Taking a city tour is probably one of the best things to do in Barcelona, and there are plenty of them to choose between. From seeing landmarks and Gaudi´s masterpieces to exploring historic neighbourhoods and tasting local delicacies.
Here is a comparative guide to some of the best city tours in Barcelona, and don´t miss our 3 top picks in the list below!
| # | Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour | From 33€ (1 day), from 40€ (2 days) | Open tickets, 1 trip takes around 2h |
| 2 | Born/Gothic Quarter Wine and Tapas Tour | From 99€ | 3-4h |
| 3 | Helicopter, Walking and Sailing City Tour | From 135€ | 4h |
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1 – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (2478 review)
“Was all very well organized and the routes blue + orange are perfect to get a very good overview of Barcelona.” Antonia, Headout
A good choice for travelers who like to explore independently, the Barcelona Tourist Buses is a great-value way to tour the city. Tickets cost around €30 for a single day, or €40 for two days and you can hop-on and off as many times as you like during that time.
The buses tour all of the major landmarks in the city, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and much more. You can enjoy commentary in 16 languages as you explore, and stay on the bus to see the sights, or hop-off and explore.
Our review
For a no-hassle way to tour the city the Barcelona Bus Turistic is an excellent option. The tickets can be used on any of the red and blue tourist buses, simply get off and on wherever you please.
The free audio guide is a bonus, so you won’t miss anything for the price of a single ticket.
Hot tip: Check out our Which Hop on Hop off Bus in Barcelona is the best? article, to compare the best bus tours in the city.
2 – El Born/Gothic Quarter Wine and Tapas Bar Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (440 reviews)
“Very fun time! Our guide Miro was knowledgeable and interesting. And lots of delicious food and drink mixed in!” Tracy, Getyourguide
One for the foodies, this wine and tapas bar tour by Barcelona Local Experiences offers a taste of the city’s most tantalizing delicacies. Tour the picturesque and historic neighborhoods of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, visit tapas and wine bars, and sample the local flavors.
Discover the history of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods and glimpse some hidden spots that aren’t on the usual tourist routes.
Visit four of the area’s top tapas bars to sample local specialty dishes, such as Iberian ham, regional cheeses, seafood, and a variety of wines.
Our review
Curious about the Spanish tapas culture and want to know more? This in-depth tour will take you to some of the best tapas joints in the city. Discover Barcelona’s culinary gems with a knowledgeable local to lead the way. This is a food tour not to be missed!
Read more: Best wine tasting tours in Barcelona
3 – Helicopter, Walking, and Sailing 360º City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (1102 reviews)
“It was great learning about the history of Barcelona. Katja, our tour guide, was knowledgeable and very nice. The helicopter tour was awesome, to see Barcelona from above was really cool!” Aisel, Getyourguide
This excursion from World Experience combines a walking tour of Barcelona’s highlights, a boat cruise, and a helicopter ride. You’ll see the city from all perspectives, land, sea, and sky as you explore the historic center of Barcelona.
Enjoy a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and Passeig de Gracia, the oldest parts of the city, with its most picturesque landmarks. Next hop on board a boat tour from Port Vell, and sail along the coastline past the statue of Christopher Columbus.
Finally, hover above the city on a helicopter tour of Barcelona’s stunning coastline. These all-in-one tours are an excellent addition to any trip. You can check out our selection of the best helicopter tours in Barcelona for more booking options.
Our review
This is a great value tour which packs so much into a short time. The walking tour is a great introduction to this historic city, and the boat tour offers great views. You’ll also enjoy a helicopter ride and see the city from a perspective that few get to.
4 – City Tour by Private Eco Tuk Tuk
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (479 reviews)
“We enjoyed our time in the city and our wonderful guide made time for us to ask questions along the way, experiencing Barcelona in a way I didn’t think possible with mobility issues. She was helpful,well versed in the culture. Well worth the the money!” Shauna, Getyourguide
One of the best all-round tours of Barcelona is from Eco Tuk Tuk, offering a 1 to 4 hour private tour of the city. You get to ride in comfort on an environmentally friendly all-electric tuk tuk. Visit the city’s most popular landmarks, including the famous La Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas.
Visit the Arc de Triomf, the Parc de la Ciutadella, Olympic Port and the other Gaudi highlights, such as Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. These relaxed tours offer great value, as you pay per group of up to four people.
Our review
The tuk tuk is a great way to explore the city. It’s small, it’s fun and it’s environmentally friendly. This tour hits all the major landmarks and offers fantastic value for those traveling in a small group.
Overall, a great introduction to the city of Barcelona.
5 – Family Friendly Barcelona Private City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (35 reviews)
“Fiorella was a great guide. She was flexible and gave us a unique perspective of the city. She was also great with our 5 year old and 1 year children who have high levels of energy and can talk all day. Would book with her again.” Edwin, Viator
Traveling to Barcelona with small children, elderly relatives, or both? this private excursion from Withlocals can be customized to your interests.
Many people prefer the flexibility of private tours in Barcelona over organized group tours. You can see the sights that you want to see with a local guide to show you around.
Avoid the queues at major tourist spots and skip to the things you want to see. Your local guide can offer fun places to visit to keep the kids entertained as you see the city. You’ll still get to tour Barcelona, and you’ll also get to stop for snacks and games along the way.
Our review
A great choice for families who want a private tour of the city. This is really geared at groups with small children and includes time to rest and play.
Remove some of the stress of travel by touring the city with a knowledgeable local guide.
6 – Free Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (1077 reviews)
“I learned much more than I thought I would. Filipa’s knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious and her ability to hold us together and hold our attention was excellent. She also answered any question posed to her with solid information and humor.” Ruth, Civitatis
For travelers on a budget this free walking tour from Barkeno Tours proves you don’t have to spend big to have a great time. For those who’ve never tried a free walking tour before, there’s no set fee or obligation and you simply pay the amount you can afford at the end of the tour. Think of it as a tip!
You’ll visit popular destinations around the city and learn about Barcelona’s history, and present from a local, who knows and loves the city. Why not check out some of the other best free walking tours in Barcelona during your stay?
Our review
This is one of the top free walking tours in the city. The guides are all super knowledgeable and make the experience really fun.
If you don’t mind exploring the city on foot this tour is a great option for solo travelers, couples and small groups.
7 – Gaudi Private City Tour with Sagrada Familia
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (64 reviews)
“Our guide, Adriana was delightful. We were really happy with our entire walking tour of primarily, the Gothic Quarter, and a number of Gaudi’s works, culminating with a self-guided tour of Sagrada Familia, which was a total highlight. Money well spent.” Barbara, Getyourguide
For anyone particularly interested in the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, this private walking tour from LocalCoolTour is an excellent choice. The tour is aimed at small groups and will allow you to discover Gaudi’s modernist buildings with an expert local guide.
The tour includes skip-the-line admission to La Sagrada Familia, the architect’s famous “unfinished” cathedral. You’ll also visit his earlier architectural masterpieces, including Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Palau Guell and his most frequented places throughout the city.
This private excursion will allow you to visit a number of the best tourist attractions in Barcelona in half a day.
Our review
This is an excellent private tour for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of the enigmatic architect, Antoni Gaudi.
It stops at most of his well–known locations in the city, with an expert local guide to bring the history of the man and his creations to life.
8 – City Highlights Biking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (35 reviews)
“Highly recommended as a first impression! Also numerous insider tips.” Anna, Get your guide
Wanting to cover more distance in a shorter time? This guided cycle tour from Turisme de Barcelona will take you all over the city in just half a day.
Visit the Sagrada Familia, Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), Barcelona Cathedral, Parc de la Ciutadella, and much more. You’ll criss-cross the town discovering its most vibrant neighborhoods, and seeing much more of the city than you could otherwise.
Tour the city’s lanes and cycle paths and enjoy it from a local’s perspective. Concerned about sustainability? Bike tours are one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to explore.
Our review
This, mostly flat, cycle tour offers an active way to see the city without getting too tired. Your local guide will show you the necessary sights of Barcelona and lead you through the labyrinth of streets, cycle paths and boulevards.
Absolutely recommended!
Read more: Best Bike Tours in Barcelona
9 – Barcelona Highlights City Tour and Montserrat Excursion
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)
“Had a great day. Our guide in the morning was Carolyn, this was walking around the town. The bus then took us to the Cable cars, which is a must to do seeing the view of Barcelona. In the afternoon after lunch we went to Montserrat, this is a beautiful place to visit.” Tina, Getyourguide
If you only have a short time to spend in the city this full-day tour by Julia Travel Gray Line Spain is an excellent option. The tour will take place over ten hours allowing you to travel to all corners of the city, as well as Montserrat to admire the Benedictine Monastery.
Hit all the city’s major landmarks in a short time, including Barcelona Cathedral, Port Olimpic, The Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gracia and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC).
You’ll get to ride a cable car and see fantastic views from Montjuic before a bus trip to nearby Montserrat.
Our review
This is an all-round comprehensive tour of the city that would be ideal for anyone visiting by cruise ship. If you just have a day to see it all then this is the excursion to pick. Visit all the Barcelona city highlights then jump on a bus to Montserrat to see the famous Benedictine Monastery.
10 – 4-Hour City Highlights Tour by Vespa Scooter
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)
“It was a great day that we will all keep in great memory. Everything was fine. The weather, the tour and our guide, who led the group safely through Barcelona and gave a lot of information at the selected points. Definitely do it!!!” Rosmarie, Getyourguide
Not content with cycle or walking tours? Want something with a few more thrills? A Vespa scooter tour from Vesping GPS Guided tours is a fun way to explore Barcelona.
