Hi Reader,

Are you excited about visiting Barcelona but concerned about how expensive it is? I don't blame you, it's a wonderful city but prices can be crazy, especially in the peak summer season.

So, I've chosen my favourite free things to do in Barcelona so you can have a fabulous time here without breaking the bank!

The Best Free Things to Do in Barcelona

Admire Gaudí’s Architecture

Gaudí is Barcelona’s most famous architect, and his bizarre and beautiful creations are all over the city. From lampposts in Plaça Reial to the colourful, curvy homes of La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, the modernist architect’s work is everywhere you look.

The good news is you can see a lot of Gaudí’s work from the outside for free, although it is often worth paying for tickets to go inside – in particular with the Sagrada Familia.

However, if you don't manage to go inside, make sure you walk around and admire the details in the façades of the Sagrada Familia. My favourite view of Sagrada Familia is from across the pond in Plaça de Gaudí (get the exact location here).

Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is my favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona and I love nothing more than wandering around the maze of streets, stopping off in little boutiques and art galleries, and finding cute cafes in hidden squares. It is the historical centre of Barcelona and you can't help but fall in love with El Gotic. The best part is that it is totally free to explore.

Some of my favourite spots in the Gothic Quarter include Plaça de Sant Felip Neri behind the Cathedral of Barcelona, The Kiss mural, and the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi which often has markets in front of the church.

Visit the Free Museums in Barcelona (on Sundays)

Many of Barcelona’s museums offer free entrance after 3pm every Sunday, or all day on the first Sunday of the month (like the Picasso Museum). Most now require that you pre-book an entry time to avoid big queues (especially in peak season), but if you plan ahead you can get free tickets to some of the most popular museums in Barcelona.

Barcelona museums with free entry on Sunday after 3pm include the Hospital of Sant Pau Modernist Complex, the Museum of Catalan History, the Barcelona History Museum and the MNAC National Museum of Catalan Art, among others.

There are also a few museums in Barcelona that are free all the time, although they are mostly smaller locations with temporary exhibitions such as La Palau de la Virreina and El Born Cultural and Memorial Center.

Discover more free things to do in Barcelona here!

I hope this helps to show you that while Barcelona certainly isn't a cheap city, there are still ways to enjoy Barcelona on a budget!

Happy travels!

Claire x

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