Five places to visit in Barcelona free of charge

31.10.23

There are countless opportunities to discover the magic of Barcelona. So if you are looking to enjoy the city while spending as little as possible, here we bring you the best free things to do in Barcelona. Have fun without pushing the boat out!

Markets

Barcelona is known worldwide for its traditional Mediterranean cuisine. And, of course, a good way to fully explore a city is by savouring its best dishes and culinary delights. The best thing is that you can discover this varied cuisine absolutely free, in its markets. The most iconic one in the city is the Boquería Market in Les Rambles. However, it is increasingly focusing on tourism. If you want to discover markets that still maintain their traditional feel, we recommend Encants Market, one of the oldest working markets in Europe, or the recently reopened Sant Antoni Market, which even incorporates Roman remains.

The best views in Barcelona

A visit to Barcelona would not be complete without enjoying its beauty from high up. The city has two free viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramas of the city. The first, at the top of Turó de la Rovira, is popularly known as Los Bunkers. It is a natural viewpoint allowing 360-degree panoramas and it also has the remains of an anti-aircraft battery from 1938.

Meanwhile, at 1,683 feet, Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Collserola hills. It also has leisure attractions, such as a theme park, among other options. Of course, if you want to go to that, it does cost a bit extra.

Lose yourself in the city’s parks

Barcelona also has many urban parks you really shouldn’t miss. The most popular is the Ciutadella Park, which was the city's first public park. However, you also have the option of escaping the hustle and bustle of Barcelona for a while by taking a walk through the park at Montjuïc. Or, if you want to literally lose yourself in a maze of cypresses, you should visit the oldest historic garden in the city: the Laberint d'Horta Park.

Discover Catalan culture

Finally, although most museums charge an admission fee, there are also other free places where you can learn about Catalan culture. You shouldn’t miss the Palau de la Virreina, considered a jewel of Catalan civil Baroque architecture, or the Palau Robert, a Neoclassical-style building with beautiful gardens and a wide variety of activities.

So even being short of cash is no excuse for not visiting Barcelona. There are hundreds of things to do without having to spend a euro. And for the full experience, don't miss the chance to stay at the Barcelona Pere Tarrés hostel, the best in the city.