Barcelona holds a special place among European cities for me. A seaside metropolis framed by striking mountains, it blends a character shaped over centuries with a contemporary energy that keeps things interesting. The cuisine is exceptional, and the architecture is genuinely astonishing.
Many of the city’s finest attractions lie beyond the obvious hotspots, and one of the most effective ways to go deeper is through locally led experiences. These activities are designed to provide genuine encounters with local culture that go well beyond a standard sightseeing route.
Frequently, the people running them are Barcelona residents themselves, eager to share their stories, their traditions, their daily lives, and their food. Whether you want to learn to cook paella, see the city by bike, or view it from the water, there is an experience suited to every type of traveler.
AT A GLANCE: Our Top 3 Picks for Experiences in Barcelona
- #1: Secret Garden Paella Making
- #2: Introduction to Barcelona – Old Town Walking Tour
- #3: Montserrat Hiking Off the Beaten Path & Monastery
Below, I’ve collected the standout offerings from Barcelona’s experience marketplace—led by people who know and love the city.
So let’s dive in.
Let me show you around the best experiences in Barcelona
Top 10 Experiences in Barcelona
If you visit Barcelona without a local’s perspective, it’s difficult to get past the surface of this wonderfully strange city. That was exactly my approach in the past: I visited the “must-see” spots, checked off my itinerary, and moved on. But if you want to look deeper and see what the city really offers from a local point of view, these experiences are the way to do it.
Every experience I’ve chosen has a large number of excellent reviews, so you don’t have to rely solely on my word that they are among the best in the city.
Here are the best experiences in Barcelona:
| THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN BARCELONA | |
|---|---|
#1 | Secret Garden Paella Making Authentic paella class; Hidden garden; Local recipes & wine |
#2 | Introduction to Barcelona – Old Town Walking Tour Gothic Quarter secrets; Myths & legends; Iconic historic sites |
#3 | Montserrat Hiking Off the Beaten Path & Monastery Stunning mountain hike; Monastery & markets; Local guide |
1. Secret Garden Paella Making
You can’t come to Spain without eating a good paella, right? Why not take it a step further and learn to make one yourself? In a hidden garden, you’ll find Sarah (your chef!) running a beautiful open kitchen where you’ll learn to prepare her grandmother’s delicious paella recipe.
Sarah and her sister come from a long line of food lovers and have plenty of knowledge to share—she has been running these workshops for more than 10 years! So you’ll be in safe (and very Spanish) hands. You won’t just learn the recipe; Sarah will also share stories about the dish while you enjoy plenty of wine, tapas, and of course, the paella.
- Price: $$
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
2. Introduction to Barcelona – Old Town Walking Tour
Ohh fancy!
The classic city walking tour! You either love them or hate them. I fall into the former group—I think they can be a brilliant way to explore a city. Sure, you can wander the streets on your own, but what if you had a local with you sharing their culture and the history of every corner?
This Introduction to Barcelona Old Town Walking Tour is a bit more lively than your usual walking tour, as it not only covers history but also adds some entertainment along the way. The route takes you through the winding streets, the medieval alleys, and the historic squares of the Ciutat Vella (the Old Town). Your hosts, Jana and Matt, will share stories, myths, and characters who have shaped the city over the past 2000 years.
- Price: $
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
3. Montserrat Hiking Off the Beaten Path & Monastery
Take a break from the city
This experience is not for the faint-hearted, as it does involve a hike. The hike is 5.5 km (3.5 miles) with 300 m (1000 ft) of elevation gain—manageable but definitely requiring a reasonable fitness level. The path is stunning, and the viewpoints are seriously incredible—the rock formations in this mountain range will blow your mind.
After your hike, you’ll end up back at the Montserrat Monastery, where you can relax, explore the farmers market, and grab something to eat. You’ll be joined by a professional mountain guide who is passionate about this range. Plus, your guide will no doubt capture some great photos of you. The tour includes a minivan trip to get you to and from the city center. This should 100% be on your Barcelona itinerary.
- Price: $$
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
4. Midday and Sunset Sailing Barcelona
Did I mention there is an open bar?!
There is something special about a city by the sea, and what better way to explore it than by taking to the water on a sailing experience! This offering provides a unique (and quite romantic) way of seeing Barcelona.
You can choose either a midday sail or a sunset sail—both magical in their own way. If you choose the midday sail, you’ll cruise until you’re about three to four miles offshore, stop, lower the swimming platform, and enjoy an afternoon filled with water time, relaxation, and drinks and snacks on board. If you choose the evening sail, you can watch the sun slowly set behind the city skyline and the mountains—from the sea (!!). It’s captivating.
- Price: $
- Duration: 2 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
5. The Original Tapas Crawl Adventure
Tapas is the food of the gods!
Nothing says Spain like tapas—a selection of entree-style dishes to be shared and enjoyed as a meal. This tapas crawl visits four authentic restaurants and bars where you’ll try some of the city’s weirdest, wildest, and most delicious tapas on offer. Say goodbye to overpriced tourist spots and join this crawl to mix with locals at these hidden gems of Barcelona.
Not only will you taste tantalizing tapas dishes and sip on smooth Spanish wine, but your host will also teach you about the customs and the essence of food culture in Barcelona. Honestly, I can’t recommend this one enough—especially if you’re a foodie!
