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Old City Barcelona Activities

Our most recommended Old City Barcelona Activities

Barcelona: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24 or 48-Hour Ticket

1. Barcelona: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24 or 48-Hour Ticket

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Barcelona with a choice of 2 different routes and 40 stops. See the major sites aboard an open-top double-decker bus, hopping off at key points of interest to you, such as the Gothic Quarter or the Picasso Museum, before jumping back on the bus to continue the route. Sit back and relax on an open-deck double-decker hop-on hop-off bus. See all the major sites of Barcelona, hopping on and off at your leisure. Stop to see the Picasso Museum that boasts one of the largest collections of Picasso’s artwork anywhere in the world. Walk down La Rambla and discover one of the city’s most vibrant areas with countless bars and eateries. Marvel at the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites Barcelona boasts. Especially remarkable is the Sagrada Familia, one of the most iconic works of the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city on your tour. The buses come every 20-30 minutes and each route is around 2 hours. The tour stops along the routes are as follows:  Red Line: • Plaça de Catalunya • Casa Batlló - Fundació Antoni Tàpies • Passeig de Gràcia - La Pedrera • Francesc Macià - Diagonal • Estació de Sants • Plaça d’Espanya • Caixa Fòrum - Pavelló Mies van der Rohe • Poble Espanyol • Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya • Anella Olímpica • Fundació Joan Miró • Telefèric de Montjuïc • Miramar - Jardins Costa i Llobera • World Trade Center • Colom - Museu Marítim • Port Vell • Museu d’Història de Catalunya • Port Olímpic • Zoo • Parc de la Ciutadella Blue Line: • Plaça de Catalunya • Casa Batlló - Fundació Antoni Tàpies • Passeig de Gràcia - La Pedrera • Sagrada Família • Sant Pau Recinte Modernista • Park Güell • Tramvia Blau - Tibidabo • Sarrià • Monestir de Pedralbes • Palau Reial - Pavellons Güell • Futbol Club Barcelona - Camp Nou • Diagonal Les Corts • Francesc Macià – Diagonal • Eixample

Palau de la Música Guided Tour

2. Palau de la Música Guided Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of one of Barcelona’s most emblematic buildings on an exclusive 45-minute guided tour of the Modernist Palau de la Música Catalana. Located in the heart of the city, just minutes from Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya, the Palau is a temple of decorative refinements.  Your tour starts in the Rehearsal Hall of the Orfeó Catala, where the foundation stone was laid in 1905, and where the choir rehearses regularly as it has done for more than 100 years. Continue to the grand staircase to marvel at the ornate flowers and flags that adorn it. Built from a range of materials, including iron and glass, the detail never ceases to amaze.  Next, visit the Lluís Millet Hall and glimpse the large balcony with columns that symbolize nature with flowers of every kind. Finally, be dazzled by an explosion of colors, shapes, and light as you enter the Concert Hall. Your guide will take you to the 2nd floor to get close to the great skylight, where you can admire the impressive light source up close.  To end, the Palau’s organ will accompany you on a short musical journey.

Barcelona: Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

3. Barcelona: Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

Catch a flamenco show at an historical venue in Barcelona's famous La Rambla district with this entry ticket. Sip on a complimentary drink while watching passionate dancers perform. Be moved by live music and singing. Upgrade your experience by choosing an option with traditional food. Make your way to the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes theatre and take your seat in front of the cozy and traditional tablao (flamenco stage) where legendary artists such as Juan Villar have performed. Admire the colorful décor of the venue, inspired by motifs that transport you back in time. Embrace the sensual rhythms and primal power of the music, song and dance. Listen to live music and talented singers. Upgrade to the tapas option and go on a culinary journey with gazpachos (cold tomato soup) and delicious pintxos (small snacks) of the Basque Country. Satisfy your appetite with dinner option where you can choose from dishes like an authentic paella from Valencia or another mouth-watering options from a menu with over 40 different delicacies to try.

Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour

4. Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour

On this 3-hour activity you’ll join a professional chef on an introductory tour of the world famous Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, Barcelona's oldest and best food market, dating back to the 13th century. While telling you about the foods on offer, especially the seafood, and the basics of Spanish and Catalan cuisine, the chef will buy some of the fresh ingredients needed to prepare an authentic paella de marisco, or seafood paella, Spain’s traditional rice dish. Walk with the chef through the winding streets of La Ciutat Vella, or old town, to El Born, the most fashionable district of the city. Enter you your private dining room that’s adjacent to the big open kitchen where the chef will prepare the delicious paella de marisco, as you watch the process. Take the edge off your appetite with some traditional Spanish and Catalan hot and cold tapas. The chef will introduce you to a variety of the famous appetizers such as patatas bravas, pimientos de padrón, tortilla de patatas, chorizo, and of course the famous dry-cured ham, el jamón. Learn how to make your own pan con tomate, the most typical Catalan tapa, and how to build traditional Basque pintxos or montaditos, the tapas with toothpicks. Then you can enjoy your creations accompanied by some lovely sangría. While you are eating your tapas and homemade pintxos, the chef will cook the paella de marisco. You’ll be into the adjacent open kitchen to stand around the large paellera, the traditional round, shallow pan made of polished steel that the paella de marisco will be prepared in. As the chef begins to prepare the paella you’ll hear about the history of the dish, the ingredients used, and the steps in the preparation. With the paella simmering in the kitchen you’ll be invited over to the bar where you’ll learn all there is to know about sangría, the world famous Iberian wine punch that dates back to medieval times. Try your hand at mixing your own sangría. Once the paella de marisco is finally ready to be enjoyed, you’ll head back to the tables, sit down, and enjoy the feast along with your own freshly mixed sangria.

Barcelona: Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

5. Barcelona: Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Discover the sites of Roman settlement in Barcelona that date back 2,000. Let your imagination recreate the Roman Forum in the current Plaça de Sant Jaume, that even today after 20 centuries remains the political power of Catalonia. On this 2-hour guided tour you’ll continue with a walk along one of the world's best preserved Roman walls, and hear about the Roman baths of Pati Llimona. Admire the architecture and monumental buildings of the Gothic Quarter and feel as if you’ve traveled back to medieval times. You’re sure to be impressed by the monumental Plaça del Rei with its Palace of the Viceroy and the beautiful Palau Reial. It was here that Catholic monarchs greeted the navigator Christopher Columbus on his return from the first voyage to the Americas. See the Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar, the ultimate examples of pure Catalan Gothic. Santa Maria del Mar was built in an incredibly short time for its size. This neighborhood is also filled with trendy bars, restaurants, and small boutiques, and provides the opportunity to experience the essence of Barcelona. Walking along the famous Ramblas, you’ll discover why Barcelona is so beloved by visitors. This is a buzzing pedestrianized area where you can enjoy the street performers, small cafes, and traditional Catalan cuisine. You’ll see the famous Boqueria market, as well, where you can experience the gastronomic traditions of the Catalan people in its colorful stalls.

Barcelona: Helicopter Flight over Barcelona's Coastline

6. Barcelona: Helicopter Flight over Barcelona's Coastline

Take this thrilling helicopter flight over the coastline of Barcelona. Enjoy a birds-eye view of Barcelona's Old Town, see the contemporary Blue Museum from above, and see the 19th-century urban planning of the new city. Your experience will start at the heliport, next to the major port of Barcelona and only 10 minutes away from the city center by taxi. Jump on the helicopter to enjoy a memorable flight. In one glance, you will recognize the old town of Barcelona and where the medieval walls were limiting the city. Have a look at the modern squared urban plan that was established by a famous general of the Spanish army in the mid-19th century. Fly up the Port Forum, where you will see the top of the Blue Museum, a contemporary building constructed by the famous architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, before retuning to your starting point.

