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Take a journey back in time to relive the 3 years between 1936-1939 that have shaped Spain and Barcelona. Discover how the Civil War influenced Barcelona into what it is today and hear enriching stories based on real-life experiences. Experience the city during the Civil War on this private tour!

Destination

Barcelona, Spain

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Français

Included

• Private guide

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Philippe.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Font de Canaletes - Barcelona to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Civil War Beginnings

   Go back to the beginning of the Republic in 1931 in front of the monument of Francesc Macia

4. Historical Plaça

   Walk around Plaça Catalunya, where all the fightings were centered in 1936, and discover important buildings that took a mayor role during this time

5. Literary Influences

   Go to La Rambla, important during the second year of the conflict and hear stories about Orwell, Hemingway and Garcia Lorca

6. Hidden Reminders

   Explore the Gothic Quarter where we will see many signs often overlooked

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Charles

10 January 2025

Philippe provided us with a customized tour that enlightened us with Catalan and Barcelona history and cultural background. I asked a lot of questions and he eagerly answered all. He communicated ahead of time and provided his contact info in case we could not find him. All went very well and we are very pleased with our experience.Philippe Provided A Great Experience

James🇺🇸 United States

22 November 2024

We did a private walking tour focusing on Barcelona history with Philippe. He was happy to shape the tour around what we wanted to see and learn. Philippe was very knowledgeable and fun to walk around town with. He was also able to give us recommendations on other sites we were interested in and things/places to avoid while there. Great tour!Great tour with Philippe!

Ger🇪🇸 Spain

27 October 2024

What a guy, gave a great tour, really knows his stuff, he can change it up based on your knowledge, I know a fair amount about the civil war and I learned a lot more. Had to cut it short as it was chucking down but no worries. Highly recommended and Philippe is a genuine smart and interesting guy. Knowledgeable & Super Friendly

Cathy🇦🇺 Australia

7 October 2024

Philippe took us on a walk about the Spanish Civil War and its impact on Barcelona. After meeting at Font de Canaletes, We roamed down Las Ramblas and off into side streets and laneways that we would not have found ourselves. A passionate advocate for Barcelona, Philippe gave us a perspective far greater than from a book. The time went too quickly for our group of 5. Thoroughly recommend this walk and guide.Engaging & informative walk with a local

Thomas🇺🇸 United States

17 May 2024

Philippe was the best! He did not give a standard tour guide spiel but went into issues in depth, carefully listening to our questions and comments. We especially loved his input on Catalan independence/autonomy and the Spanish Civil War, topics which most tour guides (and most Spaniards?) would avoid. We felt like we spent the morning with a good and knowledgeable friend. Thank you, Philippe!Thank you, Phillipe!

caroline🇳🇱 Netherlands

5 March 2024

Find out about the political nuances that the city and region are plagued with told in an engaging and accessible way. This tour is fantastic if you want to go deeper than just food, Gaudí and shopping. It was utterly fascinating and Philippe is a fantastic guide. We are normally the ones asking loads of questions and he had answers for (pretty much) all of them.deeper appreciation of a spectacular city

matthew🇯🇪 Jersey

24 March 2023

Phillippe has a huge amount of local knowledge not just about the Spanish Civil War but also the history of Barcelona we would recommend Philippe to anybody visiting the capital of Catalonia can you change to mePhillippe

Frank🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 September 2022

My family thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour with Philippe. While the primary focus was on the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona, we covered a broad perspective of the history of the area. Philippe’s passion for his culture and history ensured we had an interesting tour and some lively discussions. Philippe was very considerate and tried to keep us in the cooler areas on what was a very hot day. Highly recommended. Barcelona walking tour

samantha🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 June 2022

Facinating , very chilled and interesting , we learned a lot ! Philippe made an excellent guide .Civil War walking tour

Nicole🇩🇪 Germany

16 April 2022

👍👍👍👍👍We enjoyed our tour with a local

Debbie

10 March 2020

Philippe was an excellent guide. He kept the tour interesting and fun. He structured the tour to suit our interests. I highly recommend With Locals and Philippe!The Civil War tour was excellent!

