The best self-guided tours of Barcelona in 2025

Barcelona, a city of dynamic lifestyles, breathtaking architecture, and deep heritage, is ready to inspire travelers again in 2025. While famous sites like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell continue to draw visitors, the city has much more to offer beyond its well-known sights. With SmartGuide’s digital audio guide platform and app, you can explore this destination at your own pace through self-guided tours that bring local stories, hidden corners, and cultural highlights to life.

For destinations and tourism businesses, SmartGuide provides an opportunity to create tailored self-guided tours that help visitors experience Barcelona in a new and engaging way.

Read more to find out some of the best self-guided tours of Barcelona offered by SmartGuide in 2025—featuring landmarks, artistic influences, local heritage, and scenic city strolls.

Barcelona tours in SmartGuide digital audio guide

1) Barcelona in a day

Make the most of your day in Barcelona with a tour that takes you through some of the city's most famous spots. Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família, where you can admire its stunning design. From there, head to Park Güell, a colorful masterpiece by Gaudí that offers great views of the city.

Along the way, you’ll pass by other well-known Gaudí monuments before making your way to La Rambla, a lively boulevard filled with street performers, shops, and cafés. Be sure to stop at La Boquería Market, where you can sample fresh local produce and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

If you're short on time, consider taking the metro from Park Güell to Sagrada Família to keep your day on track. But don’t worry—you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to explore on foot and take in Barcelona’s charm.

This tour covers 17 locations, spans 13.4 km, and takes around 8 hours, giving you a full day of discovery in one of Europe's most exciting cities.

Barcelona in a day tour in SmartGuide digital audio guide

2) Gaudí's Masterpiece: The Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Família is one of the most remarkable architectural projects ever undertaken. Though its construction began in 1882 under the direction of Francisco de Paula del Villar, the project took a new direction when Antoni Gaudí assumed control a year later. His vision transformed the basilica into a masterpiece filled with deep symbolism, intricate details, and biblical references, dedicated to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Funded entirely by private donations and visitor contributions, the basilica has continued to evolve for over a century. Every façade and tower tells a story, reflecting Gaudí’s dedication to blending faith, nature, and architectural ingenuity.

This tour features 11 places, including the Glory Façade, The Passion Façade, the Cloister Façade, and the Transepts. Stretching 0.8 km and lasting 60 minutes, it offers a closer look at one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.

3) Weekend in Barcelona

Start your weekend in Barcelona by watching the sunrise over Barceloneta Beach, where the morning calm sets the perfect tone for a day of discovery. As the city comes to life, explore its striking architecture—sometimes eccentric, often unexpected, but always fascinating.

Make your way to La Boquería Market for a taste of local flavors (just keep in mind that it’s closed on Sundays). Wander down La Rambla, where street performers add to the lively atmosphere, and take in the city’s rich history through its sites and hidden corners.

End your weekend with the stunning Magic Fountain Show—a dazzling display of light, water, and music (be sure to check the showtimes in advance).

This two-day tour highlights 31 key attractions, such as Ciutadella Park, Royal Square, the Triumphal Arch, Picasso Museum, and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi. With a total distance of 26.9 km and a duration of 8 hours, it offers the perfect way to discover Barcelona’s laid-back charm.

Weekend in Barcelona tour in SmartGuide digital audio guide

4) Modernist Barcelona

This tour will guide you through Barcelona's most impressive examples of Catalan modernism. You’ll visit the works of famous architects such as Antoni Gaudí, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Along the way, you’ll see striking buildings like Casa Batlló and the Palau de la Música Catalana. The main feature of the tour is Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. This route covering 9.7 km has 13 locations and takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete, giving a thorough look at Barcelona's significant marvels.

5) Around the Montjuïc Mountain

This tour begins at Plaça d'Espanya, where you can already catch sight of the beautiful Magic Fountain, the National Art Museum, and the towering Montjuïc Mountain. Head towards this prominent hill, which holds numerous attractions. Along the way, you’ll visit the Spanish Village, a great spot to experience a blend of Spain's culture in one place. The tour concludes at the Montjuïc Castle, perched at the top of the mountain, offering stunning views that you can enjoy at your leisure. This tour includes 8 points of interest, spans 6.2 km and requires 4 hours to finish.

