Walking Tours in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
best walking tour barcelona

Walking. One of life's many pleasures. Good for the mind, body, and soul, the simple act of walking is one often overshadowed by evil technologies like cars, buses, and bikes. Avoid these at all costs and trust your legs. They've gotten you this far. Want to take your walking to the next level? Combine it with the power of education and learning. Yes, we're talking walking tours today. Spice up those strolls with a bit of culture. Plus, some handy soundbites you can use to fool people into thinking you're more clever than you really are. These are the best walking tours in Barcelona, curated by us for you, so you can focus on strengthening those leg muscles. Always be prepared.

Featuring:

  • Sagrada Familia Tour
  • Park Guell Guided Tour
  • Picasso Museum Guided Tour
  • Barcelona Architecture Tour
  • Barcelona Ancient Markets Tour
  • Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour
  • Raval Walking Tour

 

Sagrada Familia Tour

Take a walk through time itself with a Sagrada Familia tour. Explore the history of Gaudi, Spain's most famous architect, as you explore his most famous work, the Sagrada Familia. This century-old wonder combines elements of Gothic and Art-Nouveau, mixed up on a palate with Gaudi's distinguished strangeness.

Of course, a wizened guide will join you on your adventure, giving you key insight into the artist's style and history. Witness the religious symbolism present in his works. Have your mind blown by the geometry of the building's ceilings and stained-glass windows. Easily one of the best walking tours in Barcelona. You will love it.

 

Park Güell Guided Tour

Take your tour to a more natural place with a guided tour of the wonderful Park Guell. Our man Gaudi has done it again, designing Park Guell to his ideal specifications. Not only do you get a healthy dose of the green and pleasant, you also get some of the man's signature strangeness.

Learn about Gaudi's inspiration behind oddities like El Drac, a multicolored mosaic lizard. Stand in awe of the Porter's Lodge and its stunning style. Rumour has it that if you whistle Gaudi's favorite tune, your learned guide will reveal the universe's secrets to you. That is not true. Please do not do that. A tip will suffice.

 

Picasso Museum Guided Tour

Or, if you've had enough Gaudi to fill a lifetime, why not try another of Spain's revolutionary artists? Picasso, specifically. Take a Picasso Museum Guided Tour, and learn all about one of the 20th Century's most important artistic voices. Look upon his works, but do not despair. Instead, marvel at them, as your guide showers you with facts and information about his pieces.

And once the tour is over and you've devoured as much information as possible from your informative guide, you're free to roam the museum at will. Our top tip, retrace your steps and impress passers-by with your newfound knowledge. Unless they're on a guided tour, in which case, hold your tongue. You cannot compare to their majesty.

 

Barcelona Architecture Tour

You thought we were finished with Gaudi? Think again. Take a tour of the architect's work throughout Barcelona with one of the best walking tours you'll ever discover. You'll see all the hits; Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and even the Sagrada Familia itself.

Your tour will end at Casa Amatller, the home of Catalan chocolate. Try some for yourself, if you dare. By then, you'll have explored works from other Spanish architects like Montagner and Puig i Cadafalch. Just don't try and say the latter's name five times fast. These tours are for walking, not tongue-twisters.

 

Barcelona Ancient Markets Tour

Explore Barcelona's ancient markets and pretend you're trading with Romans on this walking tour. Learn about Barcelona's millennia of history in market trading. Explore three, yes, three ancient markets; Boqueria, Mercat de Santa Caterina, and Mercat de El Born.

You'll also pass Barcelona Cathedral, which isn't a market, but that just means you're getting more bang for your buck. And be sure to visit the caganer shop and inquire about one of Barcelona's strangest traditions. It may just make you question life itself. Or not, you'll have to find out for yourself.

 

Old Town and Gothic Quarter Tour

Travel back to the past with this guided tour through Old Town and the Gothic Quarter. Suitably named for their old-ness, you'll pass Roman ruins, medieval marvels, and much more! Learn about Barcelona's long history, and its many changes of the guard.

This tour also passes by Boqueria market, so feel free to taste some local delicacies. Some cured ham and a drop of cava will hit the spot. Best take this walking tour if you want to learn more about Barcelona's history and the people who walked its streets in times past.