Daren🇬🇧 United Kingdom

28 February 2020

We booked the tour the day before with Philippe, the tour started on time as arranged and was for 3 hours, during this time we had open dialogue and discussion over the civil war, we started at Placa de Catalunya were Philippe pointed out the buildings around the square that prior to the Fascist Franco taking powers were the offices of anarchism, and communism be that Trotskyist, Leninist or Stalinist, we also discussed the recent Catalunya Independence Vote and the role of the King Felipe the VI in this referendum and how independence supporting Catalans felt his actions in backing Madrid were a step towards repeating Franco. We also discussed Francesc Macià, who was the first President of Catalonia and the statue that was built in his memory. We moved on to the Gothic Quarter where we visited Placa de George Orwell, and saw Orwell’s home, the lack of provision of social housing is there for all to see over a century later, we have learnt nothing. At Placa de Sant Felip Neri, we remembered the 42 children who were murdered by the Italian Airforce under the instructions of Franco on 30th January 1938, you could see the shrapnel damage in the building next to the current school, which had to be rebuilt after this atrocity. Philippe also pointed out other historical buildings whilst walking around the Gothic Quarter. Philippe was a very good guide and we had interesting discussion and questioning throughout, before we knew the 3 hours were up and the tour ended on La Rambla, at a memorial to 2017 atrocity. A great tour and glad we booked it, tailored for our interests. Civil War & Political Tour Barcelona

Jorge🇲🇽 Mexico

26 January 2020

Philippe was a great guide. He has a profound knowledge of the city, it’s history and culture , and he is so passionate about is that he actually transmit you the real vibe of Barcelona. After the tour I feel like I really know the the city and I feel a deeper connection with it and with is people. I will definitely recommend this tour and Philippe to anyone visiting Barcelona. Jorge Such an Excellent Tour!!

Cecilia🇪🇸 Spain

19 January 2020

I've been living in Barcelona for over a year now and decided to book this tour since I had visitors over. Still, I learned so many things! There's places I'd never visited (I was surprised that I might have passed right by many of them without seeing them) and Philippe's explanations were fun and interesting. He adapted the tour to our needs very well.Nice tour!

Robert🇺🇸 United States

1 January 2020

We signed up for the Spanish Civil War tour relatively late in our stay and are so happy we did. Phillippe posses a wealth of knowledge ranging from history to cultural trends in the arts. Not only was he able to discuss Orwell with my wife , an English teacher, but was also able to engage our 19 and 20 year old daughters. Of course, he had me at the mention of those magic words,” best churros in Barcelona “. I highly recommend this tour and anything offered by Phillippe.A wealth of Knowledge

Davesh🇮🇳 India

22 December 2019

Was in Spain for a few days and have always been fascinated by history, so took the civil war tour with Philippe and it turned out to be absolutely great. Philippe presented a remarkable and concise picture of Spanish civil war history and once you learn of the historical significance of many buildings in la ramblas, you start looking at them with a very different perspective. Philippe took me further back in medieval history using the artifacts in gothic quarters that are immediately in front of you. The buildings and ruins are impressive, but more impressive is the culture and conditions that gave rise to them and Philippe explained this in vivid and logical detail. And the best part, unlike group tours is that this was completely interactive. If you get a chance to see this place, this is the tour and this is the guide to contact.Impeccable knowledge

Beth🇺🇸 United States

17 November 2019

Philippe provided us an amazing walking tour of Spanish Civil War key sights in Barcelona. His knowledge of the war and the city was exceptional. Perhaps the most interesting aspect was his ability to link key aspects of Catalunya's political challenges today back to centuries -old tensions, which were key in the run-up to and execution of the Spanish Civil War, and served to shape Barcelona's contentious political relationship with Madrid today. Philippe is an upbeat and enthusiastic guide with an awesome knowledge of the history of Barcelona coupled with a keen sense of humor. He did a great job of tailoring his tour to our interests and perspectives. Recommend him highly!As Promised, and Very Much More!

jan🇺🇸 United States

3 November 2019

The four of us really enjoyed our three hours with Philippe. He provided a tour designed for our interests. He was full of information so that we all came away with enhanced knowledge of the Spanish Civil War, the history of Barcelona and Spain. Thank you, Philippe for the wonderful walking tour——-very informative and lots of fun being with you! Dance on!Walking with Phillippe was great!

Karl🇨🇭 Switzerland

2 November 2019

Nur beim Start gab es Probleme; es hat zuviele Brunnen in der als Treffpunkt angegebenen Gegend und wir standen beim einen, während Philippe beim andern auf uns wartete. Handy sei Dank haben wir uns dann aber trotzdem rasch gefunden und von jetzt an gings trotz den über Barcelona sich zu einem währschaften Regen verdichtenden Wolken nur noch bergauf. Unser Begleiter konnte uns auf eindrückliche Art und immer gestützt mit den heute noch ähnlichen oder gleichgebliebenen Orten die Stimmung der damaligen Schicksalsjahre nahebringen. Abgesehen davon, dass Barcelona eine sehr interessante Stadt ist, waren die drei Stunden mit Philippe am Vorabend unserer Abreise genau das, was uns noch fehlte; lebendige Geschichte einer noch nicht sehr lange zurückliegenden Epoche Spaniens. Danke Philippe für die überzeugende 'Tatortbesichtigung' ...Barcelona - Civil War Tour

William🇺🇸 United States

4 October 2019

Fun, knowledgeable and a great conversationalist. Would definitely work with him again!Civil War tour

eva🇦🇺 Australia

29 May 2019

Philippe was an eccellente tour guide. We were impressed with his knowledge of Spanish history, he was easy to understand and we very much enjoyed his company. We highly recommend him.

Paula🇺🇸 United States

17 January 2025

This was a family vacation. Philippe is very knowledgeable, informative and passionate about Catalunya. We received a great overview of the area and also learned about Three Kings day. He was at Green Bike well before the tour began and gave us his full attention. We appreciate Philippe coming out during the Spanish holiday! The bike tour allowed us to see a lot of Barcelona. We always felt safe under his direction and the city is set up for bicycling.Would do it again.

Pierre🇨🇦 Canada

21 December 2024

He was perfect

Fiona

11 December 2024

It was a pleasant journey with Philippe to ride the bike to feel the city. He is very knowledgable, introducing the city in an interesting and easy to understand way to us. Strongly recommend to add this experience to your trip! Best way to know Barcelona

Anne-Marie🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 November 2024

Phillippe was a great guide. Sharing lots of information and local knowledge in ways that engaged and challenged our kids. The result was a fabulous afternoon exploring and learning all about Barcelona’s Gothic quarter for all the family. A great guide for all the family

Sarah🇬🇧 United Kingdom

1 November 2024

We had a lovely evening with our kids at Phillipe’s place, the kids enjoyed cooking and learning about Catalan language and cuisine. The kids found Phillipe interesting and funny. Would highly recommend.Lovely meal and company

Delphine🇫🇷 France

31 October 2024

Mille mercis à Philippe pour son accueil chaleureux. Nous avons préparé avec lui du 'pan con tomate', une paella et une crème catalane. Les enfants ont passé un excellent moment et nous aussi. Le repas était délicieux et le contact avec Philippe hyper facile et agréable. Une belle façon de découvrir un pan de la gastronomie espagnole. Allez y les yeux fermés (et la bouche grande ouverte !) Genial ! Nous recommandons !

Marti🇺🇸 United States

21 September 2024

Our group of 4 was treated to a wonderful walking tour of Barcelona with a focus on Gaudi from Philippe. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and took us to wonderful places. After Sagrada Familia he suggested a fantastic spot for lunch near Sagrada. We will recommend taking a tour with Philippe to all our friends & family and will book again next time we are back in Barcelona. Thank you Philippe!Gaudi & Barcelona with Philippe!

