Barcelona has dozens of museums around the city. From musical instruments to local artists on display, you can get lost in the rich history and unique Spanish culture. Many of the museums offer free entry days, making it even easier to explore the rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank. With a little planning, and perhaps some strategy on your days in Barcelona, you can maximize your experience.
When I first arrived in Barcelona, I heard about free entry days for museums but had a hard time finding the information. I have tried to compile here some of my favorite museums that offer free entry, making your trip planning even easier.
Barcelona Free Museum Entry on the First Sunday of the Month
Picasso Museum offers open days on the first Sundays of the month, but advanced reservations are required. Tickets go online the preceding Monday at 10 am. It can be very crowded, so try to get an early reservation. Plan to spend an hour exploring the museum.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) offers free entry on the first Sundays of the month, with advanced timed entry reservations. Remember, the museum closes at 3 pm on Sundays, so plan accordingly. I’d suggest 2-3 hours to see all the pieces and really enjoy the architecture of the building. Don’t forget to head to the rooftop (enter from the right side of the café in the atrium). The 360-degree views are spectacular.
Museum of Music offers free entry for all on the first Sunday of the month, as well as every Sunday from 3 pm. While this is a small museum and can be done in 30 minutes, I’d suggest getting a free audio guide at the front desk for more details about the wonderful instruments on display.
Museu Etnologic - There are permanent and temporary exhibits at the Montcada and Parc Montjuic venues. The museum offers free admission every Sunday from 3-7:30 pm, with free entry from 10 am on the first Sunday of the month. I arrived at the Montcada location in el Born neighborhood at 2:55 pm and they had me wait for the full 5 minutes, claiming they couldn’t print a free ticket until 3 pm. Spain, am I right?!
Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) – This museum is actual a dozen different spaces around the city. Explore the history of Barcelona with free entry on the first Sunday of each month from 10 to 2 pm. You can also visit the sites on the 3rd Sunday of each month for a nominal fee of €2.
Museum of Natural Sciences (Botanical Garden) – Currently due to slope improvements, the gardens are closed to the public. Please check the website before your visit to see if the gardens have reopened. You can enter the Botanical Gardens on the first Sunday of every month for free or at 3 pm on other Sundays.
Palau Guell – This mansion designed by Antoni Gaudi offers open days on the first Sundays of the month, though reservations are required. Tickets go online the preceding Thursday at entrades.palauguell.cat
Free entry on other days to Barcelona museums
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) – This museum also offers free entry every Saturday starting at 3 pm with advanced reservations. Enjoy the sunset on the rooftop with 360 degree views of the city of Barcelona. The palace’s regal architecture overlooks the famous Montjuic fountain (the Magic Fountain of Barcelona). Closed on Mondays.
Museo de Arte Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) – Every Saturday, starting at 4 pm, the Modern Art Museum offers free entry to all exhibitions with advanced tickets. Timed entry is required and can be booked online. Closed Tuesdays. It also sits next to the CCCB (Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona), which offers revolving exhibitions of photography, cinema and more.
Museum of Music – Every Thursday from 6-9 pm, the Museum of Music offers free entry. Be sure to grab a free audio guide at the entrance as it helps give great context and rich stories of the various instruments.
Picasso Museum – From October 14 to April 13, the museum offers free entry on Thursday afternoons from 4-7 pm. From April 15 to October 12, there is free entry on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-9 pm. Prior reservations for free entry is required with tickets posted online the same week at 10 am Monday.
Free Entry to Sagrada Familia
You can enter Sagrada Familia for free on two separate occasions for mass. They offer international mass on Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday mornings at 9 am. You will need to arrive early to queue. In the winter, we lined up at 7:45 am for the Sunday service and were some of the last ones admitted. I would recommend at least 2 hours early during the summer if you plan to attend mass services. Please remember to dress accordingly. Mass usually last 1 hour, and you will be required to remain for the duration of the service.
Special Holidays in Barcelona
Many museums offer special free entry days. Check the museum’s website for specials on these days in particular:
Santa Eulalia (Feb 12)
Night of the Museum (May 13)
International Museum Day (May 18)
Catalan National Day (Sept 11)
Mare de Deu de la Merce Festival (Sept 24)
If you can’t arrange your time in Barcelona to visit a museum during a free entry day but still want to see the rich history and culture offered in the city, consider the Barcelona Card, the city’s official tourist card with free entry into almost every museum and free public transportation around Barcelona. Valid for 3 to 5 days. You can now take advantage of free museum days in Barcelona!
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