Best Bus Tours in Barcelona

Published: July 18, 2024
Best Bus Tours in Barcelona

If you want to make the most of an inevitably too-short vacation, where better to see the sights in one go than on a bus tour? With comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a guide in tow, you'll learn all about the city's best bits without overexerting yourself.

So, if you're heading to Barcelona this year, you'll want to know which are the best bus tours in the city. Luckily, we've written all about them down below! So, take your seat and get ready to sing annoying bus-themed children's songs. All aboard!

Including:

  • Is there a bus tour of Barcelona?
  • Are tours in Barcelona worth it?
  • How many days is ideal for Barcelona?
  • The best bus tours in Barcelona
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Is there a bus tour of Barcelona?

We'd be wasting our time if there were no bus tours in Barcelona, so fear not. But we deal in nothing but the best here, so expect only the best detailed down below!

Are tours in Barcelona worth it?

Bus tours are one of the best ways to see as much of a new city as possible without worrying about taking public transport or driving on unfamiliar roads with illegible road signs and whatnot.

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How many days is ideal for Barcelona?

Some cities are easy enough to do in a day—others, not so much. Barcelona firmly falls in the latter category, with a veritable mountain of history, experiences, and things to see; ideally, you need to take between 3 and 4 days to see it all. And that's just as well, because we have four of the best bus tours in Barcelona to talk about! What are the odds?

So, now we've answered all your burning Barcelona questions, let's talk about the best bus tours in the city!

The best bus tours in Barcelona

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Bus Turístic Tour

If you want to see all of the city's best bits in one fell swoop, you won't get much better than a Bus Turístic Tour! With three routes to choose from, each taking you past many of the city's most recognizable landmarks, it's not just a great way to see it all in a day, but also to get your bearings in a new city.

Your ticket gives you 24 hours on your bus of choice, and each one allows you to hop off at any stop that takes your fancy, have a look around and snap some vacation pics, and then hop back on the next bus and carry on with your journey! Plus, with 16 languages available via audio commentary, you'll learn all about them no matter where you're from.

So, let's explore the three routes and what sights you'll be seeing on each!

The Blue Route (around 2 hours in total) kicks things off at Placa de Catalunya before heading past some of Gaudí's most famous buildings, including Casa Battló, the Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell, before heading on to the famous Camp Nou soccer stadium, where FC Barcelona ply their trade, before ending at the museums of MACBA & CCCB. There are plenty more stops in between, but talking about them would take days. Check out the full list here.

The Red Route (again, around 2 hours) also leaves from Placa de Catalunya before heading through La Pedrera, Poble Espanyol, Montjuic, and many more, before ending at Barcelona Zoo.

And finally, the Green Route is the shortest of all the tours, lasting just 40 minutes from end to end. On this one, you'll see Port Olimpic, Platja del Bogatell, Parc del Forum, and Parc Diagonal Mar before ending at Poblenou & its beaches.

Whichever you pick, Bus Turístic Tours are some of the best in Barcelona.

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Andorra and France from Barcelona

Typically, bus tours in Barcelona focus on the city itself or the areas in and around the city. But what if we told you that one of the best lets you see not one, not two, but three countries all in one day? You'd call us liars, surely? Well, we're not, and we can prove it. Take this Andorra and France from Barcelona tour, and you'll retract your accusation faster than you can say, "Three countries? One day? That's wild!"

But what will you be seeing on your three-country tour? Well, you'll witness magnificent views of the Pyrenees as you travel between Barcelona and Andorra, where you'll stop at Thermes d'Ax, where your guide will show you the top sights, such as Casa de la Vall, San Esteve XII Century Church, and Dali ́s Watch. Then, you'll hit Andorra's streets for some great shopping opportunities, with plenty to pick for yourself, as well as souvenirs for back home. And finally, you'll reach El Pas de la Casa, which sits on the border between France and Spain, where you're free to cross the dividing line and stand in two countries at the same time.

Marvelous.

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Montserrat

One of Barcelona's most beautiful sights isn't even in the city itself, but about an hour's drive away. It's called Montserrat - or the serrated mountain - and it houses one of the area's best-kept secrets. And, with this bus tour, you needn't make the journey alone.

At sunrise, you'll be picked up from Plaza de Catalunya first thing by an air-conditioned bus. From there, you'll make your journey up the mountain's many winding roads before finally reaching the top. From there, you can explore at your own pace. There's so much to see that we dedicated an entire article to it all, but if you haven't got time to read all those words, make sure you at least check out the nearly 1000-year-old Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine Monastery.

