Private tour in Barcelona Mario S

Barcelona: Photos and Foodies Half Day Tour

5.0

(7) reviews

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Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Mario S.

4.8

Guide rating

10

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 hrs

Avg. response time

The Urban Journey-man Mario is a visual artist and photographer with a cinematographer's sensibility, who has been touring people in and around Barcelona and its region since the beginning of the millenium. As a result, he has an intimate knowledge of most of the area which derives from his life here and invariably has intertwined its rich cultural and historical background. The itinerary of each of Mario's tours is based on the individual or group's personal and/or professional interests, custom-designed with a particular level of adventurousness. The best part, however, is that every day he continues to learn more about his beloved adopted metropolis, allowing the excitement and spontaneity of the moment to influence any given journey. He therefore, helps visitors, new and old, to discover its vast tapestry from the view of the lesser-known path. ¨…As an intrepid city-dweller with no limits when it comes to discovering new things about this city, my tours explore a combination of routes. While we search cultural treasures with an abandoned curiosity, our map is one that tends to etch itself as we go: the route of magical moments and hidden gems of a mystical wen. This is my modus operandi…. ¨ ¨…What I try to encapsulate on my jaunts is something unique that you can bring home, as if it were a collection your very own sensory souvenirs…¨ ¨…If you would prefer to ride a bike, trek, walk ever-so-slowly or merely jump into a taxi to get to those places you really must see in a hurry, then that's exactly what we would do. Remember, there are no rules. It's all about getting to know this city from a new perspective, exactly as a local might…. ¨ ¨…My only desire for these tours is that you might actually become privy to Barcelona's own nirvana-like moments during your travels here. . . And that you might fall as much in love with Barcelona as I have over the years. ¨ I have been guiding independent tours here in Barcelona and most parts of Catalunya since 2001. My worked also consists of commercial film shoots in Spain since 2001. Graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1986 ( Toronto, Canada ). I have over 30 years of experience as a photographer and visual artist. Not a licensed guide. No vocally aided tours within historical monuments or museums. We can certainly quietly discuss within the confines of most museums and monuments. In general I work with professional chauffeurs and licensed taxi´s drivers.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mario S.

Overview of your Barcelona tour

Barcelona is my home. Through my private tours of my adopted city I offer a unique experience for the discerning visitor. I combine my great loves; cooking, the people and stories of this great city, photography and discovering, the rare, the real and the authentic Barcelona. Travel with me as we together discover the hidden Barcelona. We'll visit stunning mercados in neighborhoods that are rarely visited by tourists. We'll dine at tiny bodegas only know by barrio locals whose proprietors are genuinely interested in their customers and serve only the most authentic cooking. We'll walk stunning hidden streets and areas unknown to most residents. Finally together we'll use photography to capture the moments and magic that make Barcelona such a remarkable place. Our journey will present lots of opportunities for us to find the images that will honor your unique and very special time in this very magical city.

Recent Reviews

Cindi R.United States
January 2026

Mario was WONDERFUL!! We booked this tour (there were 6 of us), to help us stay awake on our first day in Barcelona and to get a feel for the area and enjoy some tapas! We were concerned about our booking time because we were arriving by air, find our way to our hotel and check-in. Mario was very flexible – I messaged him when we departed our plane and let him know our progress as we made our way to our hotel. He met us at our hotel after we got checked in and off we went on a GREAT walking tour. As promised in his tour description, he took lots of photos of our group as we explored the area and sampled the tapas. When we got home, he sent the photos via email. I would highly recommend Mario!

Lindsay B.United States
October 2025

Mario was warm and friendly making any solo traveller feel taken care of safe! He showed me around the most wonderful hidden gems as well as well known landmarks. He was very easy to get along with and even tried to help me find souvenirs for my kids! I'm very much looking forward to the images he captured of me exploring Barcelona.

Bruce P.Canada
May 2025

Mario provided a unique insight into his city Barcelona. We crossed the city exploring out of the way places with enjoyable stops for tapas and refreshments. Mario was pleasantly engaging with our entire family mom dad and 19 yr old. Highly recommended Mario.

F Chapman T.United States
November 2024

Mario is not only a great tour guide, he’s a very empathetic human being and a great travel companion. He will work with you to make this the best tour you could want. It’s a must.

Nataliya L.United States
October 2022

This was a tour with a true artist who appreciates the depth of life in all the small corners of the town. Mario took us to many historical places with lots of artistic culture, such as buildings designed by Gaudi and beautiful Roman churches. He gave us the important rundown on the origins of the spots and took some photos of us in the process. We made some stops for coffee and tapas at some charming spots in town, and chatted about life and travel. I highly recommend this tour.

Ihab H.United States
August 2019

Mario was simply unbelievable. He obviously has extensive knowledge of the city and all its ins and outs. On top of that, Mario helped me and my girlfriend make this a special day. He took us to an unbelievable spot in the city that was pre-arranged with him and myself. He helped set me up so I can get down on one knee and propose to my fiancee. And he recorded the whole thing in unbelievable high quality pictures. Mario has immediately become an intimate part of our life and we will remember him forever.

Your Barcelona tour itinerary

And you'll meet the real people of the barrio, the abuelas, the shopkeepers, the characters, the artisans, as well as number of local and expats (cultural professionals ) who will perhaps join us on our journey: people like architects, historians, artists and writers who will show us the unseen side of Barcelonas cultural history. We might even be joined by such award winning filmmaker and celebrated food writer Robin Willis, who will introduce us to secret food spots well off the foodie trail and other guests who might show us Barcelona's rich history from an arts and musical perspective. These rotating "guest stars" may join us as their schedules allow. If they are not available we will improvise from their extensive notes and tips I have been privy to over the last 20 years.

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Mostly be on foot. Buses, Metro, Taxis, Trains to reach out of the way destinations if required.

What's included
Other: Not only do I provide a private tour. I also provide photographs of your tour as a uniquely distinctive additional part of the touring experience. Delivering 20-30 high quality images for you to keep. If more are requested we can negotiate that later.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. You might encounter or decide to do other things that are not a part of the discussed itinerary. So, I leave it open to the possibility that you might want to shop, take a taxi, eat something special you see along the way, etcetera at your own expense.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Palau de la Virreina, La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The Palace Virreina (English), Palau de la Virreina (Catalan.) ; Palacio de la Virreina (Spanish). at Las Rambla, 99, 08002 Barcelona Which is right next door to, La Boqueria market in Barcelona, on (Las Ramblas) Metro/Bus: Metro: L3 Liceu / Bus: 14, 59, 91

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Food And Drink
Off The Beaten Path
Photography
Tour reference number
572802
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Barcelona best suited for?

This private tour in Barcelona is perfect for discerning visitors who are passionate about food, photography, and exploring the authentic side of the city. It's ideal for those who want to discover hidden gems, dine at local bodegas, and capture the magic of Barcelona through photography. Whether you're a foodie, a photography enthusiast, or someone looking to connect with locals and learn about their stories, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Barcelona be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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