We were lucky enough to start off the year with a week in Barcelona, Spain. There are many attractions in Barcelona and easily navigable. As a traveling family, we are always on a lookout for things to do on a budget and so, here are some free things to do in Barcelona.
1. Explore local food markets
We love visiting local food markets all over the world for a glimpse into the local culture, see what the residents eat on a daily basis and sample all the delicious items to eat. Barcelona is known as a foodie destination. Touted as one of the best indoor market halls in the Europe, Mercat de la Boqueria is not to be missed.
It is a bit touristy and can get crowded but well worth exploring. My kids loved seeing and drinking the many tropical juices here. We enjoyed seeing the many jamón (ham) stalls, butcher and seafood shops and drooling over the tapas and desserts.
For smaller and more authentic markets with less tourists and more locals, check out Mercat de Santa Caterina or Mercat dela Llibertat in the Gracia neighborhood or Mercat de Sant Antoni.
Visiting these markets made us wish you were staying in an apartment instead of a hotel. Keep in mind that most food markets won’t be open on Sundays.
2. Hunt for Gaudi’s attractions
It’s hard to miss famed Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudis’ masterpieces around Barcelona. He spent most of his life in the city and where a large portion of his architectural works exists.
He was a huge influence on the unique Catalan modernism style. While many of these attractions have entrance fees, it is easy to admire them from afar and outside too. Do a scavenger hunt of these Gaudi works of art.
- The Sagrada Familia church is Barcelona’s top attraction. Admire the exterior from all angles. It is one of the most breathtaking churches we’ve visited and is certainly the most unique architecture. Construction isn’t finished and projected to be 2026 so there’s always something new to see.
- Casa Mila/La Pederera (Provenca 261-265) – This nine-level building with some interesting rooftop sculptures.
- Casa Battlo (Passeig de Gracia, 43) – This colorful building has a façade that almost looks bone like with unique textures and known as the “fairytale in stone”.
Other Gaudi Attractions
- Casa Vicens (Carrer de le Carolines, 24) – This was the first house designed by Gaudi with a mixture of Oriental and Moorish styles. Children under 11 years old have free admission into the museum home.
- Palau Guell or Guell Palace (Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5) – Considered as Gaudi’s first masterpiece, he built this urban mansion for a textile tycoon. This imposing and unique building in mostly gray and black is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Limestone made up most of its facade.
- Casa Calvet (Carrer de Casp 48) – Many consider this building Gaudi’s most conservative work and inspired from the baroque Catalan style and built from stone quarries from Montjuic.
- Placa Reial – located off La Rambla, this popular meeting place and square contains some lampposts designed by a young Gaudi.
- Parc Guell – The monument zone contains some of Gaudi’s most impressive sculptures and tile work including the dragon fountain, mosaic seating and the gatehouses. While this usually requires a ticket, it can be accessed for free before the ticketed entry hours.
3. Visit Museums
Museums are a great way to infuse some education into the trip for the kids. Barcelona’s museums aren’t for the budget friendly unless you have the Barcelona tourist card and plan to visit a lot of museums.
But, most of the city’s public museums offer a free entrance during the first Sunday of each month and every Sunday after 3 PM. Some of these museums are also free on other designated days and times during the week. Check each museum’s site for any changes.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalonia (MNAC)
Located on the hills of Palau Nacional of Montjuic, this is undoubtedly the best place to see various art collections in the city. It is free every Saturday after 3 PM. It is also free any time for children under 16 years old and EU citizens over 65 years old anytime.
Picasso Museum
One of the city’s most popular museums offers a wonderful collection of the famed Spanish cubist’s works including some pieces early in his career. There are over 4,000 works in the permanent collection. It is free to enter every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM and during the very busy first Sunday of the month. Children under 18 years old are free to enter everyday.
Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat (City History Musuem (MUHBA)
Located in the Gothic district, this museum chronicles Barcelona’s history since the Roman times. The MUHBA also houses the largest Roman settlement and excavation (Barcino) outside of Rome.
It’s a trip to the basement but takes visitors 2,000 years back in history. It is free every Sunday after 3 PM
Museu Maritim (Maritime Museum)
This unique museum is housed in a medieval shipyard at the end of La Rambla. It contains a vast collection of ships and boats.
Its exhibits include educational information on how the ships were built and the shipyard process. Free admissions every Sunday after 3 PM.
Natural History Museum of Barcelona
This network of museums include Museu Blau, Martorell Museum, the Laboratory of Nature, and Montjuic Botanical Garden. Museu Blau or Blue Museum offers permanent exhibits on creation of Earth, out planet’s history to our life today.
One exhibit contains over 4,500 items like stuffed animals, fossils, minerals, rocks and plants. There are also several interactive exhibits.
It is a wonderful educational experience for the whole family. Entrance is free every Sunday after 3 PM.
