Top 10 free things to do in Barcelona

Modernist architecture
Barcelona is the birthplace and cradle of Catalan modernism from the late-19th and early-20thcentury, and modernist architecture can be seen all over the city. Its main exponent was Antoni Gaud,
designer of Park Gell - the jewel in Barcelona's modernist crown. The city recently introduced a 7
entry fee for the park, but you can still see some of his masterpieces from the outside: Casa Batll and
La Pedrera are both spectacular examples. Check out the Modernism Routewebsite for details on
where to find buildings not just by Gaud but also by other key modernis t architects, such as Llus
Domnech i Montaner (who designed thePalau de la Msica Catalana) and Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Gothic kuarter

Strolling around the old city, and especially the Gothic quarter next to the popular La Rambla is a
great way to get a feel for the town. Every corner is full of history and, from the old Jewish quarter, el
Call, to the secluded medieval alleyways that define the neighbourhood, youll find charming little
squares, streets or patios in many buildings that are open to the public, such as thehistorical archive of
the city or the Roman Temple of Augustus. Squares not to miss are Plaa del Rei and Plaa Sant Felip
Neri, a hauntingly silent spot with an emblematic fountain and church, in the walls of which can be
seen the scars of heavy bombing from the Spanish civil war.

City beaches

The crammed beaches of Barcelona can be anything but relaxing in the summer months
hence the locals preference for quieter nearby seaside resorts likeSitges (a short train ride
away) or, to the north, the spectacular Costa Brava. However, the citys beaches are great for
an urgent dip. The popular Barceloneta and Sant Sebasti beaches have a curious mix of
locals and tourists, and both are next to the old fishermans quarter, which is worth exploring
for its cafes and bars. On the other side of the Olympic Port, it's a bit quieter and there's a
nudist section in Mar Bella.

Outdoor film screenings and gigs

Barcelona has the perfect weather for watching outdoor movies and, not surprisingly, a few film
festivals have popped up over the past few years. Among the free offerings is the Cinema Lliure, which
shows independent films on Sant Sebasti beach on Thursday and Sunday evenings. The Centre of
Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB) programmes its own festival, Gandules, showing short
films and documentaries for free in its courtyard. And, for a free and intimate taste of local music, go
to the gardens of the University of Barcelona on selected July evenings.

Santa Maria del Mar

The church of Santa Maria del Mar, built in the 14th century, deserves an article in its own right as one
of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals ever built. While Barcelona's cathedral was the centre of the
old city, this church became the main building of what was then the new part of the city, next to the
sea, in which a nucleus of merchants and shipowners settled. The speed at which the new church was
built 55 years - was an incredible feat at a time when most churches took longer than a century to
construct, and makes it a rare example of pure Gothic architecture. Do visit the cathedral as well, but
the unique harmony and elegance of this church's interior will take your breath away.

Late-summer festival

One of the best local experiences is a neighbourhood festival, and they're mostly held at the end of the
summer. Barcelona's own festival, La Merc the name of the city's patron saint takes place in late
September and comprises more than 600 events, including gigs all over the city and all kinds of
cultural attractions, from the typical castells (human towers) to correfocs (fire-running), fireworks,
and processions of gegants (massive papier-mch figures hollowed out and carried by local
organisations). The Grcia neighbourhood throws the most spectacular street parties, and runs a
competition for the best-decorated street, with outlandish themes ranging from urban forests to outer
space.