If you’re planning to visit Barcelona on a budget, then don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! While some of the top Barcelona attractions can be expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do in Barcelona to help you save money. Whether you’re backpacking in Barcelona on a budget or simply want a cheap city break you’ll still be able to get the best of Barcelona for free!
Know Before You Go to Barcelona
Before travelling to Barcelona, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
⭐ TOP 3 BARCELONA ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1: Sagrada Familia Skip the Line Ticket - a must-see in Barcelona!
2: Park Guell Admission Ticket - colourful mosaic terraces and gorgeous views
3: Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour - stunning Modernist Building & rooftop
🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN BARCELONA:
$$: Sercotel Hotel Rosellon - Incredible view of the Sagrada Familia from some rooms and the terrace
$$: H10 Madison 4* Sup - top location with rooftop pool & view of the Gothic Cathedral
$: Chic & Basic Lemon Boutique Hotel - great value hotel near Plaça Catalunya
❗BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS❗
Although Barcelona is a safe city, pickpockets are a problem here, particularly in popular tourist areas and on the metro. Use a theft-proof backpack and consider getting some hidden-pocket clothing to keep your belongings safe.
How to Have an Epic (and Cheap) Barcelona Trip
I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have a fabulous time in Barcelona with a very limited budget. However, there are some things that might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Barcelona, and then treat yourself to a food tour or a nice dinner, or something totally unique like going inside La Sagrada Familia.
Some of the most popular paid tours and activities in Barcelona that you might be interested in include:
Or you can browse more bookable tours and things to do in Barcelona here. I use GetYourGuide to book tours and tickets as I love how you can choose from a variety of options to find the best for you, comparing prices and reading reviews.
Using GetYourGuide means you also get immediate confirmation once you’ve booked which is perfect for last-minute plans, and when you book in advance you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity in case your plans change. However, If you prefer to use Viator you can find tours on Viator here.
Barcelona Money Saving Tip
If you plan to visit several museums, then check out the Barcelona Card which includes free entry to over 25 museums and attractions including the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Museum of the History of Barcelona, as well as free access to public transport. >>> Get More info hereThat said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in Barcelona if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing time in Barcelona without spending a lot of money, and have some unique experiences you will remember forever!
The Best Free Things to Do in Barcelona
There are my top recommendations for the best free activities in Barcelona that you can enjoy at any time of year.
Admire Gaudí’s Architecture
Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous architect, and his bizarre and beautiful creations are all over the city. From lampposts in Plaça Reial to the colourful, curvy homes of La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, the modernist architect’s work is everywhere you look.
The good news is you can see a lot of Gaudí’s work from the outside for free, although it is often worth paying for tickets to go inside – in particular with the Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, a huge cathedral that is incredible from the outside as you can just walk around and admire the details in the façades. My favourite view of Sagrada Familia is from across the pond in Plaça de Gaudí (get the exact location here).
Early morning is the best time to come here for photos as the sun rises behind you and shines onto the Sagrada Familia so you can see the details in the Nativity Façade without glare from the sun. It is definitely a must-do in Barcelona, and totally free!
However, if you do have some cash to spend, La Sagrada Familia is absolutely mind-blowing from the inside! If you do choose to go inside La Sagrada Familia, make sure you book your tickets online in advance as there is no longer a ticket booth at La Sagrada Familia.
Some of Gaudí’s other works are definitely worth seeing from the outside, even if you don’t buy tickets to go in – Casa Batlló is another favourite of mine and is just a short walk away from Casa Mila (La Pedrera), another Gaudí building that you can see from the outside for free.
Another popular paid attraction designed by Gaudí is Park Güell, which is on the hill above Barcelona. It was originally designed to be a housing complex surrounded by beautiful gardens and sculptures, and it used to be free to visit but now there is a charge to access the majority of the park (unless you live in the area). Tickets for Park Guell aren’t expensive though, so it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Barcelona!
See More Modernist Architecture
Gaudí isn’t the only modernist architect to leave his mark on Barcelona, there are several others who designed beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the city.
Other famous architects of the period include Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who designed the World Heritage-listed Palau de la Musica Catalana concert venue and Hospital de Sant Pau, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch, whose work includes Casa Terrades, also known as Casa de les Punxes, and Casa Amatller, next door to Gaudí’s Casa Batlló.
As with Gaudí’s works, there is a fee to go inside these buildings but you can enjoy them from the outside for free. Everywhere you look in Barcelona there are incredible buildings, so don’t forget to look up and enjoy them as you explore!
Ramble Down La Rambla
La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona. The leafy avenue runs from Plaça Catalunya to Port Vell, and is filled with tourists, locals, market stalls and street performers. Keep a tight hold of your belongings here as it is notorious for pickpockets, but walking down La Rambla is a must-do for all visitors to this famous city.
La Rambla is more enjoyable in the morning before the crowds get too hectic, and don’t try to rush here – it’s impossible. Instead, take a leisurely stroll down La Rambla in the morning, pop into La Boqueria Market for some breakfast, then carry on exploring.
Keep an eye out along the way for iconic buildings such as the Teatre Liceu and Casa Bruno Cuadros, which is decorated with umbrellas, fans and a Chinese dragon! Don’t miss the mosaic by Joan Miró which is on the floor of La Rambla as you walk down.
A hidden gem that you can also visit for free is inside the unlikely Ale Hop store near the bottom of La Rambla (get the exact location here), which has an incredible ceiling in the back section of the shop – it’s well worth popping in on your way past!
You can also take detours off La Rambla to see Plaça Reial or the lovely Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi. Unfortunately, at the moment, large portions of La Rambla are being remodelled so it isn’t the most pleasant atmosphere with all the work going on but it is still worth your time.
Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is my favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona and I love nothing more than wandering around the maze of streets, stopping off in little boutiques and art galleries, and finding cute cafes in hidden squares. It is the historical centre of Barcelona and you can’t help but fall in love with El Gotic. The best part is that it is totally free to explore.
During the summer though the narrow streets are jam-packed with tourists, so it’s best to visit Barcelona in the off or shoulder season to get the best of Gothic Quarter without without the crowds. These are the oldest parts of the city, and any Barcelona travel guide will tell you to come here, but don’t just see the historic buildings, take time to dive deeper.
Some of my favourite spots in the Gothic Quarter include Plaça de Sant Felip Neri behind the Cathedral of Barcelona, The Kiss mural, and the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi which often has markets in front of the church.
You can also find Roman ruins, like the remains of the city walls near the cathedral, the Temple of Augustus tucked away down an alley behind the cathedral, and even a Roman burial site in Plaça de la Vila de Madrid. The MUHBA History museum is worth paying to go inside if you’re interested in this side of Barcelona’s history, but you can see a lot of spots for free.
The Magic Fountain Show (Not Currently Working)
One of the most popular things to do in Barcelona for free, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic is famous for its spectacular light and music shows, as the fountain water dances in time to the songs. The fountains are in a spectacular location between Plaça d’Espanya and Montjuic Hill, which has great views of the city too.
Sadly, the shows are currently on hold due to drought conditions in Catalonia so I hope they will relaunch again soon! Check the official website here to see updated information about timings.
Explore the Markets in Barcelona
There are several different food markets in Barcelona where you can go to buy fresh, local produce and snacks. Most have a tapas bar or two inside the market which use the produce to rustle up tasty dishes to eat while you people-watch. Most markets are closed on Sundays.
La Boqueria Market on La Rambla is the most famous in Barcelona, although it is also the most touristy. Head there early in the morning to beat the crowds and stroll around enjoying the sights and smells. Make sure you wander further than the first couple of aisles to get cheaper prices.
Other markets to explore include Santa Caterina opposite the Cathedral, Sant Antoni on the other side of the Raval, and Marcat de la Libertat in Gracia. The Mercat dels Encants flea market is perfect for hunting bargains and is full of second hand and new items, furniture, pictures, books as well as places to eat. Check out els Encants market website for details here.
Visit the Free Museums in Barcelona (on Sundays)
Many of Barcelona’s museums offer free entrance after 3pm every Sunday, or all day on the first Sunday of the month (like the Picasso Museum). Most now require that you pre-book an entry time to avoid big queues (especially in peak season), but if you plan ahead you can get free tickets to some of the most popular museums in Barcelona.
Barcelona museums with free entry on Sunday after 3pm include the Hospital of Sant Pau, the Museum of Catalan History, the Barcelona History Museum and the MNAC National Museum of Catalan Art, among others.
There are also a few museums in Barcelona that are free all the time, although they are mostly smaller locations with temporary exhibitions such as La Palau de la Virreina. El Born Cultural and Memorial Center is free to go inside and visit from the balcony, here you can see the remains of 17th Century Barcelona, which was destroyed to make way for the Citadel which was built over it.
