Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

Barcelona Half-Day Experience: Landmarks, Delights & Paella!

Embark on our Barcelona Half-Day Tour to uncover iconic landmarks alongside our personal favorites.

Get one for discounts, free admission to museums and more!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Starting your experience at 'Cafe Mauri', authentic treats, great coffee and a wonderful window display
  • Wind through the streets taking in the culture and the stories they hold, I was never once bored here
  • Next, a stop at Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrara. Why? You have to find out. One not to be missed
  • Move on to visit Casa Batlló which is often referred to as the ‘House of the Dragon’ you’re going to want to take photos. Share them with me
  • Then it's a stroll through the La Boqueria Market where we will sample some local delights and amazing surroundings
  • Never in one place too long, you’re off to, visit the Cathedral of Barcelona to find out why it rivals La Sagrada Familia
  • The big finish - an immersive Paella Cooking class with a traditional meal
  • A busy experience but one that takes in the best of the city culture, tradition and cuisine. I’m jealous I'm not coming with you

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 6 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
4 item market food budget (budget can be increased at your request)
Paella cooking class with meal
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Additional food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Mauri, Rambla de Catalunya, 102, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

This experience is led by an experienced and knowledgeable local host, selected by me to deliver the experience exactly as I lived it. (With a little more of course). There are some great stops included but just moving around this city will provide you with an experience that others would envy.

 

You’ll start your experience with a visit to 'Cafè Mauri', offering an outstanding selection of tarts, cakes, canapés, and other treats - all authentically Spanish. I loved starting my mornings here. The window display alone is a feast for the eyes and the surroundings invite you to watch the world go by.

 

Next, i’ve planned for you to make a stop at Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, one of Gaudi’s last great works. Make sure to ask your host why it has two names! It’s fascinating and so imposing. 

 

You’ll want to stay longer, but there is so much more to see.

 

You go on to visit Casa Batlló which is often referred to as the ‘House of the Dragon’. You’re not going to go in this time (but you should another day). Hear the stories of this magnificent building and get close to the facade to feel how it mirrors the waves of the sea.

 

This is a great place to get some photos, ask your host, they know the best spots!

 

Camera roll full? Good - time for some more treats. Take a stroll through the La Boqueria Market, an absolute must for anyone who even remotely considers themselves a foodie! Sample some local delights and enjoy the surroundings of La Rambla. It will be hard but leave some room, there is paella later.

Your penultimate stop on this adventure, your host will take you to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona. Not to be confused with La Sagrada Familia. Why would I send you here instead? Steeped in history, dark, almost foreboding, coated and sculpted in fine, fine detail. You won’t be disappointed. A masterpiece in the region.

 

Finally, the big finish. You end off your experience with an immersive Paella Cooking class, discover Paella -  Catalan style. the original "Catalan arrossada". You make it and get to enjoy eating it, washed down with beautiful homemade sangria.

 

It’s a busy experience but one that leaves you full and fulfilled. Relax now knowing you’ve immersed yourself in the best local culture, history and cuisine.

 

This experience is set out as I would do it, please feel free to tailor to your specific interests.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Ashley, Jan 2025

We had a great time exploring the city and seeing lots of great things! Stopped for a great lunch and loved all the history she shared. Overall a wonderful experience!

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Melodee, Jan 2025

We were a little apprehensive about doing this as it is Unscripted (as the the tour suggests), but it ended up being planned out exactly to our tastes. Our guide took us around the El Born area, starting at the market with drinks and croquettes along with other foods to satisfy our Foodie tastes. We walked around El Born learning about the area, the culture and the traditions. We stopped at the original place for Los Pescatidos. We had Catalan dessert and Cava. I was quite impressed with this experience, especially not knowing what we were going to do and see. Would do it again.

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Heidi, Jan 2025

What a great way to experience Barcelona - truly the highlights ! The guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, astute, charming and full of stories. While it didn’t include entrance to any of the Gaudi sites - you could fully customize the experience with the exception being that many entrances require advance booking during the holidays - this was a ‘highly recommended’ experience!

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Heidi, Jan 2025

Fantastic day!

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Robert, Dec 2024

Very friendly and knowledgeable guide who was great at picking the prefect taps dishes for a newbie to Spain.

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Lisa, Dec 2024

Ellen is a warm, gracious, and knowledgeable host. The barrio we chose to tour is Sants where we had delicious bites throughout the neighborhood. The sampling covered traditional Catalon dishes. Ellen accommodated every food and destination request. We highly recommend this tour!

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