The 5 Best Free Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona gives away more than it charges for: a temple on the highest hill in the city, a market that has fed it for centuries, a forest behind it and four kilometres of beach.

The 5 most popular of 6 free picks our hosts recommend — viewpoints, markets, hiking trails and the stretches of sand locals actually swim at.

Temple of the sacred heart of Jesus

Temple of the sacred heart of Jesus (3/4)

Temple of the sacred heart of Jesus (4/4)

Price No entrance fee

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an imposing church located at the top of the Tibidabo mountain, and designed by the architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia.

At the top of the temple stands an imposing bronze statue of Jesus Christ, which is more than 20 meters high and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is much more than just a church, it is an iconic symbol of Barcelona and a place of architectural beauty, spirituality and reflection.

La Boqueria market

Price No entrance fee

The first of Barcelona's municipal markets, inaugurated in 1840, constitutes the true soul of the city with its more than 300 stalls.

To ensure you don't miss out in such a field of flavors, we recommend several of the most outstanding bars.

In Pinotxo, specialized in traditional tapas, its cap i pota (tripe), snails (in season) and Spanish omelette are highly recommended.

At El Quim de la Boquería don't miss the eggs with squid, the oriental style bacon and its delicious oxtail.

If you prefer high cuisine at reasonable prices, you can opt for Casa Guinart with its sautéed seasonal mushrooms, truffled veal cannelloni or flambéed langoustine.

So much flavor, aroma and color in the stalls of La Boqueria market!

Hiking in Collserola

You have the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city thanks to the Collserola Natural Park, a mountainous massif that extends through the western part of Barcelona.

If you feel like hiking, it offers routes with incredible landscapes such as: the Path of the Carretera de les Aigües, the Path of the Font Groga or the Path of the Green Route.

In this natural park you will find La Torre Negra, a medieval defense tower from the 12th century.

Another symbol of this park is a monumental stone pine over 230 years old and 23 meters high, the Pino de Xandri.

Don't forget to wear good shoes and stay hydrated at all times!

Whether to spend the day with family or friends, this is a magnificent option for nature lovers.

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Barcelona free tour

Meeting point Corner of Bergara street with Plaza de Catalunya
Duration 2h
Language Spanish
Price Free of charge

This activity is not to be missed! Learn about the historic streets of Barcelona, where you will learn about the architectural and cultural richness of this city, for free.

At the specified time, you will meet and start a walking tour of Barcelona.

In this free tour you will be able to see, the following must-sees of Barcelona, among many others:

Gothic Quarter: Walk through its narrow cobblestone streets and discover its charm.
Barcelona Cathedral: Contemplate the Gothic majesty of the Barcelona Cathedral, an icon of the city for centuries.
Church of Santa Águeda: Admire its beauty and history, a small hidden treasure in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Palau de la Generalitat: Discover the imposing architecture and political importance of the Palau de la Generalitat, seat of the Catalan government.
Plaça de Catalunya: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle and vitality of this square, the meeting point of urban life.

Finally, after 2 enjoyable hours of sightseeing, this free tour will conclude at the Fosa de las Moreras.

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Beaches in Barcelona

Barcelona is famous not only for its rich history and stunning architecture, but also for its beautiful beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean coast.

Barceloneta is the most famous and lively beach, where you can find a wide variety of bars and restaurants.

Bogatell beach is ideal for those who are looking for a quieter and more familiar atmosphere.

Nova Icaria beach is perfect for water sports such as beach volleyball and windsurfing. It also has facilities for people with reduced mobility.

Mar Bella beach is known for being one of the most naturist beaches in Barcelona, popular among young people.

Sant Sebastià beach is located near the port, offering stunning views of the city. Perfect for a morning stroll along the shore.

Enjoy the sun, sea and sand without spending a euro on these beaches!