The 7 Best Segway & Scooter Tours in Barcelona [2024 Reviews]

Enjoy the sights in Barcelona with the fun of a e-scooter or segway

One of the reasons why Barcelona manages to attract close to 32 million tourists a year is because it’s just so visually stunning. Aside from the more obvious architecture and rich history, you have the beach, the friendly people, and the mount-watering cuisine.

With all that to offer, it can be challenging trying to accomplish and see everything you want to. Beat traffic and keep your feet blister-free by opting for a Segway or scooter tour! We’ve taken on the task of finding the best for you, so hold on tight!

Best Barcelona Segway & Scooter Tours

3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXLBarcelona and La Sagrada Familia 2-Hour Tour by eScooterBarcelona: 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
editors-choice
3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL  Barcelona and Sagrada Familia 2-Hour Tour by eScooter  Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
Duration:3 hours2 hours2 hours
Tour Guide:Yes, in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Italian, RussianYes, in Spanish, English, French, German, RussianYes, in Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, Portuguese
Group Size:Limited to 6 participantsLimited to 6 participantsVaries, Private group available

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Barcelona Segway Tours For 2024

  1. 3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL
  2. Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia 2-Hour Tour by eScooter
  3. Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
  4. Intimate Barcelona eBike Tour with Gourmet Tapas & Wine
  5. Barcelona 3-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour
  6. Barcelona 2-Hour Segway Group Tour by Night
  7. Barcelona 5-Hour Gaudi Segway Tour

Barcelona Segway & Scooter Tour Reviews

1. 3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL

3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 3 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Italian, Russian
  • Group Size – Limited to 6 participants

If you love history, beaches, and beautiful architecture, you already know that Barcelona is going to be a must for you. The 3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL fits into this especially well, on a trip that manages to pack it all in. First off, you don’t have to bring much with you to prepare for your segway trip aside from a sense of adventure. They include a: Segway i2, helmet, guide, training, one drink to keep you hydrated, safety equipment, and insurance.

Your group is limited to just 6 people, so this is definitely a tour more ideal for smaller groups or couples. The cool thing is, you can even schedule 2 people at a time so if you are wanting a more intimate experience this is a nice option.

You’ll first meet your guide under the Arc de Triomf, which is already an Instagram-worthy place. Beginning in the cool Gothic Quarter, they’ll set you up with a brief-yet-comprehensive training session so that if you are a newbie to segways, you’ll feel confident moving around and will more importantly be safe.

Now, it’s time to set off and explore all things medieval and artsy. You’ll see palaces, famous artists’ studios, unique little shops, and much more. This is also a great time to grab any neat souvenirs for those who couldn’t make the trip.

After this, you’ll head out towards the sea, where you’ll run into some old churches and ruins. Your guide will give you a history lesson on many of them, making for an even more impactful experience. Once you arrive at the Columbus Monument, you’re sure to be impressed by the Spanish city’s beautiful skyline which is tucked in front of its 3 notable mountains.

As you keep riding on towards the beach, you’ll notice things start to get a bit “newer” and more modern. This is definitely one of the easiest places to ride, with larger sidewalks and streets made for this sort of thing. After a brief stop at the Olympic Port, you’ll continue to the Parc de la Ciutadella, which is the city’s largest.

That’s not the only thing that makes it special, though. It also resides in an ancient fortress and comes with interesting foliage, crystalline lakes, and more.

Your tour will circle back to the Arc, making for the perfect adventure!

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


2. Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia 2-Hour Tour by eScooter

 Barcelona and Sagrada Familia 2-Hour Tour by eScooter

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 2 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, English, French, German, Russian
  • Group Size – Limited to 6 participants

Next up, web ring you the Barcelona and La Sagrada Familia Tour by eScooter which is just a little bit shorter than our previous one. If you’re looking for a tour that is also great for kids/teenagers, then this is just the ticket.

Included, you’ll get an e-scooter, helmet, live guide, raincoat, and an e-bike for any children (ages 12 and older) in your group. As the route is a pretty low-intensity one, it’s ideal for all fitness levels, as well.

You’ll start out by riding along the Passeig de Colom where you’ll see the Columbus monument, which is of particular interest to Americans, typically. Here, you’ll not only see the monument but also breathtaking views of the Montjuic mountain. Around this area is the entire district constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games, which is also a pretty interesting sight to see.

For the remaining part of your 2-hour journey, you’ll get to ride through some of the newer parts of the city, and even head out to Barceloneta. Barceloneta is a neighborhood constructed in the 18th century, which used to be a charming fishing village.

Present-day, it’s currently one of the city’s most beloved beaches, and is said to have been the inspiration behind Miguel de Cervantes. Here, you’ll also get to pass by Roy Lichtenstein’s “El Cap de Barcelona” which he also made for the ’92 Olympics.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


3. Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour

 Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 2 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, Portuguese
  • Group Size – Varies, Private group available

Hit some of the biggest attractions, both old and new, in this 2-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour. We love this tour for a quick summation of all things that most people want to see in Barcelona. 2 hours is just enough time to fit in all the hot tourist spots, in an even more convenient way with a segway.

Before you start off on the full tour, you’ll get a segway training session where you’ll learn how to use the gear. Just know you will have to use helmets, and if you don’t have your own (which is most likely) then you do get a helmet rental included in the price of your tour. Not only that, but they’ll provide you with a raincoat, bottle of mineral water, and sometimes a complementary photo service.

Your trip will blast off around the Gothic Quarter, which offers wonderfully ancient views of the seaside. You’ll find quickly that medieval streets are surprisingly easy to zoom around on, traveling under the shade of the tropical palm trees. Just like with most other segway tours on our guide, you’ll end up having a moment to experience the Columbus statue at the foot of Las Ramblas.

Keeping in tune with the beach vibe, you’ll get to check out Sant Sebastia beach, which is a hot-spot for locals and tourists, alike. Full of free-spirited minds, urban art, and all kinds of street entertainers, you’re sure to have some fun here! However, you’ll probably have to go back if you want to sit in the sun because your tour guide will continue you on to Barceloneta, where they’ll teach you all about the history of the Catalans’ independence.

Next up, you’ll make your way to the terrace at the Olympic Port which offers a kind of wide lens view of the area and allows for some fresh air and relaxation. The tour will land on taking you through some of the most modern skyscrapers for an entertaining summation of the city’s last centuries.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


4. Intimate Barcelona eBike Tour with Gourmet Tapas & Wine

 Intimate Barcelona eBike Tour with Gourmet Tapas & Wine

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 3.5 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in English
  • Group Size – Limited to 10 participants

What do you think of when you think of Spain? Chances are, delicious tapas and wine come to mind. If they don’t, they sure will after this next tour! Limited to 10 participants, it’s a nice option if you have a larger group that’s ready for an evening of fun and adventure. The 3.5-hour tour is a bit longer than most, though is also a tad more comprehensive.

Included, is an electric bike rental (helmet and child seats are also available upon request), bottle of water, and liability insurance. Located in Montsio 10 street, you’ll meet up with your tour guide a few minutes before your tour officially begins. At this time, you’ll be able to put on all protective equipment which comes provided.

If you don’t feel comfortable with a segway, this one is a nice alternative. The electric bikes are easy to use and let you cover more ground than you’d be able to on a walking tour. The bikes are powered by a motor, so you don’t have to worry about working too hard either!

Starting things out with a bang, you’ll head to the Gothic Cathedral, where your guide will tell you all about it. Construction began in the 13th century, and didn’t finish until the 15th! Once you see how elaborate it is, you’ll understand why! Drawing many similarities to Paris’ Notre Dame, it’s certainly a sight to see.

Once you’ve taken enough photos to your heart’s content, you’ll head onto the El Born neighborhood, Palau de la Musica, El Fossar de les Moreres, and the seaside place of worship, St. Maria del Mar. Palau de la Musica is a wonder for music lovers, while the El Fossar de les Moreres is a plaza constructed on top of a cemetery where those who defended Barcelona were placed to rest after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1974.

Barceloneta will be your next stopping point, which used to be a former fishing village but is now full of youth and art! Speaking of art, you’ll see much Art Noveau architecture, along with some legendary dives like “Els Quatre Gats” which was a favorite of Picasso and Dali. You’ll stop here, where you’ll get to fill your stomach with authentic tapas and wine.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


5. Barcelona: 3-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour

 Barcelona: 3-Hour Segway Sightseeing Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 3 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, English, French, German, Russian, and Portuguese
  • Group Size – Limited to small groups

As we’ve mentioned before, Barcelona is best seen by way of bike or segway. On this 3-hour tour, you’ll catch the modern and ancient sites, including Barceloneta. Just like most others, you’ll go through a brief training session on how to use your segway.

