Would you like to explore Barcelona with the guidance of a local? Book a private tour now and join me for a delightful adventure! As a born and raised Barcelonesa, I love showing my city to others. This passion and interest are something I am eager to share with you during my private tours. Make your city trip an unforgettable experience by exploring with me!
Highlights Tour
Discover both famous and hidden gems
Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and El Born
Personal tips and insights not found in travel guides
- Private tour
- Duration: ± 3 hours
- From € 200*
* A surcharge applies for groups of 6 or more participants.
* Price excludes food and drinks.
Barcelona Local Tour
A glimpse into the daily life of the locals
Learn about local life, traditions and customs
Discover off-the-beaten-path spots that only locals visit
- Private tour
- Duration: ± 3 hours
- From € 200,- *
* A surcharge applies for groups of 6 or more participants.
* Price excludes food and drinks.
Barcelona Tapas Tour
Taste the essence of Spanish tapas culture
Visit a variety of authentic spots loved by locals in the city center
Receive personalized recommendations
- Private tour
- Duration: ± 3 hours
- From € 200,- *
* A surcharge applies for groups of 6 or more participants.
* Price excludes food and drinks.
Leave the crowds behind and discover Barcelona with a true local
¡Hola! My name is Marta, and I’ll be your guide in the beautiful city of Barcelona. As a proud Barcelonesa, I’m excited to show you the most stunning spots in the city, including hidden gems only locals know about. I’ll also give you a glimpse into the real Barcelona, the one experienced by locals. Because the best way to explore a city is with a local by your side!
These lovely people have already gone ahead of you…
“We found Marta through her engaging YouTube channel and booked her Highlights Tour for our very first visit to Barcelona — and what an incredible experience it was! From the start, Marta made everything seamless, choosing a convenient meeting point and tailoring the tour to our pace, even accommodating my husband’s recent knee surgery with thoughtful breaks. Her warm personality, deep local knowledge, and genuine passion for the city made our walking tour both fun and informative. A special touch? She brought us to one of her favourite local cafés and even helped us order — a true insider’s experience! If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, we highly recommend booking a tour with Marta. She’ll make your Barcelona adventure unforgettable!”
– Larry and Monique DeBrouwer (Canada)
“We enjoyed your walk immensely. You are very knowledgeable and have a wonderful way to share that knowledge. You take your time in walking and pointing out the important history and sights in Barcelona. We walked around the beautiful Gothic Quarter and El Born and gained a knowledge about those two areas and how they fit in with the newer and more modern Barcelona. We did not feel rushed, yet we accomplished a great deal. Thank you for your kindness and expertise.”
– Maddie Brick (United States)
“In January, we booked a local tour through Barcelona with Marta. For three hours, we walked through various districts such as El Raval and Barri Gotic. We also visited Mercado St. Antoni, the university building, had coffee at Cafe Colombia, saw the old hospital, walked along Rambla el Raval, and ended at the charming Calle Peritxol and other sights. Marta kept us entertained with stories about the customs and habits of the locals. We now know that there are more bars in Barcelona than hospital beds! Barcelona knows how to live the good life! And Marta, we will be back. Thank you for this wonderful tour!”
– Angela and Arno (The Netherlands)
“We joined the tapas tour with Marta on our first day in Barcelona. Marta was on time at the meeting point and took us around the city while telling us interesting facts about certain traditions and events. We then ate in several tapas spots that we probably wouldn’t have entered ourselves. We had fantastic dishes and drinks we didn’t even know existed. It was a fun and relaxed way to get to know the tapas culture with the help of a local! Highly recommended!!”
– Patrick (The Netherlands)
“Marta is a complete delight! I enjoyed every second of my local tour with her. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of Barcelona, history,food arts and culture were all covered. I took the tour in the early part of my five day stay in Barsa. I am so happy that I did as the tour opened up the whole of Barcelona to me. I enjoyed a wonderful time there. The best trip I have had in years! So good in fact I am planning another trip there in July in order to take in the Opera at the Gran Teatre Liceu. I Really think Barcelona has it all. Hasta la próxima Marta.”
