When the weekend rolls around, the last thing you want to worry about is spending money. Luckily, there are so many fun and exciting things to do in Barcelona that cost little, or nothing! If you want to have a good time without breaking out your wallet, never fear. There are so many free things to do on the weekend in Barcelona that you will never have to spend a cent!
Take a Stroll Along the Beach
One surefire plan for the weekend in Barcelona is a stroll along the Passeig Marítim, a 5K-long seaside promenade. While the beach is most active during the warmer months, the Passeig Marítim is a hub of activity all year long. With paths for jogging, biking, and rollerblading, this is the perfect place to get in a nice workout. You can also walk along and take in views of the sparkling Mediterranean while browsing the small shops and bars that dot the promenade. There are several beach bars that are open all year where you can stop and get a drink, if you feel like splurging. Stretch your legs, get some sun, and check out one of the city’s most beautiful views at the Passeig Marítim!
Wander Parc de la Ciutadella
Easily Barcelona’s most popular green space, Parc de la Ciutadella is located near Arc de Triomf and and is an outdoor oasis to escape from the stresses of the city. The park is home to several monuments and attractions, like the iconic waterfall fountain designed by Antoni Gaudí. Nearby, there is a lake where you can rent boats for a small fee and paddle your way around the park. As you make your way around, you will see beautiful examples of architecture like the Castell dels Tres Dragons and the Hivernacle, or winter garden. The park is always alive with activity, including street performers, live music, Meetups, and those who want to relax and enjoy the park’s refuge. On the weekend in Barcelona, there’s no better place to be.
Browse the Food Markets
Barcelona has several neighborhood food markets where the locals love to shop for fresh ingredients, as well as eat tasty local food. The most famous market is La Boqueria, located on Las Ramblas in the heart of the city. This is a foodie’s dream come true, as you take in all the sights, smells, and sounds of an authentic Spanish market. Browsing is free, however, you might want to keep a few euros on hand for a snack! Many vendors in the market sell tapas or pinchos so you can sample their cuisine and enjoy authentic Spanish cooking. As La Boqueria can get quite crowded on the weekends, other great markets to visit are the Mercat de Santa Caterina and the Mercat del Ninot.
See more: Visit the Top 5 Works of Gaudí Architecture in Barcelona
Visit a Musuem
Every Sunday after 3 PM, all of Barcelona’s public museums are free! Even better, on the first Sunday of the month, the museums are open all day long at no charge. Some of the most popular museums are the Picasso Museum, Museu Blau, and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Since the museums are free, you can expect large crowds. Get there early to get your ticket and enjoy an afternoon of culture in Barcelona.
Explore Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches for more than one kilometer through the heart of Barcelona. This is an amazing place to discover on the weekend in Barcelona since it’s always buzzing with activity. Street performers, artisans, musicians, and artists call Las Ramblas home. This tree-lined street is a wide avenue lined with shops, restaurants, and museums, as well. Las Ramblas starts in Plaça Catalunya and ends at Port Vell, another beautiful place to explore (for free!). Las Ramblas is an absolute must on the weekend in Barcelona, since there is always something to see and do!
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