Then, when you're all sigh-seed out, your bus will take you right back into the heart of Barcelona. Easily one of the best bus tours in the city.

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Vineyard & Wine Cellar Day Trip

And finally, our final pick of the best bus tours in Barcelona is for grape enjoyers. After all, if you like a tipple, you could hardly visit Barcelona and not check out the wine scene! So why not go to the source on this Vineyard & Wine Cellar day trip?

Hop aboard a bus and head out into the outskirts of Catalonia, where you'll visit local vineyards and wineries, find out how the good stuff is made, and even try some for yourself.

Does it get much better than that? No, it does not.

And those were our picks of the best bus tours in Barcelona! If you don't want to spend your entire vacation on a four-wheeled wonder, see all of Barcelona's best bits with Go City! Choose our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass and make the most of the city's top attractions for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Romantic Things to do in Barcelona

Spain is without a doubt one of the most romantic countries in Europe, filled with glorious food, stunning architecture and idyllic beaches. Most popular with tourists is Barcelona, with thousands of vacationers flocking to the Catalonian capital each month. So, it’s no surprise that you’re looking to plan a romantic vacation to Barcelona. Here we’ve put together a list of the most popular attractions and activities when searching for romantic things to do in Barcelona, including... La Sagrada Familia Casa Batlló La Pedrera Park Güell Moco Museum Erotic Museum La Boqueria Market Turó de la Rovira and more.... 1. La Sagrada Familia If Barcelona is famous for one thing, it’s the stunning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí. With his masterpieces dotted across the city, it would be hard to miss a visit to at least one of them. La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the most famous landmark in Spain, is a must for visitors in Barcelona and it’s sure to get those sparks flying. Take a guided tour around the basilica, where you can learn about the building's different facades and the fascinating history behind this awe-inspiring building, which is still yet to be completed! If you have a spare moment, taking a lift to the top of the building will offer you unforgettable views of Barcelona from one of the tallest churches in the world.A few of Gaudi’s other creations include Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both of which are located on Passeig de Gràcia, so pay them a visit if you’re passing. 2. Park Güell Park Güell is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll. Overflowing with yet more of Gaudi’s modernist architectural works, spending a few hours here and taking a guided tour is definitely worth your time. 3. Moco Museum A visit to a museum or two won’t go a miss on your romantic getaway. The Moco Museum is an independent museum full of modern and contemporary art that is sure to blow your mind. Check out the incredible immersive exhibitions – the perfect place to snap that couple's pic to send to the family group chat. 4. Erotic Museum Another popular option, perhaps not one for the group chat, is the Erotic Museum of Barcelona. Centrally located on La Rambla, why not swing by for a bit of a sexy history lesson? Here, you’ll explore the unusual history and culture of eroticism through playful exhibits and unique artifacts. This is definitely one for a passionate adventure in Barcelona. 5. La Boqueria Market This bustling market can be found in the heart of Barcelona. From colourful sweets and fresh fruit to jamón ibérico and spices and nuts, this market is a foodie's dream. Popular with locals and visitors alike, La Boqueria is a treat for all senses so dive right in to find the best deals around. As well as the ingredients listed above, there’s plenty of top-notch tapas bars where you can sample the market’s fresh produce right then and there. 6. Tapas, Sangria and more Evenings in Barcelona with your other half are undoubtedly best spent enjoying scrumptious food and sipping on the Spanish classic, sangria. We suggest heading to the Gothic Quarter or venturing along the marina, where you’ll find hundreds of bars and restaurants offering up the tastiest paella and tapas. 7. Turó de la Rovira Or, if you fancy something a bit more homemade, make the trek to Turó de la Rovira, also known as the Bunkers del Carmel, and pack a picnic. Once used as a strategic defence site during the Spanish Civil War, this incredible viewpoint sits 262 meters above sea level, giving unparalleled views of the city. Be warned, it’s a bit of a hike, but cosying up to watch the sunset with a glass of sangria in hand doesn’t sound like a bad idea, right? 8. Old Town and Gothic Quarter Still looking for activities to inspire love? Wander around the streets of Barcelona on an Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour. Take in the charm and character of the Cuitat Vella and explore the city’s rich history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll find plenty of hidden gems along the way too so keep your eyes peeled. Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it –- a few romantic things to do in Barcelona that are guaranteed to give off those date night vibes so you can fall in love all over again! A few of these Barcelona attractions are included on the All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass with Go City®, so check out what options we have to save on attraction admission.
Cara Merren
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Sagrada Familia Interior

