Unbeatable Barcelona in a Day Tour

Antoni Gaudí certainly left his mark on the Catalan capital, and your city tour continues to the imaginative gardens at Park Güell. After a break for lunch at one of the city's many restaurants and food stalls (not included), you'll get to see Gaudí's most famous creation—the incredible Sagrada Familia. The line to get inside this unique cathedral can be hours-long at times, but your skip-the-line ticket lets you straight in to start exploring, while your guide enlightens you with fascinating stories of it's history and construction. You'll part ways with your guide in the afternoon, having gained a deeper appreciation of Barcelona in just one day!

Barcelona in a Day City Tour Description

Your 6.5-hour tour includes:

• Gothic Quarter walking tour

• Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Park Güell

• Local jamón (ham) and cheese at the market

• Break for lunch (not included)

• Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Sagrada Família

• Climate-controlled vehicle for certain stops

• A fun, English-speaking local guide

• Maximum group size of 18

The Gothic Quarter

Take a step back in time as you enter the oldest part of Barcelona. Many of the homes and buildings in this district are built directly on top of ancient Roman ruins, and your super-knowledgeable guide will tell you the area's history as they lead you through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways and cobblestone streets. You'll hear tales of tragedy and faith that played out in the very steps you take behind your local guide from the Church of Santa Maris Del Mar to the Barcelona Cathedral.

You'll also visit the neighborhood market, Mercado de la Boqueria where you will be treated to delicious local jamón (ham) and cheeses. See for yourself how Barcelona has blended ancient history with modern living as you soak in the vibes, flavors, sights, and sounds of Catalonia.

Barcelona's Great Architect

As you travel between sites, you'll pass by one of the three beautiful buildings designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí: Casa Batlló. The intensively detailed façade of colorful ceramic tiles earned the nicknamed “house of bones.” It's notable for the Catalonian modernist style, an artistic movement born from, and in opposition to, the modernist movement of the 19th century. Your guide will explain how this and Casa Milà and Casa Vicens were instrumental in changing architecture worldwide.

Park Güell

Next, you'll hop in a climate-controlled vehicle (a taxi or van, depending on group size) and head to your next destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the city at the surreal Park Güell. Your guide will have your skip-the-line tickets ready so you can bypass any crowds. This magnificent place was envisioned by Gaudí as a luxury residential area outside of Barcelona's city center.

As you stroll along the colorful walkways and staircases of the park, you'll learn all about Gaudí's colossal ideas for this complex, and why they never actually came to fruition. Nowadays, Park Güell is the most beloved park in Barcelona, and a fantastic place to see the city from above. Your guide will make sure you get postcard-worthy photos from the trencadís-adorned balconies that rise above its iconic Dragon Stairway. 

Enjoy free time to eat lunch (not included) before heading to the last stop of the tour.

Stained Glass Windows of Sagrada Família

The last stop on your Barcelona in a Day Tour is the iconic Sagrada Família. Not only is it the most popular church in Spain, but it's also one of the most visited churches in all of Europe! It's not surprising that the lines to get in can take hours, so stick with your guide who will make sure you skip the line to see the interior of this stunning cathedral.

Before you step inside, you'll get to admire the exterior of the building that represents two contrasting facades: Façade of the Nativity and the Façade of Passion. Understanding what you're about to see is critical so listen as you learn more about the eccentric genius who envisioned this masterpiece and started its construction at the age of 30, back in 1882. Amazingly, the cathedral is still partly under construction, almost 150 years later! But the best is yet to come...

Stepping inside this church to stand within the glow of the magnificent stained glass windows is difficult to describe unless you've done it yourself. The awe, wonder, and reverence takes your breath away. But as your guide begins detailing the incredible construction of these windows and the still-being-built cathedral, you'll look again with even greater appreciation at this church's decorative interior. There's just too much to take in without their incredible insights to make it easy and more memorable.

Explore More

After admiring the still-unfinished church, you can explore Sagrada Família on your own. Be sure to go to the Sagrada Família museum located downstairs below the church. With a plethora of scale models, original photographs, drawings, and documents, you can continue learning about the vast genius and brilliance behind this Barcelona gem.