- Price: $$
- Duration: 3 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
6. Bike Tour of Barcelona with a Local
One of my favorite ways to explore a European city is on my own two wheels—there is just something freeing about it. This experience is run by Paula, a lovely local who knows the city like the back of her hand and will take you to some of the best places to visit in Barcelona.
The bike ride is fun and laid-back (don’t worry, Paula won’t have you racing around the streets). She will give you an overview of Barcelona’s history, culture, and fascinating architecture. From the beaches to the back streets, you’ll get to experience parts of Barcelona that not all travelers get to see.
- Price: $
- Duration: 3 hours
- Review: 4.8/5
7. Sunrise Paddlesurf & Photography
This is another experience in Barcelona for you sporty folks out there. And the views you get are worth every single paddle! Don’t worry if you’ve never used a SUP before; the instructors give you a lesson on the beach and get you standing in no time.
Once you’ve paddled out, you can relax and take in the magical sight of the sun rising from the horizon, plus Barcelona’s epic skyline. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in the city. As you’re there taking it all in, remember that half of the city is probably still asleep. So go you!!
The tour includes photos, so don’t forget to take a look and grab your favorites at the end of the paddle!
- Price: $
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
8. Experience the Sagrada Familia with an Official Guide
Gaudi is pretty good, eh?
The Sagrada Familia is one of those must-see places in Barcelona—not only because you must see it but also because it’s hard to miss! I was in absolute awe when I saw the magnificence of the Sagrada Familia; it was way bigger and more impressive than I had imagined.
The deeply rooted history of this iconic building is also fascinating. The best way to both marvel at the design and architecture and learn all of the background behind it is by going on THIS experience in Barcelona. It gives you an exclusive and intimate experience with Barcelona’s most monumental sight. You’ll get to skip the lines (which, if you visit in high season, you’ll see can be LONG) and uncover the history behind Antonio Gaudi and the Sagrada Familia.
- Price: $$
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Review: 4.8/5
9. Barcelona Tipsy Tour
Bar hopping around Barcelona!
This experience is particularly good for those traveling solo in Barcelona, as it’s the perfect way to meet fellow travelers. The night kicks off with a tipsy toast and white sangria (YUM), where you’ll get to know other travelers and also hear some of Barcelona’s twisted tales.
From there, you’ll adventure between some of Barcelona’s most vibrant and popular bars. Of course, you’ll get to enjoy an authentic “Vermouth” and learn the history behind the city’s famous drink. The tour includes four drinks to get you started.
Although the experience technically ends while the night is still young, if you want to kick on and dance the night away with your new mates—go for it! Enjoy those iconic Barcelona free pours and 6 am finishes (if you dare).
- Price: $$
- Duration: 3 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
10. Rooftop Tango Lesson and Drinks
If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Barcelona, this rooftop tango lesson is the place to be. Even if you have absolutely no experience with tango (or dancing in general), it’s a great beginner-friendly class. Who knows—you might get those hips swaying and realize the tango is your thing!
Learn the routine from passionate Argentinean-born and raised dancers who share their Argentine tango skills! The lesson takes place atop an impressive rooftop in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Enjoy a drink, meet some new friends, and embrace the movements of you and your partner as you flow through the routine.
- Price: $
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Review: 4.9/5
Top Tips for Getting the Most from These Experiences
- Book in Advance: Popular experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking early usually ensures you get a spot.
- Ask Questions: Since these are small, intimate groups, you’ll have the chance to ask your host lots of questions and learn even more about the experience.
- Check Reviews: Always read other travelers’ reviews to get an idea of what to expect and any tips they might have.
- Combine Experiences: Plan your days around different types of experiences to get a well-rounded view.
Can You Trust These Experiences?
You may know that many experiences are curated by lay people rather than “professionals.” You may therefore wonder whether they are worthy of your time, trust, and money.
Let me put your mind at ease here. These are just a few of the things the platform does to ensure safety:
- Vetting hosts: Hosts must meet specific criteria, including showcasing expertise in their respective fields and offering a unique experience that aligns with the platform’s values of authentic, local-driven activities.
- Cancellation Policy: The platform offers a decent level of flexibility with its cancellation policies for experiences, although the specific terms depend on the host. Some experiences do have stricter policies, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific terms listed on the booking page before you make a reservation.
- Liability: While each host is expected to maintain their own level of responsibility for the safety and delivery of the experience, the platform covers certain incidents through its Experience Protection Insurance. However, you should always take your own travel insurance before any trip—which leads me to my next point.
Final Thoughts on the Best Experiences in Barcelona
So that’s a wrap on my top 10 experiences in Barcelona. There is quite a range of options in this list, so I hope you found at least one that tickles your fancy—whether that’s the foodie vibe of making paella or a tapas crawl, or going sailing or hiking in Montserrat. The city is your oyster!
Each of these activities is run either by a local or a passionate Barcelona lover who has carefully curated their activity to show you the best of the city. So dive in and see what they have to offer! Take your camera and an open mind—it’s time to make some memories, amigo!
Whatever you end up doing in Barcelona, I hope you fall in love with the city as much as I did <3
Hasta luego, amigo!
