Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Spain! We spent 4 nights in Barcelona and I was fascinated by the mix of Spanish and Catalan cultures.

There are Roman ruins in the middle of the city!

Barcelona has hundreds of sights, museums, and landmarks to discover but it can quickly get expensive.

Although, I think there are several attractions worth paying for, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty and experience the culture of Barcelona for free.

In this post, you’ll find the top 10 free things to do in Barcelona! If you’re strategic and plan, you’ll get to experience the attractions for which Barcelona is most famous.

So let’s get to it!

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Graphic with '10 Free Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain' text overlay on an image of the Barcelona Cathedral, created by Traveling Franklins.

1. Free Museum Days

Many museums in Barcelona offer free entry on certain days or at specific times.

Here’s a list of some popular museums in Barcelona with “free of charge” days:

Museu Picasso: Offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month and other select days of the year. Always check the website for an updated list of days that are free of charge. Prior reservations are required.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC): Free admission every Saturday from 3:00 PM onwards, and on the first Sunday of each month. Always check the website for an updated list of days that are free of charge. Prior reservations are required.

Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA): Free entry every Sunday after 3:00 pm or with a Barcelona Card.

Maritime Museum (Museu Marítim): Offers free entry on Sundays after 3:00 PM. Per the website “The exhibits in the entrance hall and the Espai Mirador are free of charge.”

CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona): Free entry every Sunday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and other select days of the year. Always check the website for an updated list of days that are free of charge. Prior reservations are required.

Museu Blau (Natural Science Museum): Free entry on the first Sunday of each month and every Sunday after 3:00 PM.

These free entry times typically apply to all visitors, although some museums might also offer additional free days for specific groups such as students, seniors, or residents.

It’s always a good idea to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and current information.

If you visit during the free-of-charge day and hours you will not pay admission fees at the museum. Keep in mind that you may need to make reservations in advance and schedules are subject to change.

Crowds of people walking along La Rambla, a tree-lined street in Barcelona with shops and cafes.

2. La Rambla

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous boulevard. It is about 1.2 kilometers long and stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

If it’s your first time in Barcelona I think this is a must-visit. Yeah, it’s touristy and there will probably be a lot of people if you go in the afternoon or evening but there’s so much to see!

There are shops, cafes, and street performers as you walk down the boulevard. You’ll pass by sights like Gran Teatre del Liceu and you should pop into the Mercat de la Boqueria for a snack or some lunch.

3. Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is where the ancient city of Barcino (The Roman name for Barcelona) once stood.

We stayed next to the Gothic Quarter when we visited Barcelona and loved the narrow medieval winding streets. It was cool to walk by remnants of Roman walls and explore so many great museums and landmarks.

We walked to Plaça del Rei, a historic square with many significant royal events. You can also check out the labyrinth which is the Jewish Quarter. There’s a lot to see!

Walking through the Gothic Quarter is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the layers of history that have shaped Barcelona.

Large letters spelling 'BARCINO' in front of the ancient Barcelona Cathedral, referring to the Roman name for Barcelona, with people walking around and tall cypress trees lining the historic stone wall.

4. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is located at the foot of Montjuïc Hill near Plaça Espanya.

It’s a beautiful and colorful display with lights and music. You’ll want to check the website for the show schedule because it varies and the fountain has been known to shut down if there is a drought in the city.

While in the area, you can visit the Olympic Ring, the Fira Barcelona Montjuïc, and stop into the Arenas de Barcelona which used to be a bull ring.

Exterior view of the Arenas de Barcelona, a former bullring now repurposed as a shopping center, with cloudy skies overhead.
Arenas de Barcelona

5. Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach in the traditional fishing district of the same name is a fun and relaxing activity in Barcelona that won’t cost you a penny.

Access to the beach is free, but you can rent beach umbrellas and loungers. The beach has public restrooms and showers.

We enjoyed taking a stroll along the promenade and there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood and great views of the Mediterranean.

The beach is also near other attractions such as the Barceloneta Market, the History Museum of Catalonia, and the Port Vell Marina.

Woman in a hat and sunglasses sitting at a beachside cafe in Barcelona with the sandy beach and ocean in the background.

6. El Born Cultural Center

El Born Cultural and Memorial Center is a 19th-century marketplace. It was restored and repurposed as a cultural center in 2013.

It holds significant historical importance as it stands over archaeological remains of the city from the 1700s. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into Barcelona’s past and gaining entry is free. They even have a free audio guide!

7. The Bunkers del Carmel

The Bunkers del Carmel, or “the Bunkers,” are at the top of Turó de la Rovira hill in the Carmel neighborhood. Originally, these were anti-aircraft fortifications built during the Spanish Civil War to defend Barcelona from air raids.

It’s a popular spot that offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the entire city, from the Sagrada Família to the Mediterranean Sea.

The climb to the top is steep and requires a bit of effort, but the breathtaking views are well worth it. Access to the Bunkers del Carmel is free and a perfect way to see amazing views of Barcelona!

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8. Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella referred to as the city’s green lung is a picturesque park, established in the late 19th century on the grounds of a former citadel.

You’ll see the stunning Cascada Monumental, a baroque fountain partially designed by Antoni Gaudí (Sagrada Familia). There’s also the city’s zoo, the Catalan Parliament, and several museums, including the Museum of Natural Science and the Geological Museum.

Plaza del Rey in Barcelona, featuring historic buildings with Gothic architecture and a few people walking around the courtyard
Plaça del Rei

9. Visit the Churches

Barcelona is renowned for its medieval churches. Both the majestic Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter and the serene Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in El Born are worth a visit during your time in Barcelona.

If you want to visit the interior of these churches for free, you’ll want to attend a service. Otherwise, there will be a fee to take a tour.

However, even if you don’t go inside, the exteriors alone are beautiful and the surrounding neighborhoods have so much to do.

For example, the Barcelona Cathedral is surrounded by Roman ruins and charming streets lined with cafes and shops in the Gothic Quarter.

Before you go, make sure to check the websites for the most up-to-date visiting information and plan ahead.

Woman smiling on a street in Barcelona with the Barcelona Cathedral visible in the background
Catedral de Barcelona

10. Free Walking Tours

A great way to see a city like Barcelona is to embark on a free walking tour! These tours will not require a charge to book, but at the end of the tour, you choose how much you feel the tour was worth.

I highly recommend that you do these tours at the beginning of your stay in Barcelona so that you can get a good lay of the land. Plus you’ll learn so much about the city!

Alternatively, if you’re not into walking tours we enjoy the Hop On Hop Off Bus tours!

These tours are very affordable and you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. My favorite part is that you can get off and get back on at any of the stops.

On our last day in Barcelona, we were exhausted from walking so we just took the bus tour around its full tour loop once before deciding to get off.

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