Paul🇦🇺 Australia

15 September 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour with Philippe and highly recommend booking the tour. It is a great way to learn about this amazing city and Philippe will impart invaluable knowledge introducing you the many historical and current facts pertaining to the city.Informative, engaging and interesting

Whitney🇺🇸 United States

10 September 2024

Philippe provided intriguing stories about Gaudi, interesting information about the history of Catalunya, and helpful insight into the culture and perspectives of the locals. We appreciated that he pointed out the highlights of the Sagrada Familia that we should not miss before we went in for that part of the tour. The bike ride was lovely and a really fun way to get around the city. Philippe has a wry sense of humor and liked questions and banter. We would definitely recommend him as a guide!Great Tour for Gaudi and Much More

Emily

6 September 2024

We had a fabulous tour with Phillipe who was so knowledgeable and fun. He had our 10 year old twins completely engaged and we couldn't have had a better time. He also gave us great recs for the rest of our time in Barcelona. We highly recommend. Amazing from start to finish

Ilene🇺🇸 United States

3 September 2024

Philippe was terrific! We were in Barcelona for the first time and Philippe immediately knew us as far as what areas of the city would interest us while still sharing the history of Gaudi, Barcelona, and Spain. He gave us different perspectives of the culture. He was kind, and patient. True Local Experience

Jackie🇬🇧 United Kingdom

14 August 2024

We are a family of 5 from Hong Kong and enjoy learning something from the locals every time we visit a new place. We found many good reviews of Philippe's private 2hr cooking class but we thought 2hr might be a bit too rush if our children want to enjoy plenty of cooking as well as a good moment for all of us to enjoy the meal together with Philippe. I communicate with Philippe and am glad that he is responsive and is willing to accommodate our needs. We did a 3-hour session of a traditional Catalan home cooking, including pa amb tomaquet, padron peppers, tortella de patatas, paella and crema catalana. It was a great fun for our children. Philippe was very thoughtful, carefully balancing the time needed for cooking and a pace which the children can enjoy themselves in the process. It was a big portion for all of us and Philippe was impressed that we can finish the food and nothing went to the bin. (to readers: be reminded to go with an empty stomach) Philippe had also shared his life and adventure with us during the meal and we appreciate our great time with such a nice person.A wonderful experience of Catalonia

Ca🇺🇸 United States

14 August 2024

Not much more to be said that hasn’t already been raved about. Philippe was a wonderful host to myself, my wife and our 5 year old. His home is beautiful, an alluring layout that is tastefully decorated. As for Philippe himself, he was patient, kind, and encouraging to our child, who is usually quite shy. The icing (or fire in this case) on the cake was our son learning to use the blow torch for the Creama Catalana caramel. Definitely a highlight of the trip! A MUST when in Barcelona

Lia

11 August 2024

The class felt rushed, kinda of aggressive, not geared towards children or families ( philippe actually said the class wasn’t for children) even through that is in the title of the class. He made our entire family feel uncomfortable. His home where you cook was so hot we would barely breathe. Never offered us water. Then rushed us out minutes before the class was up. He also seemed that this was just something he does vs. bring remotely interested in cooking or any background in culinary at all. I would not recommend taking this class. Not exsctly a comfortable environment

Kelsey🇺🇸 United States

21 July 2024

Eryn

27 June 2024

We had such a great time on our tour. For the adults, Philippe provided lots of interesting stories and history about Barcelona and the areas we walked. For the kids, he kept them interested and entertained searching for dragons and talking with them. Everything went smoothly and 3 hours felt so short! Great experience!

John🇺🇸 United States

14 June 2024

Supremely knowledgeable, completely oriented to our interests!! Philippe is the best!!Perfectly tailored tour!

Patricia

12 June 2024

We had an incredible experience with Philippe. He has so much knowledge, and shares it in a really engaging way. He’s also so much fun. Our entire group absolutely loved him. He really made our experience of Barcelona special. Highly recommend!Fun, knowledgeable, incredible guide

Monica🇦🇺 Australia

8 June 2024

Very knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about the city. A great way to get to know the cityFabulous

Erin🇺🇸 United States

31 May 2024

From the start, Phillipe treated us as old friends. With just two of us, we felt we received a plethora of information and knowledge of what we toured/visited. The time spent was filled with not only the history of Barcelona, but also local tidbits, personal conversations and even recommendations of what to visit/eat during our stay. Wish we could take Phillipe along with us through the rest of journey!A terrific experience!

Delia

28 May 2024

We had an amazing tour with Phillipe who was kind enough to share his in depth knowledge and secrets of Barcelona. He is so enthusiastic and entertaining we didn't want the tour to end. Highly recommended. Highlt Recommended

Susan

21 May 2024

Philippe is extremely generous with his time and knowