What to do in Barcelona for free

Barcelona is one of those cities that you absolutely have to visit. It has so much to offer: culture, sport, leisure, beaches, gastronomy and everything else you can think of. With OUIGO you can visit it as many times as you like, as our cheap train tickets allow you to travel at high speed for very little money.

Barcelona will seem even more wonderful when we tell you how you can enjoy the best of the city without spending a single euro. Let's go!

8 things to do in Barcelona for free!

Like any big city, Barcelona tempts you with multiple activities that can leave your pockets cold. That's why, now that we bring you the opportunity to get to Barcelona in a short time and for little money, we want to propose 8 ways to get to know it and have a great time without ruining your budget. If you don't have time to do it all, don't worry. With the OUIGO app on your mobile, you're just a few clicks away from coming back again and again.

Discover Montjuic and its Magic Fountain

The Plaza de España, one of the gateways to Montjuic Park, is very near Barcelona Sants station, the departure and arrival point for our trains. Located on the hill of the same name and overlooking the sea, its numerous gardens and natural scenery make it the green lung of the city, as well as an ideal destination for walking and sports. Don't miss the Mossèn Costa i Llobera gardens, which specialise in cacti, and the Laribal gardens, with their surprising waterfalls. Fancy a little excursion? Visit the Camí del Mar, a coastal path that runs along the walls of Montjuic Castle and offers incredible views of the city and the Mediterranean.

At night, don't miss the free show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. A marvellous combination of lights and water, accompanied by music, that offers an unforgettable experience.

Stroll along Las Ramblas

The 1.3-kilometre stroll, between Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Colón, are a must for anyone visiting Barcelona. No matter how many times you walk up and down the Ramblas, it always surprises you. Tourists, locals, artists, flower stalls, surprising architecture such as the Umbrella House, notable buildings such as the Liceu Theatre and even a mosaic by Joan Miró make up a unique mixture.

Refresh yourself at the famous Canaletas fountain, where legend has it that those who drink from its water will return to Barcelona and where football fans celebrate their triumphs.

La Boqueria market

Walking down Las Ramblas, don't miss the famous Boqueria market. Let yourself be enveloped by an explosion of bright colours and delicious tastes and smells as you browse the fruit, vegetable and gourmet food stalls - a delight for the senses!

The building of this very old market, which has existed as an open-air market since at least 1217, is also notable for its metal and glass structure, an exponent of Art Nouveau architecture

Let yourself be captivated by the magic of the Gothic Quarter

Visiting Barcelona's Gothic Quarter involves wandering among narrow streets, monuments, symbolic buildings and charming squares and traveling back in time. At the heart of the quarter we have the Cathedral and the Casa de l'Ardiaca, whose façade has a carved stone letterbox with sculpted swallows and a tortoise, a metaphor for the slowness of justice, which should be as swift as birds. Popular tradition has it that stroking the tortoise brings luck.

Flanking the Cathedral is Carrer del Bisbe and its famous bridge, which connects the palace of the Generalitat with the Casa dels Canonges. Under the arch of the bridge you can see a skull pierced by a dagger. Legend has it that if you walk backwards under the arch and make a wish, it will be granted.

End your stroll in one of the neighbourhood's squares, such as Santa Maria del Pi, where you'll find stalls of artisans and street painters.

End your stroll in one of the neighbourhood's squares, such as Santa Maria del Pi, where you'll find stalls of artisans and street painters.

Stroll around and admire the Sagrada Familia

Visiting the Sagrada Família from the outside is also worthwhile. A stroll around this basilica will not leave you indifferent. Admire the three façades of the church, dedicated to the Nativity, Passion and Glory of Jesus, and marvel at the geometric shapes and forms typical of Gaudí.

Next to the basilica is the avenue that bears the name of the brilliant architect, a walk with a French-style air that will take you to the magnificent modernist complex of the Sant Pau hospital.

Ciutadella Park: an urban oasis

This is Barcelona's largest park and also its oldest. Located in the Born neighbourhood, its 70 hectares full of green paths make it the city's other great green area, an ideal place for strolling, cycling or picnicking. It houses the Catalan Parliament building and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

Some of the most popular sites are the Monumental Waterfall, inspired by the famous Roman Trevi Fountain, and a lake, all framed by lush and varied vegetation with over a hundred species of trees.

Enjoy the beaches of Barcelona

Did you know that Barcelona is the only European city with beaches in its city centre? And the Mediterranean climate invites you to enjoy them for most of the year. Whenever you come, it's always a good time to visit one of the city's ten beaches, such as Barceloneta, one of the most traditional, or Mar Bella, which has a naturist area.

Serra de Collserola: Mediterranean nature

Don't leave the city without taking a trip to the Collserola mountain range. Located in the metropolitan area, the mountain range surrounds Barcelona and extends through four of its districts. With typical Mediterranean vegetation, it is home to the natural park of the same name, making it an ideal place for strolling and enjoying the views of the city surrounded by nature. It is easily accessible by public transport and has picnic areas and leisure spaces.

With OUIGO, Barcelona is closer than ever. Join the high speed of our trains from Tarragona, Zaragoza and Madrid and don't stop travelling!

With OUIGO, Barcelona is closer than ever. Join the high speed of our trains from Tarragona, Zaragoza and Madrid and don't stop travelling!