As the vibrant city that iconic artist Antonio Gaudi called home, Barcelona is one of those places that you simply have to visit. Walk around the pulsating streets, and you’ll come across astonishingly tall buildings that make your neck ache, remarkably modern museums that encourage you to play with the exhibits, and breathtaking vistas you won’t believe weren’t created with AI.
And that’s just the beginning! Add into the mix world-renowned art galleries, award-winning tapas bars, staggeringly beautiful parks, high-octane entertainment, and one-of-a-kind architecture, and you’ve got plenty to add to your itinerary – regardless of how long you’re visiting.
No matter how well you do your research, you can never beat the knowledge of a guide. Whether you want to visit the best vineyards, nibble authentic tapas, learn the secrets behind the Sagrada Familia, or explore parts of the city visitors never normally see, joining a few Barcelona tours is the way to do it.
But even when you know this, planning the ultimate Barcelona itinerary is still a challenge. Where do you go and which tours do you pick?
With so many incredible things to see and do, you may find it impossible just to get started. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the absolute best tours in Barcelona. Stick to these fun and unique Catalan capital tour recommendations, and you’re guaranteed to have an incredible time exploring Gaudi’s city!
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The 15 Best Tours in Barcelona, Spain
1. Get to Grips with the City with a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
One of the best Barcelona city tours if you’ve never visited before, the Barcelona hop-on, hop-off bus is an excellent way to get your bearings. With one ticket, you get unlimited access to two bus routes and can get on and off the bus as many times as you like, wherever and whenever you want to.
The East route starts in Plaça de Catalunya and passes by must-see spots such as La Barceloneta Beach, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Tibidabo, and Casa Batlló. It’s an amazing route for Gaudi fans.
The East route also starts in Plaça de Catalunya and stops by the Ciutadella Zoo, Fundació Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, Caixa Fòrum, and F.C. Barcelona. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to spend your day hopping between museums and art galleries.
Buses depart from the starting point every 30 minutes and each route lasts 2 hours. If you’ve got plenty of time to spare, we suggest riding the entire route so you can work out which order you want to do everything in.
2. Be Amazed by the Colors Inside the Sagrada Familia
A quintessential Barcelona landmark, the Sagrada Familia is an absolute must-visit during your time in the city. It’s practically impossible to show up on the day and waltz inside. The best way to guarantee you’ll get in is to buy a skip-the-line entry tour ticket in advance.
An excellent option if you hate crowds, this Sagrada Familia tour allows you to choose between a small group or private experience so you can learn about Gaudi’s stunning masterpiece without being surrounded by noisy visitors.
Your tour begins before you even get inside, as your expert guide tells you all about the ongoing construction and the remarkably talented people who made the basilica possible. When you step inside the magnificent building, you’ll learn the ins and outs of what Gaudi was trying to create and discover what each part of the basilica represents.
This tour also includes a visit to the Sagrada Familia Schools (designed for the children of the people working on the building) and the Sagrada Familia Museum, where you can see original Gaudi sketches.
3. Eat, Drink, and Hang Out Like a Local on a Tapas Walking Tour
All the best Barcelona tours include food, which is why this tapas tour is one of our favorites! On this high-energy foodie tour, you’ll wander through Barcelona’s cobblestone streets, stopping at the top gourmet hotspots to indulge in authentic Catalan tapas and incredible local wines.
You’ll visit four drool-worthy places in total, where you’ll sample some of the finest classic tapas while sipping on your choice of wine, sangria, vermouth, and cava – just like a local! While you nibble and sip, your guide will tell you fascinating stories about the local area and why the tapas you’re eating are such an important part of Catalan culture.
This tour is a wonderful thing to do early on during your vacation. Not only does it give you the chance to discover incredible restaurants and delicious dishes, but it’s also an opportunity to meet other people who are interested in the same things you are.
4. Discover the Stunning Region of Montserrat
Barcelona is a fantastic base for exploring the rest of Catalonia. Montserrat, one of the most stunning places in all of Spain, is just 30 miles away from the city, making it a great place to visit on a day trip.
Montserrat means “Serrated Mountain” in English, which is an incredibly accurate description of the place. This multi-peaked mountain range is made up of mesmerizing conglomerate rock formations that create a striking landscape of jagged cliffs and peaks. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
During this exciting adventure, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of Barcelona behind in favor of the enchanting landscape of Montserrat. You’ll start by touring the charming monastery before heading off on your own and doing as you please. Whether you choose to hike in the dazzling hills, feast on the decadent cuisine, learn about the local history in museums, or just wander and see where your feet take you, you’ll have a wonderful time here.
After a couple of hours on your own, you’ll rejoin the group and enjoy a peaceful bus journey back to Barcelona.
