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Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour

Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour
FREE
Tour Details | Reviews | Meeting Point | Tour Highlights | Important Info | FAQs
Tour DetailsReviewsMeeting PointTour HighlightsImportant InfoFAQs

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

When

1st April to 31st Oct: Every day at 11am and 4:30pm
1st Nov to 31st Mar: Every day at 11am*
RESERVATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL (you can easily Book Your Place on this same page). The maximum number of participants per tour is 20.
(*) Tours not running Dec 24th, 25th & 26th and Jan 1st
Duration

Duration

2.5 hours approx. (not rushed but leisurely paced)

Price

Price

Free (you decide the price)

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.

Language

Language

English

Meeting Point

Meeting Point

Plaça Reial (by the water fountain)

More details +
Tour itinerary

Tour itinerary

Plaça Reial / Plaça del Pi / Jewish Quarter / Plaça Sant Jaume / Barcelona Cathedral / Plaça Sant Felip Neri / Roman city / Medieval city & Plaça del Rei / Santa Maria del Mar

More details +
End point

End point

Santa Maria del Mar (El Born)

Wheelchair friendly tour

Wheelchair friendly tour

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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 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.

How to get to the meeting point

Nearest metro stop: Liceu (L3). Take 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).

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.

Meeting Point

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 REIAL

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.

PLAÇA DEL PI

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.

JEWISH QUARTER (

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.

PLAÇA SANT JAUME

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.

BARCELONA CATHEDRAL (exterior only)

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.

PLAÇA SANT FELIP NERI

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!

THE ROMAN CITY

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.

MEDIEVAL CITY & PLAÇA DEL REI

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.

SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
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Important Info

  • Reservations for the Free Tour Barcelona Gothic Quarter are essential as, in order to maintain the quality, numbers are limited in all our tours.
  • 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.

 

Runner Bean Tours Barcelona
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Ravitej Bhagavathi
10:36 20 Apr 25
Jarrod's guided tour was fun and informative. A gentle intro to Gaudi. Would highly recommend.
Max Griffith
15:27 19 Apr 25
Andriy was our guide and he was thorough, knowledgeable and friendly. We learnt a lot during our 2 1/2 hours under his tutelage. If you’re looking to learn more on the history of Barcelona and Catalonia, do yourself a favour and book this walking tour!
Agnieszka Kowalczyk
08:01 19 Apr 25
Noah was great tour guide.Really knowledgeable. We found out about many interesting factsWe enjoyed interesting time in the Gothic Quarters of Barcelona
Debra Huser
17:06 18 Apr 25
Jarrod was a fantastic guide through the Gothic Quarter and El Born.Highly recommend this tour.
Christopher Jue
08:05 15 Apr 25
A very informative tour of the Gothic quarter and Barcelona in general. Ivan was very knowledgeable about Catalonia and Spanish history. Had great food recommendations too!
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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 essential as for quality purposes, numbers are limited in all our tours.
If you are a large group of 7 or more you will need to book a private tour.

Is there a maximum number of participants you take on tour?

Yes. The maximum number allowed per tour is 20 people.

What if I arrive late to the meeting point?

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.

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Copyright © Runner Bean Tours Barcelona 2010-2025
Address: Carrer de Bilbao, 91, Sant Martí, 08005, Barcelona
Phone number: +34 636 10 87 76
NIF (tax registration number): B66797051

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VISITING OTHER
CITIES IN EUROPE?


Why not check out if your next destination is one of our European partners. There are two main associations offering Free Waking Tours around Europe and we are a proud member of both. The cities involved in these two projects are hand-picked for their quality and commitment while preserving that special feeling that only a local company can give.

FIND LOTS OF GREAT TIPS ON OUR BLOG

What to do in Barcelona: The Complete Guide
How to skip the lines in Barcelona
Free things to do in Barcelona
Things to do in Barcelona with Kids
Things to do at night in Barcelona
Traditional food in Barcelona

WE SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Biosphere Barcelona standard for Commitment to Sustainable TourismWWC Safe Travels stamp

Runner Bean Tours is certified with the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle for Commitment to Sustainable Tourism. This is awarded to a few tour operators who are committed to responsible and environmentally-friendly management, culture, decent working conditions, gender equity and social and economic benefits. Certificate number: BAT 004/2022 RTI.

On our tours, we are always sure we respect the local neighbourhoods and we only collaborate with small Barcelona businesses which help support the local economy.

Runner Bean Tours also holds the WTTC SafeTravels Stamp. This was created for travellers to recognise destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

Benefits of sustainable tourism

Have a positive impact in Barcelona

 

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