7 free things to do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a nice city to visit if you can afford it – the original phrase “Barcelona és bona si la bossa sona” is very popular by locals and shows that a stay in Barcelona is not as cheap as in other spanish cities like for example Madrid. Nevertheless I asked some local bloggers to collaborate and create a list of totaly free things to do in Barcelona and i must say i was suprised of the great tips of activities you can do without even paying for them.

[box type=”info”]This article is part of the free Backpacking in Europe Guide where you find more great information, resources and destination guides to plan & organize your trip to Europe![/box]

1) Park Güell in Gracia

A perfect “must” in Barcelona. Piece of art (buildings by Gaudi) sharing the air with nature. The Park has everything to spend even an entire day: Views, picnic areas, cafeteria, live music around the place, lots of walking paths and even places to relax down over a spanish siesta time.

Tip: check out the upper part of the park and enjoy a beautifull city panorama!

2) Magic Fountains in Plaça d'Espanya

A splendid music light and water show that can be enjoyed every weekend (summer 9-11pm and winter 7-9pm). It has outstanding views from the palace on the top of the hill, even more at sunset time. Free all year round and definitely a really good time to be spent there.

3) La Rambla del Raval

This one might be not the common well-known Rambla, but it seems to be the next big thing. It is a small rambla in the interesting neighborhood called El Raval. With beautiful contrasts, it's definitely not the touristy kind.

Tip: This rambla has plenty of places to sit down and grab a beer or some food, as well as a recognized sculpture by Botero. A nice walk for all senses.

4) Free Museums

The first Sunday of every month there are a few museums that offer free entrance to the public. The biggest museum on the list for this is Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Also the Museu Picasso is free on the first Sunday of every month.

5) Laberinto de Horta

A park designed in the style of an 18th century neo-classical garden, there is a labyrinth and it's fun to wander through it. The park is located in the Horta-Guinardó district, on the northern limits of Barcelona.

The Entrance is 2,05€ (reduced entrance for students & seniors available); but on Wednesday & Sundays, entrance is free. Opening hours start at 10:00 until sunset.

6) Enjoy the Beach at Barceloneta

Barcelona is blessed by a beautiful location directly at the sea and it would be a shame to miss the beach. Wether you're up for a swim or just a walk you should head out to the area of Barceloneta to breathe some fresh sea air, feel the sand between your toes and enjoy the sun together with a nice view.

Tip: especially during the sunset it's nice to walk along the promenade

7) Caixa Forum

Again time for some culture! The Caixa Forum is a cultural space located in the lower part of Montjuic in an old factory and is one of Barcelona’s most dynamic, active and lively cultural centres. It offers art and cultural exhibitions, movie projections, conferences, etc. and the entrance is always free.

Accommodation, Transportation & Must Eat

Sleep
The Casa Gracia is not your usual Hostel, it is more like a stylish Bed and Breakfast (included in the price) in a very good location which also offers private rooms. The staff is very friendly and helpful!
 
Get in & around
The airport El Prat (BCN) is around 12km away from the centre – a connection is provided by the bus line 46 or the Aerobus (more expensive).

by plane – there is a wide range of low-budget connections e.g. from Paris, Berlin or London. The main carrier in Spain is IBERIA. Check Skyscanner for the cheapest connections to Barcelona.

by train – There are regular connections to Madrid, Zurich and Paris, the main stations are Sants, Passeig de Grácia and Estacio de France. Check RailEurope for connections.
 
Must Eat
In Spain you should go for Tapas – this is a variety of snacks you can get mostly in certain Tapas Bars. Each region has it‘s own very special Tapas – a good place to go in Barcelona is the „Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)“ close to the harbor.

Anything to add to 7 free things to do in Barcelona? More suggestions?

We love to hear them! Just share it below in the comment section – i will add the additional tips from time to time.

This Post “7 free things to do in Barcelona” is a collaborative article of Travel Bloggers that are based in Barcelona: Marianna, Bianca and Frederico. We met each other at the TBU conference in Porto and decided to create this post together. Feel free to visit their Blogs and follow them on Twitter, too!

[author  image=”http://www.back-packer.org/wp-content/uploads/Proceso-de-Foto.jpeg”]TravelThirst is a travel writing/photography team trying to inspire everyone into their own senses while traveling. Trying to live experiences and share them from a different and detailed point of view. Follow them also on Twitter.[/author] [author  image=”http://www.back-packer.org/wp-content/uploads/nomadbiba.jpeg”]Nomadbiba was born in London, raised in Caracas, studied in Montreal and just left Barcelona to pursue a full on nomadic lifestyle. Follow Bianca also on Twitter and see where her journey takes her![/author]

Featured image taken from Flickr (c) by Christopher Chan