Map of Barcelona Museums with Free Entry for La Mercè

Celebrated this year from September 20th to 24th, the La Mercè festival program is packed with things to do and see. The streets will be filled with fire-breathing dragons, capgrossos (big heads), esbarts (traditional dance groups), bastoners (stick dancers), trabucaires (ancient armed bandits) and gegants (giants). The central parade, la calvacada de la Mercè on September 24th is a spectacle for the whole family. Effigies of kings, queens and other courtly figures spin and dance through the streets, towering above the crowds. Measuring up to four meters high, the gegants parade is a sight not to be missed. Then, you can set your sights even higher as the castellers build their dizzyingly tall human towers up to 10 levels high!

But if all the festivities of La Mercè get to be a bit too much, why not take a culture break? Many of the city’s museums observe the holiday with a jornada de portes obertes (open doors). Check out our interactive map above with all the locations that are throwing open their doors for free. You should note that because these visits are so popular, a number of locations either require or recommend that you reserve your ticket in advance so you're not left waiting in long lines or get stuck without a ticket.

Open Doors for La Mercè

Discounted Tickets

  • Barcelona Aquàrium September 20-24, 2024, 10:00-20:00. There is a €5 discount on adult and children’s tickets if you mention the “Promoció Mercè.”
  • Casa Museu Amatller, September 20-24, 2024. Get 50% off guided tours given in English at 10:00 daily. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
  • Mirador Torre Glòries September 21-24, 2024. Tickets are half price and must be purchased in advance. 

What to Do for La Mercè

Check out our Guide to La Mercè for a list of the festival's events and discover the story behind one of the biggest celebrations on Barcelona's calendar and the many traditions that make this beloved Catalan holiday so special.