easy
3 hours
Moderate fitness needed for comfortably walking over several city blocks
Discover the history and innovation behind Barcelona's urban landscape with a guided walk through its most architecturally significant neighborhoods. Dive into the city’s planning secrets and see how its streets tell stories of the past and future all at once.
Starting at 240€ • Choose your group option • Under 12 yo can come along for FREE • 3 hours
Embark on a captivating 3-hour journey through the origins of modern Barcelona, exploring Ildefons Cerdà's visionary urban plan. Discover historical landmarks like Sant Antoni Market and the innovative Las Arenes Mall Center, while delving into the city's architectural evolution and future projects. Experience the vibrant pulse of Barcelona like never before.
Groups from 1 to 5: 240€ Prices per Group Groups up to 10: 40€ Prices per Person Groups up to 20: 36€ Prices per Person Groups up to 30: 32€ Prices per Person
Kids under 12 can come along for free. The entire walk is wheelchair accessible.
3 hours
This is a trip to the origins of the guidelines laid out by Ildefons Cerdà on the plan of Barcelona. He was responsible for designing a 133m x 133m grid without borders, hierarchies or suburbs that has given Barcelona the status of an advanced city. In the summer of 1859, a cramped, almost medieval Barcelona embarked on the journey of its expansion plan with the central government. The history of the project was marked by two historical events: the first involved the personal achievement of designer Ildefons Cerdà, who went beyond the specific reality of the time and created the General Theory of Urbanization; the second involved the city of Barcelona’s resistance to the plan and the plot to discredit the progressive-minded engineer. The tour starts in Plaça Universitat and gradually dives into Cerdà’s grid while we travel from the birth of cities to 21st- century Barcelona. We will see the Sant Antoni Market, the Sant Antoni Library by RCR architects (2017pritzker prize winners) and we will finish on the roof of Richard Rogers’ Las Arenes Mall Center, where we will reveal and analyze Barcelona’s future projects. As we wander through courtyards, avenues, and squares to feel the pulse of local Barcelona, we’ll talk about communication and the Internet, ways and byways, enlightened despotism, 22@ and the infinite architectural richness of Cerdà’s Barcelona.
The walk covers a good distance over varied terrain, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Capture the stunning architectural details and lively street scenes along the route.
Prepare for potential changes in weather, especially if visiting during the cooler or rainy months.
Getting there a little before the scheduled start ensures you won’t miss the introduction and can settle in comfortably.
Barcelona’s urban plan, designed by Ildefons Cerdà in the mid-19th century, revolutionized city living and influenced modern urban design worldwide.
The tour emphasizes Barcelona’s ongoing efforts to retrofit and adapt historic districts sustainably, balancing growth with preservation.
Necessary for covering the walking route comfortably and safely.
Useful for capturing the architectural sights and street scenes.
Prepare for varying weather conditions with layered clothing or rain gear.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and hats during sunny, warm months.
summer specific