Barcelona on a Budget: 65 FREE Activities in Barcelona city

Free attractions in Barcelona Metropolitan area

On this page I have listed FREE things to do and see in Barcelona and is ideal for anyone who wants to visit Barcelona on a budget.

A lot of these Barcelona FREE activities will be based around enjoying the many parks such as the Montjuïc or Parc Ciutadella areas and gardens as well as some lesser-known parks and gardens such as Tamarita gardens and 3 gardens in the Zona Universitària area of Barcelona.

The port area of Barcelona is free to walk around in and has some wonderful old buildings such as the post office and Our lady of mercy Basilica as well as enjoying the port from Maremagnum shopping Centre. Equally a walk from up Las Ramblas from the port to Plaça Catalunya passes via La Boqueria Market and Plaça Reial. Within the City itself there are mountain top viewpoints near Parc Güell and Carmel Bunkers which is free all year round. Montjuïc and Tibidabo mountains provide some excellent viewpoints of the city from the gardens of Montjuïc of Tibidabo church. Behind Tibidabo is the Collserola natural Park which is a large forested hilled park with some easy walking trails.

All of the above are within transport zone 1 and viable using the T-casual ticket of 10 trips for 11.35 euros. A trip being one journey from A to B with interchanges between metro and trains included. For example, a day walking in Collserola would be two trips one to get there and one to get back, completely free if you ride to Collserola by bicycle along the Carretera de les Aigües.

Click on a photo to find out the details about each attraction, with a photo gallery, useful PDFs and other tips for visiting.

Many of Barcelona's museums also offer free entry on Sunday's after 3pm and all day on the first Sunday of the month. Find out which museums participate in this scheme on the Barcelona Travel Hacks Free Museums page.

Happy Exploring!

FREE things to do and see in downtown Barcelona medieval centre

The downtown area is the old medieval part of the city and comprises the neighbourhoods of Bari gotico, Las Ramblas, EL born, Cuitadella and La Ribera. This part of town is great for walking around and below you will find attractions that are free to explore.

Portal del Ángel – Barcelona’s Trendiest Shopping Street

METRO

Nov 7, 2025 | 5.8k views

Portal del Ángel – Barcelona’s Trendiest Shopping Street

Barcelona’s most popular fashion street for global brands, streetwear, and festive lights. Shop late, snap pics, and explore history in the Gothic Quarter

Arc de Triomf Barcelona & Passeig de Lluís Companys Guide

Discover Arc de Triomf, Barcelona’s iconic red brick arch from the 1888 World Fair, plus nearby landmarks along Passeig de Lluís Companys

La Boquería Market: Barcelona’s Historic Food Haven on La Rambla

La Boquería: Barcelona’s oldest and most iconic fresh produc food market. Sizzling tapas, and vibrant stalls nestled off La Rambla in the heart of the Raval district

Parc de la Ciutadella: Fountain, Zoo & 1888 Expo Landmarks

Explore Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona: home to the golden chariot fountain, boating lake, zoo, and historic landmarks from the 1888 Universal Exposition

El Bosc de les Fades: Enchanted Forest Bar Near the Wax Museum

Barcelona’s magical forest bar with fairies, gnomes, waterfalls, and glowing creatures—an immersive escape near the Wax Museum and Las Ramblas

Santa Caterina Market | Barcelona’s Colorful Local Food Market

Explore Santa Caterina Market in El Born — a vibrant food hub with rooftop architecture, historic ruins, and fresh produce in the heart of Barcelona’s old town

Barcelona Town Hall & Plaça Sant Jaume Guide

Explore Barcelona’s administrative heart at Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the City Hall and Generalitat Palace. Free guided tours of the historic City Hall interior available

Estació de França | Barcelona’s Grand Historic Train Station

Elegant iron architecture, marble domes, and natural light define Estació de França — Barcelona’s most beautiful train station since 1929

MUHBA Temple of Augustus – Hidden Roman Columns

2000-Year-Old Roman Temple ruins in Barcelona. Hidden Gothic courtyard with towering columns from ancient Barcino. Free to visit and rich in Roman heritage

Plaça Reial: Gaudí Lamp Posts & Nightlife in Barcelona

Historic square in the Gothic Quarter with Gaudí lamp posts, lively bars, restaurants, and the Font de les Tres Gràcies fountain. Built on a former monastery site

Barcelona Roman Wall | Gothic Quarter Walking Route

Explore Roman wall remains of ancient Barcino in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, from Plaça Ramon Berenguer III to the Sea Gate at Plaza dels Traginers

Las Ramblas: Living Statues, Artisan Markets & Historic Fountains

Discover Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s iconic pedestrian boulevard with living statues, flower stalls, pop-up artisan markets, mosaics, and historic fountains

Fossar de les Moreres | Memorial to Catalonia’s Fallen

Visit Barcelona’s solemn memorial square honoring the 1714 siege victims. Eternal flame, floral tributes, and Catalan history in El Born

Plaça Sant Felip Neri – Baroque Church, Fountain & Civil War History

Discover Plaça Sant Felip Neri, a hidden Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church scarred by Civil War bombings, a peaceful fountain, and historic guild buildings

Born Cultural Centre Barcelona | Ruins, Museum & Guided Tours

Explore 1714-era ruins beneath a 19th-century market at El Born Cultural Centre. Free entry, guided tours, and powerful stories of Barcelona’s past

Casa de la Ardiaca – Hidden Gem & Photo Spot in Barcelona

Scenic courtyard, rooftop views & modernist mailbox. A Gothic hidden gem beside the cathedral with archives, Roman walls & wedding-worthy photo spots

Castell dels Tres Dragons & Greenhouses – Ciutadella Park Barcelona

Explore the Three Dragons Castle and refurbished Hivernacle greenhouse in Ciutadella Park. Historic architecture, photo spots, and link to the new science museum

Sant Agustí Monastery Ruins & Civic Centre – Café & Courtyard

Historic monastery ruins turned civic centre and café in El Born. Discover a quiet courtyard, brunch spot, and links to the Citadel Fortress and Chocolate Museum

Palau del Parlament de Catalunya - Catalonia Parliament

Former Arsenal of the Citadel fortress, one of the few surviving citadel buildings is now the Catalonia Parliament. Guided tours information

Sant Pere de les Puel·les | Oldest Monastery in Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s oldest Romanesque-Gothic monastery. Founded in 945AD, this free-to-visit church reveals a thousand years of Catalan history and architecture

Passeig del Born | Historic Boulevard & Nightlife in El Born

Explore Barcelona’s medieval boulevard with cannonball history, boutique shopping, and top cocktail bars. From cathedral to market, day and night

FREE things to do In Barcelona Litoral Areas

Additionally there is a nature reserve wetland park in El prat de llobregat. Castelldefels beach is also free and accessible using a T-casual Zone 1 ticket.

Barcelona Central Post Office – Historic Correos & Telegraph Building

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Nov 7, 2025 | 6.5k views

Barcelona Central Post Office – Historic Correos & Telegraph Building

Visit Barcelona’s grand Central Post Office, a 1920s Catalan Modernist landmark with a stunning frescoed dome. Send mail or admire its architectural beauty

Maremagnum Centre – Sunday Shopping in Port Vell, Barcelona

Discover Maremagnum, Barcelona’s only major shopping mall open every Sunday. Located in Port Vell under port authority jurisdiction, it offers fashion, dining, and waterfront views

Castelldefels Platja Beach Town - Day Trip Guide

Hassle free chilled beach. 20 minutes from Barcelona by train. 5Km natural sand beach. Great restaurants, night time discos in the chiringuitos

Delta Llobregat Nature reserve Park to Prat Beach

Barcelona Airport, El prat, is surrounded by a wetland nature reserve. Starting in the town and ending at the beach walking or cycling via the nature reserve.

Exploring Port Forum & Parc Litoral on foot and jet-ski

A 1992 Barcelona Olympic port with secret beach nearby that has views of the futuristic power plant behind. Explore on foot and rent a jet-ski

Estació de França | Barcelona’s Grand Historic Train Station

Elegant iron architecture, marble domes, and natural light define Estació de França — Barcelona’s most beautiful train station since 1929

Barcelona Beaches - Barceloneta from hotel W to Port Olímpic

A guide to the beaches in the Barceloneta neighbourhood - Sant Sebastian, Sant Miquel, Barceloneta & Somorrostro beaches. Water sports activities

Basilica de La Mercè: Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy

Discover the Basilica de La Mercè, a hidden Baroque masterpiece in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Built in 1775, free to visit, with guided tours available Saturdays

Sant Miquel Del Port Church Barceloneta fisherman's village

1755 Church and square in fisherman's village of Barceloneta. Built under the orders of Jaime de Guzmán-Dávalos y Spínola

Barcelona Beaches - Poblenou from Port Olímpic to Forum

A guide to the Barcelona Beaches from Port Olímpic to Forum via Poblenou area, the nudist beach in Barcelona city, reduced mobility access to the sea

Parc de la Barceloneta former gas factory

A beach front park in Barceloneta that was a gas production factory until 1989. Parc contains decorative water tower as well as the gas storage tank remains

MUHBA Porta de Mar – Roman Sea Gate & Thermal Baths

Explore Roman ruins in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Free museum with 2000-year-old sea gate, thermal bathhouse remains, and trade history from ancient Barcino

Hotel W Barceloneta & Sant Sebastià Beach

About Hotel W construction and Barcelona port breakwater. Learn to windsurf at Sant Sebastià beach

Cementiri del Poblenou - Poblenou Cemetery

First cemetery built in Barcelona not attached to a parochial church, known as Eastern Cemetery to the east city outside of the old city medieval walls

Port Olímpic Marina, Hotel Arts & Tore Mapfre

Built for sailing events for 1992 Barcelona summer Olympics with views of hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre, sailing school and boat rental. No longer night club zone

FREE things to do and see in Montjuic

Montjuic, or Jewish Mountain, is a great natural space within the city with many gardens and some Olympic venues that are free to walk around and offers great views of the city from it's hills. Montjuic cemetery is also free to visit and worth the effort to see the historic tombs and funeral carriages museum.

Magic Fountain Barcelona – Free Light & Music Show Times

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Nov 7, 2025 | 9.2k views

Magic Fountain Barcelona – Free Light & Music Show Times

Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc in Barcelona. Free water, light & music show. History, show times, and how to get there

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys – FC Barcelona Stadium

Visit FC Barcelona’s temporary stadium in Montjuïc. Olympic history, concerts, tours, and match-day access at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Montjuïc Cactus Garden | Succulent Park with Sea Views Barcelona

Discover Montjuïc’s hidden cactus garden near Miramar. Explore exotic succulents, panoramic city views, and one of Europe’s largest drought-tolerant collections

Palau Sant Jordi & Montjuïc Olympic Park Concert Venue

Explore Palau Sant Jordi in Montjuïc Olympic Park. 1992 Olympic arena, concerts, and the iconic Telefonica needle tower. Access, events & architecture

Greek Theatre & Rose Garden | Montjuïc Open Air Venue

Explore Montjuïc’s Greek Theatre & Rose Garden. Summer shows, yoga classes, and Grec Festival performances in a scenic open air amphitheatre

Montjuïc Gardens – Laribal, Joan Brossa & Verdaguer Viewpoints

Explore Montjuïc’s scenic gardens: Laribal, Joan Brossa & Verdaguer. Historic green spaces with city views, fountains & walking routes

Funeral Carriages Museum – Montjuïc Cemetery Barcelona

Explore historic funeral carriages in Montjuïc Cemetery. Free museum, notable burials, and walking routes through Barcelona’s most serene cemetery

Montjuïc Historic Botanic Garden | Sensorial Garden Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s first botanical garden in Montjuïc. A sensorial garden in a former quarry with rare plants, free entry, and peaceful nature walks

Joan Maragall Gardens & Albéniz Palace in Montjuïc

Elegant French-style gardens around a neoclassical royal pavilion. Weekend access, classical statues, and peaceful lawns in Montjuïc, Barcelona

FREE things to do and see in Barcelona city suburbs

Barcelona has several neighbourhoods with interesting parks and gardens as well as buildings of historical interest that are free to enter and explore. This sections covers the non downtown/central attractions, that can be sought out in La Eixampla, Gracia, Horta, Sants, Les Corts,Pedralbes, Sant Gervasi ,Forum, Besos and Poble Nou.

FGC Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus to Tibidabo

FGC+BUS

Nov 7, 2025 | 12.2k views

FGC Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus to Tibidabo

Historic 1906 mountain railway from Peu del Funicular to Vallvidrera village. Reach Tibidabo via scenic walk or short bus ride

Barcelona to Tibidabo via Forest Path & Fabra Observatory

Easy 3.44 km forest trail from FGC Av. Tibidabo to Tibidabo Church, viewpoint, and amusement park via Fabra Observatory

Carmel Bunkers: Civil War Site & Barcelona’s Best Viewpoint

Visit Carmel Bunkers at Turó de la Rovira: Barcelona’s top viewpoint with Civil War ruins, museum access, and panoramic sunset views. Entry now regulated

Avenida Tibidabo – Historic Boulevard & Modernist Villas

Walk this grand avenue from Plaza John F Kennedy to Tibidabo. Admire modernist villas, historic mansions, and dine in a restored architectural gem

Modelo Prison Museum: Barcelona’s Former Panopticon of Repression

Explore La Modelo, Barcelona’s former panopticon prison turned museum. Active from 1904 to 2017, it held political prisoners and saw executions under Franco. Now open for free guided and unguided visits

Plaça de la Virreina | Church, Tapas & Calçotada in Gràcia

Discover Plaça de la Virreina in Gràcia. Romanesque church, terrace bars, and calçotada festival. A peaceful square with local charm and seasonal events

Barcelona Las Arenas Shopping Centre & Rooftop Viewpoint

Visit Las Arenas in Plaza d’España — a former bullring transformed into a shopping mall with rooftop restaurants and panoramic views of Barcelona.

Exploring Port Forum & Parc Litoral on foot and jet-ski

A 1992 Barcelona Olympic port with secret beach nearby that has views of the futuristic power plant behind. Explore on foot and rent a jet-ski

Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia | Clock Tower, Town Hall & Dining

Explore Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia in Barcelona. Historic clock tower, town hall, terrace dining, and cultural events in the heart of the Gràcia neighborhood

Roman-Style Church in Sant Gervasi Barcelona

Discover Mare de Déu de la Bonanova, a hidden Roman-style church in Sant Gervasi with Catalan mass, organ music, and rich architectural history

Parc De Cervantes Rose Garden in Avenida Diagonal

Public rose garden with over 2000 flowering rose bushes and 27 species of trees. Best time to visit is May to July when Roses are in full flower

Avenida Gaudí: Walk from Sagrada Família to Sant Pau

Discover Avenida Gaudí, a scenic pedestrian street linking La Sagrada Família with Recinte Modernista Sant Pau. Features ornate modernist lampposts by Pere Falqués and outdoor dining terraces

Parc Joan Miró: Barcelona’s Artistic Oasis Behind Las Arenas

Discover Parc Joan Miró in Barcelona — a peaceful urban park with pine groves, pétanque courts, and the iconic “Woman and Bird” sculpture by Joan Miró. A perfect escape near Plaza d’Espanya

Sants Modernist century old Food Market

Mercado de Sants is a beautiful, recently refurbished, large, modernist, brick, cathedral like, food market dating from 1913

Tamarita Gardens – Romantic Hidden Gem in Barcelona

Tranquil romantic garden in Sant Gervasi. Marble statues, fountains & shaded paths. Perfect for Sant Jordi, Valentine’s, or peaceful escapes

Pedralbes Park & Gardens with Royal Palace

French and English styled majestic Gardens of former royal palace with fountains, ponds, tree lined boulevards, statues and sculptures

Barcelona Beaches - Poblenou from Port Olímpic to Forum

A guide to the Barcelona Beaches from Port Olímpic to Forum via Poblenou area, the nudist beach in Barcelona city, reduced mobility access to the sea

Jardins de la Maternitat - Maternity Gardens of Hospital

The gardens are a public space for enjoying the tranquil ambience of a historic health-care complex from late 19th century. Located next to Camp Nou Stadium

Cementiri del Poblenou - Poblenou Cemetery

First cemetery built in Barcelona not attached to a parochial church, known as Eastern Cemetery to the east city outside of the old city medieval walls

FREE things to do In Tibidabo & Parc Collserola Area

Tibidabo is a summit of the Serra colserolla overlooking Barcelona with a basilica, theme park, observatory and great views. It is accessible using the T.casual zone 1 ticket. Surrounding Tibidabo is the Collserola natural park which is a great forested natural space for walking, cycling and running. Below you can find my routes for collserola park.

FGC+BUS

Nov 7, 2025 | 12.2k views

FGC Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus to Tibidabo

Historic 1906 mountain railway from Peu del Funicular to Vallvidrera village. Reach Tibidabo via scenic walk or short bus ride

Tibidabo Church | Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus & Viewpoint

Barcelona’s hilltop basilica with panoramic views, a Romanesque crypt (1911), and neo-Gothic church (1951) crowned by a statue of Jesus

Beautiful 12km EASY walking route in the Collserola natural park following the Vallvidrera river via sheltered forest trail with waterfalls

Parc Collserola Sant Feliu Abandoned Cement Factory

Easy 14km walking route from Renfe Sant Feliu de Llobregat to Moulins de Rei via an abandoned cement factory and mine complex in Parc Natural de Collserola

Parc Collserolla Abandoned Rabassada Hotel and Casino

Abandoned since 1930, ruins of Hotel (1901) and casino (1911) that was a playground for the wealthy of Barcelona until Gambling was banned in 1912

Sant Cugat Monastery and Wine Cellar near Parc Colserolla

Walled monastery & church museum. The wine co-operative was founded in 1921 by 50 local wine makers as a place to process the grapes

Parc Collserola Caraterra de Aigües walk or Cycle

A great walking, running and cycling route in Collserola foothills with spectacular views of Barcelona city. Accessible from multiple points in Barcelona

Parc Collserola Vila Joana Museum & Walking Route to Tibidabo

Historic farmhouse turned museum honoring Jacint Verdaguer. Scenic forest walk from Vallvidrera Baix to Tibidabo via Vila Joana

Parc Collserola Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir

Easy 7km walking route in Parc collserola to Sant Pere de Martir telecoms tower and along ridge with views of Barcelona terminating at Vallvidrera reservoir

Thanks for reading about Barcelona on a Budget: 65 FREE Activities in Barcelona city