcia, just a short walk from each other. Lastly, Casa Vicens is in the lively Gràcia neighborhood and is probably the most colorful and beautiful one to admire from the outside, after Casa Batlló.

19. Learn About Local History at Museu d’Història de Barcelona

If you’re interested in the local history, there is no better place to visit than the Museu d’Història de Barcelona. This is a complex of museums and archaeological sites spread throughout the city, although the most popular is the MUHBA Plaça del Rei. You can check all the MUHBA spaces here.

Like most museums, the MUHBA spaces also have an entry fee, but they offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month and all other Sundays after 3 pm. Note that all spaces offer free entry, except for Park Güell and Refugi 307.

I recommend heading to MUHBA Plaça del Rei first, where you can see the ruins of Roman buildings. If you have more time, you can also check out the Roman Funeral Way, Casa Padellàs, and MUHBA Santa Caterina.

20. Discover the Vibrant El Raval

El Raval used to have quite a bad reputation not too long ago, but it’s been changing a lot in recent years. Separated from the Barri Gòtic by La Rambla, El Raval is one of the historic neighborhoods that make up Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella.

As you wander around El Raval, you can see several historical monuments, like the Monastery of Sant Pau del Camp and the Old Hospital de la Santa Creu. Plus, the neighborhood is the center of contemporary art in Barcelona. Here, you can find the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona and the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona.

Be sure to stop by Plaça dels Àngels and stroll down Rambla del Raval, where you can spot the iconic sculpture El Gat de Botero. The reputation of a dangerous neighborhood that El Raval maintained for several years no longer applies. The area is as safe as any other in Barcelona during the day. Petty crimes and drug trafficking may still occur, so maybe avoid walking around alone late at night.

21. Check out the Beautiful Architecture in the Eixample District

Eixample is the perfect example (see what I did there?) of Modernista architecture, aka Catalan art nouveau, with perfect square blocks, beautiful apartment buildings, and palm trees lining the wide avenues. The area is in stark contrast to the chaotic alleyways in the Ciutat Vella, but I find it great for a walk on a sunny day.

Eixample actually encompasses a vast area of Barcelona, above Ciutat Vella, and extends to what used to be small towns but are now neighborhoods, like Gràcia and Sants. But the area I am referring to is mainly Dreta de l’Eixample, to the northeast of Plaça de Catalunya.

Aside from the already mentioned Passeig de Gràcia, you can stroll down wide tree-lined avenues like Avenida Diagonal, where you can admire beautiful buildings like Casa de les Punxes, Palau del Baró de Quadras, Palau Macaya, and Casa Comalat. The area is also filled with nice restaurants and cafès where you can stop for lunch or a short break.

22. Admire Contemporary Art at La Virreina Centre de la Imatge

If you’re not in Barcelona on the first Sunday of the month to visit one of the other museums, La Virreina Centre de la Imatge is always free! The exhibition center focuses on contemporary art, with temporary exhibitions ranging from photography and drawings to filmography.

The exhibition center is housed inside the Virreina Palace, a beautiful 18th-century palace on Barcelona’s popular La Rambla, right next to el Mercat de la Boqueria. The palace itself is worth checking out, so be sure to visit!

Exhibitions change regularly, so you may want to check what’s on before you go. You can find more information about upcoming exhibitions on the Ajuntament de Barcelona website.

23. Visit Casa de l’Ardiaca

This little building just outside the Barcelona Cathedral is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but it’s a lovely little gem worth checking out. Casa de l’Ardiaca houses the city’s historical archives in a stunning 15^th-century Renaissance palace.

You can consult some of the archives, but I recommend even just paying a short visit to the building. You can enter for free and explore the little patio and the upper terrace. From the terrace, you can even get a glimpse of the Barcelona Cathedral.

You can find information panels around the patio and may even find temporary exhibitions if you’re lucky.

24. Head to Bunkers El Camel for Sweeping City Views

If Montjuïc Castle offers great sea views, Bunkers El Camel is the place to go to admire Barcelona’s cityscape. This is one of the most popular sunset spots in the city, so you can expect to find a crowd around this time of day. Also, note that it closes at 7.30 pm, so depending on the season, you may not be able to catch the sunset.

