We’ve brought you a list of the can’t miss free activities in Barcelona, ideal for when you’re in town on a budget or just fancy enjoying the simple things. Let’s go:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Picnic at Parc de la Ciutadella
With the imposing Arc del Triomf presiding over the entrance, Ciutadella is an oasis in the heart of Barcelona that has large wooded areas, gardens and a lake where you can take a pleasant boat trip. Likewise, you can admire a large number of sculptures, monuments and other artistic pieces such as the famous life-size stone mammoth, the Castell dels Tres Dragons by Domènech i Montaner, or the monumental waterfall, in the design of which Gaudí also participated, or the Umbracle and the Hivernacle for lovers of botany. The park was the scene of the Barcelona Universal Exhibition in 1888 and currently houses the zoo and the Parliament of Catalonia.
Passeig de Picasso, 21
Parc de Joan Miró
If you don’t feel like shelling out 10 euros for a ticket to the Fundació Joan Miró, you’ll be pleased to know that many areas of Barcelona are home to art installations by the famous Spanish artist. Located 3 kilometers northwest of the museum, the Joan Miró park houses his sculpture Woman and Bird, made of vitrified tiles and which reaches an impressive height of 22 meters. The central promenade of La Rambla houses another important masterpiece by Miró, a mosaic floor.
Carrer d’Aragó, 2
La Font Màgica
La Font Màgica consists of a set of fountains and illuminated ponds with colorful lights and music, located in Plaça de Carles Buïgas. Built in 1929, this circular fountain attracts many tourists, mostly families with small children, thanks to its nightly spectacle of water, light and sound. It’s a great way to enjoy the evening.
Plaça de Carles Buïgas, 1
The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is probably the most picturesque in Barcelona. The cobbled streets and medieval buildings will enhance your exploration. Thanks to the shops and restaurants set up in the public squares, you can spend the whole day there without getting bored. Vibrant and colorful frescoes adorn the facades of many buildings in the district, creating a contrast between modern and traditional atmospheres. You can take the metro to Jaume I station and head to Barcelona’s iconic Cathedral of the Holy Cross, before heading southeast to Plaça Reial, a public square home to kitschy cafes and restaurants, tapas bars.
Plaça Reial, 9
Parque del Laberinto de Horta
This discovery in Horta is one of the largest labyrinths in Spain. If you like mazes, take advantage of this place, because it is worth putting together a Sunday plan and going to this park to get lost in the maze. It’s great fun, we assure you you’ll be able to throw yourself around for a long time trying to get out. That said, it is a perfect activity to do in Barcelona.
The Parque del Laberinto de Horta is said to be the oldest garden in all of Barcelona, in what was once the estate of the Desvalls family circa 1794. In the park you will find an 18th century neoclassical garden and a 19th century romantic garden. The park also has sculptures, ponds, waterfalls and a super romantic atmosphere. But come for the maze, which is what you’ll tell everyone about afterwards. You can have a race to see who gets out first!
La Manzana de la Discordia
The one known as La Manzana de la Discordia, located between Aragó and Consell de Cent streets, brings together on a single facade three of the masterpieces of the main architects of Catalan modernism: the Casa Lleó Morera work of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Ametller by Joan Puig i Cadafalch and Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí.
Three buildings that have rivaled each other in beauty since their construction, the nickname Block of Discord was born from the healthy rivalry that existed between their creators. Together, they form a veritable open-air architectural museum in the heart of Barcelona. In addition, visiting the Manzana de la Discordia will also allow you to see Passeig de Gràcia, one of the main shopping centers in Barcelona.
Passeig de Gràcia, 41
La Rambla
La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street, one of its main thoroughfares and a must-see for any first-time visitor to the city. You can start by admiring the Mirador de Colón, next to the port. A magnificent set of sculptures dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who chose the port of Barcelona to disembark after his trip to America and which includes a belvedere to contemplate Barcelona from 60 meters high.
From here you will start an exciting journey where you will find beautiful kiosks selling flowers and local products, ice cream parlors, centuries-old shops, souvenir shops, street artists and an incessant human tide that fills it with life. If you get hungry along the way, you can regain your strength at Mercat de la Boqueria, one of Europe’s most important food markets, where you will find everything from typical local products to exotic delicacies from practically all parts of the world.
So feel free to enjoy theses free activities and locations in Barcelona during your stay and make sure to book our Historical eBike Tour to learn fun facts from the cities history!
