Inspiring Local Tours

We’re no snobs at Steel Donkey Bike Tours but we recognise that, whilst some people enjoy getting on an open top bus and checking off the major sights, there are an increasing number of people who to do much more than simply take a selfie in front of Barcelona’s main attractions. They want to do more than see, but to feel, smell, touch, experience and interact with the city.

That’s the reason we set up Steel Donkeys in the first place… to give visitors a chance to get under the skin of the Catalan capital in the company of a local who loves Barcelona.

In fact we were the first ever genuinely alternative tour of Barcelona – you can read more about the Steel Donkey experience here – but we’re pleased to say that we’re now part of a growing trend of more and more interactive, creative and innovative alternative tours cropping up in the city.

Many of these forward thinking tours offer visitors a chance to go deep into their chosen area of interest, whether that be culture, food and wine, street art, skateboarding or shopping.

At Steel Donkeys we do a bit of all of the above on two wheels, but we’re also pleased to recommend some specialist activity providers who we think can enrich your travels, including our own sister brand Tapas & Beers…

Tapas & Beers

Back in 2015 and we launched a brand new project dedicated to exploring the city’s rich gastronomic scene, from those famous tapas to the ever increasing number of excellent craft beers… with just a little nightlife thrown in as well. We’re following the same ideology that has helped make Steel Donkeys such a big success, by touring in small groups only and keeping things firmly off the beaten track. So far we’re offering a Tapas Tasting Tour, a Craft Beer Tasting Tour and our patented “Hipster Bar Crawl” (nb: you don’t have to be a self-declared hipster to go go on it!). Find out more on our website:
www.tapasandbeers.com

Antique and Boutiques

A very special tour with two lovely ladies from the UK who know EVERYTHING there is to know about fashion, design and shopping in Barcelona. Whether you’re looking for a new image and need the advice of savvy personal shopper, or you want to visit the workshops of top local designers – and have a chat with them – this tailored (pun intended) trip into BCN’s fashionable heart is a one of a kind experience.
www.antiquesandboutiques.com

Barcelona Wine Tours

Catalonia has 12 denominacion de origen wine regions and is arguably Spain’s second most important producer of claret after the Rioja region, so if you do have time it’s well worth getting out of the city for the day to visit a vineyard or winery… the nearby Penedes region is particularly famous. Barcelona Wine Tours is the best authority on wine-related excursions, and via their site you can discover great activities like Create Your Own Cava, where you get to bottle your very own sparkling wine!
www.barcelonawinetours.com

Barcelona Street Style Tour

Pez, ROA, Alice… just three of the big names in street art that have unleashed their spray cans on the surfaces of the Catalan capital. In this free (donations gratefully accepted!) street art tour of BCN you’ll get to see some amazing artwork which let’s face it you’ve got zero chance of being able to track down yourself! Plus you get some background info on the scene and the stories behind the paintings.
www.barcelonastreetstyletour.com

Hopefully that’s some extra inspiration for the curious traveller. We’ve got even more suggestions, many of them free, on this article about things to do in Barcelona.

Know where you’re staying yet? Check out our alternative accommodation guide for some ideas! Part of series on “Alternative Barcelona“.