Private Tours in Barcelona

Much of Barcelona's charm sits in places a large group cannot reach. The lanes of the Gothic Quarter are narrow, the squares of El Born are small, and the best tapas bars have room for only a few people at the counter. With a private guide you move through them without a flag to follow or a crowd behind you. Families, couples and friends who travel together get the most from it.

The Sagrada Família and Gaudí, with your own guide

The Sagrada Família is the most visited monument in Spain, and the inside of the basilica is where a private guide makes the biggest difference. You stop under the tree-like columns when the light comes through the stained glass, and you move on when you are ready, not when the group does. Many private Gaudí tours continue to Park Güell or along the Passeig de Gràcia, past Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

The Gothic Quarter, El Born and El Raval

The old town is best seen on foot and in a small party. A private guide takes you from the Roman walls and the cathedral cloister, where thirteen white geese live, to the church of Santa Maria del Mar and the medieval streets of El Born. You can stop for a coffee in a hidden square, or ask for more time in the Gothic Quarter and less in El Raval. Some private walks end with tapas and a glass of wine.

Montserrat and day trips by private car

Montserrat is a mountain monastery about an hour from Barcelona. With a private driver and guide you leave when you want and you do not depend on train or coach times. A half day is enough for the basilica, the Black Madonna and the views over Catalonia. Other day trips from Barcelona go to the Penedès vineyards, Girona and the Costa Brava.

Private boat trips

A private sailing boat or yacht shows the city from the sea: the beaches of Barceloneta, the towers of the Olympic Port and the hill of Montjuïc above the harbour. Sunset is the most popular time to go out, and many boat trips include drinks and snacks on board.

Food, shopping and special interests

Private tours also suit special interests: tapas and wine in the old town, a personal shopping walk on the Passeig de Gràcia, or a day planned around art, architecture or football. For the most exclusive options, see our luxury and VIP experiences.

Your guide meets your group only. Ask your guide about restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods for the rest of your stay.

• Your own pace. Slow down for children, add a coffee stop, or spend longer in one place and skip another.
• Your own questions. A private guide adapts the stories to your interests, from history and architecture to food and football.
• Your own language. Many private tours run in several languages. You choose the language when you book.
• Less waiting. Tours that include entry tickets use timed or priority access, so you spend less time in queues.

Inclusions differ from tour to tour. Some include entry tickets, food and drinks, or hotel pick-up. Each tour page lists what is included, the languages and the meeting point.

Private tour or small-group tour?

A small-group tour costs less per person and is a good choice if you travel alone or as a couple on a budget. A private tour gives you the guide's full attention and a flexible route. Some private tours have one price for the whole group. For a family or a group of friends, the cost per person can be closer to a small-group tour than you expect.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking tours. The days are mild and the crowds are smaller than in July and August. In late September the city celebrates La Mercè, its biggest street festival, with music, fireworks and human towers.

In summer, choose a morning or late-afternoon start, or go out on the water. At the Gaudí sites, the first and last time slots of the day are usually the quietest. In winter the city is calmer, the queues are shorter and the light is soft for photographs.