After that, you’ll head out to the Barri Gotic which is beautiful in general, but is really known for its 4th-century roman wall. The wall is in surprisingly good shape considering its age and the battles it survived over the years. Your guide will also lead you through various spots in the city which changed drastically to accommodate the ’92 Olympic Games.

Next up, you’ll get to relax for a bit and take in all the urban art and livelihood that Sant Sebastia beach is bursting at the seams with. You’ll get a wonderful view of all types of yachts, boats, and ships out at the Port Vell and learn about the area’s struggle for independence.

For an even more impressive view of the coastline, you can stop at the W Hotel’s terrace. Afterward, check out where the 1992 Summer Olympics were held, which is currently a go-to spot for delicious mariscos and booming nightclubs.

At this point, you may be feeling ready to relax, and that’s exactly what you’ll do. You’ll end the tour in tranquil gardens with fresh air and quiet.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


6. Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Group Tour by Night

 Barcelona: 2-Hour Segway Group Tour by Night

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 2 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, English, French, German, and Russian
  • Group Size – Limited to small groups

Barcelona can get pretty hot, making night tours quite attractive. To start things off, you’ll meet at Barceloneta beach which offers a refreshing sea breeze that will set the tone for the entire tour. Just as it inspired legendary minds like Miguel de Cervantes, it is sure to inspire you as well. This former fishing village has quite the history to it, even serving as the location for the battle between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon.

Once you’ve taken in Barceloneta, you’ll move onto the Old Port of Barcelona. At one point, it wasn’t all that pretty. It was just as you’d imagine old ports to be, full of rather old and industrial warehouses, railroad yards, and whatnot. However, to get ready for the ’92 Barcelona Olympics, it was completely renovated and now looks quite a bit different.

Just like most other tours, you’ll make a stop at the Columbus Monument constructed in 1888. As it is only 2 hours long, this is a rather fast-paced tour, so you’ll keep on moving to the Parc de la Ciutadella. This spot marks the expansion of the city, which was fast and impressive.

After, you’ll travel to the Arc de Triumph and head back to the Olimpic Port. This is also a rather recent renovation and is where they held the sailing competitions during the Olympics, which is pretty cool to see.

Around this area, you’ll also see some notable skyscrapers such as the Mapfre and Hotel Arts. They both stand 154 meters tall, are iconic and instantly recognizable when looking at the city’s skyline. You’ll also come across the famous Agbar Tower which is easily one of the most unique and famous pieces of architecture in the world.

Inspired by Montserrat mountain, it’s supposed to reflect the shape of a geyser skyrocketing into the air. With 4,500 LEDs, it’s certainly a sensational experience at night.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


7. 5-Hour Gaudi Segway Tour

 2.5-Hour Gaudí Segway Tour

Tour Highlights:

  • Duration – 2.5 hours
  • Live Tour Guide – Yes, in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Catalan
  • Group Size – Limited to 6 people

Barcelona is known as a city that produced countless artists of all kinds, including the great Antoni Gaudí I Cornet. The legendary Catalan architect stands out from the rest due to his distinctive character marked by limitless forms, rich colors, and advanced intricacy that commands attention.

Despite having passed away nearly a century ago, he remains a pioneer in Art Nouveau and modernism. This 2.5-hour tour is inspired by him, taking you on a journey through the more modern parts of Barcelona’s history.

The tour ignites at the Arc de Triomf, where you’ll travel through Eixample and Vila de Gracia districts. You’ll pass through many of the hottest attractions, including architecture like La Sagrada Familia, La Casa Batllo, and La Casa Mila. La Sagrada Familia has been under construction for many years, and isn’t projected to be finished until the year 2050.

However, it’s an absolutely breathtaking structure that is sure to leave an impression. You’ll also get to see sights from modernist architects like Josep Puig I Cadafalch and Lluis Domenech I Montaner, known for lush architecture and unmatched originality.

Before bullfighting became banned by parliament, it used to be a massive source of entertainment in the city. You’ll get to check out La Monumental, which is the last bullfighting arena where they took place, and even if you’re not for the sport it very interesting to see in person.

