Tour Details
The best possible introduction to Gaudí and his stunning architecture. Learn about the life story and unusual techniques of one of the most influential architects while marveling at of his most important buildings in Barcelona.
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
Duration
2.5 hours approx. (not rushed but leisurely paced)
We take the metro twice to cover the long distances between the buildings (fare not included).
Price
Free (you decide the price)
Tour itinerary
Plaça Reial / Palau Güell / Block of Discord / Casa Batlló / Passeig de Gràcia / Eixample architecture / La Pedrera / Sagrada Familia
More details +
Wheelchair friendly tour
Reviews
FIRST RATE BARCELONA GAUDI TOUR
"Pre-booked with Runner Bean Tours for the Gaudi tour and had a great time! Ann-Marie was incredibly knowledgeable and put everybody quickly at ease. I would recommend without reservation" Read on Trip Advisor
THEIR GAUDI TOUR IS A MUST DO
"Our guide, Tati, was amazing. She is very passionate and knowledgeable about Gaudi's work and will answer questions about Barcelona" Read on Trip Advisor
GREAT WAY TO LEARN ABOUT BARCELONA
"After the Gaudi tour we visited La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera on own. We are glad we took the tour prior, it gave us additional knowledge we wouldn't have known while we were there! " Read on Trip Advisor
EXCELLENT TIME ON THE RUNNER BEAN GAUDI BARCELONA TOUR
"Jessi's knowledge of Gaudi is phenomenal and her energies are great. A few days after the tour we went on our own to Park Guell and Palau Guell, since she got us so interested in Gaudi." Read on Trip Advisor
AMAZING!
"Learnt so much about Barcelona and Gaudi's architecture, got great tips from our tour guide Jarrod and he even took pictures of each person in the tour at major locations (Casa Batllo & Sagrada Familia)" 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
It has been a traditional meeting place in Barcelona since it was built in the XIX century. But this is not the only reason why our tour starts here. A young Gaudí has left some illuminating work in the square. It’s also the meeting point for our Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour.
PALAU GÜELL
The first project for Gaudí’s patron and his first masterpiece. Situated in the midst of the old city, Palau Güell shines out amongst the surrounding buildings. Find out about Gaudí’s beginnings as an architect and his unusual approach to the design of the house.
BLOCK OF DISCORD
Three architects compete for the most striking building in the block. Known as “La Manzana de la Discordia” (Block of Discord) by local Barcelonans, we let you decide which one is your favorite of these architectural masterpieces.
CASA BATLLÓ
It has been called “a fairytale in stone” and “the house of yawns”. Today, nobody doubts that Casa Batlló is the architect’s most magical building. From knights in shining armour to traditional festivals, all is included in Gaudí’s imagination.
EIXAMPLE ARCHITECTURE
Designed by Idelfons Cerdà in the middle of the 19th century, the “Example” was the new playground for the bourgeoisie of the time. Here you will find the modern shops and restaurants but also the great masterpieces of the “Modernisme” architecture.
CASA MILÀ / LA PEDRERA
Gaudí’s masterpiece. A raw sculpture carved and moulded into Passeig de Gràcia. Offensive at the time, abandoned to its destiny and recovered to its grandeur, Casa Milà was a very troubled commission that included not only fights and court cases but also a few subtle acts of vengeance by its creator.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
The unfinished temple, Gaudí’s obsession and the symbol of a city. The Sagrada Famila is like a storybook that is missing many pages. Find out about the temple’s past, present and future and hear about the architect’s tragic end. Our tour finishes here with the hope that someday you’ll see Gaudí’s dream realised.
Important Info
- Reservations for the Free Gaudí Tour Barcelona 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.
- It does not include a visit to the interior of the buildings.
- Because some of the attractions are quite far apart, two short metro trips will be involved (fare not included). If you can, please bring a metro pass. A T-10 pass (€10.20) gives you 10 trips and can be shared while a single ticket costs €2.20.
- 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.
Do we visit the interior of the monuments?
No. This is an introduction to Gaudí's life and architecture. We see the outside of the buildings and you can choose which one to visit later in your own time. Your guide can help you with opening times and recommendations.
If you are interested in visiting the interior of the buildings with a guide, we do offer private tours.
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.
Because some of the attractions are quite far apart, two short metro trips will be involved (fare not included). If you can, please bring a metro pass.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Please let your guide know at the beginning of the tour so he/she can show you the lifts at the two metro stations.
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.
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
THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY VISIT TO BARCELONA
"I strongly recommend anyone coming to Barcelona do the Running Bean free walking tour of the Gaudi sights. Our guide Marc, was so enthusiastic telling us about his city, he is so proud of. His knowledge of the Gaudi architecture and history was excellent and he told the story with great emotion and humour, so don't miss it as it will give you a great starting point to look around yourself." (TripAdvisor review 2017)
