free walking tours in barcelona

Best things to do and see in Barcelona

Barcelona is located in the northeast of Spain and it is the capital of the Catalonian province. It is the second-largest city in the country, coming in behind only Madrid and it is considered to be one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the world because of everything it has to offer, from its vibrant culture and history, reflected in its unique architecture, to its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. 

There are options available to do your free walking tour in Barcelona in the morning, afternoon and evening with tour guides who are locals. You can also find a variety of different tours that are centered on topics ranging from Anton Gaudí and Modernism, (the avant-garde architect of The Sagrada Familia) and walks through the Gothic Sector of the old town including The Born and Gracía Neighborhoods. Other areas of interest that you should check out when you visit include: The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Batlló House, Casa Milá-or the Pedrera, (stone-quarry house) The Rambla Avenue, the prominent hill that overlooks the harbor-Montjuic, also the amazing Magic Fountain of Montjuic, the Boqueria Market, The Catalonian Square, the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral, Ciudadela Park, Barcelona’s football stadium-Camp Nou, the Tibidabo-the tallest mountain in the area, the harbor district- the Barceloneta, The Christopher Colombus Monument, The City Aquarium and The Arc de Triomf. Learn more about best things to do in Barcelona, Spain. 

To make sure you get the best experience, you can read the opinions and ratings of other walkers who have already had the chance to do one of the free city tours in Barcelona . As you will see, many of the walkers there often repeat and do other tours of the same city, or do a guruwalk in their next destination, like Valencia, Alicante or Pamplona. Make your reservation for free and enjoy the company of one of our local guides who will help you to get to know the most interesting parts of the Barcelonan culture. 

Free walking tour near Barcelona

Others cities to visit after barcelona, find other guruwalks in barcelona, where are you traveling to.

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Free Barcelona Walking Tours

There are several types of free walking tours in Barcelona, Spain with most companies employing local guides and offering both a Gothic Quarter as well as a Gaudi/Modernism tour.

But there are also free tours that focus on street art as well as a free bike tour available.

In this post, we will explain your options, and provide schedules, and a calendar. 

In Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, there are many self-guided tours as well as talks at museums and historic sights that truly cost nothing.

It's easy to walk around Barcelona, especially the Gothic Quarter and other older neighborhoods.

However, most people understand the term 'free tours' to be guided walks that operate on a ‘name-your-own-price’ model or what’s usually called a ‘tips-only-basis’.

There is no cost to take a tour. So, technically, these tours are free.

After the tour, you are encouraged to decide how much you thought it was worth or what you could afford, even nothing.

According to reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, past participants seem to leave between €5-€15 per adult.

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

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Here is a calendar with more of the best free walking tours in Barcelona.

Many people are drawn to these tours because they are convenient, affordable, and entertaining.

TIP: If you are planning on purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass, such as the Barcelona Pass , then note that most already include a walking tour of the Old Town and Gothic Quarter for free (not pay-what-you-wish).

These passes also include free tickets to museums as well as hop-on-hop-off bus tickets and boat tours.

Learn more about the different Barcelona tourist passes .

• Overview + Schedule
• Gothic Quarter
• Modernism/Gaudi
• Other Walks
• Things to Do in Barcelona

FREE TOURS GOTHIC QUARTER

Signs on the street that simply say, "Free Tour of Barcelona" are likely referring to this district.

Several companies offer pay-what-you-want walking tours in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). which is arguably the most historic area in the city.

Most companies are local, while a few offer tours here and throughout Europe.

Whether you want to see some of the most notable sites or you’re interested in learning about the significance of major landmarks, these free walking tours serve as an excellent introduction to Barcelona.

During these outings, you can expect to visit some of the following locations:

• Plaça de L'Àngel
• Mirador del Rei Martí
• Plaça Sant Jaume
• Palau de la Generalitat
• Basilica de Santa María del Mar
• Roman Necropolis
• Las Ramblas
• Old Jewish Quarter

If these sites are of interest, consider taking one of these free Gothic Quarter walking tours to learn more about them.

Some tours extend just outside of the quarter and visit sights such as the Arc de Triomf.

Barceno Tours

We like Barceno Tours because they are founded and run by local Barcelonians and are very well-reviewed, with 5 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Their Gothic District tour is available daily at 10:30 in English and Spanish, with more offerings for Spanish.

To start the tour, you will find your guide in PLAZA CATALUÑA #4 with a Pink Umbrella.

Book this tour or get more details .

Donkey Tours

Like Barceno, this is a local company with great reviews.

Their Gothic District tour is available daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am & 15:30 pm in English and Spanish, with more offerings for Spanish.

The tour lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The meeting point of the tour is Plaça Nova, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain .

To find your guide, just look for the yellow umbrellas in Plaça Nova, next to the Barcelona Cathedral.

Other Companies

• Excursions Barcelona
• Free Walking Tours Barcelona
• Runner Bean Tours

SELF-GUIDED AND AUDIO TOURS

Rick Steves offers an excellent free audio tour you can use anytime you want.

His audio tours are well-produced, easy to follow, and a pleasure to listen to.

The only caveat is that his target audience is Americans, so you might occasionally hear measurements described in Imperial rather than Metric.

Self-Guided Gothic Tour of Barcelona :

This self-guided tour will show you all the main sights of the Mediterranean’s most vivacious city from the Barcelona Cathedral to the Jewish Quarter.

You'll discover some of the most beautiful views and awe-inspiring architecture spanning centuries.

MODERNISM + FREE GAUDI TOURS

Visitors who want to learn about the artistic history of Barcelona will be glad to hear that there are several free walking tours covering this subject.

On these outings, you’ll learn about how architects and artists such as Antoni Gaudi and Pablo Picasso contributed to the artistic movement of modernism.

You will see many of the sights that were inspired by their visions, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

These tours explain the representations of symbolism and help guests to understand the significance of the art and architecture they will see along the way.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see on these pay-what-you-wish tours:

• La Sagrada Familia
• Casa Lleó i Morera
• Casa Batlló
• Casa Ametller
• Palau Güell
• Eixample District

Learn about all these locations and see the masterpieces by taking one of the following tours.

Their Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia, and Modernism Tour takes place daily at 10:00 am & 4:00 pm.

The total duration of the tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Your tour will start outside the FNAC store at the corner of Bergara Street with Plaza Cataluña.

Your tour guide will wait with a PINK umbrella of Barkeno Tours.

Reservations are required. Book this tour here .

SELF-GUIDED GAUDI TOURS

We offer a self-guided tour covering all of the main Gaudí sites. As they are spread out, we will need to twice jump on the metro system.

If you are planning on paying to enter the Gaudí houses, the monumental zone of the Park Güell, or la Sagrada Família, you should plan and book tickets to avoid the lines.

FREE NIGHTLIFE BARCELONA TOUR

While most Barcelona night tours are paid outings, there is at least one free night tour available which shows guests a side of the city they probably won’t learn about anywhere else.

If you’re interested in learning how sex and drugs came to shape the city you see today, this pay-what-you-wish tour should be quite enlightening!

You can expect to see and discover more about some of the following sites and subjects on this journey:

• Barrio Gótico
• Barrio Chino
• Historic Bars
• Picasso’s favorite brothel
• Famous Thieves

Additional Free Tours in Barcelona

There are a variety of other free walking tours provided in Barcelona, and they cover several different subjects that might be of interest.

Free Spanish Civil War Tour

Note: The tour is currently not taking bookings.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of the Civil War that once destroyed parts of Barcelona, Be Local Tours offers a free tour every Wednesday at 11 a.m. 

The tour takes around 2 hours and the meeting point of the tour is the Center of Plaza Universitat .

Raval Underground Tour

Note: Currently unavailable. The paid version of the tour is active.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider taking their Raval Underground tour to see some of the more interesting locations in a neighborhood filled with history, urban art, skaters, and more.

This 2-hour free walking tour is provided every Tuesday at 15:00 (3 p.m.) and every Friday at 11 a.m.

Secrets of El Born Tour

Note: Booking for this tour is currently unavailable..

Be Local Tours also offers a trip that covers some of the secrets and history behind the El Born neighborhood, including stops at locations like Santa Maria del Mar, Parc de la Ciutadella, Palau de la Música Catalana, and more.

Guests can take this 2-hour tour in both English and Spanish every Sunday at 11 a.m. and every Thursday at 15:00 (3 p.m.).

The meeting point of the tour is Plaza Catalunya – Centre of the square .

FREE BIKE TOUR OF BARCELONA

If you want to ride around the city on a bicycle instead of just walking, this free bike tour is an excellent opportunity to see some of the most notable sites in Barcelona on two wheels.

The only thing you have to pay for is a bike rental, and that’s very affordable at around €10 per person.

This tour is approximately 3 hours long and it’s available every day at 13:00 (1 pm).

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Barcelona Free Walking Tour

In the medieval old town ciutat vella, gothic quarter, award-winning since 2010.

In the Old Town Gothic Quarter, Barri Gòtic , is where the Barcelona Free Walking Tour is taking place. It is created using more than a decade of experience in hosting tours and specifically designed with the intention of making it a perfect primer to our beloved Barcelona. With this in mind both the city's famous architecture, notable artists, vibrant culture and colourful history will be covered. While sharing our deep knowledge and passion for everything Barcelona, you will be guided you through an unforgettable experience walking the narrow medieval streets of Barri Gòtic while introducing you to the Barcelona way of life. Your hosts: Jana+Matt & Team

What You Should Know Before Joining

• Group Size: Maximum 15 adults (the average is around 10).
• Price: You decide! Tip the guide what you feel like after the tour.
• To Bring: An open mind, a willingness to learn and a big smile.
• Time: Daily at 10:00 a.m. and departs in due time (~10 min. later).
• Duration: About 2.5h but depends a lot on the group and day.
• Language: ENGLISH and a good level of understanding is required.

