1. Free museums on Sundays
Some city-run museums (including the Museu Picasso, MUHBA) are free on Sunday afternoons, from 3pm to 8pm. Others are also free on one given day of the month, often the first Wednesday or Sunday – check individual websites for details.
2. Time your visit for a festival
If you’re here late September don’t miss the five-day Festes de la Mercè, which brings the city to life with free concerts, dancing, fireworks, acrobatic feats and lively correfocs (colourful parades of drums, devils and firecrackers). Or try the summer extravaganza Festa Major de Gràcia, best known for its competition of decorated streets, but with a packed programme of free outdoor concerts.
6. Bask on a beach
Barcelona has some wonderful beaches perfect for resting aching feet after days of sightseeing. Barceloneta is the most popular, with its lovely sweep of golden sand and promenade backed with restaurants. For something less crowded, walk further north towards the Fòrum area.
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 