Top 6 Free Things to Do in Barcelona

When on an international holiday, we typically tend to do things that’ll save us some of that precious foreign currency. Sticking to a budget is almost every holidaymaker’s stress. But it doesn’t always have to be! There are some things that don’t have to cost and arm and a leg and believe it or not can be experienced for absolutely nothing. Here are the top 6 free things to do in Barcelona.

Museum-Hopping

Entrance to museums is a pricey affair that can set you back quite a bit. Many a time, you may need to sacrifice visiting one to save some money. However, if you’re holidaying in the Spanish city of Barcelona, you can visit the city’s most famous museums absolutely free. How? On the first Sunday of each month between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., the entrance fee to Museu del Disseny, Palau de la Virreina, Frederic Mares Museum and Picasso Museum, amongst others is waived off so you can explore any or all of them!

Barcelona Cathedral

Amidst Barcelona’s colourful Gaudi architecture are several churches and cathedrals. One such icon place of both religion and history that particularly stands out is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia or simply, the Barcelona Cathedral. Dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral represents Gothic-Revival architecture complete with gargoyles on the roof. Barcelona Cathedral has two chapels inside and features like large windows and buttresses, stained glass murals and an organ dating back to the 1500s add to the Catalan charm. 

La Boqueria

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If you love food, then you definitely can’t overlook La Boqueria while visiting Barcelona. A local market for a variety of food items, you can get an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats here. Don’t forget to try churros (a fried dough snack), a Spanish specialty served with chocolate dipping sauce. Needless to say, a visit to La Boqueria is an assault on the sense with so many visual and gastronomical delights. If you can resist the temptations that surround you, a visit to La Boqueria will cost you nothing. However, if you can’t then how much you end up paying is between your stomach and you!

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

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Dating back to the 1920s and designed by Carles Buïgas, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc lives up to its name of being absolutely magical. Absolutely free to watch, see a spectacular display of lilting music, colourful lights and aquatic acrobatics.  Using recycled water, performances at Magic Fountain of Montjuïc take place all through the year on weekends and extended weekends during the summer months.  

Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta

​Walking and people-watching are fun activities that costs nothing and in Barcelona, pick Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta to do both. A 1.25 kilometre seaside promenade that stretches from La Barceloneta to Port Olímpic, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta sees locals and tourists alike enjoying the outdoors. You will also be entertained by street bands and buskers who put on a show. Take a break by relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sights of the blue waters that surround. At night, the area turns even more vibrant with bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs coming alive after sunset.

La Rambla

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Barcelona’s central promenade, La Rambla is a street mall that stretches for 1.2 kilometres. Abuzz with activity, kiosks and vendors along with street performers and entertainers make up much of this pretty tree-lined boulevard.  La Rambla also has several famous city sights to boast of including a mosaic by Joan Miró and the famous fountain, Font de Canaletes. La Rambla is a popular people-watching venue day or night!