Best Free Things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant and exciting city full of culture, history, and architecture. While it can be easy to spend a lot of money exploring this city, there are also plenty of free things to do that will help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. In this video, we’ll be looking at the best ones.
Number 1: Free Walking Tours in Barcelona:
Barcelona is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and it’s also the best way to explore the city. Iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Park Güell are best explored by foot. Walking tours take you around these places, and you are accompanied by a local guide.
There are several local groups that provide free walking tours in the city. Free Walking Tours Barcelona, Free Tours by Foot, Sandeman’s New Barcelona Free Tour, and Runner Bean Tours are some of them. Prior reservation is not necessary but recommended as it could get booked quickly during peak periods.
A tip for walking tours: Try to join the tours at the start of your trip. It will help you understand Barcelona a lot better, which will also be helpful for the rest of your stay. Also, the guides can give you plenty of recommendations on attractions to visit, places to eat, etc. That would make your trip a lot better.
Number 2: Go to the famous Barcelona Beaches:
Barcelona is home to famous beaches like Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icària Beach, Bogatell Beach, and so on. Most of the beaches are easily accessible from the city and are spacious enough. They are lively and bustling places with many bars, restaurants, and beach clubs.
If nudist beaches are your thing, Mar Bella Beach is your go-to place. The beach has a designated nudist area where most of the people are topless or completely nude. You have to be adult-minded to visit here, though.
The beaches might get crowded during the summer months. So try to avoid peak periods. The best time to visit is during the mid-afternoon when the sun is still shining, and the water is warm.
If you want quick on-the-go travel tips, follow my Instagram @cheaptravelbuddy.
Number 3: Explore the Ciutadella Park:
Ciutadella Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get a taste of the local life in Barcelona. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Choose a spot at the park, and you can have yourself a fantastic picnic. You can explore other places in the park, like the Arc de Triomf, the Barcelona zoo, the Parliament of Catalonia, the historical waterfall, and the romantic English garden.
Barcelona locals are more friendly than you think. Bring a frisbee, soccer ball, or other outdoor games to the park, and they will join you for a game.
Number 4: Take Advantage of Free Museum Sundays:
Most of the museums in Barcelona have free admission on Sundays. It’s a good chance to explore the variety of museums located in the city. City History Museum, Natural History Museum, El Born Cultural & Memorial Centre, World Cultures Museum, and Music Museum are some of the best museums to visit for free. They all have free entry every Sunday after 3 pm & the first Sunday of every month. Do not miss them.
Most of the museums welcome walk-ins, but it’s always better to check their website to see the ticket reservation policies, as each one has its own.
For more info on free Barcelona museums, click here.
A fun fact about Barcelona that you didn’t know: It has free WIFI throughout the whole city: Everywhere you go: shopping centers, bars, restaurants, and airports, you can get online for free. Turn on your Wi-Fi, select Barcelona WIFI, open your browser, and accept the terms and conditions. It’s that easy! The speed might not be what you expect, but hey, it’s free!
Number 5: Get religious at Gothic churches:
There are 4 main Gothic basilicas in Barcelona. Each one is very special and has different things to offer. The Cathedral of Saint Eulalia & the Holy Cross, Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, and Basilica of Sant Just I Pastor are the main 4. They all are architectural masterpieces and are a great joy to watch.
Recently they have started to charge an entrance fee, but there are certain times when you can visit them for free. Most of these free entries are for worship and prayer. But as long as you stay sane and don’t cause drama, you are okay. Free Opening times:
Cathedral of Saint Eulalia & the Holy Cross (only for worship and prayer): Monday to Friday: 8.30 am to 12.30 pm & 6 pm to 7:30 pm / Saturday: 8.30 am to 12.30 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm / Sundays: 8:30 am to 1:45 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm. Other times: €9 (except Sundays when tourist visits are not allowed)
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 1:30 pm & 5 pm to 8:30 pm / Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 8:30 pm. Tourist visit: €5
Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi (only for worship and prayer): Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 1 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm. Friday & Saturday: 9:30 am to 11 am & 6 pm to 8 pm. Sunday: 11 am to 1 pm. Other times: €5
Basilica of Sant Just I Pastor: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 11 am to 2 pm & 7 pm to 8:30 pm / Tuesday, Friday & Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm. Other times: closed
Number 6: Enjoy the city views from a hilltop:
Barcelona city is designed into blocks, and you can see the fantastic view of it with the Mediterranean sea in the backdrop for absolutely free. Montjuïc Castle, Tibidabo, and Turó de la Rovira are places from where you can enjoy the city view.
Where’s the best place for the view? Turó de la Rovira. It is a hill overlooking Barcelona that is easily accessible. You can go there anytime for free, but just try to avoid the sunset times as it seems to have a lot of crowds lately.
Bonus tip: Watch a game at the Camp Nou:
If you’re a football or soccer fanatic, you definitely know about the Football Club Barcelona. They play at the iconic Camp Nou stadium, and the atmosphere inside is breathtaking, even better if they win the match. It is not a free thing to do, but it’s definitely one of the experiences that you’ll cherish forever. A general ticket will run you upwards of almost £50. These are the type of things that are worthy of spending money on.
So these are the top free things to do in Barcelona. Which one of these did you like the most? Let me know in the comments. Also, make sure to read our other travel guides in London and Paris!! Have a good day. Keep traveling!!!