10 Unique Free Things To Do In Barcelona

The effervescent metropolitan city of Barcelona has activities to entertain you at every turn. It’s one of the many reasons why I love visiting this familiar city, along with its lively energy that pulls you in and enlivens you. Serving as the capital city of the Catalonia region, this cultural center is laden with distinctive neighborhoods, quirky small shops, a diverse food scene, and beautiful evergreen gardens. Barcelona is a place I always find myself wanting to return to.

Having spent several months delving into this city hand in hand with my incredible husband, Evan, we indulged our sweet little bellies in Spanish tapas. (Well, they’re more round now thanks to all the enticing food we devoured!) We also spent an amazing week adventuring the sea in Ibiza, Spain—which I highly recommend a visit to this wellness paradise island. After all these experiences, I wanted to share ten of the most unique free Barcelona things to do.

While visiting Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are tourist hot spots, these won’t be included on the list. Here’s 50 Amazing Things to Do in Barcelona for more options. But, I definitely recommend visiting both those sites to observe the psychedelically crafted architecture designed by the renowned Antonio Gaudi.

Explore the food markets

Food is an authentic experience that takes you straight to the heartbeat of the city. The unfamiliar aromas that are pungent and captivating lead your connection to the pulse of the streets. The fascinating food displays which lure you in through the vibrant visual artwork, then entrances your nose by gnawing pleasantly with its odor as you inhale, physically turning you toward the palatable food.  Personally, I love visiting food markets as it can be a food wellness experience that invigorates your senses.  With bustling crowds found at the beautiful outdoor market of La Boquerdia located of the La Rambla, you’ll find authentic cured Spanish jamón (ham), freshly baked vegetarian empanadas, fresh fruits handed out in cups and more.  

In the Born Quarter you’ll find my favorite quiet market called Santa Caterina Market. An indoor market with a colorful rooftop, selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and various other goods. I really loved the vibes there. This is an excellent healthy food option shopping location for locally-sourced groceries if you’re vegan, or on a whole food plant-based diet.

Related post: 6 Practical Ways to Travel with Food Allergies

Some other fascinating markets to stroll through are Mercat del Ninot, Mercat de la Concepció, and Mercat de Sant Antoni. Each has their own respective lovely vibes and airy spaces crafted for a lively and authentic Spanish experience.

Visit a museum on Sunday  

Every Sunday you’ll find museums that are free after 3:00 pm. This is how Evan and I were able to visit so many museums and stay on budget. We love visiting museums to relax and learn about the different historical and cultural elements of the city.

Free museums are an excellent choice for any budget traveller, and are an easy way to connect with the city’s context.

After visiting one of my favorite museums, Montjuic Castle, I learned in great depth about the protective nature of the castle. This nature is contrasted by the Castle being used to bombard the city of Barcelona and, at one point, a prison. Today, it is a museum sharing the history of this Catalan city.

Likewise, there are many museums that feature free days outside of the usual time. Most are after 3:00 pm on Sundays or on the first Sunday of each month. Be sure to check the museum website so you can plan your trip accordingly. Here’s a museum list to get you started:

• Center of Contemporary Art of Barcelona
• History Museum of Catalunya
• Maritime Museum
• Botanic Gardens
• Picasso Museum

Take a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter

While exploring the food scene allows you to feel half of the city’s electrifying heartbeat, taking a walking tour can help you experience the other half. (Plus it’s a great way to stay healthy while traveling and boost your health and wellness since you’re using your legs to get around.) Taking a walking tour in Barcelona gives you a quick introduction into the city’s history and current points of attraction.

Whenever I’ve participated in a walking tour, whether in Barcelona or Sofia, Bulgaria, I’m always gifted with several juicy secrets hidden within the city, learning more about the gluten-free restaurants to explore, wellness travel activities to participate in, top local sights to see and day trips you won’t want to miss.  I recommend checking out Runner Bean Tours.

Visit Poble Nou or Montjuic Cemetery

If you’re craving a unique experience in Barcelona, why not check out the Poble Nou or Montjuic Cemetery. The Montjuic Cemetery is one of the largest in Barcelona. Located on the steep slopes of Montjuic Hill, this well-known cemetery contains gravestones from various prominent Catalan figures. Some of these mausoleums were designed by expert architects and innovative sculptors, creating some of the most stunning funerary architecture that’s set in Barcelona’s most peaceful vista that rests between the mountainside and the sea.  

Meanwhile, the Poble Nou Cemetery is located in the respective Poble Nou neighborhood. Similarly, this cemetery is also famous for its collection of exemplary funerary artwork and sculptors. It’s neoclassical architecture was rebuilt by the talented Antonio Ginesi in 1819, and over the years beautiful sculptures have been added.

Both the Montjuic Cemetery and Poble Nou Cemetery are open to visitors Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Self-guided tours are available by scheduling through the Cemeteries of Barcelona.  They also offer free guided tours on Sundays twice a month.

Sign up for salsa lessons

Signing up for salsa lessons is a unique way to understand the Spanish culture through movement. The quick movement of your body, mingling with locals over a cerveza (Spanish for beer), and listening to the passionate and fiery music as you dance the night away. The vibrant music filled the streets as people hurried to grab a spot for salsa lessons. The skilled instructors taught in Spanish, breaking down different salsa or bachata routines step by step. After each eight count, we’d repeat the moves twice, then switch partners.

Every Saturday night, my husband and I would head to the Gracia neighborhood, where these free salsa lessons were offered by various bars. They do ask that you buy a drink to dance, which I think is a win win. Taking salsa and bachata lessons was a huge highlight while living in Spain.

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is a hot spot that both tourists and locals alike love to visit. You can relax on your towel and dive into your favorite book, take a stroll along the ocean front or simply soak in the sun. Or you can grab a cocktail and enjoy some tapas overlooking the water. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive and unique wellness experience, consider playing a pick-up volleyball game. Here you can chat with locals, make some new friends, and learn some Spanish phrases, all while breaking a sweat and having some fun.

Visit the different Basilicas de Santa Maria

While Sagrada Familia and the Barcelona Cathedral having stunning architecture, consider visiting the lesser known Basilicas to bask in the Gothic style designs. This includes the Basilica de Santa Marie del Pi, which is located in the Gothic Quarter. While the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar is located in the Born Quarter. These smaller churches bring you a more intimate feel of the barrio you are in. They feature special artwork and striking architecture, and bring you closer to the ornate altars at the head of the church.

Carrer de Verdi

Career de Verdi is located in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Gracia. Gracia is known for its trendy ambiance, small-town vibes, features a charming plaza called Plaça de la Vila de Gracia, and has an abundance of enticing Barcelona restaurants.

This artsy street, Career de Verdi, encompasses each of these features of Gracia. This amiable path provides room for a delightful leisurely afternoon stroll showcasing unique shopping experiences and food.

Grab some tapas or enjoy some European dessert at La Besnéta, one of my favorite vegan dessert restaurants. Also, they serve decadent sweet carrot cakes to alluring desserts perfectly placed inside mini glass jars. Gluten-free cookies are available for purchase, but all other items need to be pre-ordered for a gluten-free diet.

Visit Montjuic Hill and the gardens

As a health-conscious traveler, Montjuic is probably one of my favorite wellness travel places in Barcelona to explore. With so many quality outdoor activities to do, I always feel a positive impact on my well-being. By immersing in the natural sensations this rocky hill provides—gigantic dark green trees, brightly blooming flowers with walking trails meandering through the green hillside, and calming fountains tantalizing the ear with pleasant water sounds. Not to mention, the serene intonations of the breathtaking botanical gardens also found atop of the hill such as:

• Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
• Jardí Botànic Històric
• Jardin Botànic Monjtuic.

Side Note: Montjuic Hill is also home to the Montjuic Castle, the Olympic stadium, and the Museum of Catalunya.  The Olympic Stadium is always free to visit, but the castle and museum prices vary. Both museums are free on Sunday after 3 pm.

La Rambla de Poble Nou

Found in the barrio Poble Nou lies another La Rambla. Similar to the La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter, this double wide street is jam packed with exquisite restaurants and small shops lined quietly along the bustling sidewalk. The La Rambla de Poble Nou is far less crowded than the other one and offers an intimate environment. With piquant and poignant flavors sweeping through the streets and crowded overhanging trees, this space provides a relaxing yet colorful haven for its guest.

One of my favorite places to soak up the ambiance is a vegan-friendly restaurant in Barcelona called Blu Bar. (They also have gluten-free food here as well!) The combination of the lights, the friendly service, and the outdoor seating created an enchantingly romantic feel that made the amazing food taste even better!

While you won’t be able to do everything, mix and match these activities to plan the ultimate itinerary to Barcelona, Spain, or plan your trip around one of the many festivals in Barcelona. But most importantly, enjoy your trip, and leave wiggle room for a little spontaneity along the way!

Side note: Not sure of where to stay in Barcelona? Here’s a list of the top-recommended hotels and hostels to stay at while visiting the gorgeous city of Barcelona. Each are personally recommended by other travel bloggers.