More Awesome Free Things to Do in Barcelona
There are lots more Barcelona free activities to choose from, here are more fabulous free things to do in Catalonia’s capital:
Take a Free Walking Tour in Barcelona
There are several companies offering a variety of free walking tours in Barcelona, and these are a great introduction to the city and its history. Most focus on the Gothic Quarter, but you can also find special Gaudi tours too, and even bike tours although you’ll need to pay for the bike hire.
Of course, tipping the guide is highly recommended, so although it is technically free you could expect to tip anywhere from €5-€15 per person for a 3-hour tour if you were happy with the experience. You can browse some of the free tours available in Barcelona here.
Check out the Street Art
Another one of the awesome free things to do in Barcelona is spotting the amazing street art all over the city.
Hot spots for cool graffiti in Barcelona include the maze of streets in the Gothic Quarter, old industrial areas in Poble Nou, pretty much everywhere in Gracia and the Three Chimneys Park in Poble Sec, although you will find art dotted around other areas too. Just wander around and keep your eyes peeled!
One of my favourite pieces of street art is “The Kiss”, a popular Instagram spot in Barcelona close to the Gothic Cathedral. The artist created a mural of two mouths kissing, made up of hundreds of smaller photos sent in by people from Barcelona.
If you prefer sculpture over murals, don’t miss the lobster sculpture on the Ronda Litoral in Port Vell. Nearby, Roy Lichtenstein created “The Head of Barcelona” for the 1992 Olympics, and is a must-see in Barcelona for pop art fans. Joan Miró also has a mural on the floor of La Rambla, and his “Woman and Bird” statue in Parc Joan Miró near Plaça d’Espanya.
Free Things to Do in Barceloneta: Hit the Beach
The beaches at Barceloneta are the most convenient as they are closest to the city and easily walkable, but they can be overcrowded in the summer. It’s always lovely to walk along the promenade or have a paddle if the weather is good, and there are lots of chiringuito beach bars where you can stop for a drink or a snack with a view too.
If you prefer quieter beaches, instead of taking the easy option and stopping in Barcelona, hire a bike or walk along the beachfront to Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches near Poblenou where the locals come to enjoy the sunshine and sand.
You could also venture to Badalona a few metro stops away for even quieter beaches without a tourist in sight. The further away you are from the city, the quieter and cleaner the beaches get!
Explore Barcelona’s Neighbourhoods
Each of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods has its own character and charm, having developed independently over time and gradually been swallowed up by the growing city.
Most tourists visiting Barcelona will spend time in the Gothic Quarter, which is filled with narrow streets bursting with history and cute little shops, restaurants and bars. While it is my favourite area to spend time in, I’d also recommend exploring further afield to see more of the “real” Barcelona beyond the tourist areas.
Another of my favourite areas of Barcelona is Gracia, which is much less touristy and no less charming. There are several squares where you can sit and grab a drink or a bite to eat, and it feels much less crowded here. El Raval and Poble Sec are close to La Rambla but have more edge to them, as well as cheaper places to stay and eat.
Take a Walk in the Park
As well as Gaudi’s famous Park Guell, Barcelona also has Ciutadella Park, which used to be the site of a huge citadel which now gives the park its name. There’s a lovely lake where you can hire a boat or just wander and take a rest in the shade.
There are often live musical performances in the park, either officially organised ones or ad hoc from the many street performers who practice tightrope walking, juggling or playing their instruments.
The ornamental fountain is a must-see, and keep a look out for some interesting features like the Mammoth sculpture and the newly refurbished Hivernacle.
Other parks in Barcelona that you can visit for free include Parc de Cervantes (which has a beautiful rose garden in Spring and Summer), and the parks and gardens around Montjuic such as Jardins de Laribal and Jardins de Joan Maragall.
Visit the Catalan Parliament
The Catalan Parliament building is in Ciutadella Park, and is housed in the former arsenal of the Citadel. The arms storage was transformed for the 1888 Universal Exhibition into a royal palace, although the King and Queen of Spain never lived there.
It then became a museum, and in 1932 was designated as the house of the Catalan Parliament. During the dictatorship of Franco, the building was once again used as a museum, and it wasn’t until 1980 that part of the building was returned to the Parliament of Catalonia, and until 2004 when it was solely used for the Parliament.
Catalan architect Pere Falqués was inspired by the Paris Opera House and gave the building an eclectic
ornamental design that signalled the beginnings of Art Nouveau.
The building has a beautiful entrance staircase and glass ceiling with decorative wrought iron work, and some stunning rooms with marble columns and Catalan glass chandeliers. You also visit the Assembly Hall, where the parliament is conducted, and can take a seat on the plush red velvet where Catalan’s members of parliament sit.
