FREE THINGS TO DO IN Barcelona

The weird and wonderful buildings which Antoni Gaudí left behind in Barcelona are a feature you can’t afford to miss. They stand as unique symbols of a fascinatingly creative mind. A guide on a free walking tour will be able to tell you much more about the history, design and uses of these eccentric buildings.

One such tour is operated by the Discover Walks company, meeting at Metro Passeig de Gràcia in front of Casa Battl, one of Gaudí’s great works with its undulating lines. The tour takes about one hour and forty minutes. It takes in all of Gaudí’s notable and often controversial creations, including La Pedrera (link), ending near his great unfinished masterpiece, the church of Sagrada Familia (link).

A free tour is the best way to take in the architectural legacy of the city as fashioned by one of its most intriguing residents. There is no booking required - just show up.

Translated as the Gothic Quarter, this neighbourhood which stretches from Las Ramblas to the seafront makes for an atmospheric place in which to take a stroll. This was the city centre in days gone past, and the architecture goes right back to Roman times, including the remains of the old city wall which can be seen at Avinguda de la Catedral (where you will also find the Catedral de Santa Eulalia (link)) and Carrer de la Pala among other places. Where the two main streets of Carrer del Bisbe and Carrer Llibreteria converge, you will find the Roman temple of Augustus.

You are transported to another time as you wander through the narrow winding streets and old squares. This feeling is enhanced by the area being closed to most regular traffic.

There is a diversity of interesting shops and cafes where local treats can be found. The best thing to do in the Gothic Quarter is relax, enjoy the ambience, and see what you find.

One of the most popular and famous attractions in Barcelona, Park Güell stands as a living, breathing monument to the wild imagination of Antoni Gaudí. It was laid out by the artist between 1900-14 as a commission for Count Eusebi Güell. Gaudí lived here from 1906-26 in a house which now functions as a museum to him.

Although it seems whimsical, the park actually includes many well thought-out and utilitarian design features. Consider the intricately designed serpent bench, said to be the longest in the world. It looks beautiful, being composed of a mosaic of thousands of broken crockery pieces, but allows for private conversation with its winding shape.

Another highlight is the large, colourful salamander at the entrance steps, and the market space under the bench’s terrace, with its large columns and pretty mosaic ceiling tiles. Gaudí intended this as a gathering place for the city. Elsewhere, you will find columns which mimic palm trees. From of the top of the park, you can see the whole of Barcelona, including the bay.

Often referred to as La Boqueria, this colourful food market has a diverse range of goods and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s easy to get to, being located just off Las Ramblas (link) near the Liceu opera house (link).

Just walking around La Boqueria is a treat for the senses. You’ll find an amazing range of fruit, meats, cheeses, seafood and many more. There’s even more exotic fare on offer, such as beetles and worms.

The market has a rich history. It’s thought the Boqueria name derives from boc (goat), a meat that was sold here as early as 1217, while Sant Josep derives from a convent that once occupied the site. The current iron framework enclosing the market, with its ornate stained-glass shield over the entrance, was built in 1914.

La Boqueria is noted for the freshness of its produce, leading to its status as Barcelona’s premier food market. You can also eat on the go while visiting, at one of the tapas bars that are dotted around.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, to give it its full title, makes for an imposing sight with its soaring towers and gargoyles. Constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries, the impressive neo-Gothic facade was not actually added until the late 19th century (completed in 1913), although these were based on original 15th century plans.

It is dedicated to Eulalia, one of the patron saints of Barcelona, a young virgin who became a martyr after being exposed in a public square; a magical snowfall concealed her nudity, but the Romans then put her in a barrel, stuck knives into it and rolled it down the street. She is entombed in the cathedral’s crypt.

An interesting feature is the Chapel of Christ of Lepanto, containing a cross that was on board a ship that fought at the Battle of Lepanto.

The cloister courtyard houses thirteen white geese, one for each year of Eulalia’s life.

This hill to the southwest of the city makes for a pleasant place to spend a day. There are many attractions on the hill, some of which, such as the Spanish Village (link), are a legacy from the 1929 International Exhibition held here.

You can enjoy many things for free on Montjuïc, not least of which are the panoramic views over the harbour below, and the spectacular Magic Fountain in front of the Palau Nacional, now housing the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Try to come at night when both the fountain and palace are beautifully illuminated.

There is also the CaixaForum art gallery, opened in 2002 in a former factory, itself an Art Nouveau architectural gem. There are many interesting temporary exhibitions on subjects like painters and film-makers, as well as permanent fixtures including a major art collection including such luminaries as Dali, Turner and Hogarth, and there are also activities on offer for kids.

Castle Montjuïc, which requires an entrance fee, has some interesting history and still features some big gun installations.

This park, popular with locals and tourists alike, is located near the old town and provides a peaceful respite from the busy hubbub of the city. A wide variety of attractive features can be found here, including the lake and the ornate Cascada fountain (reputed to have been partially built by a young Antoni Gaudí), a children’s playground, a couple of museums, and perhaps most notably, Barcelona Zoo (link).

You can also take part in activities in the park; boating on the lake, cycling and jogging.

Although it was opened in 1877, the park’s origins go back to 1714, when Philip V built a citadel (from which we derive the name Ciutadella) in the area in the shape of a five-pointed star, after he won the War of Succession. Much of the old Ribera neighbourhood was razed to make way for the widely hated fortress, which was demolished in the late 19th century, leaving just three buildings in the newly formed park: the chapel, the Governor’s Palace and the Arsenal, now home to the Catalan Parliament.

This large flea market is a real mixed bag, with some great treasures to be had if you’re ready to do a bit of rummaging. Books, furniture, shoes, records, clothes, toys and instruments are among the wealth of goods on offer. It takes some dedication if you want to find a genuine antique, as something genuinely valuable could be hidden under a pile of videos.

Dating back to the 14th century, it has a nostalgic charm all of its own - hence the name, which literally means Market of Charms in Catalan.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, antique auctions are held from 7-9am, so if you really want to grab a bargain it’s worth getting there early. Alternatively, there is the midday auction, when all unsold goods drop dramatically in price - but don’t get there too late after this, as the stalls will start to pack up for lunch in the early afternoon.

One of the most popular and well-known beaches in Barcelona, this beach which bears the same name as its neighbourhood boasts more than 1100m of golden sands. Relax and soak up some rays, or take part in some beach volleyball or gymnastics using the well-equipped sports facilities.

Barceloneta itself is a buzzing neighbourhood with an array of restaurants and nightclubs along the beach boardwalk. Enjoy some tapas or freshly-caught fish in this traditional fishing area.

The beach also has a literary history as it is thought to be the setting for the showdown between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon in Cervantes’ classic novel.

A fun and quirky feature of the beach is its sculptures, particularly Rebecca Horn’s L’Estel Ferit (The Wooden Shooting Star), four industrial-looking cubes seemingly balanced precariously in a stack. It’s thought these are a homage to the xiringuitos, small cuboid bars and restaurants which used to line the beach but were removed prior to the 1992 Olympics, having become dilapidated.

The most famous street in Barcelona and indeed one of the most famous in the world, Las Ramblas is a vibrant, thriving centre of cultural and commercial life in Barcelona. Actually comprised of a series of shorter streets, hence the plural name, along its 1.2km tree-flanked length you can find markets selling flowers and pets, the Liceu opera house (link) and an arts centre. Naturally, there is also an abundance of tourist shops to cater to the many visitors that walk the fully pedestrianised street.

Las Ramblas ends as a wooden walkway leading into the port, where you will find the Aquarium (link) among other attractions.

There are many street performers on Las Ramblas including human statues, and a colourful mosaic created by famed painter Joan Mir.

As with any crowded area, Las Ramblas can be frequented by pickpockets, and the southernmost end becomes rather seedy during night hours. However, if you keep these things in mind it shouldn’t detract from your enjoyment of this wonderful street.