Barcelona: 1.5-Hour City and Seafront Segway Tour

7. Barcelona: 1.5-Hour City and Seafront Segway Tour

Enjoy a 1.5-hour group Segway tour of Barcelona, with full Segway and helmet rental, and Segway training session before your start. Experience the Mediterranean breeze as you Segway the city’s sidewalks and bike paths for maximum comfort and safety. See the massive cruise ships come in to dock, and glide past the sandy beaches and palm trees of the seafront promenade. Venture down the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, and discover the Barcelona of the Middle Ages and Roman ear. Continue towards the marina to see the gleaming yachts of the rich and famous, and enjoy a panoramic view from the observation deck of the Olympic Port. Continue past the former fishing enclave of Barceloneta, and Segway by the side of the beaches to Port Olimpic. Next, travel through Parc de la Ciutadella, where you can explore this beautiful botanical garden to find its hidden gems.

Barcelona 2-Hour Gothic Walking Tour

8. Barcelona 2-Hour Gothic Walking Tour

Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's historical and political center. A fascinating walk through the streets, squares and hidden corners awaits you. You will discover the charms of its architecture, which bears witness to the splendor of the city during the Middle Ages. Immerse yourself in history and admire the remains of the old walled city of Barcelona, the columns of a Roman temple, the Cathedral, ancient palaces of kings and bishops. The historic center of the Gothic Quarter, containing a number of important monuments including the Saló del Tinell, the Capella de Santa Àgata and the Palau del Lloctinent: Gothic buildings which were an integral part of the Palau Major, the residence of the Catalan kings. Don't miss this tour which will show you a new side of Barcelona!

Barcelona Main Sights 2.5-Hour Tour by E-Bike

9. Barcelona Main Sights 2.5-Hour Tour by E-Bike

Depart the Arc de Triomf and ride through the historic neighborhood of El Born. Stop at the maritime church of the Basilica of Santa María del Mar, and then continue to the lively district of El Raval. Journey through more than 2,000 years of history as you see monuments such as the cathedral and city hall on Plaça de Sant Jaume. Cycle to La Rambla del Raval to take a souvenir photo of the El Gat del Raval statue by Fernando Botero. Then, make your way towards the beach and Port Olympic. Pedal along the seafront promenade to Rambla del Poblenou, where attractions include the National Theater by Ricardo Bofill.

From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Trip with Swimming Stop

10. From Barcelona: Girona & Costa Brava Trip with Swimming Stop

Discover the history and beauty of Catalonia on a day trip to Girona and the Costa Brava from Barcelona. Get on board an air-conditioned van with your guide and enjoy the scenic drive. Visit the fishing town of Calella de Palafrugell and relax by the coast or take a dip in the sea. Depart Barcelona in the morning and head to Girona, a well-established city with a fascinating history. Explore its streets, and admire its rich architecture. See the cathedral, established in 1038 on the site of a former Mosque. Visit historical museums such as the Jewish Call and the Arab Bathhouse. Stroll around the colorful streets of the old town or sit down to have a cup of coffee and watch people walk by. Then, continue to the fairytale-like city of Pals, a small medieval village that came about from what was once a fortress. From Pals, head to the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell, a beach village with whitewashed houses that ramble all the way down to the seafront. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the traditional restaurants (at your expense), and spend the afternoon exploring the rocky coastline, visiting the botanic gardens at Cap Roig, or taking a refreshing dip in the inviting waters of the Mediterranean.

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What people are saying about Old City Barcelona

Couldn’t recommend this class more. It was so much fun, and makes us want to take another one. Gerard was so informative and helped to make the class interesting while also helping us to learn more about Barcelona’s history. It is welcoming to people of all cooking skills levels. After taking the class we can’t wait to try cooking the dish on our own at home. We only wish that we had taken the class sooner on our trip so we had time to try all of the different recommendations Gerard gave us.

We had an excellent time during this experience. Our chef/guide, Phillip, was knowledgeable about both the cuisine and the area. The experience was very relaxed, comfortable, and intimate. The food and sangria are delicious! It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Barcelona.

This was honestly the most fun we’ve had. The class was enjoyable. The instructor was phenomenal. The paella was 10 stars! Take this class it will ruin all other paella for the rest if your life.

It may only be 7 minutes but it’s well worth the money, staff were very accommodating also.

Sergio was very knowledgeable of the history and the places we visited.