Fascinating Art and History Tours in Barcelona

This blog post was originally posted on July 15, 2016 and was updated on December 20, 2022.

Boasting over 2,000 years of history, Barcelona is an ancient and incredible place to explore. Though today Barcelona is known as a modern, cosmopolitan city, there is a fascinating story that lies behind the Catalan capital. And what better way to discover it than through the words of a talented storyteller? Read on to discover some of the top history tours in Barcelona!

Walks guide using a tablet to show tour guests info about the Sagrada Familia with the basilica in the background

We might be biased, but we believe that there’s no better way to get a handle on Barcelona than having a local show you around.

Contents hide

1 Best History Tour for Families

1.1 Express Sagrada Família Tour & Tickets

2 History and Cultural Tours in Barcelona

2.1 Barcelona Civil War Tour by Nick Lloyd

2.2 Jewish Quarter Tour by Barcelona Urban Cultours

3 Barcelona History Tours for Art Lovers

3.1 Complete Gaudí Tour

3.2 Barcelona Street Style Tour

4 Barcelona History Tours for Foodies

4.1 Tapas, Taverns & History Tour by Devour Tours

Best History Tour for Families

Express Sagrada Família Tour & Tickets

Clocking in at just one and a half hours, this guided Sagrada Família tour is the most accessible and affordable way to see the world-famous Basilica. Led by our friends at Walks, Skip the Line Express Sagrada Família Tour is the perfect experience for families with young children or anyone who wants a more contextual view of Barcelona’s number-one tourist attraction. Make your reservation early – this tour fills up quickly!

Lighted ceiling of the Sagrada Familia on a dark day in Barcelona — La Sagrada Familia is an amazing experience, but one made all the more enriching with a local guide.

History and Cultural Tours in Barcelona

Barcelona Civil War Tour by Nick Lloyd

A man standing in a small inner courtyard of a historic stone building — The Spanish Civil War tours are approximately 3.5 hours long.

The Spanish Civil War was perhaps one of the most decisive moments of history during the 20th century in Spain. Furthermore, Barcelona is no exception to that. Learning about how Barcelona played a key role in the war, as well as the tragic effects it had on the city, are crucial to understanding Barcelona’s modern history. Join one of the best history tours in Barcelona with Nick Lloyd, an incredible and passionate story-teller, to hear the fascinating story behind the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona.

Jewish Quarter Tour by Barcelona Urban Cultours

El Call, Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter, is a fascinating and often times undiscovered corner of the old city center. The narrow streets and hidden alleys are enchanting, to say the least, and they are packed with stories of Barcelona’s medieval past. And because the mystery that lies within them can be so hard to grasp, we recommend visiting with a guided tour. Barcelona Urban Cultours will take you on a deep exploration of the Call’s past.

Barcelona History Tours for Art Lovers

Complete Gaudí Tour

Can’t get enough of local architect Antoni Gaudí? Then sign up for Walks’ Complete Gaudí Tour, which takes guests on a full look at the artists’ most impressive buildings. You’ll spend ample time at Casa Batlló, Park Guell, and the Sagrada Família alongside a passionate and knowledgeable guide who will bring the magic of Gaudí’s incredible work to life. The tour provides private transportation and pre-reserved tickets, which means you’ll cover way more ground than a whole day on your own!

Groups of tourists near an outdoor staircase leading up to a whimsical modernist building with pillars — Skip the line at Park Guell and immediately start exploring a veritable explosion of color.

Barcelona Street Style Tour

Barcelona is home to some incredible street art if you know where to look. Take the Barcelona Street Style Tour for an insider’s peek into the fascinating world that is urban street art. The group offers tours in El Raval, as well as Born & Gothic.

Usera is one of Madrid's most artistic barrios, and some believe it could give Lavapiés a run for its money in the next few years—but that's not necessarily a good thing. Usera has its own rich cultural identity thanks to its proud immigrant community and artistic and cultural spaces. — Dive so much deeper and discover the unique story and personality of Barcelona with a street art tour.

Barcelona History Tours for Foodies

Tapas, Taverns & History Tour by Devour Tours

When it comes to history tours in Barcelona, we can’t help but toot our own horn! And what’s best about our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is that it combines two elements that we personally think go so well together. Our favorite things come together on this tour, tapas, AND also history! Walk through Barcelona’s historical Born and Gothic neighborhoods, and take pit stops in locally favorite bars and taverns along the way devouring delicious tapas and local wines. Whether you’re a history buff or a total foodie, this is the perfect Barcelona history tour for all tastes! Our small-group tours take you off the beaten path and behind the scenes of the places Barcelona locals know and love best.

Interior of a wine bar in Barcelona with lots of bottles of wine above the heads of the patrons and a waiter who has a bottle of wine in hand — Our two-in-one history and tapas tour visit some of the city’s most emblematic sights. You’ll try small bites at three amazing tapas bars are perfectly blended with a fascinating guided walk through historic Barcelona.

There really is no better way to understand a city and it’s culture than a walking food tour, like our Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour. Join one of expert guides who are passionate about all that this wonderful city has to offer. From its incredible food to its colorful history—there is something for everyone to enjoy! We hope to see you soon.