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- Off the Beaten Path
Explore hidden streets of Barcelona with a friend
Joined 2023
Experience neighbourhoods off the beaten path. See Barcelona through the eyes of a local. This guided walk in the historic center of Barcelona will let you discover more than the usual: buildings & squares you will not encounter easily. Immerse with us into the captivating history of the city while strolling through the maze of little streets in El Born & Gothic Quarter. Enjoy a drink in a magical square where mostly locals go.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or by the entrance of the OHLA Hotel in Via Laietana 49.
Palau de la Musica - Barcelona´s grand concert hall
Barcelona is full of magnificent architectural buildings. This is certainly one of them. It was built in the style of Catalan Modernism - the famous architect Gaudi has become the most famous of his time - however, the concert hall was designed by a different top architect of Barcelona around the turn of the century!
Sant Pere Neighbourhood in El Born
For me this is the last authentic area of the historic center of Barcelona. Let us stroll through the little streets and discover medieval history. The area used to be home to many craftsmen in the 13th and 14th century. If we are lucky we can enter the old romanesque church of Sant Pere with its 1000 years of history.
Arc de Triomf - not only Paris has one!
The Arch is certainly a highlight of Barcelona. It served as the entrance gate to the world fair of 1888. Its architecture is full of meanings. Learn about the most important king of this region that involved an exciting legend where a bat was decisive in a battle.
The old market hall of El Born
It used to be an important market hall but today this beautiful structure houses a museum. Full of history ruins of buildings of medieval Barcelona are now displayed here. Let's dive into the past!
La Ribera Neighbourhood in El Born
The area has become an upmarket are with a wonderful vibe. In the middle of the maze of tiny backstreets you will find great restaurants and cocktail bars. Let's see how rich merchants used to live in the 15th century - we will see some stunning examples of Gothic palaces that they built for their families. In one of them you will also find the Picasso museum.
Roman history in the Gothic Quarter
We will pass by fragments of the old Roman wall that protected the city for several centuries. It is 1700 years old. The square we are visiting is a wonderful spot to have a break and enjoy a drink. Afterwards we will learn about the oldest Christian church of the city that was constructed around the year 400 AD. We will visit the heart of the Roman city and understand the layout. Many streets have not changed their paths in 2000 years!
The old medieval Jewish Quarter
Let's learn about the moving Jewish history in medieval Barcelona. We will pass by the oldest Synagoge that was only recently rediscovered. We will also see the oldest residential building that has been home to many families since 1378.
Plaça Sant Felip Neri - Testimonial of the Spanish Civil War
Our final stop is a picturesque square in the middle of the Gothic Quarter with a dark history. Let's dive into the happenings of the Civil War from 1936-1939 that ended with General Franco becoming dictator of Spain until his death in 1975.
End of the tour at Sant Felip Neri
Ending Point
Plaça Sant Felip Neri close to the old Cathedral or at your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- professional guide
- hotel pick up (to be discussed)
- transportation costs to the starting point (taxi, metro)
- entrance fee to any attraction
Tour Important Information
I am extremely happy that I was featured on German national TV with this experience in July 2022.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Christian H.
I left Germany 23 years ago and have been living in Barcelona for 12. I am an experienced world traveller having visited more than 40 countries on all continents.
When coming to Barcelona I developed a passion for its architecture, the rich history & the many legends that can be found all over the city. Turning passion into a profession I became a tour guide and founded my own company specialising in off the beaten path tours and historic walking routes.
We offer private tours. This way we can guarantee a high level of intimacy. For us it is important that there is also time for personal conversations. We love to learn about the lives of our guests. Our mission is fulfilled when you got the feeling that you discovered Barcelona with a friend who happened to know a lot about the city.
Catch The Barcelona Feeling with me!
Reviews
Debra H.
Explore hidden streets of Barcelona with a friend
“Great morning with Christian”
The hidden streets of Barcelona was one of our trip highlights. Christian was able to show us places we'd never have found with the guide book. His knowledge and the ease with which he presented was great. It was a very interesting and fun walk around a part of the city which was fascinating. Would definitely recommend.
Christian H.
Thank you so much, Debra, for the wonderful morning. It was a pleasure sharing my passion for Barcelona with you and your husband. All the best wishes, Christian
Sue H.
Explore hidden streets of Barcelona with a friend
“Very Special Experience”
This was the third and final tour we booked with Christian and I think it was my favorite. He took us through some quiet streets and pointed out little tapas places along the way that he recommended. We almost felt like locals by the time the tour ended. Christian is an excellent guide and we would do it all again!
Christian H.
THANK YOU, Sue, for having spent 1.5 days with me and that I could share my passion for this beautiful city with you during our time together. Glad you also enjoyed our third tour about the history of Barcelona covering 2000 years! All the best for you and Mike! Christian
“Fantastic tour!”
What a great morning spending time with Christian at some of Gaudi's buildings. Christian gave us so much insight into the design and meaning of the buildings that make them so much more interesting. He also highlighted buildings created by some other architects that were even more beautiful than some of Gaudi's. We ended up at the concert hall where we had a fantastic lunch.
Christian H.
Thank you, Sue! Glad you enjoyed the mix of sites that we visited and all the fascinating stories connected to them. All the best, Christian
$190/ per group
More tours by Christian H.
Exclusive Champagne & Chocolate Experience
Spend a relaxed day with us away from the bustling city and discover Cava & Chocolate - a local tradition. We will visit picturesque Sant Sadurni just 45 minutes outside of Barcelona in the famous Penedès wine region. This quiet market town is not only home of the best Catalan chocolate maker but also the center of Cava production - the local sparkling wine made according to the same method and quality as French Champagne.
Gaudí and Barcelona Legends
Immerse with us into captivating legends from the past that can be seen everywhere in the city once you know them. During this 2-hours walk we will make the connection from medieval Catalan history & legends to what inspired Gaudí & other architects when designing their buildings along the boulevard of Passeig de Gracia. From street pavement to lamp posts – all have a story that we want to tell you! If you love history brought to life by a passionate storyteller then this is your experience.
Barcelona Panoramic Walking Tour
Get away from the bustling city and spend some relaxing time on the iconic hill of Montjuïc - Barcelona´s green lung. The hill is full of fascinating historic sites from medieval times to the Olympic Games of 1992. Wherever we walk we will enjoy an amazing panoramic view and if we are lucky we can enjoy a drink in a hidden beer garden overlooking the Mediterranean! Montjuic hill is a wonderful area that should be included in any visit to Barcelona!