5. Watch the Sunset from a Luxury Catamaran
One of the most romantic Barcelona tours, watching the fiery sun slowly sink into the horizon while you sip cava with your special someone is something you’ll never forget. You’ll board the luxury catamaran in Marina Vela and sail off into the ocean, where you’ll be perfectly poised to watch the city skyline become enveloped in golden light as the sun begins to set.
During your trip, you’ll be treated to the perfect music to set the mood, a complimentary drink, and a traditional Catalan tapa. You’re free to settle down anywhere on the catamaran you choose, from the cool, shady spots with excellent views to the netting at the front of the boat, where you’ll feel like you’re floating on water.
If you’re planning on visiting during summer, swap the sunset tour for a daytime tour. This way, you’ll get to enjoy a 30-minute stop out in the ocean where you can take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea and take selfies with fun inflatables. It’s a fantastic way of cooling down from the intense Barcelona heat.
6. Travel Through Barcelona FC’s Past, Present, and Future
Find out what it’s like to be an international soccer star by taking a tour of the FC Barcelona Museum. This immersive and interactive experience takes you on a journey through 18 audiovisual installations that guide you through the past, present, and future of Barcelona’s main football club.
The “We are history” tunnel is one of the best parts. Through important objects and photographs, Barça’s fascinating history comes to life. The “Tots units fem força” area is another captivating section where you can learn all about the first men’s and women’s teams.
“Camp Nou Live” is definitely the best part of the museum. This remarkable audiovisual show makes you feel like you’re standing in the very center of the stadium with the crowd chanting all around you. From here, you’ve got a complete 360-degree view and can understand how incredible it feels to be one of Barça’s star players.
We suggest splashing out on the robokeeper challenge. For just a little extra, you can take three penalty shots against a robotic goalkeeper. If you get three goals, you win an exclusive prize!
7. See the City from a New Perspective on the Cable Car
Looking for somewhere with mesmerizing views of the city? Then you need to sign up for a round trip on the Montjuïc Cable Car. One of the best tours in Barcelona, this cable car takes you to the top of Montjuïc, from where you can see all the way across the city and out to sea. It’s definitely one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona!
Your adventure begins at the Parc de Montjuïc Cable Car station, where you’ll climb into a spacious car and slowly ascend 270 feet into the sky along a 2,460-foot-long run. The views along the way are spectacular – you can see from the Serra de Collserola mountain range to miles out in the Mediterranean Sea. If it’s a clear day, you should even be able to spot the Sagrada Familia from way up here.
There are three stations along the way to check out – Parc de Montjuïc, Miramar, and Castell de Montjuïc. When you’re done, you can hop back into the cable car and ride back down in style.
8. Fly Over the Landscape in a Hot Air Balloon
For even better views of Barcelona, climb into the basket of a hot air balloon and sail through the skies over Catalonia. From your lofty viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the sprawling city of Barcelona and all its iconic landmarks, as well as the jagged mountains of Montserrat and the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
This hot air balloon tour is easily one of the best Barcelona tours, and your adventure begins first thing in the morning when you’ll have the chance to get hands-on and help inflate the hot air balloon. When you’ve gracefully risen into the air, you’ll float wherever the gentle breeze takes you for around one hour, taking in all the sensational Catalan scenery.
At the end, you’ll be treated to a glass of cava (the traditional way to end a hot balloon ride) as well as a delicious breakfast. As an added bonus, you’ll also get a first flight certificate signed by the pilot which you can take home as a souvenir.
9. Witness a Passionate Flamenco Show
When it comes to evening entertainment, a night out at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is definitely another one of the best Barcelona tours. This historic venue opens up its doors and invites you to immerse yourself in the music, dancing, and passion of Spain’s emblematic dance that goes back 200 years.
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is a beautiful theater, flowing with intricate Moorish decor. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a complimentary drink of your choice before you take your seat at the front of the stage, where all kinds of legendary flamenco dancers have performed over the years. Relax and let the incredible power of the performers’ skills and emotions wash over you as they tell a compelling story that surpasses language.
To enhance your experience, we recommend upgrading to one of the food options. You can keep it light and enjoy some tapas and pintxos (bite-size snacks) during the performance, or indulge with something a bit more filling, like traditional Valencian paella.
10. Experience Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter Come to Life
There are countless intriguing parts of Barcelona to explore, and the Jewish Quarter is one that often gets forgotten about. This enchanting neighborhood is hidden away within the city’s Gothic Quarter and is home to a number of incredible landmarks just waiting to be discovered.
On this 2-hour walking tour, you’ll follow a local expert who will bring Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter to life. While walking down winding streets that date back to the Middle Ages, they’ll tell you all about the city’s Jewish community and how they steadily grew in Barcelona, becoming more important to the city in many ways.
The oldest synagogue in Spain and a stunning house once owned by a Jewish alchemist are just two highlights you’ll see, among many fascinating others. Your guide will point out many important pieces of Jewish life and heritage throughout the neighborhood that you’d never be able to spot on your own.
11. Go Beer Tasting at the Estrella Damm Brewery
Whether you’re an avid beer drinker or you’ve never had a sip in your life, a tour around the Estrella Damm Brewery is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. One of Europe’s most popular beers, Estrella Damm is brewed in a spectacular building in the center of the city. Sign up for a guided tour and not only will you be able to see how the beer is made, but you’ll also be able to taste a selection of signature brews at the end.
The tour begins with a captivating explanation of how Estrella Damm beer came to be. After that, you’ll move through the different buildings of the brewery, through the boiler, cooking, machine, and scale rooms, where you’ll find out how the unique brew is made. You’ll also get to see a number of ancient objects that were used to brew the beer over 100 years ago.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited to test out everything you’ve learned about tasting beer through five Estrella Damm specialties. You’ll learn how to examine the color, smell, texture, and flavor of each beer to get the most out of every sip.
12. Explore the Dazzling Costa Brava
If you need a break from city life, swap the busy streets of Barcelona for the laid-back life of the Costa Brava. Just a short drive away from the Catalan Capital, the Costa Brava is an enchanting land of sleepy fishing villages, sandy golden beaches, and colorful medieval towns.
During your 8-hour tour of Costa Brava, you’ll be whisked away to Girona, where you’ll be invited to admire ancient wonders, such as the best-preserved Jewish Ghetto in Europe, an imposing cathedral, and brightly-colored houses lining the Onyar River. And that’s just the beginning!
After that, you’ll explore the medieval village of Pals, the breathtaking landscapes of Empordà, the charming fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, and the long, beautiful bays of Calella.
Visiting so many different parts of the Costa Brava allows you to get a better feel for Spain and its people. You’ll be joined by your guide throughout the entire journey, who will point out all kinds of amazing attractions and wow you with incredible local stories along the way.
13. Sail to a Romantic Vineyard for Wine Tasting
Barcelona is just a short distance from the sensational Alella wine region, making it a great place to start a wine tour. This unique tour begins with a sophisticated boat ride along Barcelona’s spectacular coastline before exploring an amazing 25-year-old vineyard.
During the boat ride, you’ll be in the perfect position to enjoy Barcelona’s city skyline. If you look carefully, you should be able to spot major landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia and the Montjuïc Cable Car. To make your trip even better, you’ll be treated to local snacks and drinks along the way.
When you arrive at the vineyard, you’ll be taken on a tour of the local area, where you’ll find out exactly how the wine is made and learn about its intriguing past that dates back to the Middle Ages. At the end of your visit, you’ll have the chance to taste four of the best wines before a relaxing journey back to the city.
14. Learn How to Make Authentic Paella
Paella is one of the dishes you absolutely have to try when you’re in Spain. If you fall in love with the Spanish classic, sign up for this paella cooking experience, and you’ll learn how to recreate the signature sensation at home!
Your foodie adventure begins with a trip to Barcelona’s biggest and best food market – La Boqueria. Here, your chef guide will teach you how to choose the best ingredients to make your paella unbeatable. When you’re finished shopping, you’ll take a gentle walk through Barcelona Old Town’s city streets before arriving at the kitchen where the magic happens.
You’ll start off with some tapas to keep hunger at bay and then learn how to make some classic tapas and pintxos yourself, all while sipping some delicious sangria. While you’re nibbling and sipping, a talented chef will be making a seafood paella and walking you through all the steps to make it the best it can possibly be.
When it’s finished, you’ll retire to the dining room to enjoy the paella, along with even more sangria.
15. Hear Hidden Stories about the Iconic Park Güell
Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s must-visit hotspots. While you’re free to explore on your own, the park is bursting with hidden wonders and secrets that you’ll only ever discover if you visit the park with an expert guide.
They’ll take you to all the best parts of the park, showing you the most impressive mosaics, dazzling sculptures, and mesmerizing paths that lead to the best views of the city. To make your experience even better, your guide will tell you all kinds of intriguing stories about what Gaudi was going through when he created the park and the vibe he wanted to create.
After the tour, you can spend as long as you like in the park, giving you ample opportunity to take any pictures you missed and return to highlights you loved.
Bonus tip: Consider combining this Park Güell experience with the hop-on, hop-off bus. The East route of the Barcelona bus tour stops directly outside Park Güell, leaving you with plenty of energy to explore the park on foot when you arrive.
There you have it! The 15 best tours in Barcelona. What are your favorite Barcelona tours? Let us know in the comments below!
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