A lot of culture, delicious food, the best European nightlife, clear sea and perfect weather. Well, as you can see you have many reasons to go to Barcelona. However, don’t forget one of the best: in the dynamic Catalan capital there are many things to do for free, from museums open for free every Sunday to outdoor cinema in summer. So, today we take you to Catalonia (by plane or boat: getting there is easy!) to discover the best free attractions of Barcelona!
A walk in Parc Güell
Since 2013 if you want to visit the monumental area of Parc Güell, the amazing city park designed by the Catalan genius Antonio Gaudí you have to pay en entrance ticket: a way to reduce the huge touristic flow while preserving this heritage. However, you can enter for free in the other areas of the park: lose yourself in the maze of tiny trails and nature, and enjoy the city view from the top of the hill.
pic: Ilaria via Flickr
Relaxing on Barceloneta beach
The city beach of Barceloneta is really a must-see: every year, from May to September, this slide of sand gets crowded by thousands of people coming here for a swim, a fast tanning time and a juicy Mojito in one of the many chiringuitos. Obviously, if you don’t love noisy and busy places this is not the right beach for you: we otherwise suggest to go farther, in a more quiet public beach, like Nova Mar or the beautiful seaside town of Sitges.
pic: Luis Hernandez via Flickr
A tour in the Boqueria market
Lunch time: the right moment to enjoy a lovable tour in the Boqueria, the biggest food market of Europe: walking inside is a real sensorial experience, a unique explosion of colors and scents, located in an amazing architectural frame. Since you are here, get something to eat! You will need energy to continue your tour in Barcelona…
OK Apartment va Flickr
Free museums on Sundays
Enjoy your low cost weekend in Barcelona with some art as well. On Sunday afternoon many city museums open for free: among the others, we recommend CCCB (contemporary art museum), the beautiful Montjuic castle, the Picasso Museum and the Born Cultural Center. A cultural full immersion for free!
pic: Sharon Hahn Darlin via Flickr
A relaxing time in the green park of Ciutadella
Ciutadella park is the green lung of Barcelona: a triumph of trees, grass fields and fountains, the right place for some relax during the hottest hours of the day. Enjoy it and take a nap in the shadow of the trees or on the shores of the small lake.
pic: David Berkowitz via Flickr
Getting in the popular fiestas
Barcelona is a thousand cities in one: each neighborhood has its history, traditions… and parties. Among the many things to do for free in Barcelona you can’t miss a visit in one of the barrios during their traditional fests (if you are lucky enough to visit Barcelona in the right dates). We strongly suggest that you see the Festa Mayor de Grácia, in mid August: this neighborhood, one of the most authentic and suggestive of the city, becomes an explosion of colors and music, with streets decorations, popular dances and castells, the incredible human towers.
pic: Cary Bass-Deschenes via Flickr
Visit the Catedral del Mar
The basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is just one of Europe most beautiful gothic churches, but it has a very charming history: it was raised thanks to the help coming from the bastaixos, the Barcelona harbor dockers. Enjoy a silent walk in the shadow of its huge naves, lose yourself in its majestic peaks and admire the beautiful rose windows. Going there before 12 or after 5 PM.: the entrance is free!
pic: Carlos Álvarez Palacios via Flickr
Admire the show of the Magic Fountain in the sunset
This beautiful fountain, located on the National Palace staircase, attracts every day hundreds of visitors, charmed by its amazing games of water and lights. Enjoying the show at sunset time, with Barcelona skyline on the background, is the best way to end your afternoon.
pic: Adriano Aurelio Araujo
Watching a movie outdoor
Who said that you always have to pay for watching a movie? If you will get to Barcelona in summertime, don’t miss its many outdoor cinema festivals. You will be spoiled for choice: from “Cinema al la fresca” at the Centro Civico Cocheras de Sants to “Casa del Mig” summer festival, till the “Cinema Lliure a La Platja“: enjoying a movie for free on the beach.
Nightlife on the Ramblas
Barcelona is a never-sleeping city: the best way to finish your day is with a tour on the Ramblas, the big avenue crossing in the center of Barcelona: enjoy the beautiful Catalan nightlife and the partying atmosphere, among hundreds and hundreds of tourists and Catalans.
pic: Kim via Flickr
Well, now you can start planning your adventure in Barcelona: it doesn’t matter where you live, this vibrant city is well connected by low cost flights companies, like Ryanair or Easyjet, with most of the European cities (we suggest a London to Barcelona flight).
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