The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is one of Europe’s finest tourist destinations – and one of the best ways to see it is on a guided city tour.
(Photo: City Sightseeing Ltd – Europe / Courtesy Viator)
Renowned for its world class art and architecture, characterised by its sprinkling of eye-catching modernist buildings and landmarks designed by Catalan designer Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona is a magical city to explore. And with its rich and illuminating past, learning more about its long-standing heritage as you make your way through the city can certainly add to the experience. We’ve picked out 7 of the best Barcelona city tours currently on offer.
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Discover the best of Barcelona on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose from a 1- or 2-day pass and enjoy your own itinerary as you traverse the city, learning about its various landmarks and places of interest courtesy of the onboard commentary. Hop on and off at any of more than 30 stops along two designated routes to see notable attractions such as La Sagrada Familia, the medieval Gothic Quarter, the colourful Las Ramblas, and more. Tickets also come with a coupon booklet with over 200 euros in discounts at attractions across the city. Buses depart from each stop regularly throughout the day. From €33 per person.
Walking tour with Montjuic Castle & Cable Car
(Photo: In Out Barcelona Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
This 3.5-hour walking tour starts by taking in some of the city’s most popular spots on foot, including the famous Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Palau Güel, and the multicultural district of Raval. Later, you’ll take the Montjuic funicular which offers breath-taking views as you gaze down on Barcelona’s iconic skyline. At the top, you’ll reach Montjuic Castle, where you’ll enjoy a private visit exclusively with your small group. Afterward, head back to the Old Town via the cable car to bring the tour to a close. From €49 per person.
Half-day Best of Barcelona Tour including Sagrada Familia
Ideal for those who are short on time, this half-day tour invites you to dive deep into Catalan modernism and explore the architectural riches of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, before feasting your eyes on one of the world’s most iconic churches, the Sagrada Familia. After meeting on La Rambla mid-morning, you’ll follow your guide as they show you around the atmospheric and visually arresting Gothic Quarter, showering you with facts and stories as you go. Later, you’ll benefit from skip-the-line tickets to the famously busy Sagrada Familia and enjoy a fully guided tour once inside. This small-group tour is limited to just 12 travellers. From €91 per person.
The Beauty of Barcelona by Bike Tour
Explore Barcelona with the wind in your hair on this private 2.5-hour bike tour. Take in the views as you and your select group of up to six family or friends bike through the city and its surroundings in a safe and fun way, while listening to entertaining stories at every stop along the way courtesy of your local guide. As well as some of the city’s main spots you’ll also venture off the beaten track to enjoy the green spaces and scenic routes that lie outside of the centre. The tour can be 100% personalised to your group’s preferences and wishes. From €45 per person.
Barcelona’s Dark History Night Tour in English
(Photo: Runner Bean Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Every city has its murky underbelly and Barcelona is no different. On this 2-hour tour by twilight, you’ll relive the dark legends of Barcelona as you stroll the maze of streets of the historic El Born and La Ribera districts, following the shadows of medieval punishments, restless spirits and the victims of the Spanish Inquisition. There’ll be no gimmicky paranormal activity or scary pranks – but rather real life facts to leave you spooked. The tour takes place in English only, with precise times varying throughout the year, depending on the season. From €18 per person.
Gothic Walking Tour
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is one of the city’s most enchanting districts and this 2-hour tour presents the chance to explore its streets, squares, hidden corners and hundred-year-old buildings in the company of an expert guide. Discover the charms of its architecture, which bears witness to the splendor of the city during the Middle Ages, and admire the remains of the old walled city of Barcelona, plus the columns of a Roman temple, the Cathedral, and ancient palaces of kings and bishops, as your guide regales you with fascinating tales and facts about the area. From €25 per person.
Segway Sightseeing Tour
(Photo: Euro Segway / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
See both old and new Barcelona on this 2-hour Segway tour. Following a short training session on the easy-to-operate, self-balancing vehicles, you’ll start by riding along the seafront promenade from the Gothic Quarter. Ride under the palm trees of Passeig de Colom, and see the statue of Christopher Columbus at the bottom of Las Ramblas. Next, discover the urban art of Sant Sebastià beach, full of street entertainers and sun worshippers. Admire the yachts and sail boats of the Old Port, pass the former fishing village of Barceloneta. En route back to the meeting point, admire some of the hi-tech buildings and skyscrapers that are keeping Barcelona vibrant for the 21st century. From €45 per person.