 

Raval Walking Tour

Walkers beware; you need a strong stomach for the next stop on our list. Take a trip into the depths of Barcelona's sordid past with this bloodcurdling walking tour. Raval is one of the city's districts, and one with a rather macabre history. Your ghoulish guide will beguile you with gruesome tales of ghostly orphanages, haunted hospitals, and the definitely real Vampire of Raval. Please note that your guide isn't a real ghoul, unlike the Vampire of Raval, who is very real. You'll see their house and everything. It doesn't get more real than that.

At the end of it all, you'll walk through Raval's south side, which has lots of graffiti. Now, that might not sound spooky, but there's nothing spookier than degenerates who dare to ruin bland walls with colors. The perfect addition to your social medias, if that's what you kids are still doing.

And there ends our journey into the best walking tours in Barcelona. No matter your desire, there's sure to be one that fits you like a Spanish glove. Looking for more hijinks to get up to when visiting the Catalan capital? Walking lovers might want to check out our list of the city's best parks. Are you taking a loved one with you? Here's our guide for couples. Keep that step count up, and we'll see you next time.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best time to visit Barcelona
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The Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The bustling cityscape of Barcelona changes quite significantly in character depending on the time you choose to visit. At her peak, she’s lively and thriving, her streets brimming with life and soaked in sunshine. Other times, she cools off into a more modest and tranquil metropolis, which some might say is when she shows her true colors. Such a mercurial nature naturally brings into question when the best time to visit Barcelona may be. As with most things, there is no single clear-cut answer to this, as the factors that constitute the ideal time to visit will differ from person to person. Instead, we’ll run you through each major period of time to help you decide that for yourself.   January & February Temperatures: 41 - 73°F • Average Rainfall: 3 - 5 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 55 - 57°F Barcelona ushers in the new year rather modestly. Having seen off both the final waves of holiday season tourists, many visitors and locals alike now turn their attention toward ski season. With average temperatures at their coolest, this is the ideal time to visit one of the many great alpine resorts just a few hours out of the city. Those who aren’t visiting for the ski season may also enjoy some of the local events, such as the Cavalcada de Reis and Tres Tombs parade, Chinese New Year, the Santa Eulàlia festival and the Llum BCN festival.   March & April The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. Temperatures: 46 - 65°F • Average Rainfall: 4 - 5 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 57 - 59°F Spring in Barcelona is much the same as in most destinations. The days begin to warm up somewhat, while still offering mostly mild temperatures of around 40 – 60°F. Given the still cool weather and fairly regular rainfall, this may not yet be the best time for a dip in the Mediterranean, but some consider it a fantastic time to visit. Throughout the spring months, you can expect to be able to participate in a number of events such as Sant Medir, the International Vintage Car Rally, the Barcelona Marathon, the Barcelona Beer Festival, La Diada de Sant Jordi, La Feria de Abril and, of course, Easter.   May & June Temperatures: 57 - 79°F • Average Rainfall: 3 - 5 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 64 - 70°F These two months mark the bridge between spring and summer, and mark the first real ‘shoulder season’ for Barcelona. Temperatures begin to climb just slightly, with averages resting around the low- to mid-60s. Rainfall is typically at its highest in May, but begins to drop significantly come June. Visiting during this time will mean you’ll get to experience Barcelona ahead of the high-season crowds, while also getting some pretty decent weather. The city will be more lively than during the winter months, without being overcrowded. Given the often pleasant weather and lower numbers of tourists, many consider this to be the best time to visit Barcelona. Events during this period include the Night of the Museums, Primavera Sound Festival, the nearby Girona Flower Festival, Sónar Festival, the Feast of Sant Joan and Barcelona’s Pride Festival.   