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Free Time in Barcelona
Barcelona:
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Free time in Barcelona? Take a look at the suggested activities below to add even more to your tour experience. Please note that these recommendations are separate from your included EF tour activities. Opening times, availability and fees for these free time activities may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to change. Please check listed websites for details.
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Museums:
Carrer de Montcada, El Born; Metro L4 (Jaume I) or L1 (Arc de Triomf). Open Tues-Sun 9am-8pm, closed Mondays.
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One of Barcelona’s most visited museums, this extensive collection houses over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso, with a particular focus on his early years and his relationship with Barcelona. Housed in five adjoining medieval palaces, the museum is an essential stop for lovers of modern art. Entrance fee applies, though some free hours are available Thursdays 6-9pm and the first Sunday of each month.
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Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Palau Nacional, Montjuïc; Metro L1 or L3 to Espanya. Open Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-3pm, closed Mondays.
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Housed in the impressive Palau Nacional on Montjuïc hill, MNAC boasts one of Europe’s most important Romanesque art collections, along with Gothic, Renaissance, and Modernist works. The building’s terrace also offers one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona. Entrance fee applies, free Saturdays after 3pm and first Sunday of the month.
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Parc de Montjuïc; Metro L2 or L3 to Paral·lel + Funicular to Montjuïc. Open Tues-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
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Dedicated to the life and works of Joan Miró, the museum presents a vibrant collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and drawings. Its architecture is just as striking, designed by Josep Lluís Sert to complement Miró’s creative spirit. Entrance fee applies.
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Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)
Plaça del Rei, Gothic Quarter; Metro L4 to Jaume I. Open Tues-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-8pm, closed Mondays.
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This museum is built over the ruins of Roman Barcino, with underground passageways where you can walk through the remnants of ancient streets, houses, and wine-making facilities. Above ground, explore the medieval Palau Reial. Entrance fee applies, free Sundays after 3pm and first Sunday of the month.
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Only in Barcelona:
Carrer de Mallorca, Eixample; Metro L2 or L5 to Sagrada Família. Open daily 9am-8pm (hours vary seasonally).
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Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. The basilica, under construction since 1882, is a stunning blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Inside, Gaudí’s genius shines in the forest-like columns and dazzling stained glass. Entrance fee applies.
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Carrer d’Olot, Gràcia; Metro L3 to Lesseps. Open daily 9:30am-7:30pm (longer summer hours).
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A whimsical park designed by Gaudí featuring colorful mosaics, serpentine benches, and fairy-tale architecture. The Monumental Zone requires a ticket, but parts of the park remain free and open to the public. Entrance fee applies to main area.
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Plaça de Carles Buïgas; Metro L1 or L3 to Espanya. Evening shows Thurs-Sat (spring and summer), Fri-Sat (autumn and winter).
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A spectacular water, light, and music show at the base of Montjuïc. First unveiled in 1929, the fountain dazzles visitors with choreographed performances set to classical and modern music. Free admission.
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La Boqueria Market (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria)
La Rambla 91; Metro L3 to Liceu. Open Mon-Sat 8am-8:30pm.
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A feast for the senses, this bustling market offers fresh produce, seafood, meats, sweets, and tapas bars. It’s an essential Barcelona experience, whether you’re shopping for local delicacies or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere. Free to enter, pay for what you taste.
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Fun Activities:
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Parc de Montjuïc; Metro L2 or L3 to Paral·lel + Funicular. Open daily 10am-6pm (longer in summer).
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Take the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle and enjoy spectacular views of the city and harbor. At the top, explore gardens, museums, and historic fortifications. Entrance fee applies to cable car and castle.
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Camp Nou Experience (FC Barcelona Stadium Tour)
Carrer d’Arístides Maillol; Metro L3 to Les Corts. Open daily 10am-6pm (longer in summer).
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A must for football fans. Explore the legendary stadium, visit the changing rooms, press area, and walk onto the pitch. The tour also includes the FC Barcelona museum, packed with trophies and memorabilia. Entrance fee applies.
Metro L4 to Barceloneta. Open access, all year.
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Barcelona’s most famous beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying tapas and drinks at nearby chiringuitos (beach bars). A lively atmosphere day and night, with volleyball courts, cycle paths, and street performers. Free.
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Foods to Try:
Perhaps the best known dish in Spanish cuisine, paella is a saffron-infused rice dish originating in Valencia which takes its name from the wide, shallow pan used to cook it over an open fire.
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Small shared plates such as patatas bravas, croquettes, and jamón ibérico. Try hopping between bars for a true local experience.
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Crema Catalana
Catalonia’s answer to crème brûlée, this dessert features caramelized sugar over creamy custard flavored with citrus and cinnamon.
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Churros con Chocolate
A type of fried dough featured in both Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, Churros are made with choux pastry dough piped into hot oil from a piping bag with a large, closed star tip. Churros are often served with a thick, rich cup of hot chocolate for dipping.​​
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Shopping:
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La Rambla
Metro L3 to Liceu or Drassanes. Open daily, most shops 10am-8pm.
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The most famous boulevard in Barcelona, lined with shops, flower stalls, street performers, and cafés. Great for souvenirs and people-watching, though be mindful of crowds and pickpockets.
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Passeig de Gràcia
Metro L2, L3, or L4 to Passeig de Gràcia. Shops open daily 10am-8pm, closed Sundays.
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Barcelona’s premier shopping street, home to luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and Gaudí landmarks like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.​
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Great Walks:
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Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
Metro L3 to Liceu or Jaume I.
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Wander the labyrinthine medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, filled with hidden squares, Roman ruins, and Gothic churches. Don’t miss Plaça Reial and the ancient Roman walls.
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Passeig de Gràcia
Metro L4 to Barceloneta.
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A scenic seaside promenade that runs from Barceloneta Beach toward Port Olímpic. Perfect for a relaxed stroll, cycling, or enjoying a seafood meal overlooking the sea.​
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Churches:
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Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia)
Plaça de la Seu, Gothic Quarter; Metro L4 to Jaume I. Open daily 8am-7:30pm.
A stunning Gothic cathedral dedicated to Barcelona’s patron saint, Santa Eulàlia. Highlights include the cloister with its white geese, beautiful chapels, and rooftop views. Entrance fee applies during tourist hours, free in the mornings and evenings.
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Plaça de Santa Maria, El Born; Metro L4 to Jaume I. Open daily 9am-8:30pm.
Known as the “Cathedral of the Sea,” this 14th-century basilica is a jewel of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its soaring columns and serene interior make it a favorite among locals. Free entry, small fee for tower access.
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