We're not going to deny the obvious; Barcelona is not a particularly cheap city, so saving money on your trip by doing some of the free activities the city has to offer can be a great way to save money. Visiting the museums or monuments on the day of free entry, going up to the city's various viewpoints or strolling through the parks are just some of the many things that will allow you to enjoy the city while saving money.
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Based on the many times we have visited this city, the last time we wrote this guide to Barcelona, we have put together a list of what we think are the top 10 free things to do in Barcelona. Let's get started!
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica
Believe it or not, it is possible to get into the Sagrada Familia Basilica for free, one of the most essential and expensive places to visit in Barcelona.
The masterpiece of the brilliant modernist architect Antoni Gaudí holds an international mass every Sunday in different languages. The mass starts at 9am and although admission is free, seating is limited. That's why we recommend arriving early at the entrance to the Nativity façade, on Carrer de la Marina, as the doors open at 8.30am and there are usually already a lot of people.
Inside the Sagrada Família
- How to get to the Sagrada Familia:
Metro L2 and L5 Sagrada Família
Bus 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24.
2. Go up to the viewpoint of the Bunkers del Carmel
Enjoying the views of Barcelona from the Bunkers del Carmel is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.
This viewpoint, considered one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, is located at the top of the hill of Turó de la Rovira, in the Carmel district, more than 250 metres above sea level. For many years it has remained hidden from most locals and tourists, but in recent times, thanks to extraordinary photos and the power of social media, it has become a must-see in the city.
At the viewpoint, as well as incredible panoramic views of Barcelona, you'll see the remains of bunkers and an old anti-aircraft battery from the Spanish Civil War.
It is always open, but we recommend, especially in summer, to arrive at sunset to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Bunkers of Carmel
- How to get to the Bunkers del Carmel:
Bus V17 and 119, the last few metres are on foot.
3. See an exhibition at the Palau de la Virreina or the Palau Robert
The Palau de la Virreina, located at number 99 of the Rambla, is a Baroque-style building built by the Viceroy of Peru between 1772 and 1778. In addition to its interior courtyards, staircases and luxurious decoration, it is worth visiting for the art exhibitions, especially photography, which are held throughout the year and are open to the public.
The exhibitions change every few months and can be consulted on the official website. Admission is free and the opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 12h to 20h.
Another of our favourite buildings is the Palau Robert, located at number 107 Passeig de Gràcia. This neoclassical palace, built between 1898 and 1903 by the Marquis of Robert, is currently owned by the Generalitat de Catalunya.
In addition to visiting its 3 rooms with temporary exhibitions, you can stroll through its beautiful garden. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 8 pm. Sundays and public holidays, from 9h to 14:30h.
Exhibitions at the Palau de la Virreina
- How to get to the Palau de la Virreina:
Metro: L3 Liceu
Buses: 14, 59, 91 - Stop Plaça Catalunya
Bus 55 - Stop La Rambla, 80
- How to get to the Palau Robert
Metro: lines 3 and 5, Stop Diagonal
FGC: lines 6 and 7 Stop Provença
4. Entering the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
A free visit to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, located very close to the Sagrada Familia, is another of the best things to do in Barcelona, which we recommend you don't miss.
This large complex, declared a World Heritage Site, is made up of several modernist-style buildings including a large central square surrounded by red brick buildings and was designed by the famous architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and his son.
Every first Sunday of the month from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, admission is free.
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
- How to get to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau:
Metro:
Line 4 Stop Guinardó/Hospital de Sant Pau
Line 5 Stop Sant Pau/Dos de maig
Buses: 192, H8, 19, 20, 45, 47, 50, 51 , 117, N1, N4
Book the best free tours in Barcelona for free:
- Free tour of the historic centre of Barcelona
- Free tour of modernist Barcelona
5. Have a picnic in the Horta Labyrinth, one of the best free things to do in Barcelona.
Buying takeaway food and having a picnic in the beautiful Laberinto de Horta park is one of the best tips for travelling to Barcelona, as well as checking the prices for travelling to the city with Omio, to always find the best prices on the market.
Located in the upper part of the city, in the Horta neighbourhood, the highlight of the park is the 18th century neoclassical garden, the oldest preserved in the city, where you can see a labyrinth made of cypress walls. The park also has another romantic garden, an old palace, a medieval defence tower and a picnic area.
The garden is open from April to October, from 10am to 8pm and closes at 7pm the rest of the months. Admission is free on Wednesdays and Sundays, although seating is limited to 750 people.
Horta Labyrinth
- How to get to the Horta Labyrinth:
Metro: Line 3 Stop Mundet.
6. Visit Barcelona Cathedral
Visiting the 14th century Barcelona Cathedral, with its fantastic Gothic façade, is another free Barcelona attra ction not to be missed.
This more than 1,200-year-old temple, located in the charming Gothic quarter, is dedicated to the city's patron saint, Santa Eulalia. Inside is the Chapel of the Holy Christ of Lepanto, the altarpiece of the Transfiguration, the cloister and the crypt in which Santa Eulalia rests.
Other parts of the church such as the choir or the ascent to the terraces have to be paid, 3 euros each.
Visiting hours are free of charge during worship and prayer. Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12:45pm and from 5:45pm to 7:30pm. Saturday afternoons are from 5.15pm to 8pm. On Sundays, from 8am to 1:45pm and from 5:15pm to 8pm.
Other churches such as the spectacular Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, made famous by Ildefonso Falcones' book The Cathedral of the Sea, are also open during mass hours.
The Gothic Quarter, known as Barri Gòtic, is one of the most enchanting neighborhoods in Barcelona, and it offers a selection of captivating hotels for visitors to experience the city's historic charm. With its narrow winding streets, medieval architecture, and lively atmosphere, the Gothic Quarter provides a unique backdrop for an unforgettable stay. Within this neighborhood, hotels such as Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux and Hotel Barcelona Catedral capture the essence of Barcelona's rich history. These boutique hotels offer stylish and comfortable accommodations, blending modern amenities with original features like exposed stone walls and intricate Catalan architectural details. Staying in the Gothic Quarter allows guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood, with its bustling squares, vibrant cafes, and proximity to notable attractions such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça de Sant Jaume. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a cultural adventure, the Gothic Quarter Barcelona hotels provide an excellent base for exploring the captivating city of Barcelona.
Barcelona Cathedral
- How to get to Barcelona Cathedral:
Metro: Line 4 Stop Jaume I
Buses: 45, V15, V17
7. Enjoy the views from the MNAC terraces
One of the best free things to do in Barcelona are the views from the terraces of the National Art Museum of Catalonia, MNAC.
This museum, considered one of the best in the world for Romanesque art, is located on the mountain of Montjuïc and in addition to the art collections, inside this huge classicist-style palace, you can see several rooms with murals and decorative elements.
The museum also has two terraces with magnificent panoramic views of the city, with the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the Venetian Towers in the foreground.
Admission to the museum is only free on Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of every month.
Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm from October to April, closing the rest of the months at 8 pm. Sundays and public holidays, from 10 am to 3 pm.
MNAC Terrace
- How to get to the National Art Museum of Catalonia, MNAC:
Metro: L1, L3 Stop Pl. Espanya
Bus:
55 Stop: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya/Museu Etnològic
150 Stop Pl. Espanya-Av. de l'Estadi/Piscines Picornell
13 Stop Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia/Poble Espanyol
37 Stop Pl. Espanya-Av. Paral-lel
9, 27, 50, 65, 79, 109, 109, 165, D20, H12, V7 Stop Plaça Espanya
8. Finding an ancient Roman temple
Strolling through the Barri Gòtic, hidden in a house on Carrer Paradís, you will find the remains of the temple of Augustus, dating from the 1st century BC. This temple, of which four columns of almost 9 metres in height have been preserved, reminds us of the ancient Roman colony of Barcino, today's Barcelona.
Three of the columns were found during the construction of a building, while the fourth was already on display in the Plaça del Rei. The reconstruction of the temple incorporating the four columns was carried out by the architect Puig i Cadafalch at the beginning of the 19th century.
Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm. Mondays, from 10am to 2pm. Sundays, from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is free.
Temple of Augustus
- How to get to the Temple of Augustus:
Metro: Line 4 Stop Jaume I
Buses: 45, V15, V17
9. Visiting the Picasso Museum on a Thursday afternoon
Pablo Picasso spent much of his youth in Barcelona when he came with his family in 1895. In 1904, however, he settled in Paris, although his ties with Barcelona continued over the years.
Thanks to his will and that of his friend Jaime Sabartés, the Picasso Museum was created in 1963 and now houses more than 4,000 works by the brilliant artist, with the most complete collection of works from his youth.
The museum, located in Carrer Montcada, is housed inside five Gothic-style palaces and his works are displayed chronologically in different rooms.
Admission is free on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9pm and on the first Sunday of every month from 9am to 7pm.
Picasso Museum
- How to get to the Picasso Museum:
Metro:
Line 4 Stop Jaume I
Line 1 Stop Arc de Triomf
Buses:
120, 45, V15, V17 Stop Vía Laietana
39, 51, H14 Stop Passeig Picasso
H14, 45, 51 Stop Pla de Palau
120 Stop Princesa
10. See the show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
One of the best free things to do in Barcelona is to see the music, water and light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
This fountain, which welcomes more than 2 million tourists every year, has a multitude of water and light combinations that move and change colour to the sound of music. Each show lasts about 12 minutes and there are several shows during the night.
The timetable varies according to the time of year and the days of the week, which you can check on the official website.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
- How to get to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc:
Metro: Line 1 and Line 3 Stop Plaza Espanya
Bus: 9, 13, 27, 30, 37, 37, 50, 55, 56, 57, 65, 65, 79, 109, 157 and 165
Map of the best free things to do in Barcelona
