Top 5 Free Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the cities that has everything going for it, and I feel like I could visit endless times without being bored. Whatever you like, you are bound to find it in Barcelona. From the brilliant architecture from the famous Gaudi to the beach and parks, the museums and the sport – there well and truly is something for everyone.
The food is great, and the sangria is always flowing. It’s easy to get lost walking the streets of Barcelona, around every corner there is something new to explore. There are so many things to see and do in Barcelona, many of which have free or cheap options for saving money if you are on a budget!
What should you not miss out in Barcelona?
1. La Sagrada Familia
Cost: Free if you are happy to admire the architecture from the outside. To tour the inside, a basic ticket will set you back 18 Euro, 26 Euro for an audio guide ticket and for tickets with tower access you can expect to pay 35 Euro.
You can purchase tickets at the office on site, but expect to queue. Alternatively, you can book your tickets online in advance to save a couple of dollars and time. On a budget, admiring the architecture from outside is just as good and a great way to save money!
2. Barcelonetta Beach
Barcelona beach is picturesque. With the famous W hotel in the background, the overly crowed sand and the dozens of cafes and restaurants lining the boardwalk, the beach is a must visit, even if you don’t plan on swimming.
You can get the metro here as well, but if you are up for some exercise I recommend walking from Las Ramblas along the waterfront. A 30minute walk away, you can admire the marina and the bustling day to day life of Barcelona, as well as browse the numerus sellers along the road.
Once you are there, take a dip, and grab a drink or a gelato as you admire the views. This part of Barcelona is also great for nightlife, and the vibe is great if you want to sip sangria’s and watch the sun go down.
- Cost: Free!
3. Las Ramblas
What could possibly be one of the most crowded streets in the world, Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s most popular street, and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona (better yet, it’s free!).
Lined with countless shops, bars, restaurants and coffee shops, you can find just about anything here. A great spot for lunch or coffee if you want to admire the bustling street pass you buy. It’s also a great spot to pick up souvenirs, and further down the street you will find various street artists. If shopping is your thing, you can also base yourself from here and within walking distance you will find just about anything your heart desires.
Las Ramblas is also home to La Boqueria Market, the popular marketplace, so you can stop by here for more traditional bits and tapas. A quick detour off Las Ramblas also takes you to the Royal Square, a picturesque spot which is quieter than the main street, and a perfect spot to eat if you want to get away from the noise.
- Cost: Free!
4. Arc de Triomph
Barcelona’s Arc de triumph is a sight to see. The stunning archway stands looming over the top of one of Barcelona’s prettiest walkways, which leads all the way to Parc de Citudella.
It’s worth walking through the park and taking in the serenity. From here it is an easy switch on the metro line and couple of stops to both the La Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas, making it a good central spot.
- Cost: Free!
5. Free Museum Visits
Barcelona has a huge range of incredible art across a wide range of museums, but did you know there is actually a way you can visit these museums for free?
Most museums (including the Museu Picasso) offer an afternoon or evening each week where entry is free, and some offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Check the individual sites of each museum to see when they offer free entry!
Wanna splurge? Camp Nou
I recommend a visit to Camp Nou if you feel like splurging on one special activity. Football fans will go crazy over the home of Barcelona F.C, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The self-guided tour will set you back around 30Euro, but it’s pretty well worth it.
Better yet, the famous Tapas 24 restaurant which serves some of the best Tapas in town, sits just outside, so it’s perfect place to stop before to have some lunch before or after visiting the stadium. You can easily get the metro here too, with the stadium a 5minute walk from the nearest stop, which is Colblanc on the blue metro line.
- Cost: 26 Euros for a self-guided tour.
10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Barcelona
Money Matters:
The official currency in Spain is the Euro.
Visas:
Check online with your local embassy to see up to date visa recommendations. Currently, Australian and US citizens do not need a Visa to enter Barcelona for 90 days or less. You will need a passport valid for atleast 6 months beyond your stay.
Getting to Barcelona
Many international flights land in Barcelona daily, and you can get a direct flight from a huge range of major cities in Europe. If you are coming from another major city in Barcelona, the fast train is the way to go. Skyscanner scans everywhere on the internet for the cheapest flights, making sure you get the best deal.
A metro ticket from the airport to anywhere in central Barcelona will set you back 4.60 euros, this is the easiest and cheapest way to travel to and from the airport.
Getting around Barcelona
The metro is by far the easiest way to get around Barcelona. Conveniently located near all major attractions, with easy-to-use maps and lines, the Metro will make you time in Barcelona a breeze. Depending on the time of day, the metro usually passes every 2-4minutes during the day, and late at night around every 10 minutes. Better yet, it’s also quite affordable with a range of options for tickets which are detailed below. You can check out a map of the Barcelona metro here.
Costs:
- A single trip on the metro will set you back 2.40 euros.
- A T-casual card will set you back 11.35 euros, but allows you 10 metro trips.
You can also opt for a 2, 3 or 4 day HOLA Barcelona card, which allows unlimited journeys over 3 days on the Metro (I personally used this option, and saved so much money!). A 3-day card will set you back 23.70 Euros.
Insurance
Never travel without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it. Cover More is my number one choice, and I use them for insurance on every trip I take.
Want to read more? Here are my other Spain travel blogs:
Happy travelling!