Bunkers El Camel is a bit far from most attractions in Barcelona, though relatively close to Park Güell. To get there from the center of Barcelona, you can catch metro line L4 to Alfons X then walk for about 25 minutes, or catch a bus, like 22 or 24, that takes you much closer.

25. Hike up Mount Tibidabo

One last free thing to do in Barcelona that I wanted to include in this guide is the hike up Mount Tibidabo. You may know about the amusement park called Tibidabo, but that’s not the only reason to head up to the top of this mountain towering over Barcelona.

If you want to take the easy way up, there’s a funicular, Cuca de Llum, that takes you up in minutes for 12€ for a return trip. However, if you want to save money and get a workout in, you can hike up through the Serra de Collserola.

I hiked up while I was living in Barcelona back in 2013, but never made it to the top. You can, however, hike all the way up to the iconic Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which you can see from nearly everywhere in Barcelona. The views from up there are stunning, but you also get amazing ones as you hike up. You can expect the hike to take between one and two hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop.

Barcelona Travel Tips

Now that we have covered the free things to do in Barcelona, I want to share a few practical tips to make the most of your trip.

While Barcelona is a great city to visit year-round, I recommend avoiding the summer months. From June to early September, the city can get extra crowded, plus it’s really hot. And although Barcelona is always crowded, you will enjoy it more outside the summer months.

Shoulder seasons are typically the best in terms of weather, but nowadays they are also popular. Visiting Barcelona in the low season may be your best bet. Winters are mild and most attractions are easy to visit, with fewer lines and waiting times. I spent winter in Barcelona and absolutely loved it!

No matter when you visit, remember that lots of attractions can get fairly crowded, so online reservation is recommended. Check the official websites a few days in advance and buy your entrances online to save time and money. This is especially true for all of Gaudí’s landmarks.

Lastly, to use public transportation, I highly recommend buying a T-casual card. While a regular one-ride ticket costs €2.55, with the T-casual you get 10 rides for €12.15, and it covers most transportation options. A 1-zone ticket is enough for most areas of Barcelona city. If you plan to stay longer, you may also check the T-usual for one month. You can find all ticket options on the TMB website.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Barcelona has recently announced plans to ban short-term rentals due to the negative effects of overtourism on the local economy. However, you still have plenty of accommodation options, from hostels to hotels for every budget.

You may want to stay in the city center, somewhere between the Ciutat Vella, Dreta de l’Eixample, and L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample. I also highly recommend the Gràcia neighborhood, which is my favorite place to stay in Barcelona.

Here are a few recommendations that combine quality and good location.

If you’re on a budget, check out these hostels: Yeah Barcelona Hostel and Onefam Batlló.

If you’re looking for mid-range accommodation, you can find great private rooms at Primavera Hostel or Pension Ciudadela.

Lastly, these options are great if you’re looking for extra comfort and can spend a bit more: The Corner Hotel and Catalonia Passeig de Gràcia.

Or just browse the map below to find other options:

Travel Resources

Lastly, I’ll leave you with a list of my favorite travel resources to plan your perfect trip to Barcelona and enjoy these awesome free things!

Purpose	Website/App	Description	Book Here
Accommodation	Booking.com	My favorite website for great accommodation for different budgets.	Find a Place
Flights	Skyscanner	The platform I typically use for finding the most affordable flights.	Find Flights
Cheap Buses	Flixbus	My favorite app for cheap bus fares around most of Europe and the US.	Bus Rides
Transportation	Omio	You can book everything from buses and trains to ferry rides.	Transportation
Train Travel	Trainline	If you travel by train, this app is great for booking rides in Europe.	Train Rides
Travel Insurance	SafetyWing	One of the best travel medical insurances for frequent travelers.	Get Insured
Activities	Manawa	A great platform to book activities and adventures with local hosts.	Find Activities
Experiences	GetYourGuide	Another great platform for tours and experiences with lots of options.	Experiences
Car Rental	DiscoverCars	My go-to platform for car rental anywhere in the world.	Rent a Car
eSIM	Airalo	My favorite app for buying digital SIM cards when traveling abroad.	Get an eSIM

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