Free things to do in Barcelona

On a tight budget? Looking to do something for free in Spain? It isn’t hard to find something. Sometimes it feels like capitalism passed Spain by – that is certainly the feeling when you see some of the customer service you get (and the fact that so many places close during what other countries would call peak time!). However, this refreshing lack of money grabbing means that you can get many things very cheaply in Spain – and some things completely for free.

So there goes the best free things to do in Barcelona:

Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia

It’s a giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882. This Barcelona’s most famous landmark may charge admission (12.50 Euros Save12% with the Barcelona Card), but viewing it from the outside is free. Personally, I don’t think going inside is worth it – the museum isn’t especially interesting (unless you have a big interest in architecture) and the climb to the top gives you a less-than-spectacular view of the city. Of course, paying the entrance fee does at least help guarantee that they finish the building (over 120 years and counting, so far), but if you’re on a very tight budget, you can still appreciate 90% of the building from across the road.

Regardless of all the controversy surrounding the Sagrada Familia it is a truly magnificent building and an absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona.

Ramblas and Boqueria market

Las Ramblas Boulevard is one of the main attractions in Barcelona, crowded with visitors all around the year. It runs from city’s harbor to Plaça Catalunya, and it’s the right place to explore Barcelona’s busy life. Dancers, musicians, mimes and actors are there all day, every day and for a few cents will do their little party trick for you.

You don’t have to pay if you visit La Boqueria either. This noisy food market catches travelers attention with its fruit and vegetable colorful stands, chic coffee shops and inexpensive restaurants.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell is another of Gaudi’s works and, like the Sagrada Familia, was never completed. It was intended as a residential area for Barcelona’s rich and famous, but it didn’t receive the local support required. What exists today is a fabulous park with gingerbread houses, fountains and interesting ceramic statues that will fascinate young and old alike. The famous Gaudi’s lizard that became the symbol of Barcelona stands at the entrance of this park. The small museum charges to get in, but everything else is free.

Picasso Museum

The Picasso museum is the best showcase of works by the Spanish cubist artist. It is only free on the first Sunday of the month. Be warned, the line to get in is gigantic – get there early. The museum is also free to under-16s and to study groups (only on Wednesday afternoons). Inquire at the museum for more information.

On certain days there are free guided tours of the collection, but you have to pay the normal entrance fee to see it.

Montjuïc park and magic fountain

Montjuic park has a wealth of sights for those who don’t mind a bit of a climb. Take a walk with a nice view of the sea, wander round the old watchtower and marvel at the Mayor’s Belvedere, a collage of broken bottles and pottery by Carles Buïgas.

The magic fountain of Montjuïc’s first performance was on May 19, 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition. This is a spectacular fountain which is very popular because of its water arrangements, sound and lighting. 2,600 litres of water are pumped through this great fountain per second in three concentric pools.

Operating hours from 30th April to 30th September:
Thursday to Sunday, 9pm – 11:30pm
Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm

Operating hours from 1st October to 30th April:
Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm – 9pm
Musical displays: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm and 8:30pm

Hospital de Sant Pau

Designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Antoní Gaudí, this fully functioning hospital is an architectural delight and is within walking distance of La Sagrada Familia, which means you don’t need to even pay for any more transport. Though you might have to side step the elderly and infirm to get your photos, the vast majority of the hospital is open for you to wander around.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Take the kids for a run in a very pleasant park in the center of Barcelona. It features Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf (much nicer than the one in Paris) fountains, museums (not free) and a zoo (also not free).

Barceloneta Beach

It isn’t the most attractive beach in the world (artificially made, rumor has it that it is half sand and half concrete) but everyone loves to spend half a day catching some rays, right?

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral (also known as La Seu) is a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14th century. Entrance to the Barcelona Cathedral is free, so you can marvel at the Romanesque cathedral from both outside and within.

Metronom

Since 1980, as a result of an initiative by the collector Rafael Tous, Metronom has not only become an exhibition centre but a key point of reference for art considered too experimental for normal galleries. Modern art museum that offers innovative exhibitions, often incorporating modern technology.