Uncommon Barcelona

Uncommon Barcelona: Day Tours Away from the Crowds

Venture beyond the crowds of Barcelona's Old Town and uncover the lesser-known neighbourhood of El Clot. Interact with the locals, see traditional houses and sample regional produce at markets alive with the hum of everyday local life, then glimpse Barcelona's future at Parc de les Glories.

Highlights

• Get a taste of everyday life when you stroll through Mercat El Clot, chatting to local vendors and tasting fresh produce
• Walk along the fully pedestrianised Career de Rogent and meet the locals as they go about their daily lives
• See iconic buildings like the Arc de Triomf and Torre Glories from a different perspective, plus a stellar view over Sagrada Familia
• Visit Mescladis – a social enterprise providing migrants with skills to enter the workforce
• Glimpse Barcelona’s future at the urban development hub of Parc de les Glories

Explore the lesser-known neighbourhood of El Clot on a walking tour that takes you beyond the tourist hotspots to where the locals prefer to hang out. Kick off your adventure by meeting your local guide and tour group at Jaume I metro station, located in the heart of the Old Town. This is one of Barcelona's busiest areas – but today, you’ll venture beyond this spot and into the real Barcelona, where locals go about their everyday lives and unsung neighbourhood haunts are ready for you to discover.

First, make your way to Santa Caterina Market. Once a local market, it is becoming more frequented by tourists and is on the verge of overcrowding. Here, you’ll learn about overtourism and how dispersing the economic benefits of tourism to less-visited parts of the city (as you'll do on this tour) can contribute to more responsible travel.

Pay a visit to Mescladis – a social enterprise providing migrants with culinary training and language skills, equipping them with tools to enter the workforce. Head to the organisation's community garden in the neighbourhood of El Born and see how this green space helps to support local residents amid the city's rapid gentrification.

Next, stop at the Arc de Triomf for an impressive example of neo-Mudejar architecture, then hop on the metro and head to the neighbourhood of El Clot. Stroll down Carrer de Rogent – in contrast to the well-trodden La Rambla in the Old Town, this pedestrianised street maintains the feel of an authentic local village. With local businesses lining the streets, kids swinging across playgrounds and cafes filled with regulars sipping on cups of cafe con leche, you'll get a chance to interact with the locals here and get a feel for the everyday hum of life.

Wander over to Mercat del Clot, where locals have done their shopping since 1889. Soak up the atmosphere and take part in a food and drink tasting as you chat with some of the vendors. Continue on to the Casas Bajas del Clot – these traditional houses were built in 1837.

Finally, make your way to Parc de les Glories. This up-and-coming urban development hub gives you an insight into the future of local life in Barcelona, showcasing the city’s emphasis on green space. From here, you'll tak in a view of Sagrada Familia with lush parklands surrounding you, rather than crowds. On your way to your final destination at the Glories metro station, you'll pass the Torre Glories, Design Museum and Encants Market – all of which are highly recommended for you to explore independently after the tour ends.