Around the Montjuïc Mountain tour in SmartGuide digital audio guide

6) Tour de Casas

The Tour de Casas takes you on a journey through Barcelona, showcasing some of the most architecturally important houses in the city, many designed by the acclaimed Antoni Gaudí. The tour begins at the Casa de l’Ardiaca, where stepping inside offers the best view of this historic building. As you continue, you'll pass through a series of exceptional houses, including Casa Martí, Casa Calvet, Casa Amatller, and the famous Casa Batlló. You'll also visit Casa Macaya, The House of Spikes, and Casa Milà, each displaying Gaudí’s signature style in their own way. The tour concludes at Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first masterpiece, featuring an oriental touch that makes it a fitting end to this architectural adventure. If you’re still craving more Gaudí, the nearby Park Güell houses Casa del Guarda, where you can enjoy an exhibition presenting photos and films of the park. The tour covers 9 notable spots, stretches 6 km, and takes about 4 hours to complete.

7) Off the Beaten Track

The Off the Beaten Track tour invites you to step away from the usual tourist spots and uncover the lesser-known, yet fascinating corners of Barcelona. This journey takes you through the city’s hidden gems, offering a more authentic experience beyond the mainstream. Start by visiting Plaça de les Glòries, and then make your way to the bustling Mercat dels Encants. Admire modern design at the Museu Disseny and enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador Torre Glòries. Continue to explore art and culture at Museo Can Framis and the IDEAL Centre d'Arts Digitals. Wander along Rambla del Poblenou and relax at Parc Central de Poblenou. For a taste of local life, stop by the Skate Park Mar Bella and unwind at Platja de la Nova Marbella. This 6.2 km-long tour includes 10 places and lasts for approximately 3 hours, offering a fresh perspective on Barcelona away from the crowds.

Off the Beaten Track tour in SmartGuide digital audio guide

8) From house to colossal sanctuary - Gaudí

Antoni Gaudí, a renowned Catalan architect born on June 25, 1852, is celebrated for his groundbreaking approach to design, blending nature, organic forms, and Gothic elements into a style that remains iconic today. He inherited his passion for craftsmanship from his father, a coppersmith, which led him to pursue architecture at the Barcelona School of Architecture.

Gaudí’s creations, such as Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and, of course, the Sagrada Família, underline his unique ability to blend artistry with functionality. His most famous work, the Sagrada Família, has been under construction for over a century and is expected to be completed by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death.

Although his architectural ideas influenced generations of architects, Gaudí led a humble and ascetic life. His tragic death occurred after being struck by a tram in 1926. Due to his simple appearance, Gaudí was mistaken for a homeless man, and this unfortunate case of mistaken identity delayed the help he so desperately needed.

This tour takes you through five key Gaudí icons: Casa Vicens, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Casa Calvet, and the Sagrada Família. The route is 4.9 km long and requires 1.5 hours to finish, providing an opportunity to explore the brilliance of the architect who defined Barcelona's skyline.

Are you ready to enjoy the best Barcelona tours 2025?

Barcelona is full of opportunities for discovery, and the tours listed above are just a taste of what lies ahead. With SmartGuide’s digital audio guide platform, you can navigate the city at your own pace, enjoying everything from its well-known landmarks to its hidden treasures. Whether you're visiting Gaudí's masterpieces or venturing off the beaten path, SmartGuide provides a comprehensive and engaging journey.

The platform also provides AI-powered personalized recommendations based on your preferences, guiding you to places that suit your interests. This helps ensure a more enjoyable visit while contributing to more sustainable tourism by reducing crowding at popular spots.

For tourism businesses and destinations, SmartGuide offers a great way to design custom tours and content that fit every visitor’s needs.

Make the most of your Barcelona adventure in 2025. Download the SmartGuide app today and experience the city in a whole new way.

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