On top of that, you’ll get to briefly venture around La Plaza de la Vila de Gracia. Established in the 17th century, at one point it wasn’t attached to La Ciutat Vella. La Ciutat Vella consists of the Gothic quarter, the Born, Raval, and La Barceloneta.

Here, you’ll get to see the bell tower and the former city hall. There are tons of little boutiques, bars, restaurants, and little art galleries that spatter the streets and make for a fun-filled adventure.

For tour prices, transportation and availability:


Barcelona Spain Travel Guide

barcelona e-scooter tours

During its long and fascinating history, Spain has done more to shape the modern world than any other country. Though nobody today would condone the actions of the Conquistadors in America, Spain did form the first major global empire and forever change the world map.

From Santa Cruz de Nuca in British Columbia down to Santiago de Chile in the far south, Spain left its footprint across the whole of the Americas. Yet the nation itself is relatively small, with a population or only 47 million, not all even identifying as Spanish or speaking Spanish.

Spain is in fact a divided nation. The northeastern autonomous community of Catalonia contains 8 million people who identify as Catalan not Spanish. As recently as 2017, this region attempted to become fully independent from Spanish rule. This region contains Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, as well as much of Spain’s industry.

When visiting Spain, most people head first for three cities. In the north, Barcelona is the cultural and historical capital and the most popular destination. In the south, Granada is a focal point, featuring the ancient Moorish palace of the Alhambra. And in the center, you will find the capital city — Madrid. There are other wonderful places to visit in this diverse and culturally rich nation, notably Seville and Salamanca, but those three cities are by far the most interesting.

Traveling in the time of COVID

Like many destinations, some tours and visitor attractions in Spain have adopted special precautionary measures during the pandemic.

Face masks are mandatory in some locations, notably in enclosed public areas such as travel hubs and shopping malls. You are expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter buildings.

It is in your own interest to keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You are expected to keep your distance inside boats, coaches, train compartments, and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, Spain welcomes visitors and visas are not required for US citizens. However, with the exception of children aged 12 and under, every person arriving in Spain must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate (NEAR, LAMP, TMA, or PCR — NOT an antigen test) or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entry using a vaccine authorised by the WHO or the European Medicines Agency. This certificate must be time stamped within 72 hours.

You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the Spanish government’s Spain Travel Health portal. During these relatively uncertain times, it is wise to also consult the US Department of State website for current travel advisories.

Airports & Entry

You can enter Spain by sea, land, or air. What works best depends upon where you’re coming from. However, if you are traveling more than a hundred miles, it is best to fly. It is cheapest and most efficient to arrive by airplane.

Spain boasts 47 airports, and most of them handle international flights. This is because there are so many popular tourist destinations, including many of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea that are popular clubbing spots for youths from across the whole of Europe.

When planning a journey to Spain, it is important to decide what cities you most want to see before flying and to compare ticket prices carefully. Because of the different airlines serving different airports, you will find an astonishingly broad range of prices.

It’s difficult to generalize due to competition between the airlines, but typically it’s much cheaper to fly into the two busiest airports in Spain: Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat. Direct flights to Granada, Seville, and Salamanca tend to be much more expensive.

Planning Tips

Spain is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, which is why it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. Here are a few specific tips to help you get the most out of your vacation.

If you have tips of your own about this beautiful country, please share them with other readers in the comments below.

Tip #1: Travel there for less

It is both easiest and most cost effective to enter Spain through one of the two most popular international airports — Madrid and Barcelona. Because they are such popular destinations, don’t just book a ticket with your favorite airline. Instead, shop around. To get the best flight times and cheapest rates, aim to book 3 months in advance.

Time of year is a major factor in flight prices. During the long summer vacation and Easter, flights cost much more due to the high demand. Planning your vacation outside of these two high seasons will save you a lot of money in flights and hotel rooms.

#2. Enjoy free tours

Though you will want to enjoy some tours that aren’t free, such as a Mediterranean boat cruise, you will find free walking tours in some cities such as Barcelona. For example, Free Walking Tours Barcelona offers a free 2.5 hour walking tour of the historic city center along streets laid out by Roman planners 2,000 years ago and lined with breathtaking Medieval buildings. The expert guide will entertain you with information about the local history and culture as well as anecdotes about the many famous articles who have lived in Barcelona, such as Picasso and Gaudi.

