The best free things to do in Barcelona

1. Free Museums in Barcelona

There are a handful of museums that are free to visit on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. Some museums have a free entry day once a month or once a week. Here are some of the best museums with free entry:

• Museu Picasso - Free entry every Thursday afternoon from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM and on the first Sunday of each month, as well as during open house days. The regular entry fee is 12 €.

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) - Free entry every Saturday after 3:00 PM and on the first Sunday of each month. Regular entry is 12 € ($12.50).

• Museu Nacional d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) - Free entry every Sunday after 3:00 PM and all day on the first Sunday of the month. Regular entry is 7 € ($7.30).

• Palau Güell - Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Regular entry is 12 € ($12.50).

• Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) - Free entry every Sunday after 3:00 PM. Regular entry is 8 € ($8.30).

2. Modernism Walk in Barcelona

For those interested in the things to do in Barcelona Spain, the city is full of amazing architecture from all periods. However, the city's modernist buildings are incredibly prevalent throughout the vacation city. You can find ideas on where to start a walk here: Ruta del Modernisme. This allows you to explore the city at your own pace and admire all the beautiful buildings along the way.

3. Explore Barceloneta Beach

For one of the best things to do in Barcelona, take a walk along the beach or spend the day relaxing. The landscape at Barceloneta Beach is beautiful, especially considering it’s right next to such a large city! This is certainly one of the top things to do in Barcelona, Spain, while on a beach vacation.

4. Visit the Parc de la Ciutadella

Wondering what to do in Barcelona? This is a favorite for many travelers looking for a nice place to go for a walk. You can grab something to eat at the Mercat de Santa Caterina or Demasié, then find a bench or a sunny spot in the grass for a picnic.

Mercat de Santa Caterina is located on Via Laietana. Demasié is located at Carrer de la Princesa, 28, on your way to Ciutadella. After a day here, you’ll know why it’s voted one of the best things to do in Barcelona.

5. Hike to Parc del Guinardo

The best thing about this park is that it’s free, and you get the same (if not better) view as you do from Parc Guell. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks, hike up to the Bunkers del Carmel, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.

6. Visit Montjuïc in Barcelona

Here, you can check out the many gardens on the hill, tour the unique architecture of the Olympic Stadium, enjoy views of the Mediterranean, or visit Montjuïc Castle. It’s simply breathtaking! Come in the evening for spectacular views, making it one of the best free things to do in Barcelona at night.

7. Admire Santa Maria del Mar

This Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century is free to visit and offers an incredible sight. The tall stone ceilings and stained-glass windows are stunning.

8. Escape the Heat in the Cathedral of Barcelona

The cathedral is another wonderful example of Gothic architecture. The interior is just as impressive as the façade. During some of the annual festivals, many free events take place here, such as the Castells during the Festa Catalana.

9. Plan Your Trip Around a Festival!

Barcelona offers fantastic festivals throughout the year: Dia de los Reyes Magos (January), Dia de Sant Jordi (February), Feria de Abril (April), Sant Joan (June), or Festa Major de Gràcia (August). And many other festivals take place throughout the year.

10. Stroll Along Barcelona’s Famous Promenade, Las Ramblas

Yes, the promenade is touristy and incredibly crowded in the summer, but it’s still beautiful and definitely worth visiting for first-timers in Barcelona. You can start at the entrance near Plaça Catalunya and wander all the way down to the Colón Statue.

11. Visit the Stalls in La Boqueria

While strolling through Las Ramblas, make a stop at La Boqueria. This market is very famous (and thus quite touristy), but if you’re already in Las Ramblas, there’s no reason not to visit. Don’t miss some of the other less touristy and more authentic markets, such as Mercat de Santa Caterina (Born), Mercat de la Llibertat (Gràcia), or Mercat de L'Abaceria (Gràcia).

12. Wander Through the Barri Gòtic

Few places in Barcelona offer visitors such an insight into the city’s history and atmosphere as the Gothic Quarter. The historical houses, the people, and the charm of this area make it easy to lose track of time. A walk here can easily take hours, and you’ll never feel like you’ve missed anything. A beautiful way to experience the land and its people completely for free.

13. The Back Part of Parc Güell

Parc Güell is one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. No wonder, as this park, designed by the genius architect Gaudí, is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a beautiful view over the city. Unfortunately, the park charges an entrance fee, even though it’s fairly affordable. However, you only need to pay if you enter through the front entrance.

The back part of the park can be visited for free. Just take one of the two bus lines that pass by the park (Bus lines 24 and 92) and get off at the back entrance. No entry fee is required here, and although you can’t visit the entire park from this point, you’ll still enjoy the breathtaking views.

14. Enjoy the View from Carmel Bunker

Take the bus past Parc Güell and continue up the hill to Carmel Bunker, a lesser-known remnant from the Spanish Civil War. The bunker itself isn’t open for visits, but you’ll find no better view of the Catalan capital from anywhere else. Since there are usually no crowds here, you can peacefully unpack your picnic and enjoy the view. One of the best free experiences you can have in Barcelona.

15. Admire the Fountain and Water Light Organ

At Plaça Espanya stands the magical Font Màgica fountain. Every evening, you can be captivated by a free water, music, and light show. The fountain show is definitely something you should see during your visit to Barcelona.