Fascinating Stories of Old​

Humble beginnings.

On our Barcelona Free Walking Tour, the story of the city of Barcelona begins more than 2000 years ago with a small Roman fortress called Barcino, today the centre of the Old Town. Together we will for the most part walk the millennial old streets of this fortress.

It started more than 2000 years ago

Barcino is the roman barcelona, a walled city.

Next, you will learn about how Barcelona used to be a walled city until quite recently. The Barcelona Free Walking Tour will teach you a lot more about how the city evolved into one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean Sea as the main seaport of the Crown of Aragon in the Middle Ages.

A Medieval Capital of the Mediterranean Sea

The city of counts in the crown of aragon, the expansion.

Eventually, the Industrial Revolution arrived and with it a milestone event that took Barcelona out of the Middle Ages. As a result, a massive city transformation began turning Barcelona into an industrial centre.

Barcelona embraced the Industrial Revolution

Barcelona reborn and reinvented, the city of today.

Finally, you’ll hear about how modern Barcelona that you are visiting came to be. Another milestone event, equally important, transformed the city again, this time from being an industrial city to a modern one.

A Modern Marvel

An evolved modern city, an architectural walk with art, culture and a lot of history.

With this in mind, our multi-award-winning Barcelona Free Walking Tour will take you on a journey through narrow alleys, winding streets, charming squares, and time. You’ll be introduced to the architecture that named the neighbourhood, past famous pieces of public art and much more, while putting it all in a historical context in an easy to follow and entertaining way.

A Multi-Award-Winning Barcelona Free Walking Tour

A Different Type of Barcelona Free Walking Tour

Unlike many other Free Walking Tours in Barcelona, we are not following a master script that we have been drilled on. We are not new to the city, as a matter of fact, we know our topic extremely well. Because of this,​​ you will get a unique and customised tour for that particular day and your specific group.

In short, you will learn a lot from us. Using more than a decade of experience this Barcelona Free Walking Tour is designed as an ultimate introduction to the city and the Barcelona way of life.

Where Does the Barcelona Free Walking Tour Meet Up?

Our walking tour meeting point, post office 'correos' at plaça d'antonio lopez i lopez.

• Address : Plaça d’Antonio López
• Google GPS : 41°22'53.5"N 2°10'53.4"E (41.381528, 2.181500)

Share Your Barcelona Free Walking Tour Plans!

There is so much more of barcelona to experience, unesco, gaudí & modernisme: barcelona world heritage architecture tour, panoramic barcelona: montjuïc the scenic route, barcelona highlights: beaches, parks & monuments tour.

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Free walking tours in Barcelona

También tours en español.

Plaça Catalunya,21 In front of the entrance of the hard rock café

OldTown Tour Daily 10:30H & 15:00H

Prepare yourself to enjoy a free tour through an ancient city, full of markets ,monuments and narrow streets that has reflected in a vivid history for more than 2.000 years.

Go with Goran

We did the old city tour,We liked Goran's clear and direct recounting of history and his amiable humor. Highly recommended.

Great walk around Old Barcelona

The pace was easily manageable and care was taken to ensure that a shady spot was taken for explanatory talks.

A wonderful tour in the old town

it was wonderful to listen at someone telling Catalan history and stories :) thanks Markus for these great discoveries

Gaudí Tour Daily 10:30H

Walk with us in our Barcelona Gaudi Modernism tour and discover unique gems of modernism era such as Casa Batllo, La Pedrera and obviously Gaudí´s awesome masterpiece: Sagrada Familia.

Gaudi architecture with Goran

Amazing time, 2-3 hours tour. Excellent guide, great with explanation, well-verse in history

Highly recommended

I went to the Gaudí modernism tour in the morning and i liked it so much that I did the Old town tour in the afternoon.

Great trips around magnificent city :)

I've been on tours with Hector and Goran, they were absolutely fantastic guides and provided me with a lot of useful trips and great stories about city.

Feel Free Tours

We organize free walking tours in Barcelona where guides work for tips (gratuities), meaning you may pay what you feel the tour was worth after the tour is completed. Our funny and motivated guides will offer you an unforgettable experience. Tours start every day in front of Hard Rock Café (Plaza Catalunya).

The tour guides will use our FEEL FREE TOURS shirt so you will recognize them easily. For more information or questions, please check FAQ

TOURS AVAILABLE ALL THE YEAR, EXCEPT 24 - 25 - 26 DECEMBER, 1ST JANUARY

Meeting Point

FAQ World free tours --> Legal disclaimer Cookies policy work with us

• [email protected]
• +0034 - 93 318 1023
• Plaça Reial, 3 1º 08002 - Barcelona - Spain

Important Notice

Due to the covid-19 crisis all our free walking tours have been cancelled until further notice . we will resume offering tours as soon as possible. for any more information, please contact us. #stayathome.

Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, thanks

Free Walking Tours in Barcelona

The best free tours by foot in barcelona.

• Barcelona   /  
• Free Walking Tours

Barcelona’s Old City Free Walking Tour

Discover Barcelona's remarkable Old City district . Walk through the most emblematic places of the Gothic Quarter and historic neighborhoods with an easy going local guide in English to learn about its secrets, local culture, and amazing architecture.

Gaudí & Modernism Barcelona Free Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in modernist Barcelona with this two and a half hour free tour. Discover the main works of Gaudi and the most important monuments of Catalan modernism with a guide in English.

Barcelona "All in One" Free Walking Tour

Join a comprehensive and fun free tour of Barcelona! Get ready to see the must-see sights during a 3-hour free walking tour of the Sagrada Familia, Paseo de Gracia, Gothic Quarter, El Born and much more. Listen to the stories and anecdotes from an expert guide in English.

Exterior Sagrada Familia Free Walking Tour

Learn about the significance and fully grasp the essence of Gaudí's greatest work, with this Free walking tour of the exterior of the Sagrada Familia. An English guide will take you around this iconic structure, where you will learn everything about its history and symbolism.

Barcelona Spanish Civil War Free Walking Tour

Learn about the fascinating and obscure events that took place in Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. This 2.5 hrs free tour will take you through the main scenarios in Barcelona where this conflict took place. 100% in English.

Free Walking Tour Barcelona

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The Top Free Walking Tours in Barcelona

Many of Barcelona’s winding old backstreets and picturesque plazas are inaccessible to vehicle traffic, making them perfect for exploring on foot.

What better way to get some exercise and learn about Barcelona’s history, art and culture than on a free walking tour? After all, less money spent on a tour means more money for tapas later. Here’s Culture Trip’s round-up of the best free walking tours in Barcelona.

Free Walking Tours BCN

Barcelona has been through some momentous architectural changes over the years, and nowhere is this more evident than in the historic Gothic Quarter , right at the heart of the city. Free Walking Tours BCN offers a fun and informative walking tour of the district, taking in some important historical sights. From the old Jewish quarter to the majestic Gothic cathedral , you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about the history of Barcelona and Catalonia and what makes them distinct from other parts of Spain. The tour leaves from Plaça Catalunya every day at 10am, 11am and 3pm, and lasts around 2.5 hours.

Sandeman’s New Europe

Starting just off Via Laietana in the very centre of town, Sandeman’s New Europe free tour of Barcelona takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the city’s history. From Barcelona’s legendary founding (was Hercules really responsible?) and the Spanish Civil War to the birth of the modern independence movement and the 1992 Olympic Games, this guide will give you the historical context to the modern city we know and love today. The 2.5-hour tour runs five times a day and starts by the exit of Jaume I Metro station. The route is wheelchair-accessible.

Runner Bean Tours

Runner Bean Tours offers two free tours, so there’s something for everyone here. One tour has you covered for the history of the Gothic Quarter , while the second, the Runner Bean free Gaudí tour , gives you the lowdown on one of Barcelona’s most famous architects. You’ll find out what defined the movement known as Catalan Modernism and how Antoni Gaudí became one of its most important members. The guide will also take you past some of his most important buildings, including the world-famous Sagrada Família . The tour departs every day from the water fountain at Plaça Reial at 11am and 4.30pm during the summer and at 11am during the winter. The 2.5-hour journey includes a couple of trips on the Metro to reduce walking, so be sure to bring some change.

Feel Free Tours

There are two routes to choose from with Feel Free Tours: the Old Town Tour of Barcelona and the Gaudí Modernism Walking Route . As well as showcasing the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, the Modernism route will take you past some other, often overlooked but exceptional work by fellow Modernist designers. It will also delve into the urban planning ideals of the 1856 Cerdà expansion plan that advocated (at the time) revolutionary ideas around hygiene and mobility, and eventually led to the building of the Eixample district – a must for anyone interested in the history of urban planning. Tours run every day of the week pretty much all year round, and last around 2.5 hours. Groups of no more than 15 people depart from in front of the Hard Rock Café in Plaça Catalunya.

Travel Bar tours start and end at their own bar, just off Las Ramblas, near Liceu station. Grab a beer, cocktail or sangria and get to know your fellow group members before or after the tour. The two-hour free walking tour is another great general walk of Barcelona’s most impressive sights, with everything from historic architecture to street art to keep you engaged along the way. Tours are held daily and start at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, but despite their frequency, booking is essential.

Barcelona Street Style Tour

Barcelona is home to a thriving street-art scene , so the free walking tours from Barcelona Street Style are a must for fans of urban art. With two options on offer, covering either the El Born neighbourhood and the Gothic Quarter or the colourful district of El Raval , these tours showcase the best of the city’s contemporary city murals. Led by guides who are very knowledgeable about techniques and styles, as well as artists currently active on the local scene, these tours are a fabulous way to learn more about an art form that most of us see every day but may know little about. The El Born and Gothic quarter tour departs at 2pm each day, while the El Raval tour heads out at 10am and 4.45pm. Advance booking is a must.

Be Local Tours

The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) was one of the most dramatic conflicts in the history of Barcelona, and one that still has resonance today. The Be Locals Tours Civil War Free Walking Tour takes you back in time to relive the dark days of the conflict and show you places and monuments still visibly scarred by the fighting. The guides illustrate the historical significance through old photographs and stories of how normal people lived during the war, which makes this an essential tour for anyone interested in this important period. The walk departs every Friday at 11am from Plaça Catalunya; booking online is highly recommended.

The Ruta del Modernisme

Fancy yourself as a tour guide? Well, the Ruta del Moderisme might just be for you. This self-guided tour winds through the city, and takes in more than 100 examples of Barcelona’s acclaimed take on Art Nouveau. The tour will introduce you to the works of Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch, the architects who made Barcelona the world capital of Modernism. Points of interest on the route are marked by round red paving stones on the pavement. To keep this tour completely free, you can follow the route and read the descriptions of the buildings on the dedicated website . Alternatively, if you don’t mind spending a bit of money, the accompanying guidebook is €12 and gets you discounted entry to many of the sights along the way. You can buy the guidebook from the Güell Pavilions or the L’Institut Municipal del Paisatge Urbà.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Tara Jessop .

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Journey through Gothic Quarter Free Tour

Overview of the tour in Barcelona

A free walking tour around the Gothic Quarter starts at La Rambla, a place that marks the entrance of the Ciutat Vella and the former walled city of Barcelona. Get to know the story behind every corner of this incredible neighborhood. More than 2000 years of history lay in this place, with great buildings, surprising streets, and a cultural melting pot. The Gothic Quarter is well-known, as it is the birthplace of modern Barcelona. If you are visiting the city, this area is a must. KIDS AND TEENAGERS DO NOT NEED A RESERVATION (up to 18y.o.). Meet us every day at The beginning of LA RAMBLA, right next to Plaça Catalunya and in front of Café Zurich (Plaça Catalunya 1). Look for the WHITE umbrella.

This activity includes:

• Picasso Museum
• Cathedral of Barcelona
• Plaça de Catalunya
• Plaça del Rei
• FC Barcelona important spot
• The Roman Necropolis
• General information and travel tips for the city
• The entrance to Barcino and Roman Walls
• World war II history
• El Call (Jewish quarter)
• Spanish civil war history
• Catalan traditions
• Picasso in Barcelona
• And a lot more!

Meeting point

Plaça Catalunya 1 in front of Café Zurich

Find us at The beginning of LA RAMBLA, right next to Plaça Catalunya and in front of Café Zurich (Plaza Cataluña 1). Look for the guides with the WHITE umbrella!

Things to note

Your guide will make the best effort so you can have an amazing time during your trip to Barcelona, you have the power to decide the value of the tour you are given, take into consideration that this a tour based only on tips, the guides do not receive a salary or a fixed payment, therefore, they will work very hard to give you the best tour you have ever experienced. If you are not able to attend, please let us know by cancelling the booking you have made.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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Barcelona Free Walking Tours

• Generation Tours

Top-quality walking free tours in Barcelona

Barcelona is rated one of the happiest cities in the world, famous for its style, atmosphere & unique character. There’s so much to learn & love about Spain, Catalonia, and Barcelona and our free Barcelona walking tours are the perfect way to do just that! Our Barcelona city tours reveal the remarkable history and heritage that shaped a small Roman settlement into one of the Mediterranean’s most important ports and makes BCN the iconic & modern cultural gem it is today. Join our lovely local professional Barcelona city tours guides for an unrivalled insight to this wonderful city, meet other like-minded travellers, and let Barcelona captivate and impress you on our top-quality free tours.

Free city tours for discovering Barcelona

At Generation Tours, our mission is to make authentic local culture easily accessible, connecting smart travellers with locals while embracing the fun, social spirit of travelling on all of our free Barcelona walking tours. For free tours Barcelona, excellent local guides, and unbeatable tour experiences – Generation Tours’ Barcelona city tours will never disappoint!

Local & professional free tours Barcelona guides

Our free Barcelona walking tours are run by great local guides who share their knowledge & passion and because you are free to tip any amount you like at the end of these Barcelona city tours, a top-quality tour is guaranteed, regardless of your budget. The passionate young professional local freelance guides give you more than facts and dates to provide you with an unrivalled insider perspective on their Barcelona walking tours - showing you their city, history, culture, sites, stories, & legends, the social hubs, and quirky oddities of their home city while giving you exciting, informative, entertaining & valuable free tours Barcelona.

Check out all of our Barcelona city tours for the best insight to BCN – our daily Free tour of Barcelona, our Free Gaudí & Modernism Barcelona walking tour, and our Free El Born walking tour are all perfect ways to get closer to everything that makes up this unique and beautifully historic place. Book your spot now and feel free to download our Barcelona below and meet us at our Barcelona walking tours meeting point for the best free tours in the city.

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN BARCELONA

• PRIVATE TOURS

Free Tour of Barcelona

Book the original Barcelona free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local g ...

Barcelona Gaudí & Modernism Free Tour

Discover the life and works of Barcelona’s beloved Antoni Gaudí

2-hour Barcelona Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Barcelona's Old City top attractions with your private ...

3-hour Barcelona Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Barcelona's fascinating history and must-see sites with your priva ...

Barcelona Gaudí & Modernism Private Tour

Explore the beautiful Eixample district and some of Gaudí's most famous works on this private guided ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Barcelona with a passionate local guide

A trip to Barcelona conjures up some pretty spectacular anticipation. Whether you’re going to see the sun and the beach, the art and the architecture, or the tapas and the nightlife, we help you experience the sights, the tastes and the history through the eyes of Barcelona’s best local tour guides.

The original  Free Tour of Barcelona  starts outside the Jaume I metro exit, and covers many of Barcelona’s attractions, including the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral and El Born District. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us!

The  Gaudí and Modernism Tour  will take you to visit the works of Anton Gaudí, including the famed Sagrada Família. If you want to see even more of the city, why not get pedalling and join the  Barcelona Bike Tour ? But Barcelona’s history is not all sunshine and beauty; learn about its dark side with the  Forbidden Tour .

Getting hungry? Join an authentic Barcelona food tour and discover delicious local dishes with our  Tapas Tour . One thing’s for sure; the top things to do and see in Barcelona can all be found on a SANDEMANs tour!

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Barcelona is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English and Spanish, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Barcelona's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the Free Tour, in Barcelona you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

• Over 2 million guests per year
• Over 160,000 five-star reviews
• Over 100 tours daily, rain, hail or shine
• Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

Things to do in Barcelona

Ready to start exploring Barcelona? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Barcelona

The best places to eat in Barcelona

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Barcelona recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from local wine to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Barcelona

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Barcelona

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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TOC Hostel Barcelona

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Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Free Walking Tours by Locals

Barcelona | granada | lisbon | london | malaga | madrid | prague | san sebastian, runner bean tours barcelona.

We are Gorka (from Spain) and Ann-Marie (from Ireland). In March 2010 we founded Runner Bean Tours with the idea of offering visitors friendly, fun and informed walking tours in Barcelona . Our team consists of ourselves with a small group of local guides and we are always ready to welcome you with a big smile and share our intimate knowledge of the area.

We offer different types of scheduled tours as well as private tours. The Barcelona free walking tours run every day, except for a 4 day break during the Christmas period so all of us can enjoy the holidays with family. The other scheduled tours are offered depending on the time of the year and private tours on the customer’s preference.

One of the policies of the company is that the guides are knowledgeable about their subject. Also, there is no hard selling on our tours. It is just not our style as we believe in honest recommendations that keep our customers happy.

Please feel free to browse around these pages or visit our company’s website or Free Walking Tours Barcelona page if you need any more information.

Looking forward to meeting you soon in Barcelona 🙂

We all know that the arrival of multinationals can push the small man out of business and the walking tour industry is no different. This is why a few of us, local companies with a like-minded vision, got together to be sure that you can still hear about us. This website is our meeting point where we can introduce ourselves and tell you what we do. We strongly believe that keeping it small and local is the only way to achieve great quality . Read more

Because we, as guides, live and breathe our city's everyday life, a great inside knowledge is something that already comes in the package. With professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun guides , the tours on offer have been highly recommended through guidebooks, internet sites and mouth to mouth (our favourite one!). Our walking tours are not about selling other products, it is about offering a great product in itself. Hard selling is just not our style. Read more

If you have had enough of manufactured tourism and you enjoy discovering and learning about the places you visit from a more local point of view, maybe we are what you are looking for. Each of the walking tour companies in the network is individually listed only in their own cities so their incomes generate within their communities. A big plus: walking and taking public transport when necessary is also a great way to protect the environment. Read more

Walking Tours Barcelona - Runner Bean Tours

Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour

Tour Details

A leisurely stroll to unearth the secrets behind the stones of the medieval quarter . From Romans and saints to warriors and kings, this mix of imposing basilicas, charming squares and narrow streets won’t fail to impress.

2.5 hours approx. (not rushed but leisurely paced)

Free (you decide the price)

This is the title given to tours that work on a donation basis. At the end you can give the guide what you felt the tour was worth. In our small company we are confident enough to let you decide the value.

Meeting Point

Plaça Reial (by the water fountain)

Tour itinerary

Plaça Reial / Plaça del Pi / Jewish Quarter / Plaça Sant Jaume / Barcelona Cathedral / Plaça Sant Felip Neri / Roman city / Medieval city & Plaça del Rei / Santa Maria del Mar

Santa Maria del Mar (El Born)

Wheelchair friendly tour

FABULOUS TOUR GUIDES

"Both our guides were knowledgeable and passionate!! They easily answered all questions and kept us entertained and engaged during the tours." Read on Trip Advisor

THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

"Gorka was knowledgeable, informative and entertaining as he walked us through the history and culture of the old city and Jewish quarters keeping our attention throughout the 3 hour tour. He ended the tour with great recommendations of places to eat." Read on Trip Advisor

A MUST-DO IN BARCELONA

"This was the first time I had been on a free walking tour and I didn't know what to expect, but it was absolutely brilliant! Very easy to find them in the meeting place off Las Ramblas and very well organised with splitting groups into smaller numbers." Read on Trip Advisor

MY FAVOURITE ACTIVITY IN BARCELONA

"I felt that I travelled back in time and appreciated its winding streets that take you from the river of Las Ramblas into streams of quiet green spaces and plazas I wouldn't have discovered on my own." Read on Trip Advisor

GREAT MORNING DISCOVERING THE GOTHIC QUARTER

"They depart from Plaça Reial just off Ramblas. Lowri was excellent. Good patter, knowledgable and made time for everyone's questions. She even provides advice on where to eat, and what else to go and see." Read on Trip Advisor

Plaça Reial  (by the water fountain)

How to find the guide

Our friendly guides will be waiting by the fountain in the middle of the square holding a big green umbrella and wearing a bright green vest and a name tag.

How to get to the meeting point

Nearest metro stop: Liceu (L3). Take the exit named “Sortida: Liceu” and walk down La Rambla towards the sea (the main Opera House will be on your right). After 2 minutes you will see a Kentucky Fried Chicken on your left. Take the next left into the square (Plaça Reial).

Other Free Tours in Barcelona start at the same meeting point. If you want the quality of a Runner Bean tour be sure it is a Runner Bean guide.

Tour Highlights

Plaça reial.

Only a step away from the busy “Las Ramblas”, this square is certainly one of the most picturesque in Barcelona. Some of its bars and restaurants hide secrets that will be revealed by the guide. It’s also the meeting point for our Gaudí Free Tour .

PLAÇA DEL PI

A beautiful square in the middle of the Gothic Quarter with the XIV century Santa María del Pi church and some of the most beautiful sgrafittos in the city. If tasting some local delicacies is what you are after, you will find them in its outdoor food market.

JEWISH QUARTER ("EL CALL")

Not only the oldest part of the Gothic Quarter but also one of the most intriguing places in Barcelona. Walk through narrow passages and past ancient houses following the hidden clues to find out what happened to a thriving Jewish community.

PLAÇA SANT JAUME

This has been the centre of political life in the City for over 2,000 years. Today, the main government buildings dominate the square. Many festivities in Barcelona start or end at this place so maybe you will be lucky enough to see some of the Catalan traditions performed here.

BARCELONA CATHEDRAL (exterior only)

Situated in the traditional spiritual centre of Barcelona, “La Seu” is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. Its XV century cloister has been called “the loveliest oasis in Barcelona”. Thirteen geese dwell in the courtyard reminding us of a barbarous crime.

PLAÇA SANT FELIP NERI

The only drawback of Plaça Sant Felip Neri is to actually find it. Hidden at the edge of the Jewish Quarter, you will feel as if you are in a small village, miles away from busy Barcelona. A favourite with filmmakers, this peaceful place also has a few tales to tell the visitor.

THE ROMAN CITY

Roman heritage is all over Barcelona, its impressive city wall appearing in the strangest of places. But there is much more than just the wall: a Roman treasure from the first century B.C. is waiting for you inside the patio of an apartment block!

MEDIEVAL CITY & PLAÇA DEL REI

Stepping into this square is like travelling back through time to when the count-kings lived in its medieval Royal Palace. King Ferdinand, Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Inquisition all have something to say in this Plaza.

SANTA MARIA DEL MAR

It has been called “the Cathedral of the Sea” and from the outside you would never guess the magnificence that is waiting for you inside. A masterpiece of the Catalan Gothic and a delight for the eyes. Just beside it, our tour ends in a very special place for the Barcelonans.

Important Info

• Reservations for the Free Tour Barcelona Gothic Quarter are essential as, in order to maintain the quality, numbers are limited in all our tours.
• Our Free Walking Tours are geared towards independent travelers. If you are a group of more than 6 people please contact us for more information.

How does the free tour system work?

This is the title given to tours that work on a donation basis (at the end you can give the guide what you felt the tour was worth). In our small company we are confident enough to let you decide the value of the tour. You can not get a fairer system and this ensures that our guides give their best service every tour.

Do I need to make a reservation for the free tours?

Reservations are essential as for quality purposes, numbers are limited in all our tours. If you are a large group of 7 or more you will need to book a private tour.

Is there a maximum number of participants you take on tour?

Yes. The maximum number allowed per tour is 20 people.

What if I arrive late to the meeting point?

We can only hold reservations until the starting time so it is very important to arrive before then. Occasionally a tour might be full and late arrivals won’t be able to join in. This also includes customers with a reservation as their space will have been given away to the people on the waiting list.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

Not really. As long as you can do a short stroll around a city you are ready to walk a Runner Bean tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. There are a couple of small inclines on the tour but this is never a problem. If you visit the Roman Temple, there is a small ledge that leads into the hallway of the house but from this area you can still view the columns.

What should I bring?

During the summer it can get very hot so don't forget your sunglasses, sun-tan lotion and a bottle of water. Although the temperatures in Barcelona are mild for most of the year, in winter it can be cold so dress accordingly. You will also need to cover your shoulders and wear clothing that goes beneath your knee if you would like to visit the Cathedral cloister.

What if it rains?

Our Walking Tours run in all kinds of weather. In the case of heavy rain the tour will run as usual so please bring suitable rain gear.

Can I leave before the tour ends?

That is not a problem but please let your guide know so he/she doesn't wait for you at the next stop.

Do we stop for a break?

We generally stop for a quick toilet break (5 minutes or so). The tour is not too long so we think that a food or drink stop is not necessary and you can decide where you would like to go afterwards. Your guide will be more than happy to help you with recommendations.

Other Tours of Interest

Gaudí free tour, free walking tour barcelona.

The Gaudí Free Tour is the best possible introduction to the architect and his stunning work. Learn about the life story and unusual techniques of one of the most influential…

The Dark Past Night Walking Tour

Fixed price tours.

A Night Walking Tour in Barcelona around El Born following the shadows of medieval punishments, the city’s legends and the infamous Spanish Inquisition. Enter a world of tortures and public…

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VISITING OTHER CITIES IN EUROPE?

FIND LOTS OF GREAT TIPS ON OUR BLOG

What to do in Barcelona: The Complete Guide How to skip the lines in Barcelona Free things to do in Barcelona Things to do in Barcelona with Kids Things to do at night in Barcelona Traditional food in Barcelona

WE SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Runner Bean Tours is certified with the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle for Commitment to Sustainable Tourism . This is awarded to a few tour operators who are committed to responsible and environmentally-friendly management, culture, decent working conditions, gender equity and social and economic benefits. Certificate number: BAT 004/2022 RTI.

On our tours, we are always sure we respect the local neighbourhoods and we only collaborate with small Barcelona businesses which help support the local economy.

Runner Bean Tours also holds the WTTC SafeTravels Stamp . This was created for travellers to recognise destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

Benefits of sustainable tourism

Have a positive impact in Barcelona

Privacy Overview

GOTHIC QUARTER

Free walking tour.

Explore the enchanting medieval part of Barcelona while learning about the history, legends and traditions of the city. Enter its narrow streets and charming squares on this Free walking Tour of the Gothic Quarter .

If there is one name associated to Barcelona, that is Antoni Gaudí . On this Free Tour we talk about the man and his vision while admiring four of his masterpieces. Sagrada Familia is the grand finale.

Free Walking Tours Barcelona

Free Walking Tours Barcelona was founded by Ian (EEUU) and Sara (Spain) who after several years working as a freelance tour guides in Europe, decided to start their own tours with a renewed philosophy : to offer quality tours, discovering to their clients the historical richness of the city, but without neglecting the present.

In regards to the Free Walking Tours , the idea is simple; join the tours without paying a cent, let the guide show you the best of the city with their unique entertaining style, and you decide at the end what the tour was worth to you.

We believe that everyone has the right to a quality tour regardless of their budget. At the end of the free tour you are the ones who can value the service.

We work with experienced guides, respectful with the city and passionate about transmitting the best stories and corners of the city., with more than 5 years of experience and a thousand positive comments on the internet, we continue to strive to provide the best service to travelers from all over the world..

The meeting point is at Plaza Catalunya, at the corner just in front of the Apple store.

You will find our guide waiting for you,  holding the purple umbrella. It is recommended to be 15 minutes before the walk begins.

We work on the sunny and the rainy days. As long as if it is safe, our tours run every day and our expert tour guides try to make the most of holidays.

It’s always a good tip to check the weather conditions in advance and wear a confortable and proper outfit.

Yes, there is a break in the middle of the tour at the La Dorotea bar. There you can go to the bathroom and have a drink.

The tours are offered on a “pay what you think it’s worth”  model. It means that voluntary tips are welcome at the end of the tour, as a way to thank and support the tour – so, that’s why our guides will be motivated to do their best, to make you enjoy the tour, and explore the city in an informative, original and fun way.

No, you do not need to book a tour in advance, the only thing you need to do, is to show up at the meeting point on time.

Note: these tours are dedicated to individuals or travelers with a small group of friends.  If you are traveling with the group of more than 9 people, contact us in advance for a  private tour.

Absolutely, Free Tours Madrid love pets, as long as they are not aggressive and noisy.

Yes, it is. Wheelchairs are welcome

All of the guides are professional, enthusiastic licensed guides that seek to guarantee you the best quality tour. Tour guiding is our passion!

If you still did not find an answer, feel free to  contact us  for any other questions.

Plaça Catalunya,on the corner in front of the Apple Store.

Look for the Purple umbrella!

Work with us

• +34 622 65 18 14

Privacy Overview