5 Free Attractions to Visit in Barcelona

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona whilst backpacking around Europe, or simply looking for a budget city break, it’s always handy to know what places you can visit without breaking the bank. Tours and excursions can seriously bump up the cost of your holiday budget, and it’s a good idea to interweave some free entry trips into your itinerary to give the purse-strings a welcomed break.

The Catalonian capital of Barcelona is a firm favorite for all types of travelers, with its all-encompassing appeal of art, history, sport, cuisine, nightlife, and beaches. Barcelona really does have it all. We’ve highlighted the top 5 free attractions to visit whilst visiting this fantastically diverse city.

1. Parc Guell

A magnificent and unfinished masterpiece by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi – Park Guell offers free admission and is a must-see attraction when visiting Barcelona. Strolling around Park Guell, you will feel as if you have been transported into a fairy-tale land, with colorful, fanciful buildings, and fascinating shapes and structures to admire. It won’t just be the spectacular architecture that captures your attention either, as Park Guell is situated on the top of El Carmel Hill, offering breath-taking views of the city. There is no charge to stroll around Park Guell, however, there is a small admission fee if you would like to visit Gaudi’s former home, La Torre Rosa.

2. Magic Fountain

If you’re mesmerized by colorful lighting, music, and rhythmic performances, then ensure you stop by the Magic Fountain to watch this spectacular water show. At regular intervals throughout the evening, the fountain puts on a show-stopping performance of spurting water jets, illuminated by colorful lights, and accompanied by classical music. Located in Placa de Espanya, it is free to observe this amazing spectacle and is a magical moment to share with a loved one.

3. Barcelona Cathedral

Both the interior and exterior of Barcelona’s City Cathedral are fine representations of exquisite neo-gothic architecture. Construction of the original cathedral commenced in the 13^th century, however, its distinctive façade wasn’t enhanced until the 19^th century, turning the structure into the impressive spectacle it is today. It is free to visit the cathedral; however, it costs €1 to visit the museum and €2 to visit the cathedral roof, if you choose to do so.

4. Boqueria Market

Barcelona’s largest city market, Boqueria Market, is located in the Ciutat Vella. The market is open every day, apart from Sunday, and is a vibrant, bustling hub of activity, with an array of stalls selling colorful fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and tapas. The grounds of this popular tourist attraction have always been home to commercial activity, dating back as far as 1217, when the area contained a small meat market. It is free to visit Boqueria Market, and although you may choose to purchase a few delights of your own, it is an experience in itself just to wander around the busy stalls at no cost.

5. Parc de la Ciutadella

Spanning 70 acres, Barcelona’s City Park is a haven to hang out in with good weather, and has many attractions to entertain visitors of all ages. As with many landmarks in Barcelona, the work of Antoni Gaudi can be viewed here, in the form of The Cascada – a fountain surrounded by sculptures, located in the northern area of the park. Barcelona has its very own version of the Arc de Triomf, which resides in the Parc de la Ciutadella for visitors to admire. It is free to visit the park, and you then have the option to visit the variety of paid attractions, such as the park’s museum, or Barcelona Zoo.

Tip: These featured attractions are free to visit all year round, however if you’re looking for the best value for your holiday budget then make sure your visit to Barcelona falls over the first Sunday of the month, when a selection of key attractions open their doors for free entry. Plan your schedule and receive free admission into the likes of the Picasso Museum, National Art Gallery of Catalonia, and Pedralbes Monastery.

Getting there – Barcelona is served by Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) and there are numerous cheap international flights because of the cruises that begin and end at Barcelona. Barcelona is also connected to Madrid by high-speed train which makes it easy to add it to a larger Spain itinerary.