July & August Temperatures: 70 - 84°F • Average Rainfall: 2 - 5 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 75 - 79°F The height of summer is when Barcelona truly thrives – some might say a little too much. This is when the city experiences its hottest and most humid days, with averages between 70 and 85°F both day and night. Barcelona is at its liveliest during this period, with just about every street, bar, café, restaurant and attraction bustling with visitors. For many, summer is truly the perfect time to visit Barcelona thanks to its buzzing ambience and fantastic weather. For others, the crowds and heat make for a less than ideal experience, and in fact many locals take this opportunity to relocate to more moderate climates for some time. Should you choose to visit in summer, be sure to make your plans and book your attractions well ahead of time. Throughout the summer months, you can expect such events as Festival Cruïlla, Barcelona Beach Festival, Rock Fest Barcelona, Festa Major del Raval, Gràcia Festival, El Grec and the Sants Festival. For music lovers and those who just enjoy a good social atmosphere, this is the time to come!   September & October Temperatures: 58 - 79°F • Average Rainfall: 5 - 6 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 72 - 75°F As summer draws to a close, the largest droves of tourists begin to vacate Barcelona, while many locals make their return for the increasingly more forgiving temperatures. Thus the city enters into its second shoulder season, which sees it continue to thrive with the remaining waves of visitors while returning to a somewhat more tranquil state. Barcelona isn’t done with the festivities just yet, though. In fact, in many ways it’s just getting started. Notable events in September and October include BAM Festival, Festa Major de Sant Miquel/Poblenou/La Ribera/La Rambla, La Diada, Sitges Film Festival, Mercat de Mercats and the Fiesta Nacional de España.   November & December Temperatures: 41 - 64°F • Average Rainfall: 4 - 5 days/mth • Sea Temperature: 61 - 64°F As the days begin to cool further and Barcelona ushers in the winter season, the Catalan capital truly takes on a new form. In the absence of the bustling and humid summer months, the city embraces the final fruits of fall and the coming of winter. This is when the locals truly come together to bring some much needed warmth to the cooler months. November sees Barcelona celebrate All Saints’ Day and La Castanyada, in remembrance of passed loved ones, in tribute to the saints of the Catholic religion, and in celebration of the autumnal produce of fall. This is also the prime period for many music and cinema fans, with an impressive array of film and music festivals running throughout the month. December, of course, is truly a transformation for Barcelona. Early in the month, the city blooms in celebration of Constitution Day, before the festivities make way for the holiday season. And make way they must, for the Christmas period in Barcelona is truly a sight to behold. For many, this is truly the best time to visit Barcelona, with its streets lit up with merry lights and decorations and lined with countless market stalls selling all manner of festive fare.   Wrapping Up Clearly, the beating heart of Catalonia has plenty to offer year-round for all different types of travelers. Some may prefer to visit during peak season to experience the city at its liveliest, while others may prefer the quieter months to see the city in its more authentic state, while others still may prefer to visit for specific events. Whatever your travel preferences may be, it’s up to you to decide when may be the best time to visit Barcelona. However, so as not to end on a vague conclusion, many regular tourists to the region agree that spring and fall are ideal for seeing the city at its most genuine, in the absence of the summertime rush.
Robert Heaney
Bunch of roses in front of a Catalan flag
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Valentine's Day in Barcelona

