Day tours in Barcelona

Posted by mctaggartmelissa on 01/18/15 09:29 PM

Hello,

I am trying to find a tour or guide for hire to take me around Barcelona in September. I want to visit the various Gaudi buildings & their interiors. Because I am traveling solo I would prefer a guide but after contacting several tour companies they want $500 & up for just me & that's ridiculous.

I emailed Runner Bean but they couldn't accommodate & suggested taxis. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Is anyone know of a local university that has a tourism program with students or staff that could be hired?

Melissa

Posted by Enric

Barcelona (Catalonia)

01/19/15 05:50 AM

3071 posts

Hi Melissa,

Can't really help, sorry, but I'd like to point out two things:

1.) As per Barcelona city regulations, only accredited tour guides can accompany you to the interior of the buildings. For example, Runner Beans are not, that's why they offer walking tours only.

2.) 500$ and up might seem unreasonable but unfortunately it's rather a normal amount. As a random example, http://www.barcelona365.es/ if you check his fees, he's charging 400€ (~500$) for a full day.

You might be better off looking at websites like likealocalguide.com or trip4real.com. Good luck.

Posted by rnsmth

01/19/15 02:59 PM

73 posts

Does anyone have experience with Viatour. They seem more reasonable.

http://www.viator.com/Barcelona-tours/d562-ttd?pref=204&aid=m1787

Posted by Rosalyn

Portland

01/19/15 05:44 PM

3643 posts

One site you can visit is the Palau de la Musica. Not Gaudi, but another Modernista, and a just fabulous, do-not-miss building. You can only enter on their own guided tours or when attending a concert. Find out when the tours are in English, and buy a ticket. You can also enter Casa Mila on your own. It has clear labels in English, so no need for a guide. I agree that $500 is ridiculous for a day tour.

Posted by marctshark

01/19/15 06:50 PM

270 posts

I have used Viator.com. Happy with the tours. Reasonable prices. In fact, I really liked the tour of the Sagrada Familia - skip the line. A good use of time. Sometimes it's hard to find the point where we were supposed to start the tour, though. We've done probably 10 tours through them and everyone was good to excellent.

Posted by rnsmth

01/20/15 11:16 AM

73 posts

Thank you marc! Good to read the experiences you have had with them!

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

01/22/15 10:41 PM

16895 posts

Viator is a middle-man company, booking tours that you should be able to buy directly from the operator. You might want to see other discussion of them in this forum, such as https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/day-tours/viator-day-tours-in-spain and https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/viator-never-use-again.

I would consider a shorter, group tour offered by www.barcelonaguidebureau.com.