The Catalan capital is a gem of enchanting architecture, laid-back vibes, and unforgettable experiences. These tours in Barcelona offer a little of everything, whether you’re looking for Barcelona day trips, bus tours, or walking tours through the city.
Here are seven Barcelona city tours to add to your itinerary, and amplify your travel experience in Spain!
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Best Tours in Barcelona + Barcelona day trips
From Mediterranean coastal tours to walks through the Gothic Quarter, these guided tours in Barcelona are not to be missed. Let’s get into it.
Barcelona Boat Trip w/ Swimming & Drinks
If you’re visiting Barcelona in the summer or shoulder season (and you’re looking for a fun and adventurous experience), I love this Barcelona Coastline Boat Trip!
It includes snacks, cava, swimming, and enjoying cityscape views of Barcelona from the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the perfect tour in Barcelona for those hot and sticky days when walking around the city is not the move.
Just bring a swimsuit, some reef-safe sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses and you’re in for one of the best things to do in Barcelona in summer!
Rating: 4.9/5 | See full boat tour details here
Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona
Barcelona’s most iconic landmark is definitely one of the best Barcelona city tours to take part in! Beginning construction in 1882, this Antoni Gaudi church is expected to be completed in 2026. Nonetheless, tours are still available and the architecture is incredible.
Reserve early to avoid disappointment. Check out this skip-the-line Sagrada Familia pass with a guided tour through the historic building.
Hop On Hop Off Barcelona 2-day Ticket
Barcelona’s main attractions like Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Plaça d’Espanya are pretty spaced out. While Barcelona is a very walkable city, it’ll be a long walk or a sweaty ride to see all the sites.
The Hop On Hop Off Barcelona city tour makes that a lot easier. You can book a one or 2-day ticket and ride along, hopping on and off (as the name suggests), to all the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Buses come every 20-30 minutes so it gives you plenty of time to hop off, take some photos, enjoy the scenery, maybe walk to a different bus stop, and hop on the next bus.
Rating: 4.4/5 | See all the details here
Coffee lover visiting Barcelona? Check out the BEST specialty coffee shops in Barcelona.
Day Trip to Montserrat from Barcelona
For one of the best Barcelona day trips, take a guided tour to Montserrat. This is a unique multi-peaked mountain, just over 30 miles outside of Barcelona.
What makes Montserrat so special though is that it’s home to a charming village (with an amazing bakery) and a monastery carved into the mountain.
For added fun, you’ll also find a cava winery! Which, if you don’t know, cava is Spain’s version of sparkling wine. You’ll find it’s similar to Champagne and Processco, but less sweet offering a drier, less fruity taste.
If you book this Get Your Guide Barcelona tour to Montserrat, you’ll drive through this picturesque mountain range, take a walking tour of the Montserrat Abbey, and enjoy some free time to explore the village with sweeping views of Catalunya.
If you upgrade to a full-day tour, you’ll also be able to do a wine tasting and lunch at the winery in the mountains.
Rating: 4.8/5 | See full tour details here
Take a Tour of Park Guell with Incredible Views
Park Guell is one of the most famous places to visit in Barcelona. Perched on a hilltop in Gracia, Park Guell is one of Antoni Guadi’s best works, full of quirky and colorful architecture intertwined with local flora and fauna. Plus, it’s definitely one of the best places for views of Barcelona!
Needless to say, this is an iconic Barcelona tour that simply should not be missed. Tickets sell out fast, so it’s best to book in advance and plan your day around your scheduled time.
Grab this skip-the-link ticket with a tour of the park here on Get Your Guide!
Rating: 4.3/5 | See Barcelona tour details here
Barcelona Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
I was lucky enough to live in this neighborhood for a year before moving next door to El Born – I actually lived on the same street as Picasso (only decades apart obviously).
Anyway, the Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest and most historic parts of Barcelona. It’s full of dim, winding streets, secret plazas, hidden gems, and some amazing bars and restaurants.
Take it all in with an immersive walking tour through the city! You’ll learn the history and folklore of the area while uncovering some of the best places to visit in the Gothic Quarter.
I love this Small Walking Tour of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona because, if you’re anything like me, you hate moving around like a herd of sheep. Plus, the bigger the group, the riskier for pickpockets.
Rating: 4.7/5 | See walking tour details here
Costa Brava Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Costa Brava is one of the best day trips from Barcelona. Just north of the city, Costa Brava is known for its ‘rugged coastline’, turquoise-colored calas, sandy beaches, and historic villages.
However, I can’t recommend this Kayak & Snorkel Costa Brava Day Trip enough! You’ll get to kayak on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, make your way under natural arches and caves, and see some of the most incredible village-scapes from the water.
There is no Barcelona day trip quite like kayaking in Costa Brava! See my guide on some of the best day hikes on the coast for some added adventure.
Rating: 4.8/5 | See Barcelona kayak tour details here
Barcelona Travel Tips
While these Barcelona tours are tips in themselves, let’s dive into a few more things to keep in mind before visiting.
Watch for pickpockets in Barcelona: Barcelona has a serious pickpocketing problem. When I first moved, I put my purse under the table in front of me (silly me) while dining at a restaurant with friends. The next thing I knew, it was gone. I’ve also had friends get their watch stolen, phone stolen in clothing stores, and even just walking down the road texting.
All this to say, be mindful and read my Barcelona pickpocket guide to know what to look out for. This anti-theft bag helps a lot too!
Don’t eat on La Rambla: La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona. It divides the old city neighborhoods of Raval and the Gothic Quarter, and it’s full of restaurants and souviner shops. My recommendation? Avoid spending too much time here. It’s a hub for pickpockets and full of overpriced, low-quality food.
Book tours in advance: If you’re visiting Barcelona in summer, it’s best to book places like Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia in advance. Time slots are limited!
Don’t go to Barceloneta for a beach day: If you want an amazing beach day in Barcelona, head to one of the beach towns outside of Barcelona. Sitges, Castelldefels, or anywhere in Costa Brava. The beaches are cleaner and prettier, and you’ll encounter less bothersome people apporaching you.
Leave extra room in your Barcelona itinerary: Don’t fill your schedule to the brim with Barcelona activities. Instead, leave some room for spontaneous decisions, care-free walks, coffee pit stops, and getting to know locals.