A monolith to Christianity, the Sagrada Familia is one of Catalonia's most iconic sights. If you're visiting Barcelona, and want to know more about it, read our guide to the brilliance of the Sagrada Familia, including the wonderfully-crafted interior! Image courtesy of Stock Holm/Shutterstock What is the Sagrada Familia To put it simply, La Sagrada Familia is a temple that was designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was considered his Magnum Opus, but he was unable to finish it before his death more than 100 years ago. To this day, the monument has yet to be finished, with work continuing as you read this very sentence. Probably. Unless you're from the future? In which case, are flying cars any good? We've been waiting a long time for them. The History of the Sagrada Familia The idea for La Sagrada Familia popped into existence in the late 19th century when businessman Josep Bocabella visited the Vatican. It left such an impression on him that he hoped to recreate its magnificence in Barcelona, itself a very Catholic city. So, with his idea and no understanding of architecture, he approached some experienced builders and pitched it to them. Renowned Catalan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar accepted the challenge, and drew up plans for a classicly Gothic monument to Christianity. However, after the crypt was finished, creative disagreements with one of Bocabella's assistants led to him walking away from the project only a year after construction had begun. Then, Bocabella approached Gaudí, who had already made a name for himself in the city. Gaudí accepted, and got to work on redesigning the entire project. Unfortunately, the size and scope of the project would outlive both Bocabella and Gaudí, and damage to the latter's plans due to the Spanish Civil War led to a fifteen-year-long recovery job. Since then, work has restarted, with many famed builders assuming the mantle of lead architect. And after over a century since the project began, it's nearly complete! The Sagrada Familia Interior As soon as you see the Sagrada Familia, you'll understand why it's taken so long to complete. Its massive, intricate spires are quite unlike anything else on Earth. While it towers over nearly everything in the city, Gaudí demanded its tallest spire never supersede Montjuic Hill. A devout Catholic, he felt that no structure should ever exceed that of God's own making. However, once you step inside its magnificent walls, it's like being transported into another world. A breathtaking mix of Gothic sensibilities and Gaudí's love of naturalism, every inch was intricately designed to celebrate the stories and figures of the Bible, as well as Mother Nature. A short glance at the church's massive columns will inevitably evoke thoughts of gazing up at huge tree trunks. Image courtesy of Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock Given how many colors we see in nature, it's no surprise that Gaudí was quite the fan. Nearly all of his works are dripping in various colors and hues, and the Sagrada Familia is no different. Its massive stained glass windows fill the interior with beautiful mixes of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. Many techniques ensure that light focuses on specific parts of the Sagrada Familia interior. More strongly colored windows sit near the ground, while clearer ones further up, which ensures the impressive ceiling is bathed in light and draws your attention. At different times of day, the placement of the sun will dramatically affect the look of the church's inside, so you may want to visit it at more than one time during the day to see the difference! Then, there's the church's apse - the half-dome that usually sits above the altar. The Sagrada Familia's apse was Gaudí's first port of call after putting his own final flourishes on the half-done crypt. With its gaping windows letting in tons of natural light, grapevine-laden canopy, and its cross-topped altar, it's a magnificent sight and worthy of more than a few snaps. You'll also notice the apse's walls feature angels shedding tears. They must like it too! Seven chapels branch off from the apse, and two spiral staircases wind their way up the façades like two giant stone snails! Speaking of the crypt, you can see how different the original design was when compared to the unique techniques applied throughout the rest of the Sagrada Familia interior! Familiar but no less stunning mosaic floors are laden with vines, roots, and other flora. Even though Gaudí already had a mind for nature in his work, it's likely he used these designs as a jumping-off point when redesigning everything above ground! Gaudí and Bocabella remain the only two people to be buried here, which is appropriate considering their importance to the project. Given its utter brilliance, it's no wonder that the Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist destinations. Rather than risk missing out or queuing for hours, why not book a guided tour of this magnificent building and learn all about it from someone a lot more clever than we are! Image courtesy of Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Gaudí's workings up close Unlike his peers, Gaudí preferred creating to-scale models rather than relying on blueprints. What a guy. And that's good for you too, because you can also visit the Sagrada Familia museum and see many of his models up close for yourself! While much of this burnt during the aforementioned civil war, the pieces that were used to restart the project are now contained within the museum. Inside, you'll find models of the spires, many parts of the interior, as well as photos, drawings, and other artifacts from the last 150 years. Well worth a visit, simply for the scale of some of these models, which easily tower above our measly human frames. And that's everything you need to know about the Sagrada Familia interior! Enjoy your stay, and remember to take as many photos as possible!
Dom Bewley

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