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The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

There's something for everyone on the Spanish coast.

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Watch the Barcelona sunrise from Park Güell.

With its stunning architecture, delicious food, sandy beaches, rich history and proximity to scenic mountains, Barcelona offers no shortage of things to do. To help you navigate the city's plethora of attractions , rely on the assistance of an informed local to help you make the most of your visit. Using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News identified 18 of the top Barcelona tours. Whether on foot, by bike or aboard a boat, these tours will help enhance your Barcelona experience.

Barcelona Segway Tour

Price: Adults from 49 euros (about $54); minors from 45 euros (around $49) Duration: 2 hours

Explore Barcelona's waterfront via Segway on this two-hour tour. Along the nearly 8-mile excursion, you can expect to glide by Marina Port Vell, Parc de la Ciutadella and   La Barceloneta , the city's popular beach, among other key points of interest. Reviewers praise guides for their knowledge and attention to safety, and say riding the Segway was a fun way to see the waterfront. What's more, because the Segways are equipped with audio speakers, you won't miss any of your guide's commentary – another highlight for past participants.

Tours depart from the Arc de Triomf multiple times each day. Tickets cost approximately 49 euros (about $54) for adults and 45 euros (around $49) per minor (age 16), and include use of a Segway and a helmet, as well as bottled water and insights from a local resident. Groups are limited to six participants. The company also runs a Gaudi-themed Segway tour and a tour that visits some of the sites used for the 1992 Summer Olympics, among others.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Photo Bike Tour Barcelona – 4 Hours Discovering Barcelona

Price: Adults from 65 euros (about $71); kids from 45 euros (about $50) Duration: 4 hours

This roughly four-hour trip on electric bicycles covers a lot of territory, from the waterfront to parks to celebrated landmarks to various neighborhoods with frequent stops for photos. Tour-takers effusively praise the guides for their enthusiasm, friendliness, knowledge and photography skills. They also say that it is an incredible way to explore the city.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets start 65 euros (about $71) for adults and 45 euros (about $50) for children ages 11 and younger. Tours conclude with a stop at a local restaurant for tapas and a drink (included in the ticket). Among the company's other offerings are private biking tours and tapas walking tours.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Runner Bean Tours Barcelona – Gaudí Free Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

The Gaudí Free Tour highlights distinctive sites around the city associated with the imaginative architect Antoni Gaudí. The approximately 2 1/2-hour walking tour includes stops at Palau Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà , and the fantastical, and yet-to-be-finished, Sagrada Família , among other spots. The English-speaking guides consistently win praise for their knowledge of the buildings and their histories.

Though tours are offered at no charge, donations are welcome. To guarantee your spot on the tour, the company recommends reserving a ticket on its website; bookings cost 2.50 euros (about $2.75) per person and the fee is nonrefundable. The excursion entails a couple of metro trips; tour-takers are responsible for their own fares. Tours run daily at 11 a.m. Runner Bean also offers free tours of the Gothic Quarter as well as ticketed nighttime and family-oriented outings.

View & Book Tickets: Runner Bean Tours

Free Walking Tours Barcelona – Gothic Quarter Free Tour of Barcelona

The Free Gothic Quarter Tour explores its namesake neighborhood and weaves through popular destinations in the city, including Roman ruins, the Picasso murals and Las Ramblas (Barcelona's best-known boulevard), among others. Tourgoers describe guides as personable and well-versed in local history and architecture. Reviewers also appreciated the restaurant and bar recommendations shared by guides at the end of the tour.

The approximately 2 1/2-hour tours begin at Plaça de Catalunya at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Compensation for the tours is donation-based, meaning you can give your guide what you feel the experience is worth at its conclusion. Among the company's other offerings are a free Gaudi-themed walking tour and a fee-based bike tour.

View & Book Tickets: Free Walking Tours Barcelona

Courtesy of David Saenz | Devour Barcelona Food Tours

Along the Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour, participants will stop at three historic tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter.

Devour Barcelona Food Tours – Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour

Price: From 109 euros (about $120) Duration: 3.5 hours

Appealing to history buffs and foodies alike, this 3.5-hour tour examines the cuisines and civilizations that continue to have an influence on Barcelona's dining scene. Along with a 50-minute history tour, the experience also includes stops at three historic tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter. Reviewers raved about the friendly, well-versed guides and said the food portions are plentiful.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Saturday several times a day. Tickets start at 109 euros (about $120) per adult. If you're looking for a family-friendly option, consider the company's Tastes & Traditions of Barcelona Food Tour, which features stops for some of Barcelona's traditional dishes like paella.

Barcelona Day Tours – Barcelona & Montserrat Tour

Price: From 109 euros (about $120) Duration: 8 hours

See both Barcelona and nearby Montserrat with this eight-hour daytrip operated by Barcelona Day Tours. Among the Barcelona highlights are several sites designed by Gaudí, including Park Güell , the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and a variety of monuments, parks and plazas. After touring the city, participants will hop on a 12-person van to Montserrat (about 35 miles north of Barcelona) to see its monastery, incredible rock formations and spectacular views. Along the way, guides offer insightful, amusing commentary on the area's history, according to reviewers. Tourgoers were also pleased with the skilled driver and appreciated the that groups are kept small (between four and 12 participants).

Tickets cost about 109 euros (about $120) and include pickup and drop-off at area hotels , the cruise port or the airport. Barcelona Day Tours also operate excursions to Girona and the Costa Brava region, among other options.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

We Barcelona – 360º Barcelona: Helicopter Flight, Walking Tour & Boat Cruise

Price: Adults from 130 euros (about $143); kids from 110 euros (about $121) Duration: 3.5 hours

A combination of three tours in one, this We Barcelona excursion includes a guided walk, a helicopter ride and a short sail along the Mediterranean Sea. Travelers begin this trip with a walking tour through the Gothic and Jewish quarters before taking a six-minute helicopter ride over the city and a boat ride along its shoreline. The multilingual guides receive high marks for their knowledge and professionalism. Participants were particularly impressed with the helicopter ride.

The 3.5 to four-hour outings are offered daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; on Sundays, tours are only offered at 9:30 a.m. Tickets cost approximately 130 euros (around $145) for adults and 110 euros (about $123) for children ages 4 to 8. Sailing tours, day tours to Montserrat and cooking classes are also available to book through We Barcelona.

Fat Tire Tours – City Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 34 euros (about $37); kids from 30 euros (about $33) Duration: 4.5 hours

Spend 4 1/2-hours navigating Barcelona's streets by bike with Fat Tire Tours. During the approximately 7-mile ride, you'll stop outside several key destinations, such as Plaça Sant Jaume (the starting point), La Catedral , Palau de la Música Catalana and Parc de la Ciutadella. The morning tour makes a lunch stop, while the afternoon tour stops at a beach bar (food and drinks not included in the tour ticket). Tourgoers rave about the fun and informative guides. Reviewers also report the ride is relatively flat and safe and that the bikes are in great condition.

Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets start at 34 euros (about $38) for adults and 30 euros (about $33) for kids ages 4 to 12. The price includes use of a bicycle and a helmet, but not lunch, snacks or drinks. Groups are limited to 16 cyclists. Fat Tire also offers private tours, tours using electric bikes and an evening bike tour, among others.

The Gothic Quarter is one of many sights you'll see on the free walking tour from Sandemans New Europe.

Sandemans New Europe – Free Tour of Barcelona

Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and El Born District with a local guide by your side on this 2.5-hour tour. Along the way, you'll admire sights like the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, Plaça Sant Jaume and more. Plus, guides share stories about Catalan legends and heroes and the city's Roman heritage.

The tour is technically free, but if you'd like to guarantee your spot, consider booking a ticket, which costs 3 euros (about $3) per person. Gratuities for your guide are optional. Reviewers describe guides as funny and intelligent, and say it's worth paying the small reservation fee to guarantee your spot on the tour (some participants said they saw a few travelers who had not made a reservation being turned away on the day of the tour due to capacity restrictions). The company also offers a free walking tour all about Gaudí, as well as private tours.

View & Book Tickets: Sandemans New Europe

Steel Donkey Bike Tours – The Legendary Steel Donkey Off the Beaten Track Bike Tour

Price: From 33 euros (around $36) Duration: 3-4 hours

Steel Donkey Bike Tours prides itself on offering participants a local's perspective of Barcelona. The rides do not stick to a preordained route; instead, they meander through backstreets to off-the-beaten-path attractions. Stops may include flea markets and cemeteries, as well as beaches and churches. Many riders appreciate the chance to visit areas of the city they might have otherwise missed. Others applaud the informative, friendly guides and recommend taking this on your first day in Barcelona to get your bearings.

Rides are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tour prices start at 33 euros (about $36) for the three-hour afternoon tour and include the use of bikes; morning bike trips last around four hours and start at 39 euros (about $43). Tours usually include a stop for a refreshment, which is not covered by the ticket price. From December to February, tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Groups are restricted to eight cyclists. Private tours are also available.

BrightSide Tours – Half Day Barcelona City Tour

Price: From 145 euros (about $159) Duration: 3.5 hours

You choose the sights you want to see on this customizable motorcycle tour. During the 3.5-hour ride, you and up to one other person will ride on the back of the motorcycle or in its sidecar. Because the tours are designed by participants, the trips run at a leisurely pace and include plenty of stops for photos. Each vehicle can accommodate one driver/guide and two passengers, who communicate via intercoms mounted on helmets. Tourgoers rave about the guides, praising them for the knowledge of Barcelona and attention to safety. Reviewers also say this unique tour is a great option for hard-to-please teens.

Pricing depends on the number of passengers per bike, but typically starts at about 145 euros (or $159) per person on a motorcycle with two passengers; fees are a bit higher for single riders. Excursions run at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. BrightSide also operates full-day sidecar tours and van tours for larger groups.

Montserrat makes a great daytrip from Barcelona; Castlexperience Wine Tours will not only take you there, but will also help you to experience the region's wine.

Castlexperience Wine Tours – Montserrat, Food & Wine

Price: Adults from 105 euros (about $115); kids from 95 euros (around $104) Duration: 10 hours

Explore Montserrat, a mountainous region located about 40 miles northwest of Barcelona, with this approximately 10-hour excursion from Castlexperience Wine Tours. Following a guided, hourlong tour of the monastery, you'll have a couple hours to explore the area on your own, perhaps by viewing Dalí and Picasso paintings at the local museum, taking a short hike or listening to the Escolania de Montserrat Boys' Choir (schedule permitting). Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll enjoy a tour and a tasting at a family-run winery. This excursion is highly regarded by tourgoers as well-organized, with beautiful scenery and very competent guides.

