Dive into the story of Barcelona with this introductory tour to the medieval city center; the perfect way for first-time visitors to get acquainted with the city. Following an extensive itinerary that packs a lot into a short amount of time and takes you to places where others don’t, you’ll see some of Barcelona’s most beloved sights, enjoy a brief introduction to Catalan history and culture, and enjoy spectacular views over the city from the rooftop terrace of the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral. 

Your tour starts next to the famous Boqueria Market, where you’ll meet your guide and go straight to the spot where Barcelona began; the center of the old city. The Ancient Romans established a city here 2,000 years ago and you’ll be surprised by how much of those original structures still exist. Passing huge fragments of the old Roman wall, you’ll step into the Plaza Nova to see a mural by Picasso and the Barcelona Cathedral. 

Inside the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral - and after skipping any lines with your special access tickets! - you’ll enjoy a fully guided tour of the impressive space, before making your way up to the rooftop where majestic views over the city wait. 

Continuing on through the city your guide will lead you into narrow side-streets for a tour of the historic center. Although this is one of the most vibrant and historically-rich parts of the city, many visitors don’t know what to look for when they explore, or which spots are the most important. We’ve carefully crafted a route that showcases the best of this small area, weaving together a rich tapestry of stories from across 2,000 years of history.

Along the way, you’ll follow in the footsteps of a martyr; explore the old Jewish Ghetto; get some architectural history in a square that used to be the favorite of Antoni Gaudí; and even see where Barcelona’s official executioner lived. 

Every street, plaza and point of interest on this tour is intimately connected with the story of Barcelona. From its beginnings as a small outpost of the Ancient Roman Empire, through its consolidation as a regional capital, and all the way to the early 20th-century flowering and 1992 Olympics that turned it into the beautiful cosmopolitan city that it is today. Since you’re touring with a local guide, you’ll also get some insight into modern politics, including Catalonia’s quest to gain independence from Spain. 

For travelers visiting Barcelona for the first time, this tour - with its passionate local guide and small group of 15 people or fewer - is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the city and develop the sort of local knowledge that will set you up for the rest of your stay. There is no easier, or more enjoyable, way to begin your vacation in Barcelona.

Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory.