BARCELONA FOR FREE
1. Beaches
Barcelona boasts 10 beaches, stretching for over 4.5 km (3 miles) along the coast. Between Easter and October they are dotted with xiringuitos selling drinks and snacks, and have lifeguards, sun lounger rental and even a beach library.
Relaxing on a Barcelona beach
2. Sunday Afternoons at City Museums
www.bcn.cat/museus/diumengestarda
All city-run museums are free at least one afternoon a month, usually the first Saturday or Sunday of the month, and several, including the Museu de Catalunya, Museu del Disseny, Centre de Cultura Contemporánea de Barcelona (CCCB), Museu de la Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) and Museu Blau (main site of the Museu de Ciències Naturals), are free Sunday afternoon from 3pm. A full list of these can be found on the Barcelona Turisme website.
3. Font Màgica
The Magic Fountain (see Font Màgica) thrills with its wonderful sound and light shows, a balletic synchronicity of light and water. Multicoloured jets of water leap to different soundtracks and soar in elegant rows all the way up to MNAC on the hill behind. The programme, ranging from classical to Disney tunes, is on the Barcelona Turisme website. The Piromusical, a huge firework, music and laser show that is Festes de la Mercè’s closing event, also takes place here.
4. Música als Parcs
City parks host free summer concerts during the annual Música als Parcs programme. Musicians from around the world perform jazz, classical and contemporary music. The Parc de la Ciutadella is the main venue, but several other parks are involved. Check the Barcelona Turisme website for full listings.
5. La Capella
C/Hospital 56 • Opening times vary, check website • lacapella.bcn.cat
The chapel at the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu (see La Capella) has been converted into a fantastic art space hosting exhibitions of contemporary works by up-and-coming artists. It offers free guided tours in Spanish and Catalan at 6pm on Saturdays.
6. Festes
Every neighbourhood has its own festa major (various dates, Jun–Sep), ranging from the bacchanalian romp in Gràcia to the more modest celebrations of Poble Sec. You’ll see various Catalan traditions, from castells (human towers) to correfocs (fire-running) – and all for free. One of the biggest festivals is the Festes de la Mercè .
Fireworks at the Festes de la Mercè
7. Jardí Botànic Històric
Av dels Muntanyans • Open 10am–6pm daily (to 7pm in summer) • Adm • museuciencies.cat
The wonderful Historic Botanic Gardens, hidden away down a gully behind the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, are well worth the effort of seeking out. The pretty winding paths, shaded by centuries-old trees, are an excellent place for escaping the summer heat.
8. Carretera de les Aigües
Running along the side of the Collserola park (see Parc de Collserola), this path is popular with mountain-bikers, runners and walkers, and offers spectacular views across the city and out to sea. Getting there is fun too: take the FGC train to Peu de la Funicular, then ride the funicular halfway up, to the carretera stop.
Miró mosaic, Boqueria Market
9. Street Art
The streets are filled with art by world-famous artists including Botero’s Cat on the Rambla del Raval; Lichtenstein’s Head of Barcelona and Mariscal’s Gambrinus at the port; Gehry’s glittering Fish by the sea; and Miró’s Woman and Bird in the Parc de Joan Miró and mosaic at the Mercat de la Boqueria.
10. Open House Barcelona
Peek into private homes, exciting new buildings and historic monuments during the city’s annual Open House weekend. Many buildings not usually open to the public can be visited, including the Arc de Triomf and the Ateneu cultural centre.
TOP 10 BUDGET TIPS
1. Pack a picnic of tasty local produce and head to the Montjuïc parks (the Parc Jacint Mossen Cinto with its lily ponds and shady nooks is a particular favourite) or to the beaches to dine for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
The Montjuïc parks
2. If you know you’re going to be visiting a lot of museums and using the public transport system, invest in the Barcelona Card, which starts at €40.50 for 72 hours.
3. The Art Ticket, which allows entry to six major art museums for €30 is an excellent deal for culture buffs.
4. Many nightclubs offer free entry if you arrive early (before midnight).
5. Several theatres and cinemas offer reduced prices on Dia del Espectador, usually Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, or for the day’s first performance (usually around 4pm).
6. At weekday lunchtimes, many restaurants serve a good-value menú del migdia with two or three courses, a glass of wine and perhaps a coffee.
7. The best travel option is the T-10, a multiperson travel card valid for 10 journeys in zones 1 to 6 and the airport train.
8. Some university residences, such as the Residència Àgora BCN and the Residència Erasmus, offer cheap beds during the summer break.
9. For fashion bargains, hit the outlet stores on Carrer Girona, near the Gran Via. Brands include Mango, Etxart & Panno and Nice Things.
10. All products offered by Barcelona’s tourist service, from the Bus Turístic to walking tours, are sold at a discount (usually 10 percent) in their online shop.
