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There's a lot more to Barcelona than lying on the beach, and if you want to make the most of your time in the Catalan capital and get a real insight into the city then you won't regret in investing some of your travel budget on a tour of the town. Tours of Barcelona come in all shapes and sizes, such as traditional walking tours, where a well-informed guide talks you through top sites like the Gothic Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia and the Ciutadella Park (to name but a few!), to more energetic bike tours, where a bit of pedal power will help you see the best of the city in little more than an afternoon. Meanwhile lazy bones can opt for motorised tours, either by scooter where you do battle with the Barcelona traffic in between attractions, or by the hop-on hop-off tour bus service which enables you to take in the city at your own pace. If you really want to go for broke however take a helicopter ride and see the city from above?
Those fiercely independent travellers who prefer to tackle sightseeing with just a map and a guidebook might not be tempted by tours of the main attractions, but Barcelona has a vast range of tour companies who offer some truly original trips, activities and experiences in and around the city – many are well worth considering. Tapas and other food-tasting tours in the evening, pub crawls at night, alternative tours of the 'real Barcelona', specialist artistic tours, hot air balloon flights over Catalonia, and day trips to the likes of Montserrat, Tarragona, Sitges and the Penedes wine region (where you can sample some tasty Cava). Many tour companies now offer experiences which, whilst not technically tours, can seriously enrich your time in Barcelona. Cooking classes in La Boqueria Market, hiking in the beautiful St. Miquel del Fai nature sanctuary, or watching the sunset over Barcelona are just a few examples; whilst adrenaline junkies will also find tour providers offering them go-karting, paintballing, gun shooting, off-roading and even kitesurfing lessons – all popular activities for stag nights and hen parties.
Below you'll find a useful list of Barcelona tours and tour providers, or you can search by 'tours' in our entertainment - aka 'Play' - section. Check out the reader reviews and make a choice that will be great for you.
Barcelona Tours & Tour Operators
Barcelona Guide Bureau
Established way back in 1990, these expert city guides have given more tours of Barcelona than you've had hot dinners! Take an air-conditioned bus to all the essential sights, opt for a Gaudi-themed excursion or discover Picasso's Barcelona on foot. All this and much more.
Tel: +34 (93) 3152261
www.barcelonaguidebureau.com
Walking Planets
A fresh new venture launched by an officially-accredited Barcelona guide, Walking Planets is the antidote to stuffy tours of the predictable sights. They'll take you for a walk on the wild side of Barcelona, such as the vibrant Raval district where you'll discover the city's maritime and industrial history and learn about the contemporary art projects that have helped lift the once undesirable area. The Walking Planets project really gives you the inside picture of both historic and contemporary Barcelona. They also have tours of Barri Gotic and El Born and private artistic tours.
Tel: +34 656852751
www.walkingplanets.com
Magic Day Adventures
A fresh venture for 2010, Magic Day Adventures was designed to inject the X Factor back into Barcelona's tour industry with a range of brand new experiences on offer, plus some classic sights visited in a little more style than with the average operator. Magic Day are currently the only guides offered tours of the breath-taking treasure mountain that is Montjuic, whilst their signature tour takes you to the jagged rocks of Montserrat, where you'll visit, not only the Benedictine Monastery but the fascinating Caves of Collbato as well. Sitges sailing tour coming soon!
www.magicdayadventures.com
Hola! Barcelona Tours
Hola! Barcelona Tours have a little something for everyone, starting with walking tours of El Gotico to whirlwind tours of the entire city that take in every essential attraction. There's also tapas tours, flamenco shows and even 'sight-jogging'. Established by Americans living in BCN, you can expect first rate customer service and Hola! Barcelona Tours also specialise in cruise excursions for those coming on to terra firma for just a few hours.
www.holabarcelonatours.com
GoCar Tours
Take a ride in a nifty yellow car - which is also an expert on everything from the Casa Batllo to the Torre Agbar! These talking machines are the perfect way to get about the city, at the same time as you get to know it. An unforgettable day out and a great mix of tourism, fun and adventure.
Barcelona Tour Guides
Barcelona Tour Guides offer several different guided tours, including Barcelona highlights tour, Gaudi tour (both chauffeur driven!) and Barcelona by foot. Licensed and professional guides.
www.barcelonatourguides.com
Cooltra Scooter Tours
"Move like a local" is the motto of this young dynamic company offering the adventurous a four hour whirlwind tour of the city on two wheels. You won't feel like a tourist weaving in and out of traffic on your very own 'moto', but you will catch all the sights... from La Sagrada Familia to Camp Nou.
www.cooltra.com/en/barcelona/tours
Barcelona Bike Tours
For some two-wheel trips check out our article on bike tours in Barcelona and the surrounding countryside.
Barcelona Culinary Tours
If you're more interested in the taste sensations than sightseeing tours, then head over to our page on gastro-tourism, where you'll find a range of food and wine tours to please the palate.
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