– Simon Penrose (UK)
“Thank you for your wonderful tour today! It was so much fun to see all the gorgeous architecture and charming neighborhoods, and you were a perfect host. My friend and I had a great time and learned so much. And stopping in to that cute little spot for churros and tea (delicious) and later in the day going for tapas, was perfect. It was so lovely to discover places we never would have discovered on our own.”
– Andrea Aptecker (USA)
“We combined the Highlights Tour and the Tapas Tour into a 6-hour tour with Marta, visiting many sites in the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and the Ramblas, while stopping at a cafe for churros, a pintxo bar, and a tapas bar for lunch. We were so glad we toured with Marta on our first day in Barcelona, and we highly recommend her as a guide for first-time visitors, just like us! It felt like a relaxed, leisurely walk through the neighborhoods, but in fact we learned so much from Marta. She shared interesting stories and facts everywhere we went, and answered all our questions, so we experienced so much more than we ever could with just a guidebook or wandering on our own. Also, she gave us valuable advice that helped us get the most out of the rest of our trip. Most of all, working with Marta was like having a friend in the city who could help reduce some of the stress of planning a trip and travelling to foreign country. She was very responsive via email when we booked the tour, and she helped us with a few questions before leaving home. She was very friendly and easy to talk to on the tour, and she really showed us how to enjoy the city. The practical advice she gave us on the tour, together with the great information on her website, gave us much more confidence making our own arrangements for the rest of our stay in Barcelona.”
– Matthew Burt (United States)
“Our 3-hour “highlights” tour with Martha was exactly what my wife and three teenage daughters needed to kick off our Barcelona trip. She moved us through the city with ease and precision—focusing on sights that genuinely interested us, and moving us past those that didn’t, without missing a beat. Along the way, Martha showed us how to navigate the city like locals—teaching us how to purchase and use the hop-on/hop-off buses as well as the public train system. This saved us time, money, and confusion throughout the rest of our stay. She also provided constant recommendations for spots we could explore the next day, making the most of our time with her while setting us up for a better overall visit. She pointed out great photo opportunities away from the usual crowded tourist spots, helping us capture some amazing, unique memories. After 13,000 steps, a quick taste of freshly sliced jamón, Nutella-covered strawberries from the open market, and four fantastic family photos, we ended the day not only better oriented within Barcelona, but with a much deeper appreciation of the different sub-cultures that make up this incredible city. If you value your time, prefer to avoid the crowds, and want a guide who reads the room and adjusts on the fly—book Martha well in advance. She’s punctual, full of grace when you want to stop and soak something in, and clearly understands her audience. Highly recommended. We’ll be looking for her again on our next trip.”
– Marshall U.S. Navy Special Operations (United States)
“If you are thinking of booking a tour of Barcelona, you must do it with Marta. She is knowledgable, friendly and will give you a glimpse into the city that you would not get otherwise. We customized a tapas and highlight tour for our party of six. We saw many sites on our very first day in Barcelona and learned alot of history that was quite enjoyable. As we continued our European travels into France and Italy, we saw many guides and our group kept mentioning that Marta was absolutely the best guide we had! Don’t hesitate, if she’s available book the tour!”
– Michelle Dionne (United States)
“My wife and I booked a custom tour with Marta in October. We’re considering moving to Barcelona and we are curious about two neighbors – Sants and Poble Sec. Marta was very responsive to our initial request for a custom tour. We scheduled and paid for the the tour with no problems. Marta communicated the arrangements to us a couple of weeks before the tour date. We met at a central location and off we went. Marta was well prepared for the tour. She showed us important places (for locals) in both neighborhoods. It was a great experience and very helpful for us. We would not hesitate to book another tour with Marta.”
– Dennis and Kirsten (United States)
“During a short trip to Barcelona with our teenagers, we did a Tapas tour with Marta. Definitely recommended to do this at the beginning of your trip. Marta not only knows everything about tapas and vermouth but also knows a lot about Barcelona’s history! It’s really fun to have Marta with you, we had great food, drinks, and enjoyed ourselves. Thank you for this experience.”
