10 free things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona on a budget

Hey travelers! If you want to enjoy Barcelona on a budget, check these 10 things to do while in Barcelona.

1.Visit the museums

Visit the many museums in Barcelona, the first Sunday of the month, to be able to enter for free. My favourite museums in Barcelona are the following:

CCBorn (You’ll find ruins from Barcelona back in 1714 and it’s actually free everyday except Mondays when they close)

MUHBA (Museum of history of Barcelona, roman ruins underneath the city)

Picasso Museum

Sant Pau Recinte near Sagrada Familia (Old Hospital)

Palau Gúell (which is not Park Güell, don’t get confused. This is another house made by Gaudi)

MNAC (National Museum of Art of Catalunya, nice view!)

Montjuic Castle (Find this fortress on top of Montjuic mountain and enjoy the view)

2. Visit the parks!

Park Güell (buy your tickets in advance)

Labyrinth Park (Sundays or Wednesdays enter for free, if not just 2€)

Ciutadella Park (the only central park we have in town, open everyday for free)

Montjuic Gardens (Prepare to spend there half a day, there are tons of hidden gardens)

3. Go to a free view point for sunset:

My favourite viewpoints are:

Bunkers del Carmel (do not expect to find there anything but a view and the crowds of course)

Museum of History of Catalunya (if you take the elevator you can go for free to the rooftop. There are many bars up there)

360 Hotel Raval (a unique hotel rooftop in the Raval area, with an incredible view & a bar)

or just sunrise at the beach (the sun rises from the beach, so come on, wake up early and enjoy it)

4. GO TO THE BEACH

Stroll Barceloneta beach, the port Olympic and the port vell or grab an ebike and enjoy the ride.

5. GET LOST IN THE OLD CITY

Walk around Gothic & Born alleyways and check out the free walking tours

6. VISIT THE MARKETS

Boquería Market, the most famours one, super crowded but amazing experience

Flea Markets: Encants Market, such an experience as well (there are a lot of itinerary flea markets in town)

Vintage shops: Mostly they are in the Raval area.

7. CHECK THE FREE EVENTS

Check out the free events in town in this list month by month. Here you have the biggest ones:

Cinema a la Fresca, Santa Eulalia fest, La Mercé, Sant Jordí, Festa Major Gracia, San Joan, LLUM, Ou com Balla

8. DON’T MISS THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN SHOWS

Check the show times and enjoy this experience at night. Amazing for kids as well!

9. CHECK GAUDI HOUSES

Check from the outside all GAUDI creations: Sagrada, Casa Mila/La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and Casa Vicens.

10. ENTER FOR FREE TO THE CATHEDRALS

Santa Maria del Mar & Cathedral of Barcelona open up for free in the morning and sometimes also in the afternoon. Check before you go!