Day Tour: Hidden Barcelona, Spain
This easy walk takes in Barcelona’s celebrated sites and its hidden delights. Wander the back streets, admire gothic churches, haggle for produce at markets, visit gourmet shops for regional specialities, and enjoy cava and tapas in a local bar.
£21
Greentraveller’s Travel Advice: The wonders and charms of this popular Spanish city are just an overnight train journey away from the UK. From London St. Pancras, the first leg is a quick trip to Paris and from there, traverse through the night on the sleeper train to Barcelona. Don't miss out, Anouk van den Eijnde considers this journey to be one of the Top Five Train Journeys via Eurostar from London to Europe.
>> For full details, see: Train from London to Barcelona
Details of Urban Adventures' Hidden Barcelona
The tour begins in the centre of Barcelona’s Old City, the Gothic Quarter, dating back to the Roman era. We'll walk along the ancient wall of the city and see the ruins of Barcelona’s early settlement, as well as many historic buildings dating from the Middle Ages and other sights of the less-well-known Jewish Quarter.
We'll wander along the narrow streets of the Born district and visit the striking gothic Santa Maria del Mar (Santa Maria of the Sea), which many people think is the most beautiful church in Barcelona. This neighbourhood was once home to fishermen, nobility and merchants all living alongside, and they joined together to construct this impressive building. Next, we'll walk to Montcada Street, home to huge gothic palaces, next to some of Barcelona's great museums: the Picasso and Textile Museum. Just next door are some of the city's coolest bars, such as La Xampanyeria, a tapas joint, where you’ll probably find yourself cramming in with the hustle-bustle of tipsy citizens on their lunch break. The area is also known for its great mix of modern stores and boutiques and traditional shops. One of the oldest is Casa Gispert, master roasters since 1851: here they still use the original oven to toast the finest quality nuts, coffee and cocoa. Take in the unique atmosphere and sample some of their traditional products.
After the Born we head to La Ribera, a quieter district, usually overlooked by tourists, yet home to places of great interest. See the art nouveau-style Palau de la Musica Catalana with its dazzling, intricate façade, which now plays host to musical performances of all kinds. Nearby is the wavy-roofed Santa Caterina food market: over time the 68 fresh-produce stallholders have managed to keep their original signage despite the contemporary design around them, forming a striking contrast. Finally, we will wander over to Las Rambles, Barcelona's emblematic tree-lined pedestrian boulevard. The Ramblas connects Plaça Catalunya with the Columbus Column at the Old Port. Our tour ends next to Barcelona’s stunning Opera house, the Gran Teatre de Liceu.
What price includes
- English speaking guide
- Food: three different tasters of local delicacies
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Sant Jaume square in Barrio Gotico, right next to entrance of town hall.
Barcelona França
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Plaça Sant Jaume is only a few minutes walk from França Station, or you can take the metro one stop from Barceloneta (adjoining the station) to Jaume I.
How to get there:
Train from London to Barcelona
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Las Ramblas, next to Liceu Opera house and metro stop.
Barcelona França
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
It requires 2 changes of metro from Liceu to Barceloneta (adjoining França station), but it is 15-20 minute walk along Carrer de Feran (which becomes Carrer de la Princesa) and Carrer del Comerç from Liceu to the station.
How to get back:
Train from Barcelona to London
