Private tour · for return visitors
Barcelona Local Tour
Experience what it’s like to live in Barcelona. I’ll take you to the less touristy neighborhoods and give you a glimpse into the everyday life of locals: where they shop, study, read and take a moment to unwind.
9.8 out of 10 from 88 reviews
- ± 3 hours
- Private
- In English
- From €200
Coffee break at an authentic local bar
What makes this tour special?
- A glimpse into the everyday life of locals
- Neighborhoods and places off the beaten path
- The traditions, customs and habits of the people of Barcelona
- Perfect if you’ve already seen the famous highlights
What you’ll see
A selection of the places we may visit on the Local Tour.
University of Barcelona
Barcelona isn’t just popular with tourists, it’s also a lively student city, and you’ll see that for yourself at the historic university. I’ll take you inside, where we’ll explore the library and the green courtyard gardens.
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Visit a beloved market where locals do their daily shopping. Here, we’ll dive into Mediterranean food culture, and you’ll discover which products no Catalan kitchen can do without.
The Eixample
Stroll through the Eixample, a famous district with its distinctive city blocks and stunning modernist architecture. Discover how Barcelona grew beyond its old city walls and how this unique neighborhood developed over the years.
Local flavors
Barcelona tastes different every season! From a refreshing horchata in summer to roasted chestnuts and panellets in the fall: along the way, we’ll try local treats and traditions that go with the time of year.
Real neighborhood life
A cozy square, a neighborhood café or a hidden city garden: these are exactly the places where you really get to know Barcelona. I’ll show you where locals get together and tell you more about everyday life behind the famous sights.
Las Arenas
A former bullring that’s now a shopping mall? Las Arenas is always a fun surprise. We’ll end the tour on its panoramic rooftop terrace, with a beautiful view over Barcelona as the finale.
The route is flexible. I adapt it to the weather, your pace and your interests. That’s why every tour is a little different.
Marta’s tip
Been to Barcelona before? Then this tour is for you! Discover a side of the city most visitors miss, and look beyond the tourist highlights.
Good to know
Included
- An English-speaking local guide (me!)
- A private tour of about 3 hours
- My personal tips for the rest of your trip
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation
- Entrance fees
- Traveling with kids? I always plan something fun for them, like an ice cream stop or a playground.
- Limited mobility or using a wheelchair? I’ll adapt the route and the pace.
- Larger group? An extra charge applies from 6 people.
Frequently asked questions
Where do we meet?
At the Apple Store on Plaça de Catalunya (Passeig de Gràcia 1). Catalunya metro station is just around the corner.
Is this tour also fun if it’s my first time in Barcelona?
Definitely! But if it’s your first visit, I usually recommend the Highlights Tour. Not sure? Send me an email, and I’ll help you decide.
Can I cancel?
Yes, according to my terms and conditions.
What do guests say about exploring Barcelona with me?
Real words from guests who joined me on a tour.
Lenne Stins
“From the very beginning, you could tell Marta has exactly the right balance of enthusiasm, knowledge and personal engagement. The tour genuinely feels like a journey of discovery with a local who is passionate about Barcelona.”
5 stars
Kris
“We wanted to discover local places and hear local stories, and Marta delivered more than we could have hoped for. It was an informative and enjoyable tour, and everyone truly loved it.”
5 stars
Dennis and Kirsten
“Marta was well prepared for our custom tour. She showed us important places in Sants and Poble Sec, the areas we were interested in. It was very helpful, as we are considering moving to Barcelona. We would not hesitate to book another tour with Marta.”
5 stars
Larry and Monique
“From the start, Marta made everything seamless. Her warm personality, deep local knowledge and genuine passion for the city made our walking tour both fun and informative.”
5 stars
Merle
“My wife and I took the Old City Tour with Marta, and it was the best tour. We saw Barcelona from the Roman era to the present day. Walking down the passageways, Marta made us feel as if we were living the events she described.”
5 stars
Sheri and Maria
“Marta created a wonderful five-hour private tour just for us. We explored the Gothic Quarter and La Boqueria Market, then enjoyed a fantastic tapas lunch at a restaurant she reserved for us. Her communication was flawless from start to finish.”
5 stars
Tim Mueller
“Not only did we sample delicious tapas, including patatas bravas, but we also learned a lot about the culinary world of Catalonia.”
5 stars
Nancy and Barbara
“Marta is a fantastic guide: friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable about her city. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Catalonia as we walked through the Gothic Quarter.”
5 stars
Matthew
“We were so glad we toured with Marta on our first day in Barcelona! It felt like a relaxed, leisurely walk through the neighborhoods, but in fact we learned so much.”
5 stars
Michelle Cresswell
“Marta took us to several fantastic spots and introduced us to a great variety of authentic tapas, while sharing the history and culture behind the food and the neighborhoods we visited.”
5 stars
Stacy
“Her tour was just long enough to give us a foundation in Barcelona’s history and culture, but not so long that we grew tired. A good mix of history and culture kept it engaging throughout. Highly recommended!”
5 stars
Menno and Elles
“Marta not only knows everything about tapas and vermouth, she also knows a lot about Barcelona’s history! It’s so much fun to have Marta with you. We had great food and drinks, and really enjoyed ourselves.”
5 stars
Becky and Tim
“We had an amazing time on our Barcelona Highlights Tour with Marta. She knows the history of the area so well, and we covered many locations.”
5 stars
Michelle
“We customized a tapas and highlights tour for our party of six and learned a lot of history along the way. Marta was absolutely the best guide we had!”
5 stars
Reynaldo and Sylvia
“Marta made every stop interesting with engaging stories, historical insights and local recommendations we never would have discovered on our own.”
5 stars
Debbie and Brian
“Marta was warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. You could immediately tell how much she loves Barcelona. Touring the historic areas with her was a wonderful experience.”
5 stars
Arlette and Franky
“Marta took us to hidden gems and told us so much about her city along the way. It was a fascinating walk, and we really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!”
5 stars
Ellen and Mark
“Marta was an enthusiastic and friendly tour guide. She had so many stories about the places she showed us, from historical to cultural.”
5 stars
Kevin and Dottie
“This tour was a highlight of our stay. We saw so much, from the kissing lips mural to churches and Roman ruins, and we even stopped for coffee and churros.”
5 stars
Marshall
“She’s punctual, full of grace when you want to stop and soak something in, and clearly understands her audience.”
5 stars
Ralph Antignano
“We would highly recommend Marta to guide you through Barcelona, and to watch all of her YouTube videos. She has wonderful tips for planning your vacation.”
5 stars
More ways to explore with me
Ready to experience Barcelona like a local?
Send me an email with your preferred date and the number of people. I’ll reply personally.
