Free things to do in Barcelona

Must-see free Barcelona sights

Barcelona - exciting, lively, arty. There is a whole world of fantastic attractions here to keep you going for a sunny break away full of things to do in Barcelona for free . If you’re looking to head to this incredible Spanish city, make sure to take a look at our fantastic Barcelona Holidays

Take an exciting walk down La Rambla
Explore the history of Barcelona
Enjoy some incredible art pieces at the Picasso Museum
Enjoy the great outdoors in Barcelona
Discover the Barcelona’s historic Jewish community
See even more incredible art pieces in Barcelona
See Gaudí’s greatest masterpiece in Barcelona

You’ll never be stuck for what to do in Barcelona for free. Many museums have selected free opening hours, so really make the most of this in this fascinating city.

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Rough Guides

1. Take an exciting walk down La Rambla

Without doubt, La Rambla, linking the busy Plaça de Catalunya with the harbour, is Barcelona’s most popular street. Everyone comes to walk along its wide tree-lined promenade, with its market stalls and brightly coloured flower kiosks, its open-air restaurants and bars, as well as street artists performing impromptu shows and living statues posing for photographs. Along its route are numerous places of interest, including the ever-popular La Boqueria - the 19th-century covered market that is a city highlight - and the famous Liceu opera house (expanded and completely refurbished after a devastating fire in 1998).

Best for: A city centre walk

While you’re there: A little further down, you find the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona MACBA, a contemporary art collection housed in a modern white building by Richard Meier.

2. Explore the history of Barcelona

The Rambla isn’t just for strolling on and soaking up its lively atmosphere, it’s a place of history and museums, too. Towards the bottom of the Rambla is the Martime Museum (free Sun from 3pm), which traces 700 years of Barcelona’s maritime history and is well worth a visit just for the architecture of the enormous ship-building sheds. At the bottom of the Rambla, the Monument a Colóm - honouring Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colóm) - towers over the harbour area.

Best for: Taking a look at Barcelona’s past

While you’re there: The Museum of Urban History in Barcelona is well worth a look. It is home to the biggest Roman excavations outside of Rome.

3. Enjoy some incredible art pieces at the Picasso Museum

Among the galleries on Carrer de Montcada in the neighbouring district of El Born, the Picasso Museum (free Thu from 6pm) is the city’s most popular museum. Entrance is through the 15th-century Palau Aguilar, and the collection includes many of Picasso’s early works, major pieces from his Blue and Pink periods, the idiosyncratic Las Meninas series (based on the Velázquez masterpiece in Madrid’s Prado art gallery), as well as ceramics. Make the most of the free opening hours here, it’s one of the most impressive free things to do in Barcelona for sure.

Best for: Art museum

While you’re there: There are plenty of guides who can take you around the museum.

4. Enjoy the great outdoors in Barcelona

The green expanse of the Ciutadella Park , its name derived from an 18th-century prison torn down with much glee in 1869, encompasses paths, gardens and ponds. It also features an elaborate Gaudí fountain and is home to the Catalan parliament, too. Spending time here is by far of the best free things to do in Barcelona.

The park’s open spaces are ideal for picnics, slacklining or simply lounging under the shade of a tree with a book. On weekends, you’ll often come across buskers, yoga groups, or locals rowing boats on the ornamental lake.

It’s also a great spot for families, with a playground, a small zoo nearby, and plenty of room for kids to run around.

Best for: Park

While you’re there: The Cervantes Park is also great to hang out in for a few hours.

Holidays to Barcelona

5. Discover the Barcelona’s historic Jewish community

Barcelona’s historic Jewish community once lived on the slopes of Montjuïc (Hill of the Jews), which looms up behind the harbour, crowned by the 17th-century Montjuïc Castle (free Sun from 3pm) and is reached by cable car, funicular or bus. The castle offers spectacular views of the city. Down below is the Font Mágica (Magic Fountain), which is illuminated on summer evenings.

Montjuïc is also dotted with peaceful gardens, sculpture parks and hidden viewpoints, making it perfect for a scenic wander away from the crowds. As evening falls, the area comes alive with golden light and sweeping views over the port — an ideal backdrop for an unhurried end to the day.

Best for: Incredible views

While you’re there: Nearby is the art centre CaixaForum Barcelona, located in a converted modernista factory designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

6. See even more incredible art pieces in Barcelona

World-class collections of Romanesque and Gothic art are displayed in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (free Sat from 3pm) in the imposing Palacio Nacional, which also contains the Museu d’Art Modern, with its notable collection of 19th- and 20th-century Catalan works, as well as modernista furniture. Don’t forget to step out onto the museum’s broad terraces — they offer sweeping views over Plaça d’Espanya and the city beyond, and you don’t need a ticket to enjoy them.

Just below, the steps and fountains draw a lively evening crowd, especially when the Magic Fountain show is on.

It’s an inspiring spot to relax, snap a photo or simply soak up the creative energy of the surroundings, a perfect place to end an afternoon of sightseeing — and one of the most rewarding free things to do in Barcelona for art and culture lovers.

Best for: Even more art!

While you’re there: For even more art, head to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.

Barcelona Holidays

7. See Gaudí’s greatest masterpiece in Barcelona

Barcelona is famous for Antoni Gaudí’s unique and eccentric architectural designs. The largest of these is the surrealistic Sagrada Famìlia (Holy Family) church. An unfinished masterpiece started in 1882 (and still in progress), its 100m (330ft) towers are local landmarks. It costs to go inside, but you can marvel at its grand exterior for free! Other Gaudían highlights include the fascinating Park Güell with its colourful tile mosaics.

Best for: Gaudí’s most famous piece

While you’re there: Other Gaudían highlights include tours of the Casa Milà-La Pedrera rooftops - it’s a private residence.