– Menno and Elles (The Netherlands)
“A visit to Barcelona is definitely worth it. On the first day, we did a guided walk with Marta through the Gothic Quarter. Marta took us to hidden gems and gave us lots of explanations about her city along the way. Thank you, Marta, for this fascinating walk. We really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!”
– Arlette and Franky (Belgium)
“Marta created a wonderful five-hour private tour of Barcelona just for us. She guided us through the Gothic Quarter, pointing out details and stories we never would have noticed on our own. We explored La Boqueria Market and then enjoyed a fantastic tapas lunch at a restaurant she reserved for us. From booking to the end of the tour, her communication was flawless. I highly recommend Marta—she’s the best way to truly get to know Barcelona! Thanks for a great day in Barcelona!”
– Sheri and Maria (United States)
“My wife and I took the Old City Tour with Marta and it was the best tour. We learned and saw Barcelona from the Roman era to present day. Walking down passageways, Marta made it feel as if we were living the event she was describing. The market tour was fantastic seeing all the food and explaining certain dishes. Just a fabulous time or as I say Barcelona’s history explained and seen in 3 hours.”
– Merle Dech (United States)
“Marta was a wonderful guide and her recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and places to visit were spot on. She definitely knows the city and has a wealth of information to share. I appreciated her tour was just long enough to give us a foundation of Barcelona’s history and culture but not too long we grew tired of learning. She had a good mix of history and culture in the tour so that it was engaging throughout. Would highly enthusiastically Marta!”
– Stacy Fisher (United States)
“Both my family and I felt that the tour you gave fully met our expectations. Since we had all visited Barcelona several times before, we were looking for a tour that went beyond the beaten path and avoided the overly touristy spots. We wanted to discover local places and hear local stories, and you delivered more than we could have hoped for. It was an informative and enjoyable tour, and everyone truly enjoyed it. We will definitely recommend you to friends and family when they visit Barcelona. As for a review, you get a solid 10 from us — a job well done.”
– Kris Du Ville (Belgium)
“Marta was an enthusiastic and friendly tour guide. She had many stories about the places she showed us from historical to cultural. It was a great introduction to Barcelona for our first time with the Highlights tour. Our tour was just my husband and I, so it was personal and interesting . She also answered questions that we had about our visit in Barcelona. I would highly recommend her.”
– Ellen and Mark Kotzin (United States)
“We absolutely loved this Highlights Tour! It was the perfect way to get a feel for Barcelona in just one day. Marta Rubio, our guide, was amazing — super friendly, funny, and full of interesting stories that made the city’s history come alive. We visited “Old Town” — and even discovered a few hidden corners I never would’ve found on my own. The pace was relaxed, and there was always enough time for photos and a coffee or gelato stop. What really stood out was how much passion Marta had for Barcelona. By the end of the tour, I felt like I understood the culture and energy that make it so special. If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, this tour is a must. I left with great memories, lots of photos, and a big smile. ❤️”
– Jo Bryan (United States)
“We had an amazing time during our Barcelona Highlights Tour with Marta. She is knowledgeable of the history of the area, and we covered so many locations within the heart of the city. We explored the commonly known tourist locations within the Gothic Quarter, but also saw and learned about locations we never would have found on our own! The walk through the Mercat de la Boqueria was filled with sights and sounds and explanations of many of the foods we were seeing. Marta was kind, caring, and answered as many questions as we had! We would definitely recommend a tour with Marta and will reach out to her again when we return.”
– Becky and Tim (United States)
Authentic Private Tours for a Unique Experience
Do you want to make your visit to Barcelona unforgettable? Then join me to discover the history and culture of the Catalan capital and experience the city like a true local!
All my tours are private and small-scale. I always tailor them to the interests and needs of my guests and provide you with tips so you can continue enjoying the city even after the tour! I’m excited. How about you?
Who gives the tours?
For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Marta Rubio, and I was born and raised in Barcelona. For over 10 years, I’ve been sharing my knowledge and tips for visiting Barcelona on my website. Now, I’m sharing this information personally during my private tours of the city.
