Barcelona City-Tour Bus
If you only have a short stay in Barcelona or you want an easy, low-stress way to see the city with kids, the 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is hands-down the best way to do it. Barcelona is big, colorful, and packed with iconic architecture. Trying to cram Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the beach into one day can feel impossible… unless you let the bus do the work.
We’re no strangers to the hop-on hop-off bus, in fact, we usually try it out in any city we visit. It turns a large city tour into something fun, relaxing, and super do-able for a family.
Why the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
This map shows the route for the orange, green and eco catamaran lines.
Traveling Barcelona with kids means you’re balancing sightseeing with “are we there yet?” The tour bus solves that with zero navigating, zero metro stairs, and zero arguing about whether we’re going the right direction. The top deck has sunshine, breezes, and guaranteed entertainment for the kids. I also love that the onboard audio guide fills you in on historical details and fun facts. Did YOU know that Salvador Dali sketched what would become the basis of the Chupa Chups logo on a piece of newspaper?
The Orange route will take you to discover the city beyond its most emblematic modernist buildings as it covers the westernmost landmarks of Barcelona. The Green route will take you to the most artistic part of the city from Plaça Catalunya to Park Güell. Both routes meet at the magnificent Sagrada Familia.
The Route Highlights
Sagrada Família
You simply cannot come to Barcelona and skip Gaudí’s masterpiece. Our last time in Barcelona, this was one of Millie’s favorite stops. It’s stunning in person, and seeing it emerge from behind the trees from the top of the tour bus was something you absolutely need to see. During the Christmas season you’ll find the streets full of Christmas vendors. It’s worth hopping off here to experience La Sagrada up close and explore the surrounding streets.
Passeig de Gràcia
Designer stores for the adults, wide sidewalks for the kids, and Casa Batlló + La Pedrera right on the boulevard. Easy wander, easy hop back on.
Park Güell
You don’t have to enter the monumental zone to enjoy the lookout views and mosaics—but book ahead if you want the classic Gaudí photos.
Port Vell & La Barceloneta
Right near the port, this area is stunning at dusk. It’s great for stopping for paella or gelato, and spotting all of the cruise ships.
Plaça d’Espanya & Montjuïc
So many spots here: the Magic Fountain, Olympic grounds, Museum Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and those views from Montjuïc Castle if you want to take the cable car.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Walking the narrow medieval streets of the gothic quarter
Near La Barceloneta, the Gothic Quarter has narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs, inexpensive boutiques and Catalan restaurants with history around every corner.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Ticket
Start early so you get maximum value.
Sit on the top deck for the best views (bring sunscreen).
Take snacks—Barcelona is delicious, but kids get hungry now.
Use the bus as transportation and plan your stops.
Buy your ticket online to skip the lines.
Book the 48-hour ticket and use the bus as your mode of transportation. The first day take it to Park Guell (book your tickets beforehand!), then hop back on to head to Sagrada Familia for a guided tour and explore the local area. Hop back on and head to La Barceloneta and the Gothic Quarter for a walking tour for the late afternoon and evening.
The next day, take the bus to Montjuic. You can take the cable car at Montjuic or do a guided walking tour. Make sure to visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya for stunning views of Barcelona while you’re up there! You don’t even have to go inside for the views.
The Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Bus is one of those travel choices that feels a little touristy… until you do it and wonder why you ever hesitated. If you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or just want an easy overview of the city, the bus tour is absolutely worth it. You won’t go inside everything, but you will get a solid feel for the whole city. For families or anyone with limited time, this is Barcelona sightseeing the easy way.
A Quick Tip for Cruise Ship Passengers
If you’re visiting Barcelona on a cruise port day, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is an easy way to see the highlights without worrying about transportation. One helpful thing to know: you don’t need to book this tour through your cruise line. The same 24-hour Barcelona city tour bus is available online at a lower price, you can start using it as soon as you reach the city and stop #1 on the orange route is a quick 10-15 minute walk from your cruise ship!
