Free things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona can be quit expensive if you want to do all the touristic stuff, luckily there are plenty things to do in Barcelona that are free of charge. Here are some tips so you can still enjoy Barcelona on a budget.

Parc de la Ciutadella

One of my favorite things to do on my day off is going to the park and enjoy the sun with a good book. The park is quite big so you’ll find a spot easily. The park was built in the 19th century and when you walk around you’ll find the beautiful monumental waterfall, a lake where you can rent a boat and the zoo.

Beachday

Barcelona has beautiful beaches, enjoy your day at Playa de Barceloneta, or go a bit further to Nova Icaria beach or Playa de Bogatell.

Wander around the old town

Walk around in the old town, these are the neighborhoods El Born & Barrio Gotico. It is perfect to walk around because of the picturesque streets and the small boutiques. Here you can also find the Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf, museums like Picasso and Moco, Plaça Reial and the Cathedral.

Watch the sunset from parque del Guinardó

One of my favorite things to do in Barcelona is watching the sunset from a viewpoint. In this park you’ll have amazing views and you can do a hike as well. Plus it is close to Bunkers del Carmel and a lot less crowded.

Bunkers del Carmel

This is one of my favorite viewpoints in Barcelona, although it can be really crowded the views are amazing. For either watching the sunset or admiring the views of Barcelona this place is a perfect option.

Arc de Triomf

Located in the old part of Barcelona and in front of the Parc de la Ciutadella you’ll find the Arc de Triomf, designed by Josep Vilaseca, it was built as a gateway in 1888 for the universal exhibition of the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Plaça Reial

This square is located in the old part of Barcelona: Barrio Gotico. It is a beautiful square where you can enjoy delicious food at one of the many restaurants. In the center of the square there is a fountain: Font de les Gràcies. Next to the fountain there are two lampposts that are designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Admire the Sagrada Familia

In the neighborhood Eixample you’ll find the famous La Sagrada Familia. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, however till this day they are still working on the basilica. It is definitely worth to see it only from the outside, but if you wan to enter a ticket is 26 euros or 36 euros if you want to see the view from one of the towers as well.

Museum MNAC

Enjoy the beautiful views over Barcelona for free at the Museu de Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Every Saturday from 15:00 and every first Sunday of the month the entrance of the museum is for free as well. If you decide to go on another day, a ticket is 12 euros. In the museum you’ll find art by artists like Gaudi and Casas. And they also have a rooftop for stunning views of Barcelona.

Admire Casa Batllo and Casa Mila from outside

In the neighborhood Eixample, close to the shopping area you’ll find these two houses designed by Antoni Gaudi. Both are worth it to see from outside but if you want to enter them: a ticket for Casa Batllo is from 35 euros and a ticket for Casa Mila is from 25 euros.

Vila Gracia

This neighborhood is full with beautiful small squares, pretty streets, small boutiques, cafes & restaurants and they have a shopping area as well. It is perfect to walk around and enjoy the picturesque streets.

Neighborhood Eixample

Eixample is a pretty big neighborhood, here you can find La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and the shopping area with the main shopping street: Passeig de Gracia. It is also full with beautiful architecture, wander around and enjoy the views.