You’ll have a local guide to show you around, and you can pilot your own scooter around the streets of Barcelona. Zip from place to place, cruise the seafront boulevards and see a lot more of the city in a shorter time.
These 4 hour tours cover more than 50 kilometers, including visits to well known landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and lesser known but equally picturesque places.
Our review
This is a great way to see the city. Your friendly local guide can tailor the route to your liking and you can really cover most of the city in the 4 hour tour time.
Hit up all the major landmarks, avoid the city traffic and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
11 – City Tour, Tapas & Wine, and Flamenco Show
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)
“Valentino was very knowledgeable and she had a beautiful spirit and joy when showing us around. Thank you for a lovely tour. The flamenco was great.” Richard, Viator
This tour from LocalCoolTour offers a taste of the traditional Spanish culture, with additional tapas, wine and a flamenco show. Start your excursion with a 2-hour private tour by a local guide who’ll explain the history of the area.
You’ll visit the oldest parts of the city, including the narrow alleyways of the Gothic Quarter and Placa Reial, to see the Gaudi-designed street lamps. You’ll then head for a tapas in the district of Born, which will be accompanied by a glass of Cava or vermouth.
From there visit one of Barcelona’s most important churches, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar before heading to the atmospheric Palau Dalmases to catch a traditional flamenco show.
Our review
This tour offers a great value all-in-one cultural experience in Barcelona. It includes some of the top things to see and do in the city, including tapa tasting and a flamenco show and a private guided tour of the oldest parts of the city. Highly recommended!
12 – Half Day City Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1611 reviews)
“A novel way to see Barcelona at ground level with a knowledgeable tour guide/motorbike rider. For those unaccustomed to being on a motorbike ( with side car) this experience is a bonus. Bluetooth connection allows you to hear what is being described.” Cathy, Viator
If you enjoy tours that are a little out of the ordinary, this quirky trip from BrightSide Tours Barcelona might be a good pick. You’ll tour the city on a motorcycle and sidecar with an experienced local rider and guide to show you around.
Zoom along the city streets powered by a classic motorcycle, listen to commentary and chat with your driver on a radio headset. See the city’s most impressive landmarks, such as La Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gracia and the Olympic Village.
Enjoy a fun and adventure-packed private tour on a thrilling vintage motorcycle and sidecar.
Our review
This adventurous tour on a classic motorcycle and sidecar is sure to be a highlight of your time in Barcelona. Enjoy the breeze on your face and the wind in your hair as you zip around the city from landmark to landmark. The local driver/guides really make these tours a pleasure.
13 – Las Golondrinas 60-Minute Port and Coast Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (452 reviews)
“It was a really nice cruise, very good value for money and plenty of seating options. Food available on board too wasn’t too pricey. Highly recommend.” Christopher, Tourscanner
Something a little bit different, this coastal cruise of Barcelona will let you see the city from the water. Covering nine miles of the city’s seafront, the Golondrinas sightseeing tour lasts around an hour and covers the area from Portal de la Pau, near the Columbus statue, to nearby Port Vell via Barceloneta Beach.
Enjoy the fresh sea air while you sail on one of the ship’s two outdoor observation decks.
You’ll see Diagonal Mar, Port Forum, a marina full of extravagant superyachts, and Port Olimpic which hosted events in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Our review
This is a nice sightseeing boat tour which leaves from the city center. You’ll cruise along the coast and catch a glimpse of the waterfront city, its yacht harbors and its glamorous beaches. Wind down, relax and take it easy on this great-value Barcelona boat excursion.
14 – City Highlights Guided Running Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)
“The tour was so much fun and such a great way to visit and see the famous landmarks of Barcelona! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks again Sam and an outstanding recommendation for tapas.” Eszeter, Getyourguide
It’s true that not everyone likes to take it easy on holiday. If you’re a get-up-and-go kind of person you might enjoy this running tour from LocalRunGuide. You’ll get to explore the city with a local expert, see the highlights and work up a sweat at the same time.
Visit La Sagrada Familia, other Gaudi-designed highlights like Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, as well as the impressive Barcelona Cathedral.
Run along Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s famous lively thoroughfare, and enjoy the best routes through the city with an enthusiastic local to show you the way.
Our review
This is a sightseeing running tour for travelers who never forget their running shoes. Work up a sweat on a guided run through the bustling streets of Barcelona. You can explore with an enthusiastic local and see the sights in a fun and energetic way.
15 – Private Photography and City Highlights Bike Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1 review)
“Alfredo, great guy. he Knows everything about the city and shows you from which position you can shoot the best spots!” Jasper, Getyourguide
If you’re an insta-enthusiast, this private photography tour from In Out Barcelona Tours will ensure you get the best city snaps. Tour Barcelona with a local photography expert who can show you the best viewpoints to take the most engaging photos.
