Barcelona activities & guided tours

Best guided tours, activities and excursions in Barcelona

Special activities in Barcelona

Online you will find a very wide range of Barcelona activities, guided tours, sightseeing tours and excursions. For each category, I have selected the most interesting activities and the best things to do for you:

1. Guided tours in Barcelona

If you really want to get to know Barcelona, a guided tour is the perfect place to start. Together with a local expert, you’ll discover the city’s history, hidden stories, and iconic sights such as the Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, and Park Güell. A guide brings the city to life with fun anecdotes. Tip: My absolute recommendation is to start your city trip in Barcelona with this highlights bike tour from BajaBikes, where you explore the city with a guide.

2. Food tours

Barcelona is a paradise for food lovers, and one of these food tours lets you taste the very best the city has to offer. From traditional tapas and fresh seafood to local wines and sweet treats, you’ll discover both flavors and stories. Together with a guide, you’ll visit markets, authentic bars, and hidden spots where locals go. Perfect for getting to know Catalan cuisine while learning more about local culture, traditions, and eating habits.

3. Evening activities

When the sun goes down, Barcelona truly comes to life. The city offers a wide range of evening activities, from atmospheric dinners and live music to rooftop bars with stunning views and cultural shows. Whether you prefer a relaxed evening or vibrant nightlife, Barcelona has something for everyone.

4. Boat tours

From the water, Barcelona looks completely different and boat trips are ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. During a boat tour along the coast, you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and views of the skyline. You can choose a relaxing sailing trip, a catamaran with a drink, or a sunset cruise. Check out the overview of boat tours in Barcelona.

5. Day trips from Barcelona

The surroundings of Barcelona are surprisingly diverse and perfect for a day trip. Visit the mountain monastery of Montserrat, discover charming coastal towns, or travel to well-known wine regions such as Penedès. Beautiful cities like Girona or Tarragona are also within easy reach. Would you like to explore the area around Barcelona? The following sights and cities can easily be visited as day trips from Barcelona:

Colonia Güell & Crypt of Gaudì, the village of Colonia Güell with Gaudi's unfinished crypt is situated 23 km from Barcelona

Montserrat, 50 km north-west of Barcelona you can visit this mountain with the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat

Dalí museum, 147 km north of Barcelona is the surrealistic museum of Salvador Dalí in Figueres

Tarragona, On the coast lies Tarragona with a Roman history (100 km from Barcelona)

Girona, an old city with beautiful medieval sights (101 km from Barcelona)

Rest of Catalonia, read more about the other Top 20 tourist attractions in Catalonia

More day trips from Barcelona

6. Flamenco shows

A flamenco show in Barcelona is an intense and emotional experience you should not miss. In Barcelona, you can see this traditional Spanish art form performed by passionate dancers, singers, and guitarists. The combination of rhythm, expression, and music creates unforgettable, goosebump moments. Check out the overview of flamenco shows in Barcelona.

7. Activities with children

Barcelona is also a fantastic destination for families with children. Visit the zoo in Parc de la Ciutadella, where kids can come face to face with animals from all over the world. The aquarium impresses with its underwater tunnel and colorful marine life. With the cable car, you can soar above the city and the harbor for spectacular views. The Gaudí Experience combines 4D effects, interactive elements, and imagination, making architecture fun and easy to understand for children as well. Read more in this article about Barcelona with children.