Free guided tours are offered during the week in Catalan, Spanish and English, and need to be booked in advance, at least two days before the tour starts. You can check availability and book a visit on the Catalan Parliament website here. When you book you’ll need to provide an ID document such as your passport, and take that with you on the day of the visit.
The tours last around 45 minutes to an hour, although ours was around 1 hour and 20 minutes as we had a lot of questions and our guide Guillem was so passionate about sharing the history of the building and Catalan politics.
Soak Up the Views
Barcelona is known as the city between the mountains and the sea, and its hilly terrain provides some incredible views of the city from above. One of my top free things to do in Barcelona is to climb up somewhere and just enjoy the view! Montjuic has lovely views of the port and of the city from the other side of the mountain, and Salts Terrace Bar at the municipal swimming pool in Montjuic has a panoramic view of the city that is hard to beat!
The bar & roof terrace of the Museum of the History of Catalunya has great views of Barceloneta and Port Vell, which you can pop in to admire for free or buy a drink there for a more leisurely stay. The bunkers at Carmel are popular for romantic dates in Barcelona, or head up to Collserola or Tibidabo mountain to see it all!
Hiking in Barcelona
Speaking of Collerserola Natural Park, there are also some fabulous hikes in Barcelona and the surrounding area to enjoy. You may not want to hike in the summer, but cooler temperatures in the shoulder and off-seasons make hiking a fabulous free activity in Barcelona.
Some hikes require a trip on the metro or cercania train to get to the hiking trail, but with just over 1 euro for a journey, I’m still including it here as one of the cheap things to do in Barcelona that might as well be free!
I’m working on a separate article about hiking in Barcelona, but Tibidabo is a good place to start.
Learn Catalan for Free
If you plan on having an extended stay in Barcelona, the Catalan government offers 45 hours of free Catalan classes for beginners, as well as basic Catalan up to A2 level for free. Check out the government website for details.
Catalan is a useful language to know in Barcelona, and even a few words in Catalan will help show the locals that you’re making an effort! If you already speak Spanish you can learn Catalan on Duolingo, but it’s only available for Spanish speakers at the moment.
Watch a Free Movie on the Beach
In July, Cinema Lliure set up a free cinema on Barceloneta Beach a couple of nights a week. Films are shown in their original version with Spanish or Catalan subtitles, so check which films are showing before you go down there – you want to be able to understand what’s going on!
Show up early to get the best spots, and bring a blanket, beer and snacks to munch while you watch.
Free Concerts in Barcelona
During the summer months, green spaces in Barcelona play host to musical groups offering free live performances across the city. Jazz and classical music are the key genres, keep an eye on the Barcelona Town Hall website for details of the timetable, from June to August.
Enjoy a Local Fiesta
Another one of my favourite free things to do in Barcelona is party! Each neighbourhood in the city celebrates its own Festa Major, or street festival, at different times of the year. The most popular is the Festa Major de Gràcia in August, when residents decorate their streets with different themes and have live music concerts, free dance classes and more.
Other major festivals in Barcelona include La Merced in September, Las Festes de Santa Eulàlia and the Light Festival in February, and Sant Joan in June when everyone heads to the beach for fireworks. There is usually something going on in the city, it’s easy to enjoy Barcelona for free!
Watch Sardana Dancing
The Sardana is a traditional Catalan dance that was banned during the Franco dictatorship, along with the Catalan language. Despite the ban, Catalans continued to dance in defiance, and now the Sardana is a symbol of Catalan culture and pride.
During the summer you can catch a performance in the square in front of the cathedral on Saturdays at 6.30pm or on Sundays at midday, when groups of locals young and old form circles and dance to the sound of a live band. The dance steps aren’t easy to pick up so it’s best to watch instead of join in and risk ruining everyone’s rhythm!
Sardana dancing is also a popular activity during festivals such as La Merce and neighbourhood festivals, so keep an eye out!
See a Human Tower
Castellers are teams of people of all ages who come together to create human towers, and are one of the most awe-inspiring free things to do in Barcelona. Castellers usually perform at every festival in Barcelona, and regularly at various events throughout the year.
At major festivals, teams from different areas of Barcelona and Catalunya compete to create the highest and most complex towers, while at other times you may find one group practising in front of the Cathedral. Check the Castellers de Catalunya website for details of upcoming performances throughout Catalonia.
This is just a small sample of the best free things in Barcelona that you can enjoy, so what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy free Barcelona! If you have any more free activities in Barcelona that I’ve missed, please comment below and I’ll add them in so we can share it with more people.