There are countless interesting places to visit in Barcelona , and many of them are included in the famous free tours . Without a doubt, these free tours are one of the best plans to get to know Barcelona with a local, visiting the most important tourist sites but also delving into its curiosities and urban legends. So in this post we are going to tell you which are the best free tours in Barcelona so that you can decide which one or ones best suit your tastes.
Years ago, free tours focused on visiting the main tourist sites in the city centre, but their success has led to a diversification of the offer. Today, in Barcelona you can find everything from historical tours to tours dedicated to Gaudí, medieval Barcelona or the most macabre stories of the city.
Barcelona is a city with a fascinating history, neighbourhoods with their own personality and an endless cultural offering. We live here and know its streets well, so we can assure you that a free tour is one of the best ways to discover it . Not only will you visit the essential places, but you will also learn anecdotes, urban legends and less popular corners from the hand of an expert guide. Now, let's see which are the best free tours in Barcelona.
1. Free tour of classic Barcelona
This is the most standard tour, which takes you to the centre of Barcelona in 2 hours . You will pass through the Plaza Catalunya area, Las Ramblas and two of the most interesting neighbourhoods in the city: the Gothic Quarter and the Born. It is important to sign up in advance to guarantee your place.
→ Book your place on the free tour of Barcelona's must-sees
2. Free tour of Gaudí and Modernist Barcelona
It is clear that Antoni Gaudí has been one of the key figures in Barcelona and thanks to his modernist works of art he has forever modified the profile of the city *_* With this tour you will learn more about this architectural movement and visit emblematic places such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera or Casa Amatller . Final climax: Gaudí's great work, the Sagrada Familia .
→ Book your place on the free tour of Barcelona→ Book your place here
3. Free tour of the Gothic Quarter
This is without a doubt the neighborhood where you can spend hours and hours in Barcelona. If you had to choose just one specific tour, it would be this one. Among the streets of the Gothic Quarter you will learn more about the history of the city , the changes with its different inhabitants, and you will pass by some of the main attractions of Barcelona such as the Cathedral or La Rambla. In addition, this tour is done with small groups, so you will enjoy it even more!
→ Book your place on the free tour of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona
4. Free tour of the mysteries and legends of the Gothic Quarter
Ideal for lovers of hidden and occult stories, with this tour you will get to know Barcelona from another perspective . On the tour of the Gothic Quarter you will discover legends, enigmas and dark episodes that have marked the city over the centuries. From the mysterious Casa de l'Ardiaca to the imposing Palau de Lloctinent, passing through the medieval Plaça del Rei and the evocative Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. For us, an unmissable free tour of Barcelona!
→ Book your place on the free mystery tour of Barcelona
5. Free tour of the Raval
That is to say “ Raval ” and many people get a little nervous. But, the truth is, for us it is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Barcelona and with this free tour you will have all the guarantees to enter its narrow streets with the help of a local guide. A multicultural tour awaits you , full of urban art and in which you can be part of a good cause: for every 100 reservations, the guides adopt a tree through a Colombian NGO.
→ Book your place on the free tour of Barcelona's Raval
6. Free tour of the exterior of the Sagrada Familia
If you're not planning on visiting the interior of the Sagrada Familia , this tour is a great way to get a thorough understanding of the history and symbolism of Gaudí's masterpiece without having to buy a ticket . For an hour and a half, you'll walk around the perimeter of the basilica while an expert guide reveals the secrets of its architecture, sculptures, and complex religious meaning.
→ Book your place on the free tour of the exterior of the Sagrada Familia
7. Free tour of Roman Barcelona
A tour designed for those who are interested in the history of places . It covers part of the centre of Barcelona, highlighting the remains from 2,000 years ago left by the Romans in what was the origin of "Barcino" (and there are quite a few!).
→ Book your place on the free tour of Roman Barcelona
8. Free tour of the Civil War
The Civil War left very visible scars on Barcelona and with this tour you will be able to delve into one of the darkest chapters in the history of the city. It is important not to forget the past and over the course of 2.5 hours you will go through these hard, but necessary, memories.
→ Book your place on the free tour of the Civil War in Barcelona
9. Free tour of Park Güell
Just like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is a must-see in Barcelona. This iconic park designed by Antoni Gaudí is one of the jewels of Catalan modernism and a unique place where architecture and nature merge in perfect harmony. During this guided tour you will visit its most emblematic corners, such as the famous Dragon Staircase, the impressive Hypostyle Hall or the curious Portico of the Washerwoman, while you will reveal the secrets and symbolism hidden in every detail. It is necessary to buy the entrance to the site (18€).
→ Book your place on the free tour of Park Güell in Barcelona
10. Free tour of Montjuïc
Although it is not one of the most popular free tours, we think it is one of the most interesting in Barcelona. It will take you to discover this iconic mountain , key to understanding the history of modern Barcelona, from its defensive role in the past to its transformation with the International Exhibition of 1929 and the Olympic Games of 1992. In addition, you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Barcelona coastline . An ideal tour for those looking to discover a less touristy, but fascinating, side of Barcelona.
→ Reserve your place on the free tour of Montjuïc
11. Free tour of Bunkers del Carmel
As with the previous one, you may not have time to climb up to this panoramic point , one of those that offers the best views of Barcelona . But if you can fit it into your itinerary, don't think twice! It is an alternative tour that will take you into the bombings of Barcelona during the Civil War and other social and more intimate issues of Barcelona.
→ Temporarily unavailable
Remember that free tours are NOT free tours, but you should tip at the end. But how much? This depends only on you, it is usually between €10 and €15 per person , depending on the work done by the guide, the duration, the city, the size of the group… But we insist, it is a personal decision and you should not feel obliged to give more than you think is deserved.
Other essential activities in Barcelona
Although they are not as “free” as the previous tours, there are some experiences and places that you should include in your visit to Barcelona. These are our must-sees:
- Sagrada Familia with a climb to the towers ( TOP! )
- Tour of mysteries and legends
- Catamaran ride from Port Vell
- Excursion to Montserrat with cogwheel train ( TOP! )
- Excursion to the Costa Brava + Boat trip
These are, for us, the best free tours in Barcelona . Have you done any of them? Which one would you sign up for? You see, these free tours are one of the best options to get to know the cities!