#3. Eat for less

If you’re staying in Barcelona, ask about the menú del día at local restaurants. This is a set price, 3-course meal with a drink offered weekday lunchtimes and occasionally on weekends. You can enjoy a complete traditional meal for as little as €15. Typically, the menú del día is not advertised, so you must ask.

There is also a menú del noche during the evening. This costs more than the lunchtime meal but still works out much cheaper than selecting dishes from the expensive menus found in tourist traps.

#4. Pay less for museums

Across Spain, many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. In Barcelona, this is the evening of the first Sunday. Time your vacation to coincide with the first Sunday and head for the most expensive museum you want to visit on that day.

#5. Book Ahead

There are many tours you can enjoy around major tourist attractions in Spain that provide you with transport and an expert guide and work out costing less than taking public transport and paying an entrance fee. However, you must book in advance to avoid possible disappointment because these tours are understandably often fully booked weeks ahead of time.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Spanish cuisine is strongly influenced by its rich history. You can find traces of Roman, Arabic, and Mediterranean dishes as well as imports from its former colonies. Specific traditional dishes vary around the country depending upon geographical position.

Mediterranean

Spanish regions along the Mediterranean coast obviously feature seafood on their menus alongside signature local dishes. Typically, these dishes involve copious use of the olive oil so popular in Mediterranean countries. In Andalusia, the most southerly region, the local specialty is cold soups like gazpacho, with crushed cucumber, onion, pepper, tomato, and garlic. Calamares a la Romana is popular, but it is not for the squeamish. This is battered, deep-fried squid served with lemon and salt.

Rice-based dishes are popular along the coast, especially seafood paellas. The most famous paella is found in Valencia, though this features chicken and rabbit meat. In Catalonia, arros negre is popular.

Atlantic

Spicy fish or vegetable-based stews are popular along the Atlantic coast, such as fabada Asturiana, marmitako, and caldo Gallego. Chorizo is also popular. This spicy sausage is slightly sweet and utilizes lots of garlic. Sometimes it seems that each town and village boasts its own special chorizo recipe that is claimed to be better than all the others, such as the renowned chorizo Riojano. Fabada Asturiana is a white-bean stew from Asturias that makes ample use of the local chorizo variety.

Inland

Because historically food transportation was difficult and the central region imported much of its food from the coastal areas, the central regions are known for preserved foods, like Spanish ham and Manchego cheese. Inland, thick, spicy stews are also popular, like cocido madrileño. The most famous Spanish ham is jamon Iberico made from Black Iberian pigs and featuring a distinctive rich, savory taste.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Spain is famous world-wide for its fiestas, and its Balearic Islands are at the heart of the modern nightclubbing scene. For this reason, many travellers come to Spain specially to experience its vibrant nightlife. The island of Ibiza is renowned as Europe’s party capital, but the major cities each offer their own brand of exciting evening entertainments. Madrid’s nights are reputed to be never-ending.

A typical Spanish evening out begins with a visit to the small restaurants and bars for tapas to line the stomach. This transitions into bar hopping before hitting the huge international nightclubs found in all major cities. Due to relaxed licensing laws, these clubs and bars remain open until the early morning hours.

When staying in any Spanish city, it’s a good idea to gain some local insights from your hotel’s staff or tourist guides. The central streets and plazas are typically lined with bars that offer an eclectic mix of music and that are designed for people with different tastes. Rather than waste your time pushing through the crowds to then listen to music that isn’t your style, tell a local what you like and follow their directions. You can be certain that there is a live music venue that will cater to your tastes.

According to popular opinion, the three top nightlife spots in Spain are Ibiza, Madrid, and Barcelona. Ibiza, of course, caters to the young crowd with its mega clubs and all-night beach parties. Madrid is renowned for the huge variety of nightlife it offers where everyone is guaranteed to find a scene they enjoy. Barcelona’s nightlife is noted for its spectacular displays and wild abandon. But the nightlife isn’t limited to just these three locations since music and fiestas run in the Spanish blood. You can find a selection of lively bars and clubs in any Spanish town or city.

If you’re looking for an upscale experience, Marbella is the place to go. That’s where you’ll find the more exquisite cocktail bars and the difficult-to-enter clubs filled with the wealthy folks and celebrities. If it’s a pub craw you prefer, Malaga is famous for having the most bars per square foot in Europe. Granada is noted for its student vibe, Valenicia for its boho chic bars, and Bilbao for its funky nightspots. But if you want a truly exclusive Spanish experience, head for Seville. That’s where you can watch or maybe join in with traditional flamenco dancers.

Getting Around

It’s easy to get around Spain by airplane, train, coach, or hire a car. In fact, you’re spoiled because Spain’s transport network is so good.

Air

Unlike many other countries, domestic flights are relatively frequent and affordable throughout Spain. Trains are typically cheaper, but you can often find air tickets for less than the same train journey, so it’s always worth checking both options before booking. However, if you fly, you do have the extra hassle of transferring from the airport to the city center while the main train stations are typically in the heart of the cities. As a general rule, if you’re traveling from one side of the country to the other, take a plane. If you’re traveling between neighboring cities, take a train.

Train

Spain also boasts Europe’s most extensive high-speed railway network. Spanish trains regularly reach speeds of up to 190 mph! Check comparison websites before booking any train tickets because you can sometimes pay much less if you travel on a different train or sometimes by flying.

Coach & car

Because the trains are so efficient and there are also lots of domestic air flights, it’s not a great option to go by coach or to hire a vehicle. If you have lots of time and a tight budget, long-distance coaches can be much cheaper than the trains or planes.

Driving your own car gives you much more flexibility than you could ever get from a train. You will be able to visit and explore remote rural locations other tourists never see. However, you will find that your long-distance journeys take a lot longer by car or coach when compared with the high-speed train. Sadly, even if you hire a Ferrari, you won’t be allowed to drive along the Spanish roads at 190 mph.

Accommodations

Hotels vary across Spain depending upon where you’re staying. In Barcelona and Madrid, prepare to pay higher prices, especially during Easter and summer. Across the rest of the country, you can find rooms in a hostal for as little as €50 per night and in better hotels for around €100. Note that each city and region has its own high season due to special fiestas and local events, so it’s a good idea to research the specific towns you want to visit.

Booking in advance is highly advisable, especially during Easter and summer. Otherwise, you may not get the hotel you want or even the kind of room you prefer. You typically get the best deals in Spain by booking online. There are 5 general types of accommodation to choose from.

Paradores

The high-class hotels are called paradores. These boutique hotels are often converted castles or other historic buildings. For example, the Parador de Siguenza is a castle that dates back to Roman times, and the 15th-century Parador de Santiago de Compostela is said to be the world’s oldest hotel.

Hotels and hostals

In Spain, normal hotels are classed as either hotels or hostals. A hotel offers a full range of services but a hostal is a budget hotel with fewer services equivalent to a 1-star hotel. A standard hotel should be 3-stars, and a paradore is 5-stars.

Guesthouses

Bed and breakfasts are common around Spain. These are typically either fondas, which have a restaurant attached, or pensiones, which are budget guesthouses. If you’re an adventurer traveling by the seat of your pants, watch out for signs saying “B&B”, “Habitaciones”, or “Camas”.

Villas and apartments

Vacation properties are popular in Spain. If you’re traveling as part of a large family group, you’ll find a villa a cost-effective form of accommodation. However, they are typically rented by the week or longer, so not as flexible as a hotel or guesthouse.

Campsites

If you’re headed for the great outdoors, you’ll be delighted to learn that Spain is awash with affordable campsites that typically charge around €6 per person per night. However, research in advance because campgrounds near the most popular natural or cultural attractions charge significantly more.

Weather

Interestingly, Spain’s climate can be divided along the same lines as its cuisine. The three main zones are the Atlantic, the interior, and the Mediterranean.

Along the Atlantic coastline, the ocean ensures that the summers remain relatively cool and the winters mild. In the deep interior, the climate is semi-arid. Along the Mediterranean coast, the summers are dry and hot while the winters are mild.

If you’re interested in hiking and sightseeing, the temperatures are mildest in spring and in the fall. July and August see the highest temperatures which are great for sunbathing but a little too hot for admiring architecture or hiking through the wilderness. You can expect temperatures over 860F during the day and remaining over 700F at night. The coolest months are January and February, which see a lot of rain in the north.

A common mistake is to visit mountainous regions in the winter without taking proper winter clothing. While these high regions are baking hot in summer, those picturesque mountain villages are often dusted in snow during January and February.

