10 Free Things to Do in Barcelona That Are Actually Worth It

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Facebook Tweet Pin Print Email

Barcelona isn’t exactly a cheap city to visit. Tickets to some of the most famous attractions can get expensive quickly, and after spending five weeks in Barcelona, I honestly don’t think you need to pay for everything to have a great time.

Some of my favorite things to do in Barcelona are completely free, like wandering through the Gothic Quarter, relaxing at the beach, and simply walking around looking at Gaudí’s incredible architecture.

So, if you’re trying to keep your Barcelona trip on a budget (or just don’t want to pay for every attraction), here are my favorite free things to do in Barcelona.

Table of Contents

1. See the Sagrada Familia from the Outside

The Sagrada Família is one of those Barcelona sights I genuinely think lives up to the hype. I’ve seen it several times now, and I still love stopping to look at all the details on the façades.

I’ve also paid to go inside, and while the colorful light coming through the stained-glass windows is beautiful, it was one of the most expensive churches I’ve ever visited.

If you’re traveling on a budget, I wouldn’t feel like you have to buy a ticket. There’s already so much to see from the outside, and I love coming back on different trips to see how much the construction has changed since my last visit.

2. Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter

Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter is still one of my favorite things in Barcelona. I love wandering through the narrow streets without much of a plan and seeing what I come across.

There are beautiful old buildings, little squares, shops, cafés, and plenty of tiny side streets that make you want to see what’s around the next corner. You’ll also come across some of Barcelona’s famous landmarks, including the Barcelona Cathedral.

I’ve walked through the Gothic Quarter countless times, and I still enjoy it. If you have some extra time in your itinerary, my advice is to put Google Maps away for a while and just wander.

3. Admire Gaudí’s Buildings From the Outside

Facade of Casa Battlo, one of the best free things to do in Barcelona

Two of Gaudi’s most famous buildings, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, are right on Passeig de Gràcia and are impressive even if you only see them from the street.

I love spotting Gaudí’s buildings while walking around Barcelona, but I personally don’t think you need to pay to go inside every one of them. The entrance fees add up quickly, and there’s already plenty to admire from the outside.

If you do want to visit one of the buildings, I’d pick the one that interests you most and enjoy the others from the street.

4. Walk Underneath the Arc de Triomf

You’ll probably spot plenty of people taking photos in front of the Arc de Triomf, but make sure you actually walk underneath it too. I didn’t fully appreciate how massive it was until I stood directly below it and could see all the details up close.

It’s also an easy stop to combine with Parc de la Ciutadella, which is just a short walk away. I’d visit the two together rather than making a separate trip just to see the Arc.

5. Explore Parc de la Ciutadella

After walking under the Arc de Triomf, keep going toward Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down for a bit after walking around the city.

You can wander through the park, relax on the grass, and see the impressive Cascada Monumental. There are also a few fun things to stumble across as you explore, including a giant mammoth statue.

I’d definitely combine the park with the Arc de Triomf since they’re so close together. Bring a snack, find a spot on the grass, and take a break from sightseeing for a while.

6. Watch the Magic Fountain Show

The Magic Fountain at Montjuïc was one of my favorite things to do in Barcelona at night. I loved watching the fountains light up in different colors while the water moved along with the music, and the fact that the show was free made it even better.

The show hasn’t always been running in recent years, though, so this is one attraction I wouldn’t add to your plans without checking first. If it’s operating during your trip, I think it’s well worth stopping by, especially if you’re already exploring Montjuïc.

Make sure to check the current schedule and status before you go, as performances can change or be suspended.

7. See Torre Glòries

Tina standing next to a tall building which looks like a big egg; Is Barcelona overrated? I don't think so, there are so many great things to do in the city

The first time I saw Torre Glòries, it immediately reminded me of the Gherkin in London. But while I’d seen the Gherkin in countless photos before visiting London, I didn’t even know Barcelona had a similar-looking skyscraper until I came across it.

It’s a fun contrast to all the historic architecture around Barcelona, especially when it lights up after dark. I wouldn’t make a special trip across the city just to see it, but if you’re nearby, it’s worth walking past and snapping a photo.

8. Relax at the Beach

One thing I love about Barcelona is that you can take a break from sightseeing and head to the beach without even leaving the city.

When I visited in October, the beach was almost empty, but it was still warm enough to sit in the sun and even go for a swim. It was completely different from the crowded Barcelona beach photos I’d seen before my trip.

If you’re visiting outside the busy summer months, I’d definitely make time for the beach. Even if it’s too cold to swim, it’s a nice place to go for a walk or simply relax for a while.

9. Watch the Sunset

View of Barcelona from Bunker del Carmel

Watching the sunset is such a simple thing to do, but Barcelona has plenty of great viewpoints where you can end the day without spending anything.

The Bunkers del Carmel are probably one of the most famous sunset spots, but when I visited, I found them way too crowded to really enjoy the view. I much preferred getting away from the crowds and finding a quieter spot.

Wherever you decide to watch the sunset, I’d bring a snack, give yourself some time to relax, and enjoy the view rather than rushing off to the next attraction.

10. Walk down La Rambla

Crowds of pedestrians walk along La Rambla in Barcelona on a sunny day. Tall leafy trees shade the wide pedestrian boulevard lined with historic buildings and outdoor seating.

You’ll probably end up on La Rambla at some point during your trip, especially if you’re exploring the Gothic Quarter. It’s one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, so I think it’s worth seeing once, but I wouldn’t spend much time there.

Personally, I find La Rambla crowded, touristy, and pretty overrated. I much prefer wandering through the smaller streets of the Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona has a lot more character.

My advice? Walk down La Rambla, have a look around, and then head off to explore somewhere more interesting.

Plan Your Barcelona Itinerary

You definitely don’t need to spend money on every attraction to have an amazing time in Barcelona.

I’d rather pick a few paid sights I really want to see and fill the rest of my days with wandering through neighborhoods, relaxing in parks, and enjoying some of the free places on this list.

The tricky part is figuring out how to fit everything together without spending half your trip going back and forth across the city.

If you’re ready to start planning, check out my 3-day Barcelona itinerary to see how I’d organize your time and which sights I’d prioritize.

Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She's a vegan with wanderlust, who shares tips and stories from her travels to 31 countries as a vegan minimalist. After 2.5 years of full-time travel with just a personal item-sized bag, she’s now based in Vienna, helping fellow travelers explore the world with ease and compassion.