Barcelona is an amazing city. You don’t have to spend a dime to get the true feeling of it.
If you want to do more than just aimlessly roam the streets, which is a perfect afternoon for some, here are 10 specific things to do in Barcelona, for FREE!
- Free Walking Tour — I’d begin my free time in Barcelona, just like I would in many other large cities. with a free walking tour. The tour will help you learn the lay of the city. Your guide will walk you past many of the popular landmarks, and will tell you the history behind each. If you’d like to learn more about the free walking tours offered in Barcelona, you’ll find it here, here, and here.
- Free Museums — Get your culture on at one of the city’s many museums. Some of the museums run by the city are free on Sunday afternoons. If there is a specific museum you’d like to explore, check its website to see if it waves admission either on Sunday or another day during the month.
- Barcelona’s Architecture — While you’ll have to pay to walk inside many of the city’s famous buildings, it’s still free to stroll by them. Check out this free self-guided tour that focuses on Antoni Gaudi’s buildings.
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La Cathedral — This impressive neo-Gothic Cathedral is just as impressive inside as it is outside. You have the option of free admission if you visit in the morning or the afternoon. Get more information here.
- Gothic Quarter — Stroll around the old part of the city and the Gothic Quarter. Explore the medieval alleys, the hidden squares, and enter many of the buildings, which are open to the public.
- Beach Break — Take an afternoon and relax under the Spanish sun. Head to one of Barcelona’s free beaches. Don’t forget your sunscreen, or this interactive map of the free beaches throughout the city.
- Movies and Music — At Sant Sebastia beach, you’ll be treated to free movies on the beach every Thursday and Sunday evening throughout the summer. Additional info here. If local music is more your taste, head to the University of Barcelona selected evenings in July.
- Barcelona’s Markets — Get to the heart of Barcelona by visiting one of the city’s markets. Check out La Boqueria. Not only is it the largest food market in Europe, it’s also the most crowded!
- Las Ramblas — Wander along the famous pedestrian boulevard. Along the way, you’ll pass many stores, restaurants and artists. Pay extra attention to your surroundings as you walk. Pickpockets are known to visit the boulevard!
- Stay Connected — You’ll find free wi-fi in much of the city. You’ll also find it in many cities, bars and hotels. One tip, set up am email that you can use just to connect to wi-fi. You’ll often have to provide an email address to connect to the free wi-fi., which seems like a small price to pay. But, after you get home, you’ll be bombarded with spam.
Bonus Deal
- Barcelona Card — This deal isn’t free, but it’s going to help you save money on transportation. Starting at 40,50 €, The Barcelona Card provides free transportation around the city — including to and from the airport. You’ll also have access to free admission and skip-the-line status to dozens of attractions.
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