In a nutshell
- Want to take a guided tour in Barcelona but not sure which ones are actually worth it? We’ve rounded up nine Barcelona tours that we genuinely recommend — and if you still need a place to stay, our guide Where to Stay in Barcelona has you covered.
- Alongside classic city tours covering the top attractions, we also highlight more unique experiences with a special focus — like a Tapas Tour or a Catamaran Tour in Barcelona.
- All nine tours are conducted in English, so you’re good to go no matter where you’re from.
- Our personal favorite: the Paella Workshop with Boqueria Market Tour. The combination of a market visit, hands-on cooking class, and seriously good food is simply unbeatable.
Classic City Tours of Barcelona
There are some seriously great city tours in Barcelona that give you a perfect overview of the city’s most important highlights. We’ve picked out our four top favorites among the classic Barcelona tours.
Walking Tour of Barcelona's Old Town
What you’ll see: The most beautiful highlights of the Gothic Quarter, such as the Barcelona Cathedral and the Plaça Sant Felip Neri. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating facts and anecdotes about the city’s history and culture. A great foundation if you plan to visit one of the museums in Barcelona afterward.
What you need to know: You can book the tour as a small-group walking tour or as a private guided tour. The group tours run two hours; the private tours run three hours. All tours are conducted in English.
Is it worth it? This tour is especially worthwhile if it’s your first time in the city. You’ll get to know some of the most important places to visit in Barcelona and their history, and you’ll get a solid feel for how the city is laid out.
To the walking tour of Barcelona’s Old Town
Barcelona City Tour by Hop-on/Hop-off Bus
What you’ll see: all of the city’s top highlights — including the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s houses Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, the old harbor Port Vell, and much more. The bus tour also takes you to attractions that aren’t in the city center, such as Mount Tibidabo and Park Güell.
What you need to know: You choose between a 24-hour and a 48-hour ticket and can hop on and off as many times as you like during that time. On board, an audio guide provides interesting information about the sights. Our favorite operator is Bus Turístic.
Is it worth it? These guided tours are great for seeing a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Perfect if you’re only in Barcelona for a weekend or even just one day.
To the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour of Barcelona with Bus Turístic
All the info on Hop-on/Hop-off bus tours in Barcelona can be found here:
Bike Tour in Barcelona
What you’ll see: a whole lot of Barcelona’s must-sees. Highlights include the beachfront promenade and the hip El Born neighborhood, home to Barcelona’s largest city park, the Parc de la Ciutadella.
What you need to know: On this three-hour bike tour of Barcelona, you can choose between a standard bike or an e-bike. It’s available in English and takes place in a small group of no more than 14 people. The tour is also well suited for kids.
Is it worth it? A bike tour is perfect for exploring a large chunk of Barcelona’s city center and tons of highlights without much effort. And it’s a lot of fun, too.
To the bike tour of Barcelona’s highlights
Free Walking Tour in Barcelona: Gaudí & Modernisme
What you’ll see: the most significant works by Antoni Gaudí and other renowned architects of Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau). These include, for example, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Casa Amatller — and of course Gaudí’s absolute masterpiece: the Sagrada Família.
What you need to know: The 2.5-hour free walking tour of Barcelona is essentially free of charge. There’s no set price — instead, you give your guide a tip at the end in whatever amount you feel is appropriate — how great is that! The tour is available in English.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. In addition to fascinating stories about the buildings, you’ll also learn what makes Modernisme so special and why it plays such a major role in Barcelona. You’ll only see the buildings from the outside, but for an introduction to Gaudí’s world, this tour is perfect. If you want to go inside, make sure to buy Barcelona tickets in advance.
To the Gaudí & Modernisme Free Walking Tour in Barcelona
Boat Tour in Barcelona
Barcelona sits right on the Mediterranean — making it ideal to experience the city from a completely different perspective on a relaxing boat tour. Here’s our favorite tour on the water: a catamaran tour in Barcelona.
Catamaran Tour by Day or at Sunset
What’s in store: a cool catamaran ride with relaxed lounge music, a complimentary drink, and a delicious Spanish tapa on the house.
