Beyond the bullfights and football matches, there is plenty to see and do in Barcelona, and many of these things can be done on a budget too. We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your buck, and ideas for your itinerary that won’t break the bank.
The June holidays are over which means it’s time to start planning for your travels in September. Whether you’re looking for a nice travel destination for your family, or going on a budget-friendly tour around Europe, Barcelona is a great stop with a mix of city life, arts, history, culture, and beautiful architecture.
With this budget guide, you’ll be able to see all that Barcelona has to offer without breaking the bank. For greater savings, be sure to check out YouTrip Perks for cashback and discounts on our partner websites while booking your flights, activities, and accommodations! Now, let’s begin 👇
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🚨 Europe Travel Update:
As of 2024, travellers from Singapore heading to Spain and other European countries will have to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) in order to enter the country. Once successful, the Etias electronic visa waiver will be valid for three years and grants you entry into the 26 countries in the Schengen Area. It costs €7 (~S$10) to apply, and applications typically take about 96 hours to be processed, so if you’re planning a trip to Europe next year, be sure to apply for the online document early to avoid complications.
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: More information on the Etias can be found here
10 Free Activities To Check Out In Barcelona:
1. Tibidabo — The Highest Point In Barcelona
Image Credits: Tricks and Tips
Get a spectacular view of Barcelona from the highest point in the city at Tibidabo. Besides the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart that sits right on top of the mountain, there is also the Tibidabo Amusement Park which was built in 1889 and still carries the charm of its day. Entry into the cathedral is free, but the elevator that takes you to the top costs €2 (~S$3) if you’d rather not climb multiple flights of stairs
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM (but the elevator to the top stops at 7 PM)
Address: Pl. del Tibidabo, 3, 4, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out Tibidabo’s website here
2. El Born Centre de Cultura i Memoria — Catalan Archaeological Site
Image credits: Time Out
Go back in time and experience Barcelona in the 1700s at the El Born Culture and Memory Centre. Besides the well-preserved buildings from the era, you can explore the market hall built in 1876, and explore the ancient ruins of buildings from Ciutat del Born that were destroyed after the Spanish War of Succession in 1714. While entrance to the cultural and memorial centre is free, you can join a tour of the place at just €4 (~S$5.90) per person.
Opening Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 8 PM
Address: Plaça Comercial, 12, Barcelona, Spain
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out the El Born Centre De Cultura i Memoria here
3. Parc de la Ciutadella — Barcelona’s Largest Park
Image credits: Shutterstock
Right next to El Born is Parc de la Ciutadella, marked by the Modernista Arc de Triomf located within the park. Beyond the luscious greenery that makes it an ideal spot for a stroll or for a picnic, there’s plenty to see and experience in Barcelona’s largest and most popular park. Enjoy the street performances, a beautiful waterfall designed by Gaudi, a boating lake, and for the history buffs out there — the Catalan Parliament Building.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out Parc de la Ciutadella here
4. La Barceloneta
Image credits: Grums Hotel & Spa
There’s no better way to spend a nice summer day than out by the beach in La Barceloneta. It’s a seaside neighbourhood that boasts beautiful beaches, stunning architecture and some of the best tapas. La Barceloneta comprises four beaches — Sant Sebastia, the main beach Barceloneta, Sant Miquel, and Somorrostro.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 16, 08003
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out La Barceloneta here
5. Barcelona Olympic Park
Image credits: OK Apartment Barcelona
One of the main events that put Barcelona on the map was the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The Olympic Park still exists and has notable monuments like the main Barcelona Olympic Stadium (home to Barcelona FC from now till 2024), the Telecommunications Tower, and the Palau Sant Jordi. Entrance to the stadium is free, and there is also the Olympic and Sports Museum right by the stadium with an entrance fee of €5.80 (~S$8.60).
Opening Hours of the Olympic Stadium: 6 AM – 10 PM (in summer) and 6 AM – 8 PM (in winter)
Address: Passeig Olímpic, 15-17, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out the Barcelona Olympic Park here
6. Mercat de la Boqueria
Image credits: Eater
Also known as the Mercat de San Josep, this market is arguably the most popular market in all of Barcelona. It is built on a former monastery and is home to over 300 food stalls selling things from fresh produce, to seafood, sweets and more. The market has its origins dating back to the 13th century, with historical documents confirming the presence of meat stalls on Pla de la Boqueria back in 1217. If you’re looking to go on a food tour in Barcelona, you should consider going on a guided tour around this market.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM – 8:30 PM
Address: Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, check out Mercat de la Boqueria here.
7. The Picasso Museum
Image credits: Fundació Museu Picasso
The Picasso Museum is home to more than 4,000 pieces of art from the Spanish artist. There are paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures illustrated books and more to appreciate, and you can also learn more about his formative years, like how his hearing loss and dyslexia influenced his art. Tickets are priced at €15 (~S$22.30), but entry is free on Thursday afternoons from 5 PM onwards and on every first Sunday of the month. Be sure to head over early to get ahead of the queue!
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM (from Tuesday to Sunday)
Address: Museu Picasso de Barcelona Montcada, 15-23 – 08003
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: For more information, visit the Museu Picasso’s website here
8. The Gaudi Tour — Walking tour
Image credits: SANDEMANs NEW Europe
One of the distinct features of Barcelona is the amazing architecture by Antonio Gaudi, and no trip is complete without visiting the Sagrada Familia, an unfinished catholic church that has been in the making for over 100 years since 1882. On this tour, you will explore the works of Gaudi along the streets of Barcelona, and learn more about this architect that is known as the pioneer of modernism or Catalan Modernism.
Tour Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 3 PM (2.5 hours)
Meeting Point: Plaça Catalunya (across the street from the Apple Store)
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: Book your tour here.
9. The Gothic Quarter and Borne — Free walking tour
Image credits: Viator
There’s no better way to learn about a place than by going through its history and learning how it came to be. This tour around the old town of Barcelona will take you through almost 2000 years of history, from the Roman Barcino to the Middle Ages and then to Barcelona as it is today. Visit cathedrals, ancient remains, markets, the Jewish Quarter, and the different squares around Borne and the Gothic Quarter. While you are free to give any amount you deem fit, you’re recommended to give at least €10 (~S$14.90) for the tour.
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the tour schedule (lasts around 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Meeting Point: Plaça Nova, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: Book your tour of the Old Town here
10. Magic Fountain of Montjuic — Light Show
Image credits: Casa Vaganto
Wind down and end your day with a spectacular light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. The display involves lots of colours, light, music and water acrobatics that makes it feel almost magical and has been around for more than 90 years since 1929. Most of the shows begin after it gets dark, so a good time to be there is at twilight just as the sun begins to set. If you find yourself in Barcelona in September, the show gets even better with a fireworks display to mark the end of the La Merce Festival.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, but be sure to check for performance timings
Location: Plaça de Carles Buïgas, 1
YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Barcelona 2023: Check out the performance schedule here
Discover The Beauty Of Barcelona On A Budget
A holiday is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t stress out and don’t let the prices scare you away. There’s plenty to see and experience at a low cost in Barcelona. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out our guide on how to budget for your travels, and other budget travel guides to Japan and beyond!
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