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Barcelona Old Town Private Tour: Past and Present

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Barcelona, Spain
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

150 to 180 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, Spanish, Portuguese
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover how this Mediterranean city was first inhabited by Romans, how she grew during Middle Ages, how she became powerful in the Modern Era, how she got transformed during the Spanish Succession War, how she modernized herself during the 1888 World Expo and how it became the beach paradise we can see today thanks to the Olympics in 1992.

During our 2H30-3h tour, depending on your rhythm, we'll go from the Arc de Triomf to the famous Rambla going through Ciutadella Park, El Born, Gothic Quarter...and see such monuments as the Born Cultural Center, Santa Maria del Mar Church, City Hall Square, Gothic Cathedral and many more...

From the Rambla, you'll have the choice to go up or down:

Down:
Liceu Theater, the Plaza Reial, the Colombus monument, the 3 different marinas and finally arrive at La Barceloneta !

Up:
Discover Plaza Catalunya and the 2 most famous houses from Gaudí, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila.

All of this with a lot of fun, anecdotes and some nice pictures along the way !

What's Included

  • Snacks At La Boqueria market, you'll have a fresh fruit juice and some iberic ham and cheese.
  • Bottled water Always good to have some water on tour... 1 bottle per person.
  • Inside of Gothic Cathedral Patio - 8.30am-12.30pm, Sundays to 1.45pm, or after 6pm. 5pm on weekends
  • Entrance to Santa Maria del Mar - 5€/person except after 6pm, & Sundays before 1.30pm and after 5pm.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Passeig de Lluís Companys
08003 Barcelona, Spain

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Arc de Triomf

Our starting point was once the entry gate to an important event of the 19th century, unlike many other "triumphal archs" made to celebrate war victories...
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Parc de la Ciutadella

Our green lung. Inside this wonderful parc, we'll mention for the first time Barcelona's most famous architect...Gaudí. We'll also learn that this place holds important memories of one of the major events of the 18th century that shaped Europe as we know today.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

El Born Centre De Cultura I Memoria

We'll pass across this huge iron structure that used to be the district market...used to be... ;-) !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar

Our most beloved cathedral... From the 14th century, she holds a very special place in the heart of Barcelona's citizen. Also, it has a little secret for FC Barcelona soccer fans... We'll also see the "Fosser del Moreres", a place of remembrance for those who fell during the Spanish Succession War. Note: this monument is only free at certain moments, we can't guarantee access.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Placa de Sant Jaume

Our city hall square inside the oldest district of the city: Gothic Quarter.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Barcelona Cathedral

Santa Eulalia & Santa Creu Cathedral. We won't be able to go inside the cathedral, but if we are lucky we will be seeing the patio where a funny surprise awaits... funny but also related to a more tragic event...
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

La Rambla

The most iconic street of Barcelona... Here you will decide if we go down or up the Rambla. Down, we'll arrive at the port and beach front. Up, we'll arrive to plaza Catalunya and the 2 most famous houses of the city: Casa Batlló and Casa Milá.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mercat de la Boqueria

Here, we'll make a small stop to taste some of our local & delicious delicatessen: jamón ibérico and cheese, and drink a fresh fruit juice.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Placa Catalunya

Our main plaza. From there we'll start the ascension of Paseo de Gracia to visit 2 emblematic houses from Gaudí !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Casa Batllo

Gaudí's finest ! Casa Batlló is without doubt one of the most famous places visited. We'll talk about Gaudí's architectural style and inspiration. Don't forget to ask for a picture !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Casa Mila - La Pedrera

One of gaudi's last piece of art. This is where our tour will end, and where I'll give you the last tips about what to visit, where to eat, drink, party...and enjoy our beloved Barcelona !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plaça Reial

An iconic square of Barcelona, famous to keep alive one of the first jobs that Gaudí did for the city... At night, this square becomes one of the most busy places !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Monument

This monument holds a little secret...inside there is a...oops! No spoilers, come and you'll see by yourself lol ! We'll pass by the famous "Golondrinas" and Moll de las Drassanes.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Escultura al Moll de la Fusta

We are gettin' close to La Barceloneta, the old fishing district. We'll see the Moll de la Fusta, Port Vell and the History Museum of Catalunya.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

La Barceloneta

The old fisherman town is nowadays maybe the most visited district of the city... full of restaurants, bars...and at the end of it.......the beach ! Our tour will end here, so switch your walking shoes for flips flaps and enjoy your time in Barcelona !
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Barcelona Old Town Private Tour: Past and Present?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-426098P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksAt La Boqueria market, you'll have a fresh fruit juice and some iberic ham and cheese.
  • Bottled waterAlways good to have some water on tour... 1 bottle per person.
  • Inside of Gothic Cathedral Patio - 8.30am-12.30pm, Sundays to 1.45pm, or after 6pm. 5pm on weekends
  • Inside of El Born Cultural Center
  • Inside of Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral after 6pm and Sundays before 1h30pm and after 5pm
  • Entrance to Santa Maria del Mar - 5€/person except after 6pm, & Sundays before 1.30pm and after 5pm.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Animal-friendly: bring your best four-paw friend with you!
  • Disclaimer: We will not enter the attractions (Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and the Gothic Cathedral)

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