There is nothing I love more than telling people about my hometown of Barcelona and making sure they have a fantastic time in the city. When you join me, I’ll ensure that you experience Barcelona like a local, discovering new things and learning a lot along the way.
Instead of aimlessly wandering the city or touring in a large group, we’ll create a unique tour experience with the sole purpose of exploring the city like a local.
Ask your questions, stroll along with me, and together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience.
My Barcelona Tours at a Glance
Option 1: Barcelona Highlights Tour (3 hours)
Discover the must-see highlights and hidden gems of Barcelona. On the Barcelona Highlights Tour, I will take you through all the top attractions you can’t miss in the city center, along with a few hidden spots that only locals know. We’ll stroll through the narrow, historic streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born, visiting the most iconic sites while I share fascinating stories about Barcelona’s history. Of course, I’ll also give you plenty of tips and interesting facts you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Some of the highlights included in the tour are: La Rambla, the Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Reial, Parc de la Ciutadella, and the Arc de Triomf.
Option 2: Barcelona Like a Local Tour (3 hours)
Experience life as a local in Barcelona. During the Barcelona Like a Local Tour, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals in less touristy neighborhoods. We’ll visit places like the University of Barcelona, a local market, a hidden city garden, and a library, along with other spots that provide deeper insight into the daily life of the city’s residents and their history.
You’ll learn about the traditions, customs, and habits of the locals, and discover many places that only residents go to.
Option 3: Barcelona Tapas Tour (3 hours)
Taste the best bites and drinks while discovering the tapas culture in Barcelona. On the Barcelona Tapas Tour, you’ll learn about the history of tapas in Spain and try some of the most typical tapas dishes here in Barcelona.
During the Tapas Tour, I’ll guide you to some of the best local tapas spots, explain the dishes, and help you choose. You’ll have the flexibility to order what you like and pay accordingly, making the experience fully customizable.
Option 4: Custom Private Tour (3 or 6 hours)
Want a personalized tour or prefer to spend a full day exploring with me? Book a private tour, and I’ll make sure it’s tailored to your preferences. The custom tour is available upon request. Please email me for more information: marta@barcelonametmarta.nl.
Come with me to learn about the history and culture of the Catalan capital and experience the city like a true local!
👉 ¡Si! I want to explore with Marta 👈Most Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, my tours are private and small-scale. This allows me to connect better with you and make the tour more personal. As a result, the tours are always engaging, and you get to enjoy the experience even more.
Yes, I also offer tours for larger groups upon request. If you’re part of a larger group, have specific requests, or would like a customized tour, feel free to email me at marta@barcelonametmarta.nl for a quote.
The tours take place in the center of Barcelona. Depending on the tour you choose, the route may vary. As your guide, I always ensure a good balance between well-known and lesser-known spots, and I’m happy to take my guests to places that only the locals visit.
I can offer tours in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Catalan.
The private tours with Barcelona met Marta start at €175 for up to 5 people. For larger groups, a slightly higher rate applies. My experience shows that the bigger the group, the more time and effort it requires.
The price of the private tours with Barcelona met Marta includes a local guide who speaks English (that’s me!) and will accompany you for 3 hours, showing you all that Barcelona has to offer.
What’s not included in the price: food and drinks, transportation, or entrance fees.
The tours take place from Monday to Friday at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM. If you prefer a different day or time, feel free to send an email to marta@barcelonametmarta.nl.
We will meet at the Apple Store on Plaça de Catalunya (Passeig de Gràcia, 1). This central location is easy to reach by metro or bus. The nearest metro station is Catalunya (L1, L3, L6, and L7).
The tours usually last around 3 hours. If you choose a custom private tour, you can also book a longer 6-hour tour.
To reserve a tour, you need to send an email. We will then agree on a day and time. After making the reservation, you will receive a confirmation and a payment link from me. Once the payment is completed, your booking is confirmed.
A tour must be paid for in advance. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend or wish to cancel the tour, it is possible, but there are certain conditions. You can read more about this in the terms and conditions.
