Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours in Barcelona

Barcelona is huge so HOHO bus tours are ideal way to see it.

One of our consistent dilemmas on holiday is whether to explore on our own or take a hop-on-hop-off bus (colloquially known as HOHO).

As a rule of thumb, if the port is easily navigable, or we have visited before then we find our own way around - either on foot or via public transport.

However, if it is our first time visiting and/or we are short of time and want to see as much as possible, (although admittedly, often superficially), then we might opt for the tourist bus.

Barcelona is one such city where there is so much to see, and with large distances between sights, that even on a second visit is worth exploring via the HOHO. They are even more worthwhile if you are planning a pre- or post-cruise stay.

Most Popular Barcelona Sights

Barri Gòtic: Best Times & Tips

Hop off and step back in time! The Gothic Quarter is a maze of old, narrow streets, shady squares and cool little cafés — it’s been the heart of Barcelona since Roman days. Keep an eye out for Roman ruins around Plaça del Rei while you wander.

Tip: Get here early (before 10am) to beat the crowds and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. Wear comfy shoes for those cobbles and grab a coffee and croissant at Café de l’Opera on La Rambla — you’ll have earned it!

Sagrada Familia: Visiting Tips

You have to see the Sagrada Familia — it’s one of the wildest, most incredible buildings in the world. Gaudí’s masterpiece has been under construction for over 130 years, and it’s still not finished!

Tip: Book your tickets online before you go to dodge the long queues. Try to get the first slot at 9am — the light inside is amazing then and it’s not too hot. Dress modestly (no bare shoulders) and grab the English audio guide to get the full story.

Park Güell: Must-Know Info

If you love colourful tiles and dreamy views, Park Güell is a must. It was supposed to be a fancy housing estate, but now it’s one of the coolest parks in the city.

Tip: Book a timed ticket for the Monumental Zone ahead of time. Get there early — around 8:30am — to catch an epic sunrise. Bring sunscreen and water, and don’t rush off — the free areas are perfect for a laid-back stroll.

What Options Are There?

Barcelona offers convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours that allow you to explore the city’s top attractions at your own pace. These tours feature multiple routes with numerous stops near key landmarks, and many are accessible from the cruise port area.

There are several reputable companies that offer similar routes. Check prices, starting points and whether your favoured tourist attractions are on the route.

Barcelona Bus Turístic

Generally considered the best hop-on hop-off bus tour in Barcelona and perated by the official tourism board, Barcelona Bus Turístic provides two main routes:

❤️Red Route: Covers attractions such as Plaça d’Espanya, Poble Espanyol, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Anella Olímpica, Fundació Joan Miró, Montjuïc Cable Car, and more.
💙Blue Route: Includes stops at Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Camp Nou, and other significant sites.

Download Map Here

Accessibility from the Cruise Port

For cruise passengers, the closest bus stops are:

World Trade Centre (Stop 15 on the Red Line): Accessible via the port’s shuttle service.
Colom - Museu Marítim (Stop 16 on the Red Line): Also reachable from the cruise terminal.

Additional Features

Audio Guides: Available in 15 languages, offering insights into the city’s history and landmarks.
Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected during your journey.

Flexible Ticketing: Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

The port provides shuttle services to these stops; for more information, please inquire at the information desk in the Cruise Port Terminal.

Routes

💙 Blue Route: This route covers major attractions including:

Sagrada Família
Park Güell
Camp Nou (FC Barcelona Stadium)
Passeig de Gràcia
Plaça Catalunya

❤️ Red Route: This route includes stops at:

Gothic Quarter
Port Olímpic
Montjuïc
Poble Espanyol
Plaça d’Espanya

Each route takes approximately two hours to complete (assuming you stay on for whole route), with buses running daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Buses arrive approximately every 20 minutes. Tickets are available for 1-day (€33 for adults) or 2-day (€44 for adults) durations.

Barcelona City Tour

Operated by Julià Travel and Moventis, Barcelona City Tour provides a flexible way to explore the city with the following features:

Routes: Two main routes—Orange and Green—covering major attractions.

Operating Hours: Buses run daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with departures every 5 to 25 minutes, depending on the season.

Tickets: Available for 24 or 48 hours.
Audio Guide: Offered in 15 languages.
Additional Features: Free Wi-Fi on board and a discount booklet for various shops and restaurants.

For cruise passengers, the closest stops are:

World Trade Center (Stop 15 on the Orange Route)
Colom - Museu Marítim (Stop 16 on the Orange Route)