Hola! From Gaudí and Picasso to street parties and outdoor movies, here are the best attractions and local haunts to help you enjoy Barcelona for free!
1. Marvel at the City’s Modernist Architecture
Barcelona is the birthplace and cradle of Catalan modernism from the late-19th and early-20th-century, and modernist architecture can be seen all over the city. Its main exponent was Antoni Gaudí, designer of Park Güell – the jewel in Barcelona’s modernist crown. Although the city recently introduced a €7 entry fee for the park, you can still see some of his masterpieces from the outside: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are both spectacular examples. Check out the Modernism Route website for details on where to find buildings not just by Gaudí but also by other key modernist architects likeLluís Domènech i Montaner (who designed thePalau de la Música Catalana) and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
2. Take in the Beautiful Views From the Hills
The neighbourhoods to the north actually offer several locations to take in breathtaking views. The Carmel Bunkers, at the top of the Turó de la Rovira hill, are a free open space. They were built as anti-aircraft bunkers during the Civil War in 1937, and afterwards the ruins became shacks, which were removed for the Olympics in 1992. The Carretera de les Aigües is a 10km trail along the side of Tibidabo, the mountain on the north-western edge of the city. For running, cycling and weekend travels, visit Serra de Collserola natural park.
3. Spend Sunday afternoons at the Museums
You can’t miss Barcelona’s amazing museums! Some of the best have free entry every Sunday after 3pm like the Picasso Museum that is the go-to place for his early works; the Museum of History of Barcelona is essential for history suckers – especially if you’re into Roman ruins and want to check out the city’s 4,000 square metres of archeological digs, as well as medieval landmarks and fascinating insights into Catalonia’s history; CCCB is good for innovative contemporary exhibitions; or there’s the new Born Cultural Centre, a 19th-century market with a cast-iron structure beneath which are the ruins of the 18th-century city before it was destroyed in a siege in 1714. Also free on first Sundays is the National Museum of Art of Catalonia for medieval and modernist art.
4. Explore the Gothic Quarter
Take a glimpse of the old city, and especially the Gothic quarter – next to the popular La Rambla. Every corner is full of history and, from the old Jewish quarter, el Call, to the secluded medieval alleyways that define the neighbourhood, you’ll find charming little squares, streets or patios in many buildings that are open to the public, such as the historical archive of the city or the Roman Temple of Augustus. Don’t dare miss the Plaça del Rei and Plaça Sant Felip Neri, a hauntingly silent spot with an emblematic fountain and church, in the walls of which can be seen the scars of heavy bombing from the Spanish civil war.
5. Have Some Sun at the City Beaches
For a quieter nearby seaside resorts, visit Sitges(a short train ride away) or, to the north, the spectacular Costa Brava. However, the city’s beaches are great for an urgent dip. The popular Barceloneta and Sant Sebastià beaches have a curious mix of locals and tourists, and both are next to the old fisherman’s quarter, which is worth exploring for its cafes and bars. On the other side of the Olympic Port, it’s a bit quieter and there’s a nudist section in Mar Bella.
6. Catch Outdoor Film Screenings and Gigs
Enjoy the city’s weather that is perfect for watching free outdoor movies. Among the free offerings is the Cinema Lliure, which shows independent films on Sant Sebastià beach on Thursday and Sunday evenings. The Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB) programmes its own festival, Gandules, showing short films and documentaries for free in its courtyard. And, for a free and intimate taste of local music, go to the gardens of the University of Barcelona on selected July evenings.
7. Visit Santa Maria del Mar
Built in the 14th century, Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals ever built. The speed at which the new church was built – 55 years – was an incredible feat at a time when most churches took longer than a century to construct, and makes it a rare example of pure Gothic architecture. Do visit the cathedral as well, but the unique harmony and elegance of this church’s interior will take your breath away.
8. Hang Out at Local Parks and Green Spaces
The city’s main green space is Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s on the site of an old military citadel – hence, the name – and has a lake and zoo, and houses the Catalan Parliament. Head to the Montjuïc hill for a mix of nature, great views and culture – you’ll find the the National Museum of Art and the Joan Miró Foundation, as well as Olympic landmarks and a castle. Check the timetables for what nights theMagic Fountain of Montjuïc is operating, and go and see a beautiful display of waterfalls and music.
9. Experience Late-Summer Festivals
One of the best local experiences is a neighbourhood festival, mostly held at the end of the summer. Barcelona’s own festival, La Mercè – the name of the city’s patron saint – takes place in late September and comprises more than 600 events, including gigs all over the city and all kinds of cultural attractions, from the typical castells (human towers) to correfocs (fire-running), fireworks, and processions of gegants (massive papier-mâché figures hollowed out and carried by local organisations).
10. Explore the Markets
Ypu can’t leave Barcelona without having a gastronomic adventure. Expecially in Catalan culture, there’s no better way to get a taste of local cuisine than exploring the city’s markets. La Boqueria, Europe’s biggest food market, in the middle of La Rambla, is the most famous – and crowded – but both its food stalls and its architecture make it unmissable (if you can, go in the morning). Santa Caterina is also worth a visit thanks to its colourful undulating structure and its food. The former has several tapas bars, and the latter includes a restaurant – perfect for tasting the market’s produce.