Tickets for the full-day tour cost approximately 105 euros (around $115) for adults and around 95 euros (about $104) per child ages 4 to 12. Tours depart daily around 9 a.m. Shorter Montserrat tours are also available.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Food Lover Tour – Barcelona Tapas Crawl Tour

Price: Adults from 69 euros (about $76); kids from 45 euros (about $50) Duration: 3 hours

A food-focused bar crawl, this small-group tour travels through two neighborhoods – Poble Sec and Sant Antoni in the Eixample district – with stops at four restaurants and bars serving tapas and drinks. Over the course of the three-hour stroll, guides provide background regarding regional cuisine and Spanish culture. Participants applaud both the unique restaurants and the storytelling skills of the informative guides. Reviewers highly recommend this tour if you want to see where the locals dine.

Tours take place at 6 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately 69 euros (about $76) for participants ages 2 and older and 45 euros (about $50) for infants 1 and younger, and include 10 to 12 tapas servings, the equivalent of a meal, as well as four or five drinks. Groups consist of at least four and no more than 10 people. Food Lover Tour also offers a brunch-themed tapas tour and a market tour, amongst other offerings.

Barcelona Architecture Walks – Barcelona & Gaudí

Price: From 42 euros (about $46) Duration: 3 hours

If you're looking for in-depth conversations about the history and ideas that helped give rise to the city's famous structures, the Barcelona & Gaudí Tour is for you. Along the way, you'll pass by Casa Calvet and Casa Batlló, among other Gaudí designs. Professional architects and architecture critics lead the tour and are routinely described as extraordinarily knowledgeable, insightful experts regarding history, architecture and engineering.

Tickets for the three-hour tour start 42 euros (about $46) per person and children 11 and younger tour free. Tours start every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.; beginning in October, tours are only offered Tuesday and Friday. Groups are limited to 20 architecture enthusiasts. Barcelona Architecture Walks also offers tours themed around urbanism and Barcelona's newest architecture, among others.

Spanish Trails – Costa Brava & Medieval Girona Day Trip

Price: From 140 euros (about $154) Duration: 9.5 hours

Escape to Costa Brava – the "rugged coast" – on this day tour hosted by Spanish Trails. During the approximately 9.5-hour excursion, you'll see unrivaled views of the Mediterranean Sea, secluded beaches and fishing villages, as well as the medieval walled city of Girona. In Girona, you'll enjoy a three-course lunch in a traditional Catalan restaurant, as well as entrance to the cathedral and Museum of Jewish History. Guides regularly earn accolades for their informative and entertaining storytelling. Travelers also praise the gorgeous views in Costa Brava.

Groups range from two to eight participants. Tours depart Barcelona by van at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays and return to the city around 7 p.m. Tickets start at 140 euros (about $154) and include a three-course lunch at a restaurant in Girona. Spanish Trails also runs a hiking tour in Costa Brava and several tours in Barcelona.

View & Book Tickets: Spanish Trails

Explore Catalunya – Three Countries in One Day: France, Andorra and Spain from Barcelona

Price: From 139 euros (about $153) Duration: 12 hours

This tour from Explore Catalunya packs stops in multiple countries into a single, roughly 12-hour journey. The tour focuses on small villages, including Bagà in Spain, Ax-Les-Thermes in France and Andorra's capital, where travelers are encouraged to shop or hike. Reviewers routinely praise the stops along the tour and say it provides a relaxing contrast to the busyness of Barcelona. Additionally, guides are regularly lauded for their insights regarding the various medieval towns and mountainous peaks on view during this tour.

Tickets start at 139 euros (roughly $153). Excursions start at 7 a.m. daily. Group size is restricted to 20 participants. Explore Catalunya offers a variety of tours that depart from Barcelona, including a tour of Costa Brava and the Pyrenees Mountains.

Barcelona Local Experiences – Skip the line: Sagrada Familia and Park Güell guided tour

Price: Adults from 104 euros (about $114); kids from 69 euros (about $76) Duration: 4 hours

Visit two of Barcelona's most famous attractions – Park Güell and La Sagrada Família – on this approximately four-hour tour. You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to both sites and private transportation between the park and the church. Travelers describe the tour as well-structured and especially appreciated the organized transportation from the park to the cathedral. Reviewers were also impressed with the passionate guides. What's more, tour sizes are capped at 12 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

The tour is generally offered daily at 10 a.m.; on select days, only private tours are available. Tickets start at 104 euros (about $114) for adults and 69 euros (about $76) for kids ages 10 and younger. If you're only interested in seeing the Sagrada Família, Barcelona Local Experiences offers a 90-minute guided tour inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed building, among other tours.

In Out Barcelona Tours – Girona and Dali Museum Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-up from Barcelona

Price: Adults from 119.50 euros (about $131); kids from 98.50 euros (about $108) Duration: 10 hours

If you're a Dalí fan, this tour is for you. On this 10-hour tour, you'll hop in a van headed for the medieval town of Girona. After touring Girona – which is home to the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Europe – you'll venture to Figueres, a small town near the French border and the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. You'll visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum and see some of the places the influential artist frequented as an adult. Travelers say that though this tour covers a lot of ground and subject matter, it never feels overwhelming thanks to the small group (up to eight participants) and attentive guide. Others said this a particularly good option for solo travelers.

Tickets, which include round-trip hotel transportation and museum entrance, start at 119.50 euros (about $131) for adults and 98.50 euros (about $108) for kids ages 10 and younger. Tours depart from Barcelona Tuesday through Sunday at 8:30 a.m. This tour operator runs a variety of other tours, including daytrips to Montserrat and Sitges, among other destinations.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• The Best Hotels in Barcelona
• The Best Places to Visit in Spain
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Beaches in Spain

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Europe Vacations

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Barcelona City Tour  is the  official hop on/hop off  bus in the city. Operated by the union of two companies,  Julià Travel and Moventis . Both with great experience in the travel industry.

