Tour Details
A leisurely stroll to unearth the secrets behind the stones of the medieval quarter. From Romans and saints to warriors and kings, this mix of imposing basilicas, charming squares and narrow streets won’t fail to impress.
When
- Summer (Mar to Oct): Every day at 11am & 4.30pm
- Winter (Nov to Feb): Every day at 11am*
(*) Tours not running Dec 24th, 25th & 26th and Jan 1st
Price
Free (you decide the price)
Tour itinerary
Plaça Reial / Plaça del Pi / Jewish Quarter / Plaça Sant Jaume / Cathedral cloister / Plaça Sant Felip Neri / Roman city / Medieval city & Plaça del Rei / Santa Maria del Mar
More details +
Wheelchair friendly tour
Reviews
FABULOUS TOUR GUIDES
"Both our guides were knowledgeable and passionate!! They easily answered all questions and kept us entertained and engaged during the tours." Read on Trip Advisor
THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
"Gorka was knowledgeable, informative and entertaining as he walked us through the history and culture of the old city and Jewish quarters keeping our attention throughout the 3 hour tour. He ended the tour with great recommendations of places to eat." Read on Trip Advisor
A MUST-DO IN BARCELONA
"This was the first time I had been on a free walking tour and I didn't know what to expect, but it was absolutely brilliant! Very easy to find them in the meeting place off Las Ramblas and very well organised with splitting groups into smaller numbers." Read on Trip Advisor
MY FAVOURITE ACTIVITY IN BARCELONA
"I felt that I travelled back in time and appreciated its winding streets that take you from the river of Las Ramblas into streams of quiet green spaces and plazas I wouldn't have discovered on my own." Read on Trip Advisor
GREAT MORNING DISCOVERING THE GOTHIC QUARTER
"They depart from Plaça Reial just off Ramblas. Lowri was excellent. Good patter, knowledgable and made time for everyone's questions. She even provides advice on where to eat, and what else to go and see." Read on Trip Advisor
Meeting Point
Plaça Reial (by the water fountain)
How to get to the meeting point
Nearest metro stop: Liceu (L3). Take the the exit named “Sortida: Liceu” and walk down La Rambla towards the sea (the main Opera House will be on your right). After 2 minutes you will see a Kentucky Fried Chicken on your left. Take the next left into the square (Plaça Reial).
How to find the guide
Our friendly guides will be waiting by the fountain in the middle of the square holding a big green umbrella and wearing a bright green vest and a name tag. They will give you a sticker to reserve your place on the tour.
Other Free Tours in Barcelona start at the same meeting point. If you want the quality of a Runner Bean tour be sure it is a Runner Bean guide.
Tour Highlights
PLAÇA REIAL
Only a step away from the busy “Las Ramblas”, this square is certainly one of the most picturesque in Barcelona. Some of its bars and restaurants hide secrets that will be revealed by the guide. It’s also the meeting point for our Gaudí Free Tour.
PLAÇA DEL PI
A beautiful square in the middle of the Gothic Quarter with the XIV century Santa María del Pi church and some of the most beautiful sgrafittos in the city. If tasting some local delicacies is what you are after, you will find them in its outdoor food market.
JEWISH QUARTER ("EL CALL")
Not only the oldest part of the Gothic Quarter but also one of the most intriguing places in Barcelona. Walk through narrow passages and past ancient houses following the hidden clues to find out what happened to a thriving Jewish community.
PLAÇA SANT JAUME
This has been the centre of political life in the City for over 2,000 years. Today, the main government buildings dominate the square. Many festivities in Barcelona start or end at this place so maybe you will be lucky enough to see some of the Catalan traditions performed here.
BARCELONA CATHEDRAL (exterior only)
Situated in the traditional spiritual centre of Barcelona, “La Seu” is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. Its XV century cloister has been called “the loveliest oasis in Barcelona”. Thirteen geese dwell in the courtyard reminding us of a barbarous crime.
PLAÇA SANT FELIP NERI
The only drawback of Plaça Sant Felip Neri is to actually find it. Hidden at the edge of the Jewish Quarter, you will feel as if you are in a small village, miles away from busy Barcelona. A favourite with filmmakers, this peaceful place also has a few tales to tell the visitor.
THE ROMAN CITY
Roman heritage is all over Barcelona, its impressive city wall appearing in the strangest of places. But there is much more than just the wall: a Roman treasure from the first century B.C. is waiting for you inside the patio of an apartment block!
MEDIEVAL CITY & PLAÇA DEL REI
Stepping into this square is like travelling back through time to when the count-kings lived in its medieval Royal Palace. King Ferdinand, Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Inquisition all have something to say in this Plaza.
SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
It has been called “the Cathedral of the Sea” and from the outside you would never guess the magnificence that is waiting for you inside. A masterpiece of the Catalan Gothic and a delight for the eyes. Just beside it, our tour ends in a very special place for the Barcelonans.
Important Info
- Reservations for the Free Tour Barcelona Gothic Quarter are not strictly necessary but, in order to maintain the quality, numbers are limited in all our tours. If you have not booked, we recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure you get a space on the tour of your choice.
- We don’t ask for your credit card details in order to book a Free Tour. Be aware of websites asking you to do so on a Free Tour reservation.
- Our Free Walking Tours are geared towards independent travelers. If you are a group of more than 6 people please contact us for more information.
FAQs
How does the free tour system work?
This is the title given to tours that work on a donation basis (at the end you can give the guide what you felt the tour was worth). In our small company we are confident enough to let you decide the value of the tour. You can not get a fairer system and this ensures that our guides give their best service every tour.
Do I need to make a reservation for the free tours?
Reservations are not strictly necessary but recommended as numbers are limited for quality purposes. If you haven't booked, we strongly recommend arriving to the meeting point early in case the tour fills in. If you are a large group of 7 or more you will need to book a private tour.
What if I arrive late to the meeting point?
Usually there are spaces left and there is no problem joining the tour later. Please bear in mind that we can only hold reservations until the starting time so it is very important to arrive before then. Occasionally a tour might be full and late arrivals won’t be able to join in. This also includes customers with a reservation as their space will have been given away to the people on the waiting list.
Is there a lot of walking involved?
Not really. As long as you can do a short stroll around a city you are ready to walk a Runner Bean tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are a couple of small inclines on the tour but this is never a problem. If you visit the Roman Temple, there is a small ledge that leads into the hallway of the house but from this area you can still view the columns.
What should I bring?
During the summer it can get very hot so don't forget your sunglasses, sun-tan lotion and a bottle of water. Although the temperatures in Barcelona are mild for most of the year, in winter it can be cold so dress accordingly. You will also need to cover your shoulders and wear clothing that goes beneath your knee if you would like to visit the Cathedral cloister.
What if it rains?
Our Walking Tours run in all kinds of weather. In the case of heavy rain the tour will run as usual so please bring suitable rain gear.
Can I leave before the tour ends?
That is not a problem but please let your guide know so he/she doesn't wait for you at the next stop.
Do we stop for a break?
We generally stop for a quick toilet break (5 minutes or so). The tour is not too long so we think that a food or drink stop is not necessary and you can decide where you would like to go afterwards. Your guide will be more than happy to help you with recommendations.
- FEATURED REVIEW
WONDERFULLY INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING TOUR
"We took both the Gothic and the Gaudi tour from Runner Bean and they were BOTH excellent. Jarrod was our guide for the Gaudi tour and he was chock full of useful information. The next day we came back for the Gothic tour and again had a wonderfully informative and entertaining tour. I can't recommend these tours enough!! When you have the chance, always go with the local tour companies, you won't be disappointed" (TripAdvisor review 2017)
