Is Barcelona expensive? Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and one of Europe’s most popular and, as such, most busy cities. Its bustling avenues provide plenty of attractions while those who prefer swimming and frying themselves are treated to beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. All this splendour means that Barcelona really has no need to be a cheap city – and, indeed, it is far from one.
The most popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia, the paid part of Park Güell, the Casa Mila and the Casa Batllo all cost approximately €100 per person each. So, if you still want to see Barcelona but don’t actually own three mansions, what can you do in Barcelona for cheap or absolutely free?
Cheap sightseeing in Barcelona
What to see in Barcelona for free?
Covid? Inflation? B-word? I mean, yes. It’s been a lot.
But you can still have a nice holiday in Barcelona on a tight budget, we promise. Here’s our list of the best cheap/free Barcelona attractions.
Parc de la Ciutadella
The oldest park in Barcelona (with a very nice fountain)
Barcelona is sometimes referred to as the ‘green city’ because it has almost 70 parks. Parc de la Ciutadella is the oldest one, and with a phenomenal fountain as well. An ideal place to escape the hustle of the city and hide from the heat in the shade of the trees. Its name refers to the citadel that once stood there. The park includes:
- a museum and a zoo
- Font de la Cascada – a cascade designed by Gaudí
- Arc de Triomphe
Residents love to play sports there, go for walks or just sit with a book.
Apart from them, you’ll also have the company of the bunch of parrots that live in the park.
Tibidabo Hill
What to see in Barcelona?
Tibidabo Hill rises 512 metres above sea level and is one of the most popular viewpoints of Barcelona, and not surprisingly so. At the top of the hill sits the Church of Sagrat Cor (The Church of the Sacred Heart), which, in good weather, is visible from the centre of Barcelona.
There’s also one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, which has been going since 1905. It’s a great attraction for both children and big adults alike, though we didn’t include it as a separate entry because there is a fee.
La Boqueria
Barcelona’s market square
The most popular city market in the whole of Barcelona. You can find the best cheeses and sausages here, as well as general good quality meat products. Of greatest interest to tourists are the equally stacked pyramids of exotic fruit, as well as the takeaway cups of sliced fruit and juices priced at €2. This is quite a busy place for visitors, so prices can be a bit steep. But seeing the market costs you whooping nothing and buying a little something won’t crush your wallet.
Additionally, a little tip: in the evening, about 30 minutes before closing time, vendors sell out juices at promotional prices. You can often get a bargain of up to €1 for two juices, so make use of it.
Bunkers del Carmel
Viewpoints in Barcelona
In 1938, anti-aircraft cannons were installed to protect the city. A few years ago, the bunkers became part of the Museu d’Història de Barcelona and you can visit the army pavilion, the officers’ pavilion and the command centre.
Nowadays, it is one of the more popular vantage points in the city, especially for young people, who often come here in the evening to sit with a cold drink and watch the city from above.
Park Güell
Park designed by Gaudí
One of the most beautiful parks in the world, recognised by UNESCO in 1984. The park was created at the beginning of the 20th century and was initiated by Gaudí’s friend, Eusebi Güell. He had a dream to create a ‘garden city’ and when he saw Gaudí’s work, he invited him to join his project.
The garden designed by Antonio Gaudí is about 20 hectares large – so quite extensive. You can walk around the Forest Zone (Zona Forestal) and the Monumental Zone (The Monumental Zone) free of charge. Fees are associated with a visit to the Regulated Zone.
If you want to consider whether you can fit it in your budget, see the Park Güell prices.
La Rambla
Barcelona’s main promenade
Though there doesn’t seem to be a Barcelona Promenade Orchestra like there is for London, Barcelona also has its main promenade. La Rambla is a bustling street where life only calms down in the morning.
Just after waking up, it is worth coming over for a cup of coffee and to watch the bustle of shopkeepers as they slowly open up, like a spy peeping through the window.
Just off La Rambla is La Boqueria, so you can take a look at the market in the morning in search of fresh products. The street is very crowded during the day and especially so in the evening – you may want to watch out for pickpockets. In the massive thicket that the street becomes, you won’t even notice the thief.
Montjuïc Hill
Barcelona’s free attraction
This is a perfect place to go for a relaxing walk and admire the city panorama. You can get there by the Telefèric de Montjuïc train or on foot. Evenings are best for such a walk, as that’s when the fountain show starts under the Palau Nacional. After dark on weekends, the Font Magica is illuminated in different colours and a specially selected soundtrack is played. You can check the show schedule at https://www.barcelona-life.com/magic-fountain.
Apart from this, tourists usually start their tour with the Montjuïc Castle, which is located at the very top and offers the most beautiful view. Additionally, the Poble Espanyol open-air museum, or ‘the Spanish Town’, is an interesting place to visit. It is one of the largest open-air museum complexes. There, you will find the most characteristic architectural style for every region in Spain.
Picasso Museum
A highlight of Barcelona
This museum is open for free to visitors every first Sunday of the month as well as on some specific days: May 18 and September 24, as well as Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9:30pm.
Bear in mind, however, that this is a particularly attractive spot for tourists and so you have to be prepared to sit in very long queues. In the museum, you’ll see a collection of more than 4 000 works, a permanent exhibition. Quite a must-see for anyone remotely interested in Picasso.
La Barceloneta
A district near a beach
La Barceloneta is a small neighbourhood next to a beach. It offers cool pubs, bakeries with delicious bread and cafes. It may seem a tad plain, but its evenings have an unmatched atmosphere (and a free one at that).
And then there’s the beach itself, also equally charming. If you’ve got the weather for it, it does all that a beach does well.
The works of Gaudí
Walk in the literal footsteps of Gaudi
Although there are fees to enter places such as Casa Batllo, Casa Milla, etc., absolutely no one can stop you from seeing their exteriors for free. Sure, the interior work of Gaudi is magnificent, but he put just as much effort into the exteriors and it shows. Be sure to check out:
- Casa Batllo
- Casa Mila
- Sagrada Familia
- Casa Vicens
- Gaudi House
Check out the ticket prices for Sagrada Familia here.
Map of the cheap/free attractions in Barcelona
What can you see for free in Barcelona?
1) Parc de la Ciutadella
2) Tibidabo hill
3) La Boqueria market
4) El Carmel bunkers
5) Park Güell
6) La Rambla
7) Montjuïc hill
8) Picasso Museum
9) La Barceloneta
10) Sagrada Familia
11) Casa Batllo
12) Casa Mila
13) Casa Vicens
Though Barcelona is even better enjoyed when you have the cash for it, you can still do and see a lot without spending a penny. If exploring the city on foot is your style, you can save on transport too. Districts such as Barni Gotic, El Born and Gracia are so stunning with such unique atmospheres that you can immerse yourself in with no need for fancy ‘tourist attractions’. These typical ‘top attractions’ are mere statistical suggestions, and you can find your own Barcelona inside without them, whatever it may be.
It is best to give yourself a few days to explore, and you should bear in mind that you will not manage to see everything anyway. Set up a sensible and elaborate plan for what you want to see prior to minimise the chaos of doing it on the spot and have a wonderful holiday.
If you wish to read more about Barcelona, click here.