4. Walk Around La Rambla
When visiting Barcelona, it’s hard not to walk and and explore the 0.6 mile (1.2 km) long La Rambla. This large tree-lined boulevard is the city’s most famous street. This extensive and popular avenue is a hub of activity, people watching, shopping, and eating. There is a large pedestrian area in the middle.
We loved walking here and admiring the beautiful historical buildings particularly the Iglesia de Betlem church façade and the Liceu Theatre (opera house). Don’t forget to look up!
There is no shortage of entertainment with various street performers singing or dancing or artists painting or even a variety of human statues. The famous La Boqueria market is just off the street here.
Start from either Placa Catalunya to the port with the Colon Monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus’ first American expedition or vice-versa. Early mornings are the best time to stroll here.
Since this is a very popular tourist spot, please be mindful of your belongings and be very careful of pickpockets and scam artists in the area.
5. Relax at the Beaches and Parks
One of Barcelona’s biggest enticements is its beaches and a dip into the Mediterranean. The city boasts over 300 sunny days so it’s easy to see why the beaches are a popular hangout. We went in December and while the water was a bit cold, it was still a great area to visit and away from the hectic city pace.
The beaches get extremely crowded and popular during the summer especially Barceloneta. But, there is a long 2.8 miles (4.5 km) of coastline to stroll, relax and pick a spot. Here are some other beaches to try:
- Sant Sebastia Beach
- Icaria Beach
- Bogatell Beach
- Mar Bella Beach
- Nova Icaria Beach
- Nova Mar Bella Beach
Barcelona may be filled with many structures and even large buildings but also has many green spots to relax and enjoy nature. Check out these parks and gardens especially if you’re traveling with kids for someplace to stop and unwind while sightseeing.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Like many major cities around the world, there is usually a green oasis in the middle of the sprawling urban areas. The Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s version of a “central park”. It is home to the zoo, the Catalan Parliament, Museu d’Art Modern, Zoological Museum and Museu de Geologia.
The 19th century park also has a small lake for rowing boats, public art, fountain, and several sprawling grass areas perfect for relaxing and picnics. There are also some beautiful buildings left from the world’s fair exhibition like the plant house, glass house and the Castell des Tres Dragons. It is a great place for long walks and to escape urban chaos.
Park Guëll or Parque Güell
Known as one of Barcelona’s top attractions and photo spots, Parque Güell is a can’t miss spot to see some of Antoni Gaudi’s treasured works. While you need a paid ticket to access the park’s monumental zone to protect Gaudi’s work and popular structures, there is a considerable part of the park to wander around for free and includes some interesting things.
Walk up to Turó de les Tres Creus or ‘the hill of three crosses’ which offers sweeping views of the city. We enjoyed the rock archways which made for some great backdrops.
There are also the viaducts to see here. You can also get into the Monumental Zone for free if you visit outside of the ticketed hours and can stay as long as you want before it opens.
Parc de Laberint
This is Barcelona’s oldest garden and worth a stop. Once belonging to a wealthy family(the Desvalls), the romantic and neo-classical garden is filled with a waterfall, flowerbeds, gazebos, fountains and sculptures inspired by Greek mythology. It’s not located in the most touristy area which makes it easier to relax and enjoy the park.
Parc de Montjuic
Located in the Montjuic hilltop meaning “Jewish Mountain” in Catalan, this vast area was home to the 1992 Summer Olympics. In addition to the Olympic stadium and the Calatrava tower(symbol of the Olympics) to see, there is also the Montjuic Castle which offers free admission on Sundays after 3pm and every first Sunday of the month and for kids under 16 years old all the time.
You can ride the funicular (€6 one way, €8.30 roundtrip) or walk up the hill. There are free gardens along the way and the top part offers some of the best panoramic views of the city.
If you’re in the area at night from Thursday to Sunday, watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc put on a 20-minute light and dancing fountain show. Visit the official site for days and times of the fountain show.
Bonus Freebie
One of the best ways to get an orientation of Barcelona and get local tips and recommendations is by going on free walking tours. Go on the tours at the beginning of your trip to gain as much information as possible.
The free tour system works on a donation basis. Give the guide a tip on what you think the tour was worth to you and your family.
Runner Bean Tours offers two free 2.5-hour walking tours everyday: The Gothic Quarter and the Gaudi Free Tour. Tours start at Placa Reial water fountain at 11 AM. There is an additional 4:30 PM tour in the summer. We highly recommend making reservations. Due to current pandemic conditions, these tours will resume in September.
Other similar free walking tours are:
- Sandeman’s New Europe – This is a 2.5-hour tour that starts at Jaume Metro station exit.
- Free Walking Tours BCN – This 2.5 hour tour starts at Placa Catalunya and goes through the Gothic Quarter.
- Feel Free Tours – The 2.5 hour tours include two options: Old Town Tour and Gaudi Modernism Walking Route.
Check each website for specific meeting places and times and when they will resume tours again.
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