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Walking Tours Barcelona - Runner Bean Tours

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Gaudí Free Tour

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

Tour Details

The Gaudí Free Tour is the best possible introduction to the architect and his stunning work. Learn about the life story and unusual techniques of one of the most influential architects while marvelling at some of his most important buildings in Barcelona.

When

When

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).
We take the metro twice to cover the long distances between the buildings (fare not included).

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 / Palau Güell / Block of Discord / Casa Batlló / Passeig de Gràcia / Eixample architecture / La Pedrera / Sagrada Familia

More details +
End point

End point

Sagrada Familia

Wheelchair friendly tour

Wheelchair friendly tour

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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 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

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.

PLAÇA REIAL

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.

PALAU GÜELL

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.

BLOCK OF DISCORD

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.

CASA BATLLÓ

EIXAMPLE ARCHITECTURE

Designed by Idelfons Cerdà in the middle of the 19th century, the Eixample 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.

EIXAMPLE 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.

CASA MILÀ / LA PEDRERA

SAGRADA FAMILIA

The unfinished temple, Gaudí’s obsession and the symbol of a city. The Sagrada Familia 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.

SAGRADA FAMILIA
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Important Info

  • Reservations for the Gaudí Free Tour are essential as, in order to maintain the quality, numbers are limited in all our tours.
  • 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.
  • 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
5.0
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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.

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.

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  • Gaudí Private Tour

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Copyright © Runner Bean Tours Barcelona 2010-2025
Address: Carrer de Bilbao, 91, Sant Martí, 08005, Barcelona
Phone number: 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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