Free Barcelona: Where to go and what to see in the sunny Spanish city on a budget

Museums

Most museums in Barcelona (as in other European cities) have so-called "museum days." These are days when the museum doors are open to anyone who wants to view the exhibits completely free of charge.

In addition, Barcelona is simply teeming with interesting museum complexes and exhibitions. There is a museum of music, sculpture, contemporary design, and even the world-famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. On regular days, the cost of visiting museums ranges from €6 to €30, but if you know a few life hacks, you can see masterpieces of science and art and enrich yourself spiritually completely free of charge.

You can find a complete list of museums and conditions for free admission in our article on "Free Museums in Barcelona".

Parks and viewing platforms

Barcelona is often referred to as the "sunny city" for good reason, as it enjoys an average of 251 sunny days per year. Therefore, we recommend that you take a stroll through the streets of Barcelona, visit the local parks, and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city from the observation decks.

• Tibidabo Hill is the highest point in Barcelona, so it's definitely worth a visit if you enjoy panoramic views of the city. The hill is home to a famous amusement park, one of the oldest in the world, and a 288-meter-high television tower, which also has an observation deck, but it is not free.
• The El Carmel bunker, which dates back to the Civil War, also has a beautiful observation deck and is slightly less crowded with tourists.
• It is worth visiting the Montjuïc observation deck if only because, in addition to the beautiful scenery, there are many interesting things to see here. For example, the Museum of Art of Catalonia.
• The observation deck of the Arenas de Barcelona shopping complex, located on Plaza de España, also offers visitors a colorful view of the city absolutely free of charge.
• Another observation deck is located on the top floor of the El Corte Ingles shopping center on Plaza de Cataluña. By the way, you can even take the elevator there for free.
• Park Güell (Carrer d'Olot, 5) was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. The house where he lived is also located here. The view from this park has long been a hallmark of the city.
• Parc de la Ciutadella (Passeig de Picasso, 21) is a cozy park, opened in the mid-19th century, with a lake and the Cascada fountain, which was also designed by Gaudí. Here you can not only take a walk, but also go boating.
• It is worth getting lost in the green 750-meter maze of Parc del Laberint d'Horta simply because it is the oldest park in the city, dating back more than 230 years. Admission is free every Sunday throughout the day.

Architecture

The architecture of Barcelona has undoubtedly long been the city's calling card. Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to the city every day to enjoy the magnificent works of outstanding sculptors, architects, and artists.

• The Sagrada Familia (address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401) is, of course, the first thing that comes to mind when Barcelona is mentioned and has probably long been a symbol not only of the city but of the whole of Spain. This temple was designed by the famous local sculptor Antonio Gaudi back in 1882, and its construction continues to this day!
  Admission to the interior costs €29, but even the exterior of the building is breathtaking.
• However, you can get inside Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona, address: Carrer de Sant Sever, 9) for free from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In addition to its majestic interior, the cathedral will delight you with its courtyard with tropical trees and snow-white residents — geese.
• When in Barcelona, it is impossible to miss the Gothic Quarter (El Gòtic). This is the central district of Barcelona, the old town with a medieval atmosphere. The architecture and atmosphere here are different from most areas of the city: narrow streets, cozy cafes and small shops, as well as buildings that have survived since medieval times.
• If you have time, be sure to visit churches such as Santa María del Pi, Santa Maria del Mar, and Virgen de la Merced.

Admission to most of the famous houses designed by sculptor Antonio Gaudi is paid, but no one forbids you from viewing the artist's creations from the outside.

• Casa Batlló (address: Passeig de Grácia, 43) resembles dragon skin or fish scales from the outside.
• Casa Mila (address: Passeig de Grácia, 92) is located on the same street as the previous one. Its distinctive feature is the almost complete absence of straight lines.
• Casa Vicens (address: Carrer de les Carolines, 18-24) was Gaudí's first major project. It is decorated with bright openwork elements reminiscent of Eastern and African motifs.
• The client who commissioned Casa Calvet (address: Carrer Sant Marc, 57) was an avid mushroom hunter, which is evident even from the outside when looking at the building's facade.

Beaches

Barcelona's beaches stretch for almost four kilometers along the coastline, and if you are visiting this sunny city between mid-May and the end of September, we recommend that you don't miss out on the local coastline and enjoy basking in the sun or swimming in the sea.

• Sant Sebastià is one of the largest and oldest beaches in Barcelona with good infrastructure and a clean coastline.
• Barceloneta is also one of the most popular and oldest beaches in the city. There is also a separate area for nudists.
• Bogatell is located a little further from the center. So, those who prefer a more peaceful vacation will feel comfortable here.
• Llevant Beach is also suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed vacation, as it is located further away from the main tourist areas.

You can book a hotel in Barcelona with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Excursions

Barcelona can truly delight travelers on a budget with its free tours, which are organized by several companies.

• Runner BeanTours runs tours twice a day (at 11:00 and 16:30) from April to October, and only one tour (daily at 11:00) from November to February. Tours are conducted in English.
• Sandemans offers three free tours to choose from: a classic walk through Barcelona, a tour for fans of Antonio Gaudi's work, and a spicy tour to get to know the "dark side" of Barcelona.
• All tours start at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and are conducted in both Spanish and English.
• Travel Bar offers a free tour of the Gothic Quarter, which starts three times a day: at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00.
• Be Local Tours Barcelona will introduce you to the works of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi free of charge and reveal some of the secrets of the artist's life and work. The tour is free and takes place every day at 11:00 a.m.

Please note: although the tours are free, it is customary to leave the guide a few euros as a tip at the end of the tour as a token of gratitude.

A few more free attractions in sunny Barcelona

• In Plaza de España, located on Montjuïc Mountain, you can find interesting structures that appeared after the 1929 World's Fair and the 1992 Olympic Games, as well as many other attractions in Barcelona, including the legendary Singing Fountains. The fountains usually operate until 10-10:30 p.m.
• The Barcelona waterfront is another place to stroll during your visit to the city.
• The local Boqueria market has also long been a tourist mecca in the city. Here you can not only buy traditional jamon, authentic Spanish sausages, fresh seafood, vegetables, or fruit, but also simply stroll around, immersing yourself in the temperamental character of Barcelona. However, we cannot guarantee that the variety of colors, smells, and tastes will allow you to visit this market completely free of charge.
• Triumphal arches erected in honor of significant events can be found in many European cities. In Barcelona, it was built before the opening of the World's Fair, and now it serves as a beautiful tourist attraction and draws travelers.

Remember that sunny, tanned, and vibrant Barcelona will forever remain in your memory, regardless of your travel budget, and you will return many times in your happy memories to the coast of the capital of Catalonia.

Have a pleasant journey and exciting adventures!