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The Best Tours to Take in Barcelona in 2024 and Why

Sean Finelli Last Updated: October 29, 2023

Barcelona is really big. It’s the second-most-populous city in Spain. This makes it nearly impossible to see all the sights without a plan in advance. Luckily, we have several tours to make your Barcelona vacation one that you won’t soon forget! Here are the best Barcelona tours to take.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead will help your trip run smoothly, so consider bookmarking this page in your browser. Also, check out our guide to Barcelona —it has helpful information about restaurants, hotels, and activities.

Should You Take a Tour of Barcelona?

Barcelona is a great city to visit, which shows in the number of visitors here each year. This is due to the density of cultural attractions, great food, beautiful landscapes, and really fun people. That said, what should you do when in the city?

Well-organized small group tours are a great way to introduce yourself to a city and learn things that you wouldn’t learn on your own. Tours take a lot of the guesswork out of visiting attractions and you get great knowledge from a local.

Meeting locals comes with many other perks such as picking their brain about other great places to visit, restaurants, and where to go out at night. A tapas bar that locals love is going to be so much better than a tourist trap. These are just a few reasons why taking a tour in Barcelona is totally worth it. Here are some of our best Barcelona tours and some reviews from real customers!

Not ready to book a tour? See our  Barcelona Guide for more resources.

The 7 Best Barcelona Tours To Take

Food, culture, and architecture are at the top of the list of types of tours to take in Barcelona. But since this beloved Spanish city is also on the Mediterranean Sea, we couldn’t ignore the many opportunities to enjoy sailing around the city. From tapas to Sagrada Família and Park Güell, there are plenty of options to fill your itinerary for Barcelona below.

• Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day Tour
• Skip the Line Sagrada Família Tour
• Barcelona Food and Wine Tour with a Local Sommelier
• Montserrat Monastery Tours from Barcelona
• Barcelona in Half a Day on Electric Bike
• Barcelona Scenic Cruises by Sailboat

1. Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day Tour

Have a limited amount of time in Barcelona? No problem. This tour combines our Park Güell and Sagrada Família tours to make sure you get a jam-packed, best-of-the-best excursion of the most popular sites.

In just a few hours, you’ll see celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí’s greatest works, including skip-the-line tickets to Casa Battló and Sagrada Família. This day tour is the perfect option to check every Barcelona must-see attraction off your itinerary list.

2. Skip the Line Sagrada Familia Tour

The Sagrada Família is not only one of the most celebrated buildings in Barcelona but in the entire world. With its highly decorative towers, this church is one of the most visited buildings due to its unique design. You can look at the architecture and have no idea the stories behind it, or you can go with a super knowledgeable guide who brings it to life.

Due to its popularity, the tower is typically plagued by long lines and even longer waits. What’s worse is that tickets often sell out quickly, meaning you might waste time in a line for nothing. The solution is to book ahead with a tour group to ensure guaranteed access and a memorable visit. Best of all, with us you’ll skip the line and save your vacation time!

3. Barcelona Food and Wine Tour with a Local Sommelier

Eat your way through Barcelona with this fun and popular food tour. Centered around the vibrant neighborhoods of Poble Sec and Sant Antoni, this tour includes a variety of local, authentic cuisine, including Barcelona’s best tapas and a traditional Spanish dinner at a Barcelona bodega. These aren’t your typical bodegas; these are beautiful restaurants brimming with vibrancy, culture, and local food.

Before you think this tour is all about the food, trust us that you’ll wash it all down with traditional Spanish vermouth and cava (sparkling wine). With your local sommelier guide, explore some wine pairings. By the end of this tour, you’ll have tasted your way through Spanish history, and learned quite a few things along the way. It’s, hands down, the most in-depth food tour in Barcelona and not one to miss.

4. Montserrat Day Trips from Barcelona to the Monastery

If you’re visiting Barcelona and want to get out of the city for a little bit, this is the tour for you. Away from the traffic and bustle of the city, atop the Montserrat mountain, sits an 11th-century monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat.

This trip includes air-conditioned transportation from the city, tickets for the cogwheel train to the monastery, and breathtaking views of Barcelona and the sea. Along with the beautiful vistas, check out a local market filled with fresh goods. Maybe even take time for a short hike. On the longer tour, you’ll have time to ride the second funicular beyond the monastery too!

5. Barcelona in Half a Day on an Electric Bike

Walking tours are fun, but e-bike tours are another kind of fun. If you enjoy seeing even more of a city than you can explore on foot, then a Barcelona e-bike tour is one to consider. You won’t even have to work super hard since e-bikes come with pedal assisted technology to help you cycle easily through the city—hills or no hills.

This tour takes you past the famous Sagrada Família, and through the Gothic Quarter before seeing Olympic Village and Port Vell for incredible views of the Mediterranean. In just half a day, you’ll explore more of Barcelona’s top areas so you can really get to know this beautiful city.

6. Barcelona Scenic Cruises by Sailboat

Part of the attraction to Barcelona is the warm weather and coastal views which is why cruises are so popular there! While we love historical tours and activities, its nice to take a breather on a sailboat with a cold beverage in hand.

We have partnered with locals who run small group and great cruise experiences along the coast of Barcelona. Many activities include drinks, stops for swimming when the weather is appropriate, and snacks. Check out all our watersport activities in Barcelona!

7. Montserrat Monastery and Horse Riding Tour

A pilgrimage to the Montserrat Monastery should be on any traveler’s list of things to do in Barcelona. How about mixing it with an unforgettable horseriding experience through the unimaginably beautiful grassy valleys, with the high peaks of the Montserrat mountain range in the backdrop?

With this experience, you will do both. You’ll start with an early morning scenic transfer from Barcelona into the Montserrat mountain range, where you’ll be ready to conquer the first big highlight of the day–a horseback riding excursion through the valleys.

Then, continue to the Montserrat Monastery for a guided tour. You’ll visit the Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat before exploring the town and returning to Barcelona—a perfect day trip.

• Return transport from Barcelona
• Guided horseback ride
• Visit the Montserrat Abbey
• Free time to explore after a visit to the Monastery
• Expert, English-speaking guide
• Intriguing destination information
• Monastery entrance ticket
• Maximum group size of 8

Where To Stay in Barcelona

A great hotel at a great price has become the norm in this internet era. Our article explains what areas are the best in Barcelona so you can get a great deal on the perfect location!

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Barcelona Tours

15 Best Barcelona Tours

Spain’s second largest city has a lot to offer tourists. The combination of ancient architecture and modern design gives Barcelona a very unique feel.

The vibrant streets are full of magnificent restaurants and pulsing bars, whilst the outskirts boast theme parks and mountain ranges.

Quirky architecture, Catalan culture, and modern entertainment are all deeply rooted in Barcelona life and provide tourists with endless choices to build a memorable trip.

Guided tours and experiences are a great way to decipher the city and dive deeper into the local culture. Here are the 15 best tours available in Barcelona.

1. Private Full Day Tour of Barcelona’s Highlights

If you only have a short time in Barcelona but still want a bespoke experience in the city, this day-long tour of the main highlights is a great option.

You will be given skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and La Pedrera, as well as shown some other, lesser-known sights across the city.

You can tailor this experience to your interests, and the tour is completely private for you and the rest of your party. Local delicacies and wine are included.

2. Camp Nou Experience: F.C. Barcelona Museum and Tour

Experience the heart of one of the biggest football teams in the world with this tour around the grounds of F.C. Barcelona.

You will explore the stadium and head onto the pitch, which has hosted some of the biggest football stars in the world, including Maradona and Ronaldinho. You will also be able to check out the press areas and commentary boxes.

Finish up your tour in the F.C. Barcelona Museum, where you can learn all about the history of the club and check out some important artifacts. This is an excellent tour for any football fan.

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3. Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona City Tour

If you are short on time or have just arrived in the city, Hop-On Hop-Off buses are a great way to get an overview of the city and hit all the main attractions on one ticket.

Simply get on at one of the many stops across the city and choose which stops you want to hop off for a more in-depth look at the most popular sights in Barcelona.

An audio guide is included, with a number of languages available, to give you an overview of the city and its people. You can opt for a one or two day ticket depending on how many stops you wish to take.

4. Flamenco Show at City Hall Theatre

No trip to Spain is complete without checking out an authentic flamenco performance. The dance dates back centuries and is a core part of Spanish culture to this day.

This experience gives you tickets to one of the performances at City Hall – itself an interesting architectural attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once known as the Teatro de Barcelona.

These performances often feature some of the most renowned dancers and singers in Spain, including Ivan Alcalà, Miguel de la Tolea, and Yolanda Cortés. It is a one-hour performance, however, you will have time to explore the City Hall before the show.

You can opt to have drinks included, letting you sit back and relax for an evening of traditional culture.

5. Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Tower Access

Though building started in 1882, the Sagrada Familia has so many intricate architectural details and awe-inspiring features that it is still under construction. Despite this, it is now open to the public and has been operating as a local basilica since 2010.

This guided tour allows you to explore the iconic landmark with a professional guide who can tell you all about the history of the building, Gaudi’s artistry, and why it has taken so long to build.

You will also be given access to the tower to enjoy views across the entire city of Barcelona.

6. Barcelona Skyline and Beaches Boat Tour

Take a more relaxed approach to exploring the city with this boat tour along the coastline. Marvel at the world-renowned beaches and unique skyline of the city from the coast whilst learning all about the history and culture of the region.

The boat sails along nine miles of Catalan coast. A free app can be downloaded onto your phone providing commentary in a variety of languages. A bar is available on board and a family-friendly atmosphere is provided, making it a great choice for families.

7. Tibidabo Amusement Park Admission Ticket

Another great option for families, Tibidabo Amusement Park is a Barcelona icon in its own right and has a variety of attractions to suit all ages.

Located on the side of Tibidabo Mountain, the park has excellent views over the entire city, providing a beautiful backdrop to the thrilling rides and fascinating entertainment dotted throughout the park.

The Tibidabo Skywalk allows you to walk out into the open air and look down on the city and forest floor.

This park is over a century old and attracts both tourists and locals looking for some time away from the bustling sights of central Barcelona.

8. 6 Minute Helicopter Flight Over Barcelona’s Coastline

Helicopter tours provide a unique perspective of various destinations across the world, and this six-minute journey over Barcelona lets you take in the most famous sites from the sky.

The knowledgeable helicopter pilot will give you a brief overview of all the attractions you will be able to see. This journey focuses on the coastline area of the city; however, the larger icons – such as the Sagrada Família – can easily be spotted whilst on board.

This is a great option if you are only in Barcelona for a few days and want a unique viewpoint without being disturbed by other tourists.

9. Paella Cooking Experience with Boqueria Market Tour

The iconic rice and seafood dish has become an enduring symbol of Spanish cuisine; this experience allows you to cook your own.

A professional chef will take you to the La Boqueria Market where you can select your own fresh ingredients for the paella.

After the market, you will get a brief tour through the Old Town. Then you will sit back and relax with tapas and sangria whilst you learn all about paella and the secrets to making an authentic and tasty dish.

All the food costs are included in the tour and you will be given the recipe so you can make your very own paella at home once you have finished your trip.

10. From Barcelona: Girona and Figueres Tower with Dalí Museum

If you are interested in experiencing a more authentic representation of Catalan culture, Girona is a good option as the second largest city in the region. This tour takes you to Girona from Central Barcelona in an air-conditioned bus. You will learn about the history of Catalonia – from monolithic times to the modern struggle for independence.

You will then be taken to Figueres to connect further with Catalan culture and learn about the most famous icon of the area – Salvador Dalí. The city where he was born now hosts a museum dedicated to his surrealist artworks and his life.

11. Backpacker Pub Crawl

Barcelona has a very eclectic nightlife that draws tourists from across Europe and the rest of the world.

This tour allows you to experience the many different aspects of Barcelona by night – including tapas bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Free drinks are included, as well as substantial discounts at all the locations covered. The night finishes with skip-the-line entry to one of the most popular clubs in Barcelona. Geared toward backpackers, this is a good way to meet fellow travelers whilst sticking to a reasonable budget.

12. Montserrat, Tapas and Wine Half-Day Tour from Barcelona

Catalonia has some of the most unique scenery found in Spain, much of which is contained within the Montserrat mountains. This tour takes you through the villages and views in the area – with a heavy focus on local cuisine.

You will visit local monasteries and stop by at small restaurants and wineries to sample freshly produced tapas and wine. Tour vineyards and learn how wine is produced in the region.

Tours are limited to 16 people to provide a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of time to explore some of the attractions at your own pace.

13. Museu de la Xocolata Tickets

Chocolate lovers are sure to enjoy this experience at one of the largest chocolate museums in Europe.

You will learn about chocolate production – from harvesting cocoa to the candy-making process. The museum focuses on the importance of chocolate in the culture and history of Barcelona, as well as the wider colonial influence on chocolate production.

There are chocolate sculptures for you to admire the craftsmanship that goes into chocolate making, and you are given a free bar upon entry to sample as you enjoy the exhibits.

14. 2-Hour Gothic Walking Tour

Located right in the middle of the Old Town, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is regarded as the historical and political hub of the city, and of wider Catalonia.

This tour takes you back in time to the Middle Ages as you learn about the vast history of the city whilst admiring the gothic architecture that has become an icon for Barcelona. The professional tour guide is a local from the area with extensive knowledge of the city.

You are provided with a wireless tour guide system; this allows you to explore certain attractions at your own pace without worrying about getting separated from the group. This is a great tour if you are looking for something a little more relaxed.

15. Casa Milà-La Pedrera: Skip-the-Line

The Casa Milá apartments on Passeig de Gracia are an excellent example of the unique style Gaudi brought to architecture; however, this also means there are often large lines to get inside.

This ticket allows you to skip the queues and walk straight into the attraction at a pre-arranged time. You will be provided with an audio guide to help explain the architectural concepts explored by Gaudi as well as the history of the surrounding area.

The attic of the buildings contains the only exhibition dedicated to Gaudi’s, life giving you a unique insight into the architect.

15 Best Barcelona Tours:

• Private Full Day Tour of Barcelona’s Highlights
• Camp Nou Experience: F.C. Barcelona Museum and Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona City Tour
• Flamenco Show at City Hall Theatre
• Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Tower Access
• Barcelona Skyline and Beaches Boat Tour
• Tibidabo Amusement Park Admission Ticket
• 6 Minute Helicopter Flight Over Barcelona’s Coastline
• Paella Cooking Experience with Boqueria Market Tour
• From Barcelona: Girona and Figueres Tower with Dalí Museum
• Backpacker Pub Crawl
• Montserrat, Tapas and Wine Half-Day Tour from Barcelona
• Museu de la Xocolata Tickets
• 2-Hour Gothic Walking Tour
• Casa Milà-La Pedrera: Skip-the-Line

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Spain Tours & Trips from Barcelona

66 spain tour packages from barcelona with 593 reviews.

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"I had the most fun filled, action packed time touring the south of Spain and I loved every second of it!" Jacinta, traveled in July 2022

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Andalucia & Toledo from Barcelona

"From the moment we were picked up we felt so comfortable and at home. The towns we visited are spectacular." Rita, traveled in November 2023

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North Spain Discovery

"She was knowledgeable, well organised, engaging and above all professional." Maree, traveled in May 2019

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"Wonderful trip!" Christine, traveled in September 2022

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"Small group was much better. Variety of experiences - hike, market visits, picnics." Joycelyn, traveled in May 2019

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"Megs was amazing; best tour guide I've ever had! She is a ball of fun and a charasmatic tour manager!" A, traveled in June 2018

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Easy Pace Spain (Classic, 10 Days)

"The 3 nights in each city allowed for both group and independent time to explore. San Sebastian is truly a gem and their pintxos were delicious." BradGibson, traveled in May 2019

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"Excellent location. Great group of people to share it with." Mark, traveled in August 2023

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"The information was clear, the hotels were lovely, and the freedom for this trip was exactly what I was looking for." Oliver, traveled in May 2024

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What people love about spain tours from barcelona.

Overall, I think it was a good way to see most of the country in the shortest time possible. Some things could’ve been better but it was expected. The guides are fantastic and the vibe was nice, especially meeting other people from different countries. I recommend this tour for anyone who’s a bit “laisser faire” and be surprised day to day by what the trip has to offer. Finally, the accommodation was a bit random: some hotels were nice, others not so much. I hope VPT takes care of that and not to contract cheap hotels that skimp on water and decent beds (mine was wobbly).

An excellent tour! A memorable journey with comprehensive itenaries!

Before I arrived on this tour I thought my highlights would be Barcelona and San Sebastian but honestly, I enjoyed every moment of the holiday! The food and drink in this region is excellent and relatively cheap compared to the UK. You don't spend much time on the tour at the start in Barcelona or at the end in Madrid so I would recommend booking at least an extra night pre/post tour to be able to both great cities. Pamplona has a nice historical old town with some nice walks. San Sebastian is just the place to go to for foodies but is also a nice place in its own right! Logrono is the capital of the La Rioja region so you know you'll get to taste some good wine. I will definitely be coming back to this region! For the tour overall, I felt that we didn't really need 2 nights in Logrono and could have done with either an extra night in San Sebastian to visit Bilbao or a night in Bilbao itself. And that's taking into account the included evening tour of Logrono and the winery tour activities. Beware the 4hr + coach journey from Logrono to Madrid. Our tour leader, Maria Christina did a great job considering that she had to take over at short notice. She organised all our public transport and organised the optional meals, selecting some very decent restaurants. I definitely think she made the trip more enjoyable! I had great fun on this trip and hopefully have made some good friends for life!

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Tour de France comes to Spain: 2026 edition of cycling’s most prestigious race will kick off in Barcelona

CYCLING’S most prestigious race is coming to Spain after it was announced that the 2026 edition of the Tour de France will begin on the streets of Barcelona.

Catalunya will play host to the Tour’s first three stages from July 4 to July 6 as the world’s best cyclists vie to claim the famous yellow jersey.

Barcelona has hosted a Tour stage before, with the most recent one coming in 2009, but it is the first time the city has hosted the opening stage, known as the Grand Depart.

The first stage will take place entirely within the city’s boundaries, whilst the second stage will begin in the Catalan countryside before culminating in the regional capital.

READ MORE: Barcelona mayor is slapped with a fine after using his bike in a no-cycling zone during a promotional video

The city’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, described the announcement as an ‘historic milestone’ which ‘confirms Barcelona’s role as an international sports capital’ during a press conference alongside Christian Prudhomme, the Tour de France director.

He added: “Barcelona will be the only city in the world to host the Olympics, the World Cup, the America’s Cup and the Tour de France, the four most influential sporting events in the world”.

Barcelona will become the third Spanish city to host the Grand Depart following Bilbao in 2023 and San Sebastian in 1992.

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Ben joined the Olive Press in January 2024 after a four-month stint teaching English in Paraguay. He loves the adrenaline rush of a breaking news story and the tireless work required to uncover an eye-opening exclusive. He is currently based in Barcelona from where he covers the city, the wider Catalunya region, and the north of Spain. Send tips to [email protected]

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Paul announces Europe dates for the 2024 'Got Back' tour

⁠PAUL ANNOUNCES  GOT BACK TOUR 2024 Paul and the band will visit Paris, Madrid, Manchester and London this December TICKET INFORMATION HERE!

Wednesday 4th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Thursday 5th December - La Defense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Monday 9th December - Wizink Centre, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Tuesday 10th December - Wizink Centre, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Saturday 14th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Sunday 15th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Wednesday 18th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠Thursday 19th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK

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Paul will bring his acclaimed Got Back tour to Europe this December!

Fulfilling his promise to 'get back', Paul will return to France, Spain and the UK with his Got Back  tour. Earlier this month, Paul announced his first live shows of 2024 with the next leg of the tour launching in South America this October.  

With songs like ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Band on the Run’,  ‘Let It Be’ and so many more, the Paul McCartney live experience is everything any music lover could ever want from a rock show: hours of the greatest moments from the last 60 years of music – dozens of songs from Paul’s solo, Wings and of course Beatles catalogues that have formed the soundtracks of our lives.

This will mark Paul’s first European show since his iconic Glastonbury headlining performance in 2022. Hailed as “one of the greatest gigs of all time” by The Times and “a masterclass from the greatest living cultural figure in this country’s history” by The i, it was also Paul and his band’s 500th show together! These dates will see McCartney return for his first live performance in Paris in six years - in 2018 he played at La Defense Arena, where he is making his return. The wait has been longer for Spaniards, where he last played eight years ago, in 2016 at Estadio Vincente Calderon.

Paul launched his Got Back tour in 2022, completing 16 huge shows across the US before performing his history-making set at Glastonbury in June 2022. In 2023 Paul performed 18 incredible shows as the Got Back tour rocked through Australia, Mexico and Brazil.

PRE-SALE AND GENERAL SALE TIMINGS ARE STAGGERED BY COUNTRY

Wednesday 4th December - La Défense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠Thursday 5th December - La Défense Arena, Paris, FRANCE ⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Monday 9th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠Tuesday 10th December - WiZink Center, Madrid, SPAIN ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Tuesday 18 June 10am CET ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am CET ⁠ ⁠Saturday 14th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠Sunday 15th December - Co-op Live, Manchester, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST ⁠ ⁠Wednesday 18th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠Thursday 19th December - The O2 Arena, London, UK ⁠⁠PaulMcCartney.com pre-sale: Wednesday 19 June 10am BST ⁠General sale: Friday 21 June 10am BST ⁠ ⁠ ⁠Visit the Got Back 2024 tour page for more information and ticket links , and keep an eye out for more news coming soon...

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¡vamos barcelona to host 2026 tour de france grand départ, aso confirms stages 1 and 2 of 2026 tour de france will play out entirely in catalunya before peloton heads back over the border during stage 3..

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The 2026 Tour de France will roll out of Barcelona, Spain, officials confirmed.

ASO chief Christian Prudhomme and Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni sealed the deal Tuesday on the historic Catalan city hosting the opening three stages of the 2026 Tour, from July 4 through 6.

Stages 1 and 2 will play out entirely inside Catalunya before stage 3 starts in Spain and heads northward for a finish in France.

Details of race-courses are to be confirmed, but the third stage won’t be able to avoid a passage of the Pyrénées.

“We like big, prestigious cities, whether French or foreign. But only on condition that we continue to visit the smaller location, the villages in France,” Prudhomme told L’Équipe. “This is essential.”

The Barcelona 2026 grand départ  will be the Tour’s first start over the Pyréneées since last year’s big Basque start.

Florence, Italy, hosts the Tour de France’s opening phase later this month. Le Tour will return to a French entrée in 2025 with three stages centered around Lille .

Barcelona is becoming a favorite for race organizers.

The Tour de France already visited there on three occasions, most recently in 2009, and the city took center stage when it hosted the wet and wild opening of the Vuelta a España last year.

The city staged the 1973 and 1984 road world championships and the 1992 Olympic Games, and its iconic Montjuïc climb has been the centerpiece of the final stage of the Volta a Catalunya for several years.

“For Barcelona, ​​there was political will but also sporting interest with the Montjuïc climb,” Prudhomme said Tuesday, referring to the site where Felice Gimondi won rainbows in 1973.

Stay tuned for further details of the stage routes and profiles.

Save the date Grand Départ #TDF2026 Stage 1: July 4, 2026 Stage 2: July 5, 2026 Stage 3: July 6, 2026 pic.twitter.com/aDWNviEysQ — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) June 18, 2024

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2026 Tour de France to start in Barcelona

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Barcelona confirmed as host of 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ

Opening three days of race to be centred on Catalan capital

  The Tour de France organisers have confirmed the longstanding rumours that the 2026 Grand Départ will be in Barcelona, with the race to be present in the city for a period of three days.

The Catalan capital will host the race from July 4-6, 2026. It’s been reported that stage 1 will be run off completely within the bounds of the city, and that stage 2 will also start and finish in Barcelona. After another start in the city on stage 3, the Tour then heads towards more familiar terrain in France.

Negotiations for what will be the fourth foreign Tour de France start in five years have not been fast-moving, although as early as May, it was already being reported as all but a done deal by local media.

The definitive confirmation from ASO came on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony in Barcelona’s town hall. The city will follow Copenhagen in 2022, Bilbao in 2023, Firenze in 2024 and Lille in 2025 as the Grand Départ for men's cycling’s biggest bike race.

Barcelona has already hosted the opening stage of the Vuelta a España in 1962 and 2023.  Last year, the opening stage of the Vuelta was an early evening team time trial that was partly overshadowed by controversy concerning insufficient illumination when the race route was unexpectedly affected by heavy rainshowers and cloud cover, while the automatic street lighting, not timed to be activated before full darkness, failed to switch itself on.

That was followed up by a stage 2 finish in Barcelona’s Montjuic Park, widely seen as the epicentre of the city’s well-established relationship with road racing, and which Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme hinted strongly on Tuesday would likely feature in the  2026 Tour’s visit as well. 

Long the host to one of the final one-day races of the season, the now defunct Subida a Montjuic - won six times by Eddy Merckx - the entire finishing circuit of the last stage of the Volta a Catalunya has always been held in Montjuic and it often features on stages held by the Vuelta as well. Montjuic was also where the 1973  World Championships and cycling events in the 1992 Olympic Games - both road and track - took place.

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Barcelona itself has been visited by the Tour de France three times in the past, most recently 2009, with an uphill bunch sprint stage win for Thor Hushovd. The next day’s stage, finishing in Andorra at Ordino-Arcalis, also began in Barcelona. 

The first time the Tour reached Barcelona was in 1957,  with three stages either starting and finishing there, including an individual time trial won by French legend Jacques Anquetil, who went on to claim the first of five overall victories. In 1963, the city witnessed an epic solo victory for local star José Pérez Francés.

The Tour’s start in 2026 will coincide - barring last-minute delays -  with the long-awaited completion of one of Barcelona’s best-known religious monuments, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, on which work began back in 1882.

“We love the big cities, be they French or foreign,” race director Christian Prudhomme told L’Équipe . “But on condition that we also continue to visit the smallest places, the villages in France, too. That’s non-negotiable. Barcelona had the political will to do it, but also a sporting interest because of Montjuic.”

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Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews , he has also written for The Independent ,  The Guardian ,  ProCycling , The Express and Reuters .

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Tour de France will start from Barcelona in 2026

• Associated Press

PARIS -- The 2026 edition of the Tour de France will start from the Spanish city of Barcelona, organizers said Tuesday.

The host city of the 1992 Olympic Games has previously hosted stages of cycling's biggest race, but never its start.

The 113th edition of the three-week event will kick off on July 4, 2026. It will feature two stages in the Catalonia region and a third that will start there and finish in France.

It will mark the 26th time that the Tour de France starts from a foreign country. This year's race sets off from the Italian city of Florence. In 2025, riders will start their journey on French soil, from the northern city of Lille.