What you need to know: The catamaran tour lasts two hours in total. You choose whether you’d rather do it during the day or in the evening. The daytime option includes a 30-minute swimming stop, while the evening option treats you to a sunset out on the water.
Is it worth it? For escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while, this boat tour is simply perfect. And it’s genuinely great for everyone: couples, families, groups, and solo travelers alike — because you’ll meet cool people in no time.
To the catamaran tour in Barcelona by day or at sunset
Food Tours in Barcelona
Are you just as big a fan of Spanish food as we are? Then a culinary tour of Barcelona is exactly what you need.
Paella Cooking Class and Boqueria Market Tour
What’s in store: a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make a traditional paella. First, your guide takes you through the Mercat de la Boqueria, where you’ll shop for ingredients together. Then you get to try your hand at the stove and pick up tips and tricks from a professional chef.
What you need to know: The class is in English and lasts three hours. A seafood paella is typically prepared, but vegetarian options are available as well. If you’re a vegetarian, just note it when you book. In addition to the paella, a few tapas and (plenty of) sangria are also included.
Is it worth it? Totally! We had a great time, the atmosphere was fantastic, and the paella was genuinely delicious. And we really learned a lot. The recipes are sent to you at the end so you can recreate them at home. A true local favorite in Barcelona!
To the paella cooking class with Boqueria market tour
Wine and Tapas Bar Tour in Barcelona's Old Town
What you’ll see: Barcelona’s most beautiful neighborhoods — the historic Barri Gòtic and the lively El Born, which also happen to be among the best areas for unique hotels in Barcelona. Along the way, you’ll sample delicious tapas and Spanish wine at four bars and learn all about Spain’s culinary traditions. At the end of the tour, you have the option to attend a flamenco show.
What you need to know: The tour is conducted in English. Without the flamenco show it runs three hours; with the show it runs four hours. If you’d like to see the show, simply select that option when you book. Your ticket will be reserved and you pay for it on-site.
Is it worth it? We’re huge fans of food tours. The combination of a city walk and delicious local specialties gives you a much deeper feel for a place.
To the wine and tapas bar tour through Barcelona’s Old Town
Unique Tours in Barcelona
Looking for something a little more out-of-the-ordinary in Barcelona? No problem! We’ve got two Barcelona tours of a different kind up our sleeve:
Combo Tour: Helicopter, Walking Tour, and Boat Ride
What you’ll see: Barcelona’s most beautiful corners from three different perspectives. First, you’ll walk past top attractions like Casa Batlló and the Barcelona Cathedral. Then you’ll take a boat from the harbor to the heliport, where the tour’s highlight begins: a six-minute helicopter flight over the city from a bird’s-eye view.
What you need to know: This city tour is conducted in English and you’ll be out for a total of four hours. It’s also suitable for children aged two and up.
Is it worth it? If you’re after a city tour with a bit of adventure, this one is perfect. The helicopter flight is fairly short, but the panoramic views from above are all the more spectacular for it. And the price of 150 euros is genuinely fair for this 3-in-1 experience — helicopter tours often cost a lot more.
To the combo tour: walking tour, boat ride, and helicopter
Barcelona Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour
What you’ll see: the Gothic Quarter late at night. As you wind through its narrow alleyways, your guide will share eerie stories from Barcelona’s dark past. You’ll learn about sinister places said to be haunted and the ghosts that supposedly roam the city.
What you need to know: An English-speaking tour guide will lead you through the neighborhood for 1.5 hours.
Is it worth it? This tour is ideal for experiencing Barcelona from a completely different angle. After the tour, you’ll see the Gothic Quarter in a whole new light. And for true fans of the spooky, it’s an absolute must.
To the “Ghosts and Legends” evening walking tour
Extra Tip: Guided Day Trips from Barcelona
There’s not only a ton to discover in Barcelona itself — the surrounding area is full of worthwhile day trip destinations as well.
If you join a guided tour from Barcelona, you don’t have to worry about getting there and back, and you’ll also get fascinating insider knowledge from your guide.
Here are three of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Barcelona:
- the picturesque mountain monastery of Montserrat
- the beautiful coastal villages of the Costa Brava
- the historic town of Girona
Here are the best day trips from Barcelona:
