Old Town Free Tour. Barcelona's Gothic quarter and Born
FreeTour
With this Free Tour, you will discover the historic center of Barcelona. A walk through streets with centuries of history to visit the essential sights of the Old Town.
A journey that will lead you through the history, secrets, legends, and many curiosities of the city. A trip through 2,000 years of history.
02.15 h
LANGUAGE: English, Spanish.
MEETING POINT
Plaça Nova, right next to the Cathedral
look for the Yellow Umbrellas
END POINT
The ending location may vary depending on how the tour progresses. It will always be within the Old Town.
DESCRIPTION
This tour of the Old Town is a 2,000-year journey from Roman Barcelona, continuing through the Middle Ages and the essence of the Gothic Quarter, right up to the present day.
We will see Barcelona Cathedral, walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, and visit the Plaça del Rei, the seat of the Crown during the reign of Ferdinand the Catholic.
In the Born district, we will discover the history of the famous Cathedral of the Sea, the popular name for the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a 14th-century gem of Gothic architecture.
ON THIS FREE TOUR WE WILL SEE
- The Roman Wall
- The remains of the Roman aqueduct
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Sant Felip Neri Square
- The Jewish Quarter (El Call)
- Plaça de Sant Jaume
- Plaça del Rei
- Santa Maria del Mar (The Cathedral of the Sea)
- Fossar de les Moreres (Memorial site)
- The old Born Market
Important
The tour runs every day, Morning and Afternoon.
The guide is a freelancer and agrees to let the price of the service be freely determined (Free Tour); the contributions from attendees are their only source of income.
Our Recommendation
An essential tour to get to know the history of Barcelona.
Don't miss it if it's your first time in the city or if you've never done a Walking Tour. This is the first visit you should make.
BOOK NOW
Free Tour operated by Donkey Tours.
CUSTOMIZED FOR YOU
You can share this activity in a private group with your family, friends, coworkers, or whoever you choose, whenever it suits you best and at your own pace.
Check terms and conditions
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Free Tour actually free?
Not exactly. "Free Tour" plays on the two meanings of the word: free of charge and freedom of choice. The tour is free to join (you don't usually pay when booking), so that at the end, the client can freely decide the value based on their experience.
Can I pay by card?
Most guides use card readers, and some even have contactless systems on their phones. The guide might also accept digital payment methods like PayPal or similar apps.
However, our recommendation is to ask before starting the tour, as cash remains the most common payment method.
Are the streets of the Gothic Quarter dangerous?
No place is 100% safe, but generally, it is not dangerous to walk through the Gothic Quarter. It is very important to take precautions, such as keeping money and documents (ID or passport) in secure, zipped pockets positioned in front of you, rather than in a backpack on your back.
Pickpockets often operate in crowded areas. Tourists are easy targets because they tend to be relaxed and carry significant amounts of cash.
Violent incidents are rare and usually involve late-night disputes. If you decide to walk alone at night, stay alert and avoid areas where you hear shouting or arguments.
Can I leave the tour before it finishes?
Yes, but it is important to notify the guide, who usually keeps track of the group to ensure no one is left behind or gets lost in the winding streets of the Old Town.
It is also worth noting that the guide pays a commission for every client who starts the tour, even if they don't stay until the very end.
Are pets allowed on the Free Tour?
Yes, the tour takes place in public spaces where pets can circulate normally. Barcelona regulations state that dogs must always be on a leash, and those considered potentially dangerous must wear a muzzle.