There is so much to see in Barcelona, but doing it all would be pretty pricey. This comprehensive guide includes free attractions, free days at museums, and money-saving tips should help you save money in Barcelona:

Tips & Tricks to Save Money in Barcelona:

Experience the Always-Free Attractions

• Montjuïc Park: This public park is huge and has a lot to offer: walk the Olympic Park where the 1992 games took place, relax in the “Greek” amphitheater, explore the cactus garden, and more.
• Font Màgica (Magic Fountain of Montjuïc): An evening light, water, and music show is free at the fountain almost year round. (Note: the fountain is closed in parts of January and February). Visit the city website for exact show schedule.
• Part of Park Güell: Access to the “Monumental Core” requires a ticket, but you can visit parts of Park Güell for free.
• Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: You can visit for free during regular business hours, but guided and rooftop tours require a ticket.
• Gaudí Building Exteriors: You can check out the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí just by viewing his buildings from the outside. Check out our post on Experiencing Gaudi in Barcelona for recommendations and more information.

Take Advantage of Free Days at Museums & Attractions

Many of the museums and attractions in Barcelona are free on the first Sunday of the month and on national holidays. Keep in mind these free times are usually very busy! Here is a list of the free times at some of the popular attractions:

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Free on Saturdays after 3pm, Free on the first Sunday of each month. Also free on May 18, Sept. 11, Sept. 24
• Museu Picasso: Free on Thursday afternoons from 6-9pm, Free on the First Sunday of each month from 9am to 7pm. Also free on Feb 12, May 18, Sept 24.
• Palau Güell: Free on the first Sunday of each month. Also free on May 21, April 23, Sept. 11, Sept. 24. Dec. 15. Free tickets are distributed in shifts; visit the official website for details.
• Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA): Free on Saturdays from 4-8pm.
• Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA): Free on the first Sunday of each month and on other Sundays from 3-8pm.
• Casa Vicens: Free on May 22.
• Museu de la Música: Free every Sunday from 3-7pm, Free on the first Sunday of each month from 10am-7pm. Also free on Feb. 10, May 18, June 21, Sept. 23, Sept. 24, and Nov. 22.
• Montjuïc Castle: Free on the first Sunday of each month and on other Sundays after 3pm.
• Museu Marítim de Barcelona: Free on Sundays after 3pm.
• Museu Blau (‘Blue Museum’): Free on the first Sunday of each month and on other Sundays after 3pm. Also free on Feb. 12, May 18, and Sept. 24. 
• Monastery of Pedralbes: Free on the first Sunday of each month. Also free on Feb. 17, May 3, May 18, and Sept. 24.
• Archeology Museum of Catalonia: Free on the last Tuesday of each month between October to June.
• National Museum of Science and Industry of Catalonia: Free on the first Sunday of each month. Also free on Apr. 23, May 18, the first Monday in July, and Sept. 11. 
• Joan Samaranch Olympic Museum: Free on May 18 and Sept. 24.

Book Attractions Online

You will save money at many of the sites by booking your tickets online before you go. Here is a look at some of the attractions that are discounted by purchasing online:

• La Pedrera – Casa Milà: Save €3 online
• Casa Batlló: Save €4 online
• La Sagrada Família: Save €5-6 online
• Casa Amatller: Save 15% online
• Camp Nou Tours (FC Barcelona): Save €3.50 online

Attend Mass at La Sagrada Familia

If buying a ticket to La Sagrada Familia is a little out of your price range (tickets range from €17-32), consider attending mass instead. An international mass is held every Sunday and on holy days of obligation at 9am.

Attending mass is free but seating is limited so you’ll need to get in line early. Entrance to the Basilica is on the Nativity façade, C/ Marina from 8:30 am until capacity is reached. Be sure to be respectful and dress appropriately!

Discounted Ticket at Casa Vicens

Can’t visit Casa Vicens on the free day and you’re on a budget? Consider visiting on Mondays from 10am-3pm when the admission is reduced. This was one of our very favorite spots in Barcelona and we highly recommend it!

Admire Outdoor Art

There are a variety of outdoor art pieces in Barcelona that can be viewed for free. Here are just a few of them:

• Woman and Bird: This sculpture by artist Joan Miró is located in Parc de Joan Miró near Playa de Espanya.
• The World Begings With Every Kiss: This mosaic wall art by artist Joan Fontcuberta is located on Plaça d’Isidre Nonell.
• Wounded Star: This sculpture is located on the beach of La Barceloneta.
• The Fat Cat: This sculpture by artist Fernando Botero is located on the Rambla del Raval.
• Mosaic del Pla de l’Os: This mosaic by artist Joan Miró is located on La Rambla near La Boquería Market.

Join a Free Walking Tour

Most cities offer a variety of free walking tours and Barcelona is no different. From Gothic Quarter tours to Gaudí tours, there is something for everyone. Make sure to book in advance as spaces are usually limited. It is common and courtesy to tip the guide on free walking tours.

Consider a Barcelona Discount Card

There are a variety of passes in Barcelona that can be purchased to get you free or reduced entry into a variety of attractions. Sometimes these can be very helpful, like when we used The London Pass on our honeymoon. However, you’ll want to carefully consider which attractions you most want to see and how much time you have before committing to a pass.

Some of the passes available in Barcelona are The Barcelona Pass, the Barcelona Card, the Barcelona City Pass, and the Turbopass Barcelona. There are several websites that compare the passes so check them out before you commit.

Need More Barcelona Inspiration?

Check out some of our other posts to help you plan your trip:

• Barcelona For Visitors with Limited Time
• Montserrat Monastery: A Day Trip from Barcelona
• Experiencing Gaudí in Barcelona