EXPLORE
BARCELONA
Beyond the Tourist Map
Every great journey starts with a side route.
Most Popular Tours
For Foodies
Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Taverns & Local Food Culture
Embark on a delicious journey through Barcelona’s culinary scene without breaking the bank.
Savor Barcelona’s flavors on a guided food walk with tapas, jamón, pinxtos & churros. Explore Gothic Quarter, El Born & end at Plaça Catalunya.
For Foodies
Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Taverns & Local Food Culture
Embark on a delicious journey through Barcelona’s culinary scene without breaking the bank.
Savor Barcelona’s flavors on a guided food walk with tapas, jamón, pinxtos & churros. Explore Gothic Quarter, El Born & end at Plaça Catalunya.
We call them Side Routes, the paths less traveled, the quiet piazzas, the tucked-away viewpoints and they’re where the magic happens.
Why Side Routes?
Sustainable Journeys
Support small businesses, avoid over-tourism, and travel lightly.
Off-the-Beaten-Path
Escape the crowds and find hidden gems even locals love.
Local-Led Experiences
Our guides are lifelong residents with stories no guidebook knows.
This Month’s Must-Do Tour
Barcelona Food Tour: Tapas, Taverns & Local Food Culture
Join our Barcelona Food Tour and discover the city through its flavors in just 2 hours
This small-group walking food tour combines iconic tastings with cultural highlights — the perfect introduction to the city.
Meet your guide at Jaume I metro station and step straight into the Gothic Quarter. Your first stop is a local restaurant, where you’ll try patatas bravas and pan con tomate, classic dishes loved by locals.
Next, pass by the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, as your guide shares stories about the city’s medieval past. Continue into the vibrant streets of El Born, where you’ll taste pinxtos and melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico, two essentials of Spanish food culture.
The tour finishes sweetly in a local café with churros and a refreshing glass of vermouth, the city’s favorite aperitivo drink. Finally, you’ll end at the lively Plaça de Catalunya, perfectly placed to continue exploring on your own.
This is more than just a food tour — it’s a short but delicious way to connect with Barcelona like a local.
Perfect for foodies, first-time visitors, and curious travellers looking for a deeper connection with the city.
What Our Clients Say
Start Exploring
Not all who wander are lost, some are just on the Side Routes.
Meet Our Local Hosts
Jennifer
Founder & Guide
Vivian
Content Creator & Guide
Pau
Local Food Expert & Guide
Latest Blogs
FAQ’s
Get in the know before you go.
What makes Side Routes different from regular city tours?
We focus on authentic, small-group experiences led by passionate locals — no big buses or tourist traps here. Our tours take you to hidden spots, introduce you to real people, and offer unexpected moments you won’t find in any guidebook.
Are your tours suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! Solo travellers are more than welcome — in fact, our tours are a great way to meet new people and connect with fellow travellers.
You’ll be part of a small, friendly group, making it easy to feel included and enjoy the experience together.
Do you offer private or customized tours?
Absolutely! Just drop us a message and we’ll be happy to arrange a custom experience tailored to you. Alternatively, all of our tours can be booked as private—simply click the Private Tour tab on the product page to explore that option.
What languages are your tours offered in?
We currently offer tours in English and Spanish.
If you have a specific language request or are booking a private experience, feel free to message us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
How do I know if a tour is right for me?
The best way to get a feel for any of our tours is to visit the product page. There, you’ll find detailed descriptions, highlights of what’s included, and plenty of photos that capture the vibe of the experience. Whether you’re looking for something cultural, food-focused, or off the beaten path, the product page will help you decide if it’s a match for your travel style.
