(English) 5 free things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona has plenty of great attractions to suit all tastes and budgets. Some activities are always going to be free, like taking a stroll down Barceloneta beach, soaking in the panoramic views of the city from its various lookout points, visiting the markets or perhaps just enjoying your very own urban art show by exploring the streets of Barcelona. But, there are also a huge number of normally-paying activities that offer free admission at select times of the year or certain days of the week. Here, we’ll tell you a few of our favourites.

Laberinto de Horta Park

Found in the heart of the Collserola mountain range (within the district of Horta-Guinardó), this park has the honour of being the oldest in the city and one of the most strikingly beautiful in all of Barcelona. To walk through its labyrinth of pathways formed by 750 cypress trees is to truly appreciate the beauty of this charming and sheltered spot.  The cypress trees force you to follow a winding and wandering route all the way to the very centre and the statue of Eros, before making your way all the way back to the exit.

There’s a further range of different plant and tree species throughout the park to enjoy, along with some phenomenal Neo-Gothic and Neo-Arabic sculptures.  General admission to the park is usually €2.23 for adults and €1.42 for reductions but entry is free on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Exploring the cemeteries

One truly unique way to explore the city – and taking you far off the beaten track – is to take a walk through some of the city’s cemeteries. The idea might sound a little dreary at first but, in fact, a tour of Montjüic or Poblenou cemeteries with a guided tour, even listening to some classical music, is a fantastic way to get to grips with the history of the region and hear some fascinating anecdotes as you gaze upon some fabulous sculptures, pantheons and historically‑significant graves. The next guided tours will take place on 9 and 10 March. Tours are free but must be booked in advance.

free things to do in Barcelona: Museums

Barcelona is home to plenty of amazing museums. Especially significant are the many spaces dedicated to contemporary art, and a really great way to spend time in the city on Sundays is to visit some of the most important museums in Barcelona, which are all free!

Castillo de Montjüic

One of the most amazing spots in the whole of Barcelona is Montjüic Mountain.  This hillside has played host to two incredibly significant events over the years for the city, which were pivotal in the region’s development, including the Universal Exhibition of 1929 and the Olympic Games of 1992. But one of the most valuable jewels in the whole area is Montjüic Castle, which offers free entry on Sundays from 3pm.

Theatre

Yet again, Barcelona’s art scene is pushing all the boundaries and adapting to new public demands. The city is home to a variety of new spaces dedicated to micro-theatre, which, although you have to pay for entry, are particularly affordable and creative, while there are also plenty of deals to be found at the traditional box office.  Though it can’t be classified as a free activity, an afternoon or evening of theatre is a sure-fire way to help you enjoy the city’s cultural scene without an enormous price tag. There are even some locations where, as a theatre-goer, you’re the one who gets to decide how much you want to pay for your experience… Teatro Aquitània and Sala Fènix already offer this ground-breaking service.

At all six of our hotels located in the centre of Barcelona, we can give you all the information you need on these and other great free activities to make sure you enjoy your stay in Barcelona to the maximum.

Categories: barcelona