Attractions

Spain is rich in history and culture, so there are lots of things to do and see around the country. Unless you’re most interested in the nightlife, the three top spots to visit are Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a city rich in culture and art. A great place to start is La Rambla — a pedestrianized street where you’ll find human statures, street performers, Bouqueria Market, museums, and other attractions including the 197-foot high Columbus Monument. Don’t miss the Magic Fountain of Montjuic which features half-hourly music and light shows during the summer months and weekends. When the fountain is in action, its water sprays are lit in different colors and dance to the music.

If you are interested in modern art, you’ll be in Heaven. The Picasso Museum is renowned for its unique collection of Picasso memorabilia from his school workbooks right through to his final masterpieces. But the most obvious evidence of Barcelona’s fixation with modern art is Park Guell, which is filled with Gaudi’s unique sculptures and buildings.

But Gaudi’s greatest accomplishment is unarguably the Sagrada Familia. This strangely designed basilica has become Barcelona’s most famous landmark, and it isn’t even finished yet. Gaudi laid out the plans and began the work, but the basilica will not be completed until around 2026.

If soccer is more your style, you’ll want to visit the world-famous Barcelona FC Museum. There you can learn all about the training and lifestyle of the world’s highest paid soccer players. A tour of the museum includes a visit to the players’ changing rooms and a walk through the tunnel onto the pitch itself.

History lovers should ride the Montjuic Cable Car to get scenic views of the city as they rise up to Montjuic Castle. This 17th-century fortress offers fantastic panoramic views of the city and a fascinating armour museum.

And your kids will love Tibidabo Amusement Park. This is one of the world’s oldest parks — much older than Disney World or Universal Studios. Some of the rides there are genuine antiques, and the suspended airplane ride is considered an iconic symbol of the city. Don’t miss the historic automation collection in the park. If you have the time and extra money, a great way to see the countryside is with a hot air balloon ride. An exiting way to see Barcelona is with a helicopter ride. Get a birdseye view of the city and see sights many people never get so see.

Madrid

Madrid boasts a fine collection of historic buildings and the kind of internationally renowned museums you’d expect to find in any major capital city. The most iconic structure is the Palacio Real.

The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is the official palace of the King of Spain. Boasting 3,000 rooms and an amazing art collection, this is a fantastic place to learn about the glamor and luxury of a European royal family. During a visit, you’ll see a sweeping main staircase, the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Apothecary. The Prado Museum is the pride of Madrid, be sure to see it!

Granada

Granada is reputed to be the most beautiful city in the world. However, most visitors head straight for the Alhambra. This Moorish fortress and palace is one of the world’s best examples of early Islamic architecture. Its breathtaking vistas, marble fountains, and unique mosaics are beyond compare. The palace began life as a Roman fort before the Moors invaded and made it their own. The Moorish fort was built in 889 and transformed into a much larger palace complex in 1333.

Visitors from the US will be particularly interested in visiting the throne room. This is where Christopher Columbus came to propose his voyage to the west to find a new trade route to India. If Queen Isabella had said no to his ambitious plans, the US and all the other American nations might not exist today.

Salamanca

If you want to explore beyond these three major tourist cities, head west to Salamanca to experience one of the world’s oldest universities. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is the third oldest university in the world founded in 1218. Arguably, it is really the world’s oldest university because it was the first officially granted university status by the Vatican, which was then the major power broker in Europe.

If you’ve ever seen Harvard or Oxford, you’ll know what kind of buildings to expect. However, here they have a more flamboyant Catholic touch, with more ornate details and bright colors. The main university library is a must-see attraction.

Summary – Whichever tour (or tours!) you choose, you’re almost guaranteed to have an incredible time. Barcelona is a one-of-a-kind destination, and is filled with sights you don’t want to miss. If you’re going to be there for less than a couple of weeks, walking tours just aren’t feasible if you want to catch it all. Offering both day and night tours, there’s absolutely something here that’s perfect for you!

 

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The 3-Hour Barcelona Segway Tour XXL is our Editors Choice for the best Segway tour of the city.

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Robert Baker

Robert is a content writer and editor at World Guides to Travel where he shares his love for the great outdoors. He also writes in-depth travel blogs for other websites around the world. Robert is passionate about the environment and uses his writing to educate people about the advantages and importance of sustainable living. Robert enjoys creative writing. In 2009, his children’s novel Sally Hemings & the Good Associates won the Children’s Fiction section of the You Write On Book of the Year Award.
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