Europe’s top cities are known around the world for their vast wealth of culture, history and beauty, making them dream destinations for all things romantic. While the likes of Paris and Venice may be the first to come to mind, Barcelona is a city brimming with just as much intimate character as its bigger European cousins. Such a destination is fantastic for a romantic city getaway at any time of the year, but if you’re looking for an excuse to make things even more intimate, then there are few times more fitting for couples to visit than mid-February. Offering everything from trendy bars and restaurants to unparalleled activities to do with your partner, Valentine’s Day in Barcelona is bound to be an experience you’ll cherish for life. Does Barcelona Celebrate Valentine's Day? Like many primarily American celebrations, it might not surprise you to discover that Valentine’s Day isn’t something that a lot of locals in Barcelona particularly subscribe to, but it’s certainly gaining traction as more and more visitors set their sights on the city for a romantic escape. In essence, this means that, while much of the city may not openly embrace the celebration, it still serves as a fantastic destination to spend your Valentine’s Day with your significant other. And as more and more visitors flock to the city to celebrate their love for one another, plenty of businesses and restaurants have begun embracing the event by offering limited-time gifts and bookings. Couple's Activities Looking to share a special moment with your significant other? Barcelona is home to a whole host of intimate and exciting experiences to make your Valentine’s Day unique. Below are just some suggestions that we think plenty of couples would enjoy. Wine Straight from the Vine Visitors with a taste for specialty wines will likely be no stranger to Catalonia’s standing in the oenological (wine-making) world, with over 70,000 hectares of land throughout the region dedicated to wineries and vineyards. Many of these wineries around Barcelona offer tasting tours and workshops, such as Oller del Mas at the foot of beautiful Montserrat. A Stroll Through History Those with a keen eye for history and culture may enjoy a tour of the Gothic Quarter, complete with insights into its turbulent past dating back over 2,000 years to the original Roman settlement. Once finished, you’ll already be close to all of the Gothic Quarter’s charming squares, where you can sit for a romantic meal and a glass of Catalonia’s famous Cava. Sky-High Scenery For a truly remarkable experience, escape the hustle and bustle and fly high above the city on your own private hot air balloon ride. Offering unparalleled views of Barcelona and its stunning rural surroundings, rides typically last the best part of an hour and can even include a romantic meal and bottle of champagne while you take it all in. Wining and Dining Second only to its diverse architecture, Barcelona is famous for its cuisine and nightlife. It’s really no secret that the Catalan capital is home to a massive range of delightful restaurants and stylish bars, offering every imaginable type of food and beverage visitors could want. And that’s particularly ideal when it comes to looking for a great Valentine’s Day date night. Beachfront Bars As a destination known in particular for its stunning seaside location, it will come as little surprise that the beachfront is replete with trendy bars and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. While you can expect prices to be higher here than businesses based further inland, there are few views in Barcelona more splendid than the Catalan coastline. Catalan Cuisine You’ll find more of an authentic dining experience throughout the many historical squares and plazas dotted throughout the city, the most popular of which being Plaça Reial. These social hubs are home to a number of independent restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy some of Catalonia’s most celebrated dishes. Rooftop Romance If hip and chic are what you’re looking for, then Barcelona has you covered there, too. Many hotels and restaurants throughout the city have rooftop terraces and cocktail bars where you can enjoy panoramic views over the skyline with your favorite beverage in hand. So long as the weather is pleasant enough, these terraces offer a truly stylish dining experience for you and your Valentine. Where to Avoid While La Rambla may seem like an appealing spot for an evening meal, being perhaps the most famous street in all of Barcelona, we’d advise that you give it a miss. This is perhaps the city’s biggest tourist trap in this regard, as food and drinks are typically very overpriced without necessarily offering the same quality as some of the more authentic bars and restaurants throughout the city. Día de Sant Jordi As we mentioned earlier, Catalonia’s answer to Valentine’s Day in the rest of the world is Día de Sant Jordi. If you don’t happen to be in Barcelona on Valentine’s Day, or if you’d prefer to experience a more genuine cultural celebration in the same vein, then this is the day to look out for. On April 23, many Catalans flock to Barcelona for this festival of love and culture, alternatively known as the Day of the Book and Rose. This day serves as an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to express their love for one another, often with the exchange of gifts. The most commonly exchanged gifts are roses or other such flowers and books, often bought from the many stalls set up throughout the city’s streets for the day. Couples, families and friends alike all participate equally, so this isn’t a day explicitly dedicated to romance. As the original inspiration behind World Book Day, which coincides with the celebration, Barcelona takes this opportunity to celebrate and embrace local culture. On this day, the city makes a particular effort to promote the Catalan language through many of the books on sale, bringing many local authors and publishers into the international limelight. A number of activities and workshops held throughout the day serve to give visitors more insight into Catalan culture as a whole.
Robert Heaney
best parks barcelona guell
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Best Parks in Barcelona

Parks. Every city dweller's chance to get a little more nature in their life. You can often gauge a city on the quality of its parks. They're the perfect escape from the surrounding hustle and bustle. Find your own little spot, sit back and unwind from the daily grind. And Barcelona is no different, with a range of parks dotted across the city. So, if you're planning a trip to the city, you might be wondering which park is for you? That's why we've put together this list of the best parks in Barcelona. So put on your best pair of reading glasses, or just use your eyes if they still work, and prepare to be informed. Right now. Featuring: Park Guell Parc de la Ciutadella Parc del Laberint d'Horta Parc de Montjuïc Jardins de Pedralbes Jardins de Laribal Park Guell Barcelona is almost synonymous with the works of the late, great Antoni Gaudi. You can find the trail-blazing architect and artist's unique and inspiring works all over the city. However, you needn't visit a museum or walking tour to experience his greatness. Just head down to Park Guell, designed by the man himself at the turn of the 20th Century. There, you'll find strange mosaics, weird sculptures, and architectural monuments to Gaudi's style. Be on the lookout for El Drac, a multicolored lizard mosaic perched prominently between two sets of stairs. Keep in mind that there is a fee for tourists who want to see the best stuff up-close. Of course, you could avoid all that and get a more curated experience by taking a walking tour of the park. That way, you'll dive deeper into the history and meaning of the park's pieces. Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park) Situated in the heart of the city, Parc de la Ciutadella, or Citadel Park, was actually built atop the ashes of a 19th Century military fortress. Torn down in a public rebellion against the ruling regime, it now houses one of the best parks in Barcelona. Some of the citadel still stands, so you have the chance to study some beautiful 19th Century architecture. The rest of the park is a paradise of greens and blues, with vast amounts of open space to stretch out and relax. Visitors will also find places to eat, drink, and live music to enjoy. Be sure to check out the massive fountains and other delightful water features that reside inside. And, if all that wasn't enough, Barcelona Zoo is also part of the park. You'll find a reptile house full of strange and beautiful creatures, and the African Savannah area replete with elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Parc del Laberint d'Horta (Horta Labyrinth Park) Parc del Laberint d'Horta, or Horta Labyrinth Park, kind of speaks for itself. It's a huge maze, created at the end of the 18th Century. And, in fact, was part of a private estate until the 1970s. Since it's been open to the public, it has become a must-visit destination. It was even featured in the 2006 film Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. That surely makes it one of the best parks in Barcelona! Over nearly 2500sq feet, you'll get lost in this wonderful labyrinth, and explore the beautiful gardens and surrounding architecture, including the remains of the Torre Sobirana, a medieval palace. Epic. Parc de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Park) Known as the 'park of parks' in Barcelona, Montjuic, or Jewish Mountain, Park is a veritable feast of gardens, forest trails, picnic spots, and beautiful landmarks. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the Jardi Botanic, a huge garden split into five zones representing the planet's different climates and landscapes. Named after the Jewish cemetery housed within, you can make your way up the mountain on foot or take a cable car from Barceloneta Beach, which also has a mountain of activities to enjoy. Your visit might even coincide with one of the many music festivals put on in the park. If all that exploring has your tummy rumbling, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes the park welcomes. Jardins de Pedralbes (Pedralbes Gardens) If you like a sprinkling of royalty with your park experience, check out the Pedralbes Gardens. Housed within the Palace of Pedralbes, which situated the Spanish Royal Family until the 1930s, the imperial gardens are quite the sight. The beautifully-colored flora is unmissable. Literally - the entire park is full of it, so you won't miss it! There's also the Gaudi-designed Hercules Fountain because, of course, Gaudi got his magnificent creations in here too. There are also music festivals, great places to relax, and cafes to get some sweet refreshments on those warm summer days. Jardins de Laribal (Laribal Gardens) Designed during the Barcelona World Fair in the 1920s, Laribal Gardens is another beautiful spot in the city, and easily one of Barcelona's best parks. Be sure to check out the Font del Gat, a fountain inspired by cats, which also doubles as a bustling picnic area. Feel free to stretch out with a towel, hamper full of food, and relax. Alternatively, you can pick up a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage at one of the nearby cafes. Alongside the Font del Gat, there are many other sculptures and water features to find and admire. And, if you want to get your step-count up, wander over to the Greek Theater. It also has its own gardens to explore. And that's our list of the best parks in Barcelona! You're really spoiled for choice in the city, so be sure to explore as many of them as possible. Of course, parks are just one of Barcelona's many jewels. If you like a little sand with your walk, be sure to check out our picks of Barcelona's best beaches! If all the Gaudi pieces mentioned above tickle your culture bone, there are plenty more Gaudi-centric things to see and do. And, if you're looking to put together a weekend itinerary to make the most of your visit, check out our guide to your weekend in Barcelona. You will love it. Until next time!
Dom Bewley

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