Barcelona is a city with a rich history, incredible architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. The best way to experience all of this is through a guided tour. With so many options to choose from, it can be quite challenging to decide which one is the right fit for you. In this post, we’ve rounded up the best guided tours in Barcelona to help make your decision easier. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s Gothic Quarter, experiencing its famous cuisine or immersing yourself in the works of Antoni Gaudí, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your walking shoes and get ready to discover the best of Barcelona with these top-rated guided tours.

The 5 Best Tours with Local in Barcelona

1. Private Guided Tour to Montserrat and Organic Winery from Barcelona
2. Montserrat Guided Tour With Private Transportation
3. Picasso Art Tour for Foodies Guided Tour in Barcelona
4. Fc Barcelona Fans Camp Nou Experience Guided Visit With Brunch
5. Barcelona Skip the Line Guided Tour of Picasso Museum

The 5 Best Tours with Local in Barcelona

1. Private Guided Tour to Montserrat and Organic Winery from Barcelona

Escape the crowded and bustling streets of Barcelona for a day of exploration and relaxation with a private guided tour of Montserrat and an organic winery. Start your journey with a complimentary cup of coffee and croissant before embarking on a walking tour of Montserrat’s famous monastery, museum, church, and market. Witness works of art by renowned artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Monet, and learn about the monastery’s legendary Black Madonna. Refuel with a delicious 3-course lunch accompanied by snacks, coffee, and cava. Afterward, make your way to a small, family-owned winery to learn about regional wine production and to sample some of the region’s most delicious wines. The tour concludes with convenient round-trip transport from your hotel. This exclusive experience includes a private tour guide and transport solely for your group, and gratuities are also taken care of. Pick-up points are available throughout the city for your convenience. Expand your cultural horizons and treat your palate to the best flavors and sights Montserrat has to offer.

2. Montserrat Guided Tour With Private Transportation

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona and embark on a tranquil journey to Montserrat, a sacred mountain located just an hour away from the city. With comfortable transportation, you can see the impressive Benedictine monastery near the top of the mountain and witness the renowned Black Madonna statue. Avoid the long lines and crowds by arriving early and explore this peaceful natural setting at your own pace. Take advantage of the free time options such as a cable car ride, forest walk, liqueur tasting, or museum visit. Learn about the impressive history and legends of the monastery and gain insights through the expert guidance by an English-speaking tour guide. This is a perfect way to experience Montserrat without any worry about transportation and tickets.

3. Picasso Art Tour for Foodies Guided Tour in Barcelona

Celebrate Barcelona’s creative culinary scene with a small group Picasso Art Tour for Foodies. You will visit the Picasso Museum and MACBA (Barcelona’s contemporary art museum) while exploring three local tapas bars. Experience the Catalan-style small bites and alcoholic beverages in between your art tour. Sample flavors from pintxos and traditional Catalan tapas while enjoying great company. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s culinary and art culture. Lunch and a professional guide are included in the tour.

4. Fc Barcelona Fans Camp Nou Experience Guided Visit With Brunch

Immerse yourself in the spirit of competition and the thrill of the game when you visit Camp Nou, the home of F.C. Barcelona since 1957. This guided tour offers an in-depth exploration of the stadium and its museum, with a bilingual guide specialized in soccer, a radio guide system, and entrance and a guided visit to the F.C.B Museum. Follow in the footsteps of famous players when you visit the changing room tunnel and the press box. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to further explore Camp Nou on your own. The tour does not include food and drinks, unless specified, or hotel pickup and drop-off. The meeting point for the tour is C. d’Arístides Maillol 4, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and note that the experience is not wheelchair accessible.

5. Barcelona Skip the Line Guided Tour of Picasso Museum

Skip the lines and gain exclusive access to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona with a small-group guided tour. Accompanied by an expert art guide, you will explore the 4251 pieces in the museum’s permanent collection, including works from the Blue period and the celebrated “Las Meninas” series. Learn about the formative years of the renowned artist and discover the genius of his early work. With this skip-the-line ticket, you’ll save valuable time and have the opportunity to admire and appreciate each piece in a relaxed and informative atmosphere. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guide services, and headsets for optimized audio delivery. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover one of the world’s greatest artists.

Visiting Barcelona: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Barcelona is one of the most popular and stunning cities in Europe. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, arts, architecture, history, beaches, and nightlife. Tourists from around the world flock to Barcelona to experience the Mediterranean charm and vibrant life of this unique city. But, it’s natural to have some questions and concerns when planning your trip. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Barcelona and helpful information you need to know.

1. When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Summer is the busiest and most expensive time, with temperatures rising above 30°C, and many locals go on holiday, so some shops and restaurants may be closed.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Barcelona?

If you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you don’t need a visa to visit Barcelona. If you are a citizen of another country, check the Spanish embassy or consulate website in your home country. Generally, you can stay in Barcelona for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism, business, or study purposes.

3. How do I get around in Barcelona?

Barcelona has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, metro, and trains. The metro is the fastest and easiest way to get around the city, with 8 lines covering most areas, including the airport. You can buy a T-10 or Hola BCN travel card, which gives you 10 journeys for just €10 or unlimited travel for 2-5 days, respectively. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are available, but they tend to be more expensive.

