GoCar Full Day Tour

Discover Barcelona with the GoCar Full Day Tour

Imagine cruising through Barcelona’s winding streets in a compact, easy-to-maneuver vehicle, with the freedom to pause whenever something catches your eye. That’s exactly what the GoCar Full Day Tour offers. At around $85.66 per person, this five-hour adventure takes you to some of the city’s most iconic sights, from Gaudí’s masterpieces to lively beachfronts, all while giving you the independence to explore at your own pace.

We love how this tour combines the flexibility of driving with the guidance of GPS routes—no stuck-on-a-bus feeling here. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without the rush or the group crowd. The fact that it’s a self-guided experience means you can linger as long as you like at favorite spots or skip the less-interesting stops altogether. One small caveat is that you’ll want to be comfortable with city driving and navigating narrow streets, which can be a fun challenge in itself.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy a personalized sightseeing experience and are willing to drive themselves. It’s especially suited for travelers with a sense of adventure and a desire to see both popular landmarks and hidden corners without the constraints of a traditional guided tour. If you’re looking for an active, flexible way to experience Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Flexible independent exploration with GPS-guided routes
• Cover all major attractions and some lesser-known spots
• Self-drive means you decide where to stop and how long to stay
• Cost-effective for a full-day city tour compared to private guides or taxis
• Ideal for confident drivers comfortable with navigating narrow European streets
• Includes all necessary gear like helmets and a full battery for the vehicle

An In-Depth Look at the GoCar Full Day Tour in Barcelona

Why Choose a Self-Drive Tour?

If you’ve ever been on a bus tour, you’ll know the feeling of sitting passively while the guide points out sights. While that’s efficient for covering a lot of ground, it often means sacrificing flexibility and intimacy with the city. The GoCar experience turns that on its head. You’re behind the wheel, with GPS guiding your way through Barcelona’s intricate streets, giving you total control over your day.

This approach is particularly appealing if you’re someone who enjoys a bit of independence and prefers to explore on your own terms. You can spend extra time at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, or leisurely stroll along Las Ramblas without worrying about holding up a group. Plus, you can go where buses can’t, reaching hidden corners like the Barrio of Gracia or Poble Nou, which often get skipped in standard tours.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s route covers a broad swath of Barcelona, from the famous to the hidden gems. Here’s what you can expect:

• Sagrada Familia: Starting point, this iconic basilica is a must-see. Your flexible schedule lets you admire Gaudí’s masterpiece without the rush.
• Barrio of Gracia & Casa Vicens: These neighborhoods offer a more local vibe, with narrow streets and colorful buildings that showcase Barcelona’s eclectic character.
• Torre Bellesguard & Collserola Tower: Less crowded sights with panoramic views and interesting architecture.
• Pedralbes Monastery & Montjuic: Historic sites and outdoor spaces with sweeping city vistas.
• Camp Nou & Casa Mila: For sports fans and architecture buffs alike, these stops highlight Barcelona’s modern cultural icons.
• Seaside & Beaches: The Barceloneta Beach and Port Vell allow for a relaxed break by the sea, perfect for some photos or a quick snack.
• Art & Culture: Stops like the MNAC, Miro Foundation, and MACBA give insights into Barcelona’s artistic side.
• City Landmarks: From the Arc de Triomf and Columbus Monument to Montjuic Castle, there’s a broad palette of sights.

What We Like About the Route

We appreciate how the full-day route hits all the highlights while providing the freedom to explore lesser-known spots. The GPS system, designed specifically for this tour, helps you navigate Barcelona’s narrow, winding streets—a real blessing for those unfamiliar with driving in a European city.

The tour’s stops are spaced out naturally, giving you ample time to explore, take photos, or grab some tapas. As the reviews mention, “you have plenty of time to stop and visit attractions,” making it easy to customize your experience. One reviewer noted, “we could visit several points of interest and return directly,” emphasizing the flexibility.

The Experience of Driving a GoCar

The vehicles are designed for tight city streets, with a maneuverable size that makes navigating Barcelona’s historic center manageable. They come with full batteries, helmets if needed, and include basic insurance (though don’t forget you’ll need to pay a deposit of about 300 euros).

Most travelers find the GoCar fun and easy to handle, although some mention the need to pay attention to parking instructions, especially the “blue/green lines” that indicate legal parking spots (and the potential for fines if you miss entering your license plate). Kylee_B’s review highlights a small oversight that led to a €50 parking ticket, so stay alert on parking procedures.

The Cost and What’s Included

At $85.66 per person, the tour offers a cost-effective way to see a large part of Barcelona in five hours. The price includes the vehicle, GPS-guided route, and basic insurance. However, it does not include entrance tickets to attractions, so if you want to visit any paid sites, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

Reviewers have noted that the experience offers good value, especially considering the flexibility and the ability to avoid crowded buses or guided groups. The self-guided nature means you can skip what you’re not interested in and linger where you’re curious.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for confident drivers who enjoy a bit of adventure. It suits independent travelers, families, or small groups who want a personalized way to explore Barcelona. If you’re traveling with children (minimum age 7 as a passenger), it can be a fun and memorable activity for everyone. Keep in mind that drivers need a valid license and should be comfortable driving in an urban environment.

Practical Considerations

• Booking: Book about 45 days in advance to secure your preferred date.
• Meeting Point: The tour starts at Pg. de Pujades, 7 in Barcelona’s Old Town.
• Timing: The tour begins at 10:00 am and lasts roughly five hours, giving you plenty of daytime hours to explore.
• Driver Requirements: Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid license, and non-EU drivers need an international license or translation.
• Parking & Parking Tickets: Pay attention to parking instructions, as violations can result in extra charges.

The Sum Up

The GoCar Full Day Tour offers a lively, flexible way to experience Barcelona’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to set their own pace and explore both the popular sights and tucked-away corners without the constraints of group tours or public transportation. You’ll love the ability to customize your day, the fun of driving your own vehicle, and the chance to see the city through your own eyes.

However, it’s not for everyone—those who are uncomfortable navigating city streets or who prefer guided commentary might find this approach less suitable. Still, for adventurous souls who enjoy independence and a touch of fun, this tour can be a highlight of your Barcelona trip.

FAQ

Do I need a special driver’s license?
Yes. Drivers must present a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. Non-EU drivers need an international license or an official translation, which can be arranged at the shop for an extra fee.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, giving you plenty of time to visit multiple attractions and enjoy spontaneous stops along the way.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, entrance tickets for attractions like museums or landmarks are not included. You’ll need to purchase those separately if you plan to go inside.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Pg. de Pujades, 7 in Barcelona and ends back at the same meeting point after your self-guided exploration.

Is this suitable for children?
Children aged 7 and older can be passengers. They must be accompanied by an adult, making it a family-friendly activity for those with kids.

What’s the parking situation?
Parking instructions are important. Look for blue/green lines when parking, and remember to enter your license plate into the system to avoid fines. Kylee_B’s review mentions a parking ticket caused by missing this step.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund.

In the end, if you’re craving a personalized, flexible way to see Barcelona and enjoy the city’s lively streets, the GoCar Full Day Tour can add an element of adventure that’s both practical and enjoyable. Just be prepared to drive, plan ahead for parking, and relax into the freedom of exploring at your own speed.