Join us on a captivating walk through the Catalan capital and world-class city of Barcelona, where we take an UNBIASED look at both sides of the Spanish political coin: to allow an avenue for Catalan independence versus the preservation of Spanish unity. When demonstrators shout ´Visca Catalunya!´ (Long Live Catalonia!), what lies behind those passionate cries? And how widespread is their support, remembering that Spain is both a former world empire, AND a fractured nation of 44 million people speaking 4 different languages. We’ll consider Catalonia’s annexation by Spain and France in the War of 1714, and its consistent cultural suppression since, most notoriously and recently under the infamous Fascist Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco. We investigate what possible resolutions can emerge from this standoff. Trust our guide to take you on a riveting journey - not only political in scope, but scenic and aesthetic in practice, as we enjoy a city area not saturated by common tourism.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $63.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
We begin outside the imposing former Marketplace of El Born which, in recent years, has garnered government funding for the display of Catalan artefacts.
Take a breath and enjoy views of the gorgeous local basilica made famous by the bestselling book and subsequent Netflix series "Cathedral of the Sea"
Bestriding the Basilica, we find the oft-derided monument to Catalonia's war dead of 1714 and the eternal flame that keeps watch over the symbolic red bricks.
Recognize an escape route for exiles to France during the Fascist Uprising in Barcelona.
We see a statue of General Prim, a Catalan military legend that also served in the Spanish Imperial Army, then stop outside the Catalan parliament to discuss the 2017 'illegal' referendum and the ferocious political fallout.
Why is this 'alternative' Arch of Triumph so significant to the story of Catalan identity? It relates to the emergenge of Barcelona as an industrial powerhouse in the 1880s. We climax the tour underneatha figure of the most talked about hero/turncoat/pioneer of the St. Eulalia defence of the besieged city, and speculate on whether his surrender to the Spanish had either a galvanizing or demoralising effect in the cause for Catalan resistance.
If the hotel or lodging is in the city region of Barcelona, we will co-ordinate to meet there.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 2,982 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Barcelona Highlights Walking Tour lasts about 2–3 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
Prices start at $56 per person for this Barcelona experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $63. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Children aged 6–12 pay nothing, adults from $56.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. If the hotel or lodging is in the city region of Barcelona, we will co-ordinate to meet there. Pickup points include Exe Plaza Catalunya.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Exploring Barcelona Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Brian was terrific! He showed us around El Born, hitting both major and some minor attractions and giving us the ideal amount of background and context. Brian did a great job of informing us about events from various perspectives, not content to see history as black and white.
Hi there, many thanks for the review and I hope the rest of the day, and the trip, went very well. Thanks again for joining me, all the best.
A very nice, personalized and informative tour. Brian did a great job introducing us to the city and the Catalan culture.
Hi Julie, Many thanks for this acknowledgment. It was a pleasure spending the morning with you and your family. Have a nice onward trip!
An excellent tour if you wish sincerely to understand not only the city's history, but the people who live therein.
Thank you Brian for your informative tour. The long and complicated history of Catalonia is fascinating.
My pleasure guys thanks for great engagement and chat along the way and safe onward travels!
I don't normally like tours. The forced walking and irksome tour guides tend to turn me off. A friend was keen so I went along and I've got to say, I was very impressed! Had a great time and really enjoyed the experience. The guide, Bryan was a lovely Scottish man who kept things far from dull! I think I may have changed my attitude about these type of tours. Bravo!
Thanks Lucy great to have you along as we continue to re-emerge from difficult times in the industry. Safe travels and see you in BCN again soon!
At the end of last summer we did this great tour. For us was very difficult to understand about the Catalan independence and with this tour now we totally get it. The places we saw were really nice and helped to understand the city and the political situation.
Hi Adam, thanks for the review and for getting back in touch after a good few months. We always like to stay in touch with guests and I hope you are doing well in this difficult time, stay safe man!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona Highlights Walking Tour | 2–3 hours | 5.0 (6) | $56 | |
 Barcelona City Highlights Bike Tour | 2h 30min | 4.6 (225) | $34 | View |
 Barcelona Highlights Guided Tour with Monjuic Cable Car | 2–6 hours | 4.5 (470) | $45 | View |
 Barcelona Highlights Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick Up | 5 hours | 4.9 (1,143) | $91 | View |
 Barcelona Highlights & Sagrada Familia Tour: Priority Access | 6 hours | 4.7 (2,879) | $79 | View |
 Barcelona Highlights: Private Guided Tour with Hotel/Port Pick-up | 4 hours | 5.0 (418) | $411 | View |
 Barcelona Highlights & Secrets Private Tour with Tapa & Drink | 3 hours | 4.8 (16) | $86 | View |