Fun and free in Barcelona

Too often lists of free things to do aren't that interesting or aren't truly free. While some of the ones in this article fit that description, by and large it's a good list.

Las Ramblas is a good place to start - in the daytime. Yes, it's the epitome of touristy, with hawkers and street performers trying to earn some euros, but it's also quite pretty. And the "human statues" seen there and elsewhere in Barcelona can be amazing. Here's one that startled us at the exit to Gaudi's Parc Guell:

There's lots to see and do on and near Las Ramblas, from the Boqueria market to the opera house. Just off the boulevard is the beautiful Placa Reial, where people of all ages congregate and you can enjoy lunch or dinner under an umbrella or inside.

The lamp post in Placa Reial was one of Antoni Gaudi's first commissions.

Another of this list's recommendations is to take in a free art museum, or to go at a time when admission is free. If your time and schedule don't allow that, check out Articket BCN, which offers multiple visits for one attractive price.

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without catching at least a glimpse of Gaudi's work. The exteriors alone are impressive - and free to gawk at. Below is a night shot of the facade of Casa Batllo on the Passeig de Gracia, also home to La Pedrera:

Both of those are open for tours, which are not free. We went through La Pedrera during a recent trip:

Inside looking out on the ground floor of La Pedrera.

As in much of Europe, churches are open at nearly all reasonable hours. The article mentions the cathedral and not far away is the starkly beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church, considered the finest example of Catalan Gothic architecture.

Then there are the beaches, which are wide and sandy - and manmade, so they lack much sea life. But the water's warm well into the fall and the sand is kept clean, partly by users inspired or shamed by signs like this:

Off the sand, there is a wide promenade, plenty of bars and restaurants, and room to just hang out:

By staying in an apartment, you can maximize your time in the places you most want to see and have a comfortable base from with to explore. To see examples of our apartment listings in Barcelona and Paris, visit www.likelivingthere.com