Places you can visit for free in Barcelona

• Sagrada Família
• Tibidabo
• Barrio Gótico
• Monestir Santa Maria de Montserrat
• Plaza España and Montjuïc
• Parc de la Ciutadella
• Parс del Laberint d’Horta
• Parс de Cervantes
• Palacio Real de Pedralbes
• Observation Area Turó de la Rovira

Amazing Barcelona offers you unforgettable experiences that will last as memories. In this city, every building is unique, every park has its soul, and every corner tells its own story.

Below, you can find a review of places you can visit for free.

Sagrada Família

Just as seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, one can’t imagine Barcelona without Sagrada Família (Sacred Family), a Roman Catholic church. The masterpiece of the world-famous architect, Antoni Gaudí, is breathtaking to behold. Sagrada Familía is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world. The first stone of its foundation was placed in 1882. It is estimated that the basilica’s construction will be completed in the first third of the 21st century. The landmark lies not far from the city center and can be reached easily by metro.

Tibidabo

“I give it to you,” said the Devil to Jesus pointing from the mountain where one could see all the beauty of the world. These words from the Gospel gave the name to this place.

You can visit Tibidabo during the day and enjoy the view of sun-lit Barcelona from a bird’s eye view. Another option is to come here at the end of the day to witness the magic of the sunset, when the last rays kiss the peaks of the adjacent mountains and spread their mysterious light over the city. Of course, if you are lucky enough to visit this place at night, you’ll never forget the breath-taking views of Barcelona illuminated with thousands of lights, embraced by the freshness of the mountain air.

Barrio Gótico

This neighborhood is one of the most intriguing places in Barcelona, with its numerous twisted narrow streets. Strolling through Barrio Gótico is like visiting a museum. Most buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries; the medieval spirit is present here even today. Many of Barecelona’s most famous landmarks are found in this area: Royal Square, St. Jaume Square, St. Cross Cathedral, the ruins of Octavian August’s palace, the ruins of the Roman wall, and more.

Monestir Santa Maria de Montserrat

Numerous fancy-shaped cliffs form the mountainous location of Monserrat. The cliffs’ shape is so amazing that some of them got their names based on their visual characteristics: “Bishop’s Belly,” “Mummy,” and “Elephant’s Trunk”.

You will never forget the view from the top of the mountain that is located 725 meters above the sea level. In order to visit this marvel that lies on the outskirts of Barcelona, 70 km away from the city center, it is not necessary to search for an excursion guide. One can see everything without any extra assistance—just take a train that departs from the Plaza España train station (metro stop Plaza España).

And that is not all: in this stunning place one can also visit a Benedictine monastery, a monastery cathedral, a museum where the monks’ works are displayed, and the most famous national shrine of Catalonia—the Black Virgin of Monserrat or “Moreneta,” as it is colloquially called by the locals).

Plaza España and Montjuïc

Upon emerging from the Plaza España metro stop, the first thing you’ll see will be the shopping center, Аrenas. In the past, intense bullfights took place here, but now the building has been transformed into a shopping center, although its façade has remained unchanged. When you enter Arenas, use the elevator to go up to the highest level, and you’ll find yourself in the panoramic area, where you can enjoy a stunning view of Barcelona, Montjuïc, and the National Museum of Catalan Arts.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Parc de la Ciutadella, the first municipal park of the city, is located just northeast of Barrio Gótico. For several decades, this park has served as a green island in the midst of the city. It’s a magical, picturesque place! Fountains, statues, monuments, palm trees, birds, a lake: it’s a realm of nature and tranquility. It’s possible to spend the whole day here. It is also possible to pay for a visit to the zoo or natural science museum or to have a romantic date by boat on the lake.

Parс del Laberint d’Horta

The park is located on the slope of one of the mountains of the Collserola range. Here, you can find unique plants, like African lilies, arbutus, irises, camellias, etc. The most stunning element of the park is the real labyrinth of cypress trees that is not easy to pass through. Apart from the gorgeous landscape of this amazing park, you will also see buildings in the neo-arabic style, numerous sculptures, and towers.

Parс de Cervantes

This park is also called the park of roses because of its almost two thousand flowers. We highly recommend visiting this park between May and July in order to fully enjoy the abundance of color and fragrance of these flowers. The roses are planted in groups, depending on the country of origin. Whether you come for a romantic date, for an afternoon conversation with friends or a solitary walk, you will enjoy inhaling the magical aroma of roses while relaxing without feeling the hurry of the city outside.

Palacio Real de Pedralbes

Pedralbes, a prestigious area of Barcelona, is located between the mountains Tibidabo and Montjuïc, at the end of Avenida Diagonal. In this area you’ll find one of the most beautiful places in the city—the garden of the magnificent Royal Palace Pedralbes.

To enjoy this place in Barcelona, you’ll have to pass through the garden, with its ponds, sculptures, waterfall, alleys of orange trees, palms, cedars, and other exotic plants, bamboo benches and fountains. One of the most notable fountains, the fountain of Hercules that was created by Antoni Gaudí, has a fascinating story to tell its visitors. Constructed in 1884, it was accidently discovered only 100 years later by the garden workers that were cleaning the park.

Observation Area Turó de la Rovira

Back in 1937, a bunker was constructed on the top of the small mountain, Turó de la Rovira. During the Spanish civil war, the soldiers could view the whole of Barcelona from this position. Thus, this bunker was considered the best and most important in the city.

Upon climbing to the highest point of the mountain, you will likely see both tourists and locals there, simply sitting, talking, and enjoying this unique view of Barcelona. You can join them too!