In a nutshell
- You want to take a city tour in Barcelona but aren’t sure which ones are really worth it? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked out the 9 best tours in Barcelona for you.
- In addition to classic tours covering the city’s top attractions, we also highlight some unique tours with a special focus, like boat trips or food tours.
- All nine Barcelona city tours are available in English.
- Our personal recommendation: the paella workshop with Boqueria Market tour. The combination of the market tour, cooking class, and delicious food is simply amazing.
Classic City Tours in Barcelona
There are some really cool city tours in Barcelona that give you the perfect overview of the most important attractions. We’ve picked out the 4 best classic Barcelona tours for you.
Walking Tour of Barcelona's Old Town
What you’ll see: the most beautiful highlights in the Gothic Quarter, such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Sant Felip Neri. Your guide will share fascinating facts and anecdotes about the city’s history and culture.
What you need to know: You can book the tour as a small group or a private tour. Group tours last two hours, while private tours last three hours. All tours are conducted in English.
Is it worth it? The tour is especially worth it if you’re visiting the city for the first time. You’ll discover some of Barcelona’s most important attractions and their history, while also getting a good sense of the city. It is definitely one of the best tours in Barcelona!
To the walking tour of Barcelona’s Old Town
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour of Barcelona
What you’ll see: all the top highlights of the city – including the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, the old harbor Port Vell, and much more. The bus tour also takes you to attractions outside the city center, such as Mount Tibidabo or Park Güell.
What you need to know: You can choose between a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket and hop on and off the bus as many times as you like during this period. On board, you’ll get interesting information about the attractions via an English audio guide. Our favorite hop-on hop-off company in Barcelona is Bus Turístic.
Is it worth it? The tours are great for seeing a lot of the city and its highlights in a short amount of time. Perfect if you’re only in Barcelona for the weekend or even if you’re just spending one day in Barcelona.
To the hop-on hop-off bus tour of Barcelona with Bus Turístic
Bike Tour in Barcelona
What you’ll see: a lot of must-see spots in Barcelona. Among them are the beach promenade and the trendy El Born neighborhood – home to Barcelona’s largest city park, Parc de la Ciutadella.
What you need to know: On the 3-hour bike tour through Barcelona, you have the choice between a standard bike or an e-bike. It’s available in English and takes place in a small group of up to 14 people. The tour is also suitable for kids.
Is it worth it? If you want to explore much of Barcelona’s city center, see plenty of highlights, and do it all without too much effort – this is the best tour in Barcelona for you. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
To the bike tour of Barcelona’s highlights
Free Walking Tour in Barcelona: Gaudí & Modernisme
What you’ll see: the most important works by Antoni Gaudí and other famous architects of Modernisme (Catalan Art Nouveau). These include for example Casa Milà, Casa Batllò 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 through Barcelona is basically free of charge. It doesn’t have a fixed price, instead you tip your guide what you think is appropriate at the end – how cool 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 an important role in Barcelona. While you’ll only visit the buildings from the outside, the tour is the perfect introduction to Gaudí’s world.
To the Gaudí & Modernisme Free Walking Tour in Barcelona
Boat Tour in Barcelona
Barcelona is located right on the Mediterranean – ideal for experiencing 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 Sunset
What to expect: a fun catamaran cruise with laid-back lounge music, a free drink, and a delicious Spanish tapa on the house.
What you need to know: The boat tour lasts a total of two hours. You can choose whether to go during the day or in the evening. During the day, a 30-minute swim stop is included, while in the evening, you’ll experience the sunset over the sea.
Is it worth it? Yes, it’s the best tour in Barcelona to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. And it’s great for everyone: couples, families, groups, and also solo travelers – you’ll meet nice people in no time.
To the catamaran tour in Barcelona by day or at sunset
Food Tours in Barcelona
Are you as big a fan of Spanish food as we are? If so, a food tour in Barcelona is exactly what you need.
Paella Cooking Class and Boqueria Market Tour
What to expect: a cooking class where you learn how to prepare a traditional paella. First, your guide will take you to the Mercat de la Boqueria, where you’ll shop for the ingredients together. After that, you’ll get hands-on at the stove and receive tips and tricks from a professional chef.
What you need to know: The class is in English and lasts three hours. Typically, a seafood paella is prepared, but there are also vegetarian options. If you’re a vegetarian, just mention it when booking. Besides the paella, some tapas and (a lot of) sangria are also included.
Is it worth it? Totally! We had so much fun, the atmosphere was great, and the paella was truly delicious. And we really learned a lot. By the way, the recipes will be provided to you at the end to recreate at home. A real insider tip in Barcelona!
To the paella cooking class with Boqueria Market tour
Wine and Tapas Tour in Barcelona's Old Town
What you’ll see: the most beautiful neighborhoods of Barcelona – the historic Barri Gòtic and the lively El Born. Along the way, you’ll try 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 lasts three hours and with the show, it’s four hours. If you’d like to see the show, you can select it when booking. Your ticket will be reserved and you’ll pay for it on-site.
Is it worth it? We’re big fans of food tours. The mix of a city tour and delicious local specialties really helps you get to know a place on a deeper level.
To the Wine and Tapas Tour through Barcelona’s Old Town
Special City Tours in Barcelona
Are you in the mood for a more unusual tour of Barcelona? No problem! We’ve got two special city tours in Barcelona for you:
Combi Tour: Helicopter, Walk, and Boat Trip
What you’ll see: the best spots in Barcelona from three different perspectives. First, you’ll walk past top attractions such as Casa Batlló and the Barcelona Cathedral. Then, you’ll take a boat ride from the harbor to the heliport, where the highlight of the tour begins: a 6-minute helicopter flight offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city.
What you need to know: You can book the city tour in English, and it lasts a total of four hours. It’s also suitable for children two years and older.
Is it worth it? If you’re looking for a city tour with a bit of action, this is the best tour in Barcelona for you. The helicopter flight is relatively short, but the panoramic view from above is truly spectacular. And at 150 euros, this 3-in-1 tour is a great deal – helicopter tours are usually much more expensive.
To the combo tour: walk, boat ride, and helicopter flight
Barcelona Walking Tour: Ghosts and Legends
What you’ll see: the Gothic Quarter in the late evening. As you walk through its narrow alleys, your guide will tell you spooky stories from Barcelona’s dark past. You’ll hear about eerie places said to be haunted and ghosts that are still said to linger in the city.
What you need to know: At just 19 euros, it’s one of the cheapest tours in Barcelona. An English-speaking tour guide will lead you through the district in 1.5 hours.
Is it worth it? This tour is perfect if you want to experience a completely different side of Barcelona. Afterward, you’ll never see the Gothic Quarter the same way again. A real must-do if you’re into the creepy side of history!
To the “Ghosts and Legends” walking tour at night
Extra Tip: Guided Day Trips from Barcelona
There is not only a lot to discover in Barcelona itself, there are also some really worthwhile excursion destinations in the surrounding area.
When you join a guided tour from Barcelona, you don’t have to worry about how to get there and back, plus you’ll get interesting insider knowledge from your guide.
Here are three of the most popular day trip destinations from Barcelona:
- the picturesque mountain monastery of Montserrat
- the beautiful coastal villages of the Costa Brava
- the historic town of Girona
These were our 9 best city tours in Barcelona
Have you already taken a guided tour in Barcelona and would recommend it? Or do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment.