First-Timer’s Guide to Barcelona

Sail past long lines of tourists trying to gain entry to Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia on this priority access tour of the modernist masterpiece. Accompanied by a guide, head straight inside to get fascinating insight into the history of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral. Admire the opulent ceilings and stained-glass windows while learning about the building’s charismatic creator. Visit the museum to see exhibits on the cathedral’s history and observe original plaster models and design sketches.

Learn to make Spanish tapas, traditional paella, and sangria with a Barcelona chef, then share a hearty dinner of classic local cuisine that you've made yourself. All great Spanish food starts with super fresh ingredients, and you begin this cooking class with a guided trip through La Boqueria market before heading to a professional teaching kitchen. This hands-on Spanish cooking class includes snacks, drinks, and dinner, and you finish the night with recipes to take back to your home kitchen.

Leave Barcelona behind, and head for the medieval city of Girona and the scenic Costa Brava. This day tour through the Catalonian villages of northeastern Spain includes guided tours of Pals and Calella de Palafrugell. Take in the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea from viewpoints along the way and enjoy the intimacy of travel with a small group. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Enjoy priority access to two Antoni Gaudí masterworks on this half-day skip-the-line tour in Barcelona. Avoid the main lines at Park Güell, a park sprinkled with Gaudí buildings and statues, and tour the highlights. Then, travel by coach to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral. Enjoy skip-the-line admission as your guide recounts how the late architect spent over 40 years working on this showpiece. Finish at the La Sagrada Familia Museum to learn more about Gaudí’s life and genius.

Say ‘bon voyage’ to the last rays of the day during this sunset sailing trip along the Barcelona coast. Join your professional skipper amidst the luxurious yachts of the city’s Port Vell marina, casting off for an early evening adventure just offshore. As you sail, you’ll enjoy top-notch views of the city, coastline and the fiery-orange light show of the setting sun. Included snacks and beverages on board help ensure you can stay focused on the scenery instead of your stomach.

Experience the architectural and artistic majesty of Barcelona on a half-day bike tour of the city. Energize and enjoy yourself on this exciting excursion with a knowledgeable and experienced guide; see all of the city’s significant sights such as the La Catedral and Placa del Rei as you gently cycle between magnificent monuments. Capture fabulous photographs at each stop and gain insight into the city’s fascinating history with informative commentary. A moderate level of fitness is not required on this tour due to the gentle nature of the route.

Discover the Gothic grandeur and maritime charm of Barcelona on a smooth, self-balancing Segway. Follow a knowledgeable guide on an exciting route through the city’s winding streets and hear tales of Barcelona’s fascinating history. Travel from the Arc de Triomf and the Parc de la Ciutadella, and then continue around the old harbor at Port Vell in La Barceloneta. See the city’s stylish side when you visit the modern monuments in Olympic Port and enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour, with numbers limited to six people.

Immerse yourself in the astounding architecture of the Palau de la Música Catalana on a comprehensive tour. Sail past long lines with your priority access pass and commence your tour of the Art Nouveau icon with an expert architectural guide. Gain fascinating insight into the rich history of the structure as you absorb the lavish décor and opulent design of the interior. Marvel at the incandescent light that streams through the windows of Lluis Millet Hall then imagine watching a performance in the decadently decorated Concert Hall.

Get out on the Mediterranean Sea during this sailing excursion in Barcelona. Board the boat at Port Vell (the Old Harbor), and set sail. Cruise around Barcelona Harbor and out to sea, taking in stunning views of the city from a new perspective. Sip on a cool beverage while you glide across the water and feel the sea breeze. There are a variety of departure times and pricing options offered to best fit your schedule.

Journey inside the mind of Salvador Dalí during this intimate exploration of the life and preferred haunts of this famous surrealist. Explore the early days of Dalí in Figueres, the artist’s birthplace, which is now home to his eponymous museum. Enjoy the charming scenery of Cadaqués, a small coastal village along the Costa Brava. Continue your trip to Port Lligat, a tiny fishing cove that was once Dalí’s preferred residence and studio. A guide and round-trip transport are included.

See one of Gaudi’s most famous pieces of work, with this skip-the-line, guided tour of the Sagrada Familia. Follow your English-speaking guide inside the basilica, one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. During your tour, listen as your guide shares stories about Gaudi, and the history of this unfinished structure.

Take a break from bustling Barcelona to experience the serenity of Montserrat, a sacred mountain just an hour’s drive from the city. Learn about the history an ancient legends that surround the mount while traveling in a comfortable bus, and arrive early to beat the lines to enter the Benedictine monastery near the top. Here, see the famous Black Madonna statue, view paintings by Modernist masters at an on-site museum, and browse Spanish goods at vendor stalls, all in a peaceful natural setting.

Venture up the coast and explore beautiful Costa Brava on this full-day tour. This region north of Barcelona is home to dramatic cliffs, jagged coastlines, picturesque coves and charming seaside villages. Visit protected parks such as Cap de Creus, the Emporda Marshes and the Marine Reserve Medes Islands and make stops in fishing towns with whitewashed walls and historic churches. This is the perfect way to get out of the city and see one of Catalonia’s most beautiful regions in just a half-day.