You’ll travel by bike around the city, learn some local history and even how to set-up and shoot a camera for the best possible shots.
Take your vacation photos to the next level while you cruise around popular Barcelona locations, including Passeig de Gracia, La Barceloneta, and much more.
Our review
If you want to snap amazing pics during your time in Barcelona, this tour is highly recommended. You’ll be led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic local photographer, who will show you the city’s best viewpoints and photogenic locations. Enjoy a crash photography course in one of Europe’s most amazing cities.
16 – 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (517 review)
“Tour went really well, our tour guide Nuno was very energetic, positive, funny and proactive! A great tour guide! One of a kind experience and he made our tour comfortable as he taught us well on how to handle and control the segway! All the best and continue to be a happy person Nuno!” Leslia, Getyourguide
For a unique way to see Barcelona on two wheels, this city tour from Euro Segway might be a good option. Segways may look hard to ride but you’ll be an expert in no time. And, don’t worry you’ll get chance to practice before you head off into the city.
The tour takes you through the old and modern parts of the city, visiting iconic places such as Parc de la Ciutadella, Port Vell and the Roman Walls.
You’ll also visit culturally important places, such as the Arc de Triomf, Columbus Monument and Port Olimpic.
Our review
Want to try something new during your time in Barcelona? This Segway tour of the city is a fantastic option for those with an adventurous side. Experience this unique style of two-wheeled travel as you explore the exciting city of Barcelona. The local guides make this experience a blast.
17 – Explore Montserrat on a Guided Trip with Lunch
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (2578 reviews)
“The experience was very nice, and the guide (Yerai) was really friendly,helpful and funny. I totally recommend this trip for anyone visiting Barcelona, stunning views.” Andreica, Getyourguide
When you’ve toured the city and seen the local sights, there are some great day tours from Barcelona to enjoy, including this trip from Castlexperience. You’ll take a half, or full-day bus tour to the nearby Montserrat mountain range, famous for its stunning views and the impressive Benedictine Monastery that sits amid its jagged peaks.
Glimpse the mountain views from the cogwheel train, take a guided tour of the abbey and marvel at the famous Black Madonna statue. Enjoy a lunch of traditional dishes and sample a selection of local wines. This Montserrat tour from Barcelona packs in a whole lot.
Our review
A great option for those wanting to visit nearby Montserrat and the Monastery. The guides really try to make the trip fun and offer lots of knowledge about the locations you’ll stop at. This offers a chance to see the countryside around Barcelona, discover some history and enjoy a fantastic meal along the way.
18 – Barcelona Mysteries and Legends Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (2149 reviews)
“Nuria really told such incredibly amazing stories. Creepy, sad, funny, mysterious stories from old Barcelona and its former inhabitants. Tonight we had a fabulous tour through the old and narrow streets.” Carmen, Civitatis
This evening tour from Grupo Mediático tells the myths, tales, and legends of old Barcelona. Take a journey back in time as you tour the city’s most historic streets. Dig into the past of the city’s oldest locations, including the Gothic Quarter, Placa de Catalunya, and Barcelona Cathedral.
Uncover local legends of wizards, ghosts, and mysteries, some of which date back to the city’s Roman era. Hear chilling tales as you travel through the city’s historic cobbled streets and most unusual locations.
Our review
Don’t miss this chance to explore the spooky history of Barcelona with a local guide. If you enjoy perplexing myths and chilling ghost stories this could be a great option. Visit the city’s oldest and most mysterious locations and discover the unusual tales that have been passed down from generation to generation.
19 – A Magical Evening in Barcelona: Private City Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)
“I had a great time touring the gothic quarter with Karim – thank you for a fun evening in Barcelona! It was great to do it on my first evening in the city and get to understand the neighborhood. Thanks Karim!” Jessica, Viator
This guided tour is a great introduction to Barcelona’s bustling nightlife. Enjoy a night of bar hopping around Barcelona’s most picturesque neighborhoods with this tour from Withlocals.
Discover some of the best bars in the city’s Gothic Quarter, enjoy a tour from a local guide and sample some of the must-try local specialty drinks. You’ll taste sangria, made in the traditional Spanish way, sip cocktails in the city’s oldest districts, and try vermouth in a traditional taverna.
Visit a long-established bar that was popular with Picasso and other local personalities and taste a selection of traditional snacks.
Our review
This is a great choice for a private evening tour around some of the best bars and tavernas in the Gothic Quarter. You’ll learn plenty of local history, try local specialty drinks and snacks and get to see the best of the old city at night.
How to book city tours in Barcelona?
Many websites offer city tours in Barcelona, how do you know if you’re choosing the right one for you? We pull all the results from all tour operators together so you can check out the best tours and deals available. Just search with the Tourscanner search engine to easily review all offers and prices.