Home to captivating Gaudí architecture, drool-worthy Spanish tapas and one of Europe’s most popular cruise ports, Barcelona is jam-packed with things to see and do. But being the capital of Catalonia, it’s fair to say that not everything in the city is budget-friendly. Just because you haven’t got oodles of spare cash doesn’t mean you can’t have an incredible time. If you want to keep costs down while still getting a true feel for the city, here are 5 free activities in Barcelona, Spain.
5 Free Activities in Barcelona
You don’t have to go inside the Sagrada Familia to appreciate it
Admire Gaudi’s work from the outside
Sure, you have to pay to explore the inside of the Sagrada Familia, but there’s nothing stopping you from gazing at its Gothic facade and snapping pics from the outside. The world-famous cathedral isn’t the only masterpiece you can see for free, either. There’s also Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and Casa Vicens which are breathtaking from the outside. You can even explore most of Park Güell without paying a penny. So be sure to put this on your list of free activities in Barcelona.
La Catedral is a great alternative to the Sagrada Familia. Image via Flickr, Katherine Price, CC 2.0
Be amazed by La Catedral
Got your heart set on visiting a cathedral in Barcelona? Then head over to La Catedral at 8am-12.45pm or 5.45pm-7.30pm on a weekday, or 8am-1.34pm or 5.15pm-8pm on a weekend. During these hours, the cathedral is totally free to enter. It might not be quite as extravagant as the Sagrada Familia, but it’s not far off!
Barcelona is teeming with street art
Go on a self-guided street art tour
If Gaudi isn’t your thing, you might prefer the modern street art scattered throughout Barcelona. There are loads of vans behind the La Boqueria market which are more like mobile canvases than food transport and the city’s Gothic Quarter is teeming with all kinds of street art. If you’ve got a bit of a geeky side, keep an eye out for Invader’s Space Invader street art which is hidden all over the place.
Barcelona is full of fantastic beaches
Soak up the sun at the beach
Barcelona might be a cosmopolitan metropolis, but it’s also home to some gorgeous beaches. From the lively Barceloneta Beach buzzing with music groups and sand sculptors to the Mar Bella Beach with its designated nudist section, you’re sure to find the perfect beach to suit your mood.
The street performers on La Rambla are amazing
Wander along La Rambla
Walking along a street might not sound like the highlight of your trip, but strolling along La Rambla is an excellent way to get a real feel for life in Barcelona. This immensely popular avenue cuts through the city centre and is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes brimming with locals sipping their morning cafe con leches. One of the many highlights is the free street theatre performed by local artists all along the 1.2km route.