4. What are the must-visit sights in Barcelona?

Barcelona is home to many iconic and breathtaking attractions. Here are some of the most popular ones:

a. La Sagrada Familia:

This unfinished basilica by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí is an absolute must-see. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable landmarks of Barcelona.

b. Park Güell:

Another masterpiece by Gaudí, Park Güell is a public park with stunning views of the city, colorful mosaics, and whimsical structures. The park requires a ticket, which you can buy online in advance.

c. Casa Batlló and Casa Mila:

These two buildings are also designed by Gaudí and are known for their unique forms, colorful facades, and intricate details.

d. Gothic Quarter:

This historic neighborhood is the heart of the old city and features narrow streets, Gothic architecture, charming plazas, and cozy cafés.

e. La Rambla:

This famous pedestrian street stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea and is lined with cafes, shops, street performers, and markets.

5. Is it safe to visit Barcelona?

Barcelona is generally a safe city, but like any other popular tourist destination, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid pickpockets and other petty criminals. Don’t carry large sums of cash, keep your valuables close to your body, and stay alert in crowded areas. There have been some reports of street crime, especially in El Raval and other parts of the old city, so be cautious when walking alone at night.

6. What is the local language of Barcelona?

The official languages of Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan, but most locals speak Spanish fluently. English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases or bring a phrasebook to communicate with locals and enhance your experience.

7. Where are the best places to eat and drink in Barcelona?

Barcelona is known for its excellent food scene, from traditional Catalan dishes to innovative fusion cuisine. Some of the best areas for eating and drinking are El Born, Gracia, Barri Gotic, and Eixample. Here are some popular dishes and beverages you should try:

a. Tapas:

Small-plate dishes that can vary from patatas bravas to croquetas or ham and cheese.

b. Paella:

A typical rice dish from Valencia, which can be vegetarian, seafood, or mixed.

c. Sangria:

A refreshing drink made with wine, fruit, and sometimes brandy.

d. Cava:

A sparkling wine from Catalonia, similar to Champagne.

8. What are some cultural do’s and don’ts in Barcelona?

Barcelona has its own culture, customs, and etiquette. Here are some tips to avoid offending locals:

a. Greetings:

Shake hands or kiss on both cheeks with people you meet for the first time and address them by their titles and surnames. Don’t use first names unless invited.

b. Dining:

Don’t start eating until everyone is served, and don’t leave food on your plate. Use utensils instead of hands, and don’t slurp or burp.

c. Dress:

Dress appropriately for the occasion and place. Avoid shorts, flip-flops, and beachwear in restaurants or cultural venues.

d. Tipping:

Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Generally, leave 5-10% of the total bill for good service.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful city and a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. However, with so many things to see and do, planning your trip can be overwhelming. That’s why we have put together this guide to help you make the most of your time in Barcelona. Follow these tips to experience the best of what the city has to offer.

1. Start at La Rambla

La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona and is a great place to start your trip. This tree-lined street stretches for 1.2 kilometers and is filled with street performers, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant street.

2. Explore the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is located in the heart of Barcelona’s old town and is a must-see destination for visitors. This historic neighborhood is filled with narrow streets, beautiful squares, and Gothic architectural designs that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the history and significance of this enchanting area.

3. Visit La Sagrada Familia

No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting La Sagrada Familia. This unfinished basilica is a masterpiece designed by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. The construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still ongoing, making it a truly unique attraction in Barcelona. Explore the interior and exterior of this stunning building, and be sure not to miss the Nativity Facade, the most elaborate and impressive section of the basilica.

4. Enjoy the Beaches

Barcelona has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people watching. Barceloneta beach is the most popular and can get crowded, but there are several other quieter beaches such as Mar Bella and Bogatell that offer a more relaxing experience. Spend a day at the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean sea and the sunny weather.

5. Experience Park Guell

Park Guell is another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and is located in the Gracia district of Barcelona. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features unique architectural designs, colorful mosaics, and breathtaking views of the city. Spend an afternoon exploring the park and be sure to visit the terraced area that features the famous “dragon” sculpture and the beautiful colonnaded pathway.

6. Wander Around El Raval

El Raval is a trendy neighborhood that is slowly becoming one of the most popular areas in Barcelona. This multicultural neighborhood is known for its street art, trendy bars, and restaurants. Take a stroll around the area and discover the many Instagram-worthy spots hidden away in the narrow streets and alleys.

7. Go Shopping in Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona’s high-end shopping street and is home to some of the most luxurious stores and boutiques in the city. Browse through the latest fashion collections, and look for local brands to buy some unique souvenirs to take back home.

8. Visit Montserrat

Montserrat is a mountain located north of Barcelona that is home to a Benedictine monastery. Take a day trip and experience the stunning natural beauty of the mountain and the spiritual significance of the monastery. The monastery features a beautiful basilica with intricate features and a museum that houses several important works of art.

9. Experience the nightlife

Barcelona is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are many bars and clubs that cater to all tastes. Visit the trendy Gracia area for a more laid back experience or head to the Gothic Quarter for a more lively atmosphere. Be sure to try the famous Spanish wine and sangria while enjoying the nightlife scene.

10. Try the Local Cuisine

Barcelona is known for its fantastic food scene, and there are many local dishes that you must try. Taste traditional dishes such as paella, tortilla de patatas, and jamon Iberico. Visit the Mercado de La Boqueria, Barcelona’s most famous food market, and indulge in some of the city’s best street food.

Conclusion

Barcelona is a beautiful city with many things to see and do. From the beautiful architecture and landscapes to the vibrant culture and nightlife, the city offers something for everyone. Follow these tips and make the most of your time in Barcelona. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.