One of the most difficult things about traveling is finding the money to do everything you want to do and see everything you want to see. However, many beautiful (and some under the radar) places in Barcelona offer you the option to visit for free! Here, I have compiled a list of places I have either been to already, or plan to visit this semester.
1. Parc Guell
Parc Guell is a park designed by the famous Spanish architect, Antoni GaudÃ, in honor of Count Eusebi Guell. Its construction started in 1900 and took 14 years to finish. It was opened to the public in 1926, and today, costs 10€ for general admission. However, there is a free portion that can be accessed throughout the entire day that goes around the park. Still want the same views as everybody else who pays 10€ to get in? Get to the park before 8am, and you get free access into the park. The day I went with my roommate Kylie, we got to watch the sunrise over Barcelona from the top of the park. Getting up early was definitely worth it!
2. Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella is almost centrally located in the city of Barcelona. Entrance is ALWAYS free! There is a pond where you can rent a paddle boat (€6-€10), or just stroll around and feed the ducks. If you keep walking, you will find the main attraction of the park: the Cascada Monumental, a 19th century fountain and monument dedicated to the goddess Venus. If you head northeast out of the park, you will hit a plaza that is home to the Arc de Triomf (ALWAYS FREE!!!), and if you head southwest, you will find the entrance to the Barcelona Zoo (€21 for adults).
3. Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum charges an inexpensive entrance fee on regular days. However, if you're looking to get in for free, reserve your tickets online for the first Sunday of the month. The museum also offers free entrance (by reservation) every Thursday night between 6pm and 9:30pm.
4. Búnkers del Carmel
The Bunkers are a great spot to hike to if you want a pleasant, unobstructed view of the city of Barcelona. It is also the perfect place for a picnic! It's always free to go up there, but make sure not to disturb the residents who live nearby.
5. Jardà Botanic
The Barcelona Botanical Garden is free the first Sunday of each month, and all other Sundays after 3pm. However, entrance fees during the weekdays are less than €4. If you want to tour the museum of natural sciences as well as the gardens, total cost is €5.
6. Tibidabo
The panoramic views Tibidabo has to offer are breathtaking -- and free! On one side of the mount, you see the green lung of Collserola, on the other, you see the city of Barcelona (and beyond) spread out beneath you. Entrance into the Cathedral del Sagrat Cor is also free, but you have the option of paying €2 to take an elevator to the viewing platform at the very top. There is also an amusement park which you have to pay for (the cheapest price being €2 for a single ride of your choice between the ferris wheel or the carousel). You can choose to hike to the top, take a bus, take the funicular (cable car), or a combination of all three transportation modes - hiking being the only free one. Whichever way you choose to get there, the views are well worth it.
