{"id":104810,"date":"2024-01-05T14:06:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T14:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/28-tips-on-sights-and-things-to-see-in-barcelona-map\/"},"modified":"2024-05-30T16:18:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T16:18:20","slug":"barcelona-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/en\/barcelona-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Things to do in Barcelona for FREE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. But it is also one of the most expensive. Still, it offers plenty of ways to enjoy Barcelona if you’re travelling on a budget. Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do in Barcelona for free. <\/p>\n\n

Things to Do in Barcelona for Free<\/h2>\n\n

1. Admire the exterior of the Sagrada Familia<\/h3>\n\n

Most famous cities have an icon for which tourists from all over the world flock. London<\/a> has Big Ben, Milan<\/a> has the Duomo, Amsterdam<\/a> has the canals, Pisa<\/a> has the Leaning Tower and Barcelona <\/a>has the Sagrada Fam\u00edlia, designed by Antoni Gaud\u00ed. <\/p>\n\n

Sagrada Familia<\/strong> Basilica<\/strong> in Barcelona<\/a> is monumental, unique and controversial at the same time. Few monuments evoke such strong emotions. The English writer George Orwell described it as “hideous”, Salvador Dali as “a terrifying and poisonous beauty”. <\/p>\n\n

\"Sagrada<\/a>
Facade of the Passion, Sagrada Familia Barcelona<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Although the interior of the basilica is beautiful, the exterior alone will take your breath away. With so many intricate details, it will take time to see everything. <\/p>\n\n

The facade of the Sagrada Familia is incredible. You’ll find plenty of Christian symbols here, as Gaud\u00ed’s intention was to build the last great shrine to Christianity. The basilica was to tell the story of Jesus and represent a huge bible.<\/p>\n\n

Sagrada Familia<\/strong> has 3 completely different and unique facades, each symbolizing a different stage in the life of Jesus Christ. On the east (by the park with the pond, where the main entrance is currently) is the facade of the Nativity of the Lord. It is the most ornate and the most representative of Gaud\u00ed. It was completed first and has 4 towers, which symbolize the apostles.<\/p>\n\n

\"façade
facade of the Nativity of the Lord<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

To the west (near the second park) is the facade of the Passion, which is dedicated to the crucifixion of Jesus and human sin.<\/p>\n\n

The third fa\u00e7ade is called the Fa\u00e7ade of Glory and tells of Jesus’ glory and journey to God. It’s not finished yet, but it should be most monumental. Having seen how breathtaking the completed facades are, we can’t imagine how monumental the facade of Glory can be when it is finished. Once the work is complete, the facade of the Glory will form the main frontage as it offers direct access to the central nave.<\/p>\n\n

\"facade
the facade of Glory is not yet finished<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

2. Walk along Passeig de Gracia<\/h3>\n\n

Passeig de Gracia<\/strong> is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona<\/a>. A wide avenue lined with trees and elegant houses, home to luxury boutiques and five-star hotels. You’ll start at Plaza Catalunya in the city centre, which is also the starting point for La Rambla and other major streets including Passeig de Gracia. <\/p>\n\n

Stay a while, sit down and watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Around the square are 6 sculptures representing the 4 Catalan capitals, wisdom and work.<\/p>\n\n

\"Plaza<\/a>
Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Passeig de Gr\u00e0cia is home to two more of Gaud\u00ed’s masterpieces – Casa Batll\u00f3 and Casa Mil\u00e0 (La Pedrera). Both houses are known for their unique design and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as is the Sagrada Familia<\/a>). Their interior is unique, but the exterior is definitely worth seeing too. <\/p>\n\n

Casa Batll\u00f3<\/strong> will win you over with its undulating fa\u00e7ade, mosaic glass, ceramic panels, bone-shaped stone columns and a roof symbolizing the back of a dragon. The window openings act as eyelets and the balconies as protruding jaws. Ceramic tiles change colour according to the angle of view and light. <\/p>\n\n

\"Park<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Next door is Casa Amatller<\/strong>, another beautiful modernist house designed by architect Josef Puig for chocolate industrialist Antoni Amatller. <\/p>\n\n

\"casa<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Cross the street and continue on to Casa Mil\u00e0, located just a few minutes from Casa Batll\u00f3. <\/p>\n\n

Casa Mil\u00e0,<\/strong> also known as “La Pedrera” (The Stone Quarry), is another of Antoni Gaud\u00ed’s important works and one of the most characteristic buildings in Barcelona. The building is known for its undulating facade inspired by Mount Montserrat and its roof terrace, which features surreal chimney towers. <\/p>\n\n

\"casa<\/figure>\n\n

Gaud\u00ed designed Casa Mil\u00e0 without any straight lines, making it a great example of Gaud\u00ed’s natural style, inspired by nature. <\/p>\n\n

\u261e Check out the description and itinerary map of how to spend 4 days in Barcelona<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

3. Get lost in the alleys of the Gothic Quarter<\/h3>\n\n

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)<\/strong> is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Barcelona. It is completely different from the Eixample district, which is crossed by Passeig de Gracia. <\/p>\n\n

The Barri Gotic was formerly surrounded by city walls and was the heart of the city during Roman rule and later in the Middle Ages. The Gothic Quarter is characterised by its narrow cobbled streets and many historic corners that take you back in time. You can just walk around and enjoy. <\/p>\n\n

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\"barri<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"barri<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

In addition, there are several attractions that you should not miss during your wanderings around the Barri Gotic in Barcelona:<\/p>\n\n

Wall painting Kiss of Freedom<\/h4>\n\n

The mural Kiss of Freedom<\/strong> was created in 2014 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Catalan surrender in the Spanish War of Succession. At first glance, you see a kiss, but as you get closer, you recognize the thousands of little squares on which the locals have depicted what freedom means to them. <\/p>\n\n

\"Barcelona<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

The painting is located a short walk from Barcelona Cathedral, tucked away behind the garden of a local restaurant. <\/p>\n\n

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Barcelona Cathedral<\/h4>\n\n

The Gothic Quarter is dominated by Barcelona Cathedral<\/strong>, the seat of the Archbishop, from which the cathedral takes its name. <\/p>\n\n

Construction of Barcelona Cathedral began in the 4th century and continued intermittently until the 13th century. As a result, it mixes several styles, ranging from paleo-Christian foundations, Romanesque elements and Gothic facade to modernist and Renaissance stained glass. The exterior is so impressive that it is definitely among the best things to do in Barcelona for free. <\/p>\n\n

\"barcelona<\/figure>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a de Sant Felip Neri<\/h4>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a de Sant Felip Neri<\/strong> is a small square that will hit you. To get here, take the narrow alley from the cathedral – walk along the right side of the cathedral and turn right until you reach a small square with a baroque church.<\/p>\n\n

On the walls you will see the remains of the Civil War bombs that killed dozens of people (mostly children who sought refuge here).<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a del Rei<\/h4>\n\n

A narrow alley leads behind the cathedral, where you turn left towards Pla\u00e7a del Rei<\/strong>. On the square is the MUHBA, or Barcelona History Museum, where you can go underground as part of your tour.<\/p>\n\n

\"barri<\/figure>\n\n

El Pond del Bisbe<\/h4>\n\n

From Pla\u00e7a del Rei, go back behind the cathedral and follow the narrow streets to El Pont del Bisbe bridge<\/strong>, which connects the 2 buildings on Carrer del Bisbe. The alley leads to the open-air Pla\u00e7a de Sant Jaume,<\/strong> home to the Catalan government and Barcelona City Hall.<\/p>\n\n

\"El<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a Reial<\/h4>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a Reial<\/strong> is another beautiful square in the Barri Gotic, which translates to Royal Square<\/em>. It is famous for its neoclassical columns and arches and, in the centre, the fountain of the Three Graces with 2 lanterns designed by Gaud\u00ed.<\/p>\n\n

\"Plaça<\/figure>\n\n

4. Relax on the beach <\/h3>\n\n

If you want to relax and enjoy the sun, be sure to visit one of the beaches that were created for the 1992 Olympic Games. <\/p>\n\n

Barcelona has great city beaches that are free to access. Some may not be the cleanest and with the whitest sand, but generally they are of a good standard. <\/p>\n\n

\"barcelona
La Barcelonata \/ Beaches in Barcelona<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The easiest beach to reach is La Barcelonata<\/strong>, which is also the most visited. For families with children, the beaches of Nova Ic\u00e0ria or Bogatell,<\/strong> a little further away, are ideal, as they are less crowded and the sand is finer. <\/p>\n\n

The beaches are alive late into the evening. Locals and tourists alike sit in the sand, play volleyball or stroll along the promenade. <\/p>\n\n

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\"barcelona<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"barcelona<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Parc de la Ciutadella<\/h3>\n\n

The Arc de Triomf<\/strong> is one of the most beautiful sights to visit in Barcelona<\/a>. The Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona is different from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris<\/a> or other cities – it is made of red bricks. Take a closer look and you will see reliefs about agriculture, art and trade.<\/p>\n\n

\"triumphal<\/figure>\n\n

Arc de Triomf is located in the city centre and is the gateway to the popular Parc de la Ciutadella and, on the other side, to the modern part of Barcelona. <\/p>\n\n

Parc de la Ciutadella<\/strong> is the ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Stroll around, watch street artists and admire the beautiful buildings, including the Catalan Parliament.<\/p>\n\n

As you enter the park, you will see the beautiful Castell dels Tres Dragons building on your right. Turn left and after a few minutes you will reach the famous Baroque fountain designed by Josep Fontser\u00e9 and Mestr\u00e8s with the young Gaudi.<\/p>\n\n

\"Parc<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

6. Climb the Montj\u00fcic hill<\/h3>\n\n

The Monj\u00fcic hill<\/strong> hides many interesting places and is an ideal place for a walk with views of the city. <\/strong>You can reach the top by cable car (it is not part of Barcelona’s public transport – see this article<\/a> for more information about the cable car) or on foot (expect about 25-30 minutes from Plaza Espa\u00f1a). <\/p>\n\n

\"montjuic<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

The northern slopes are occupied by terraces, fountains and neoclassical buildings from the 1929 International Exhibition. <\/p>\n\n

Montju\u00efc is also home to the Olympic Stadium, two major art galleries – the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (Museum of Catalan and Romanesque Art) and the Fundaci\u00f3 Joan Mir\u00f3 (Museum of Modern Art), and the Montj\u00fcic Fortress (paid). Learn more about Montj\u00fcic here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

\"MNAC<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

At the foot of Montj\u00fcic is the Magic Fountain, where a magnificent show of colour takes place every evening. Normally this is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for free. However, there is currently no performance due to water shortages (valid from 2023 – watch the official website<\/a> for updates). <\/p>\n\n

\"Magic<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

7. Take a look at Pla\u00e7a d’Espanya<\/h3>\n\n

Pla\u00e7a d’Espanya,<\/strong> or Spanish Square, is one of the most important and largest squares in Barcelona. It was built for the 1929 World’s Fair and is an important transport hub of the city with a large roundabout and a fountain in the centre. <\/p>\n\n

\"View<\/a>
View of Pla\u00e7a d’Espanya from the Arenas de Barcelona – the Venetian towers and Montju\u00efc behind them<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

While you’re here, don’t miss the rooftop view of the Arenas de Barcelona, which was originally used as a bullring. Today it serves as a shopping centre. The viewpoint can be reached by an outdoor lift for a small fee or for free through the interior of the shopping centre. <\/p>\n\n

\"View<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

In front of the square are two important Venice-style<\/a> towers, which are the entrance to the Montju\u00efc area – through the towers you can reach the Magic Fountain and the National Museum of Catalan Art. <\/p>\n\n

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8. Enjoy the view of Barcelona<\/h3>\n\n

Thanks to its rugged terrain, Barcelona offers great views of the city and the sea that lines the coast. One of these places is Montj\u00fcic, which was mentioned a moment ago. The view from here is mainly of the coast. <\/p>\n\n

Bunkers del Carmel<\/h4>\n\n

Another place is Bunkers del Carmel<\/strong>, where young Catalans go to drink and watch the sunset. From here, you’ll have Barcelona in the palm of your hand. If you wait for sunset, you won’t go wrong. <\/p>\n\n

\"Bunkers<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

These are former bunkers used during the Spanish Civil War. This is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for free. <\/p>\n\n

Just keep in mind that the locals don’t like to see tourists here as much (like some other places in Barcelona), so it’s better to blend in and enjoy the atmosphere of the place. <\/p>\n\n

Getting to Bunkers del Carmel:<\/strong> The nearest metro station is Alfons X (line L4), which stops about 20 minutes away. After that you will climb uphill. If you want to shorten the climb, you can take bus 119 almost under the bunkers. <\/p>\n\n

Park G\u00fcell<\/h4>\n\n

Another place with a view is Park G\u00fcell<\/strong>, where you have to pay to enter, but tickets are well priced considering the popularity of the park. There are long queues for Park G\u00fcell and a limited number of tickets – book your tickets in advance.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

\"Park<\/a>
Park G\u00fcell, Barcelona<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Tibidabo<\/h4>\n\n

If you want to enjoy Barcelona like the palm of your hand, Tibidabo is the best place to go. You just need more time to get here. Especially if you are travelling on a budget and plan to use regular tickets. <\/p>\n\n

At the top of Tibidabo there is an amusement park and, above all, a magnificent neo-Gothic church that consists of two churches on top of each other. Entrance to the church is free, but if you would like to go up to the Jesus statue, there is a \u20ac5 charge for the lift. <\/p>\n\n

\"Tibidabo<\/a><\/figure>\n\n
\"Tibidabo<\/a><\/figure>\n\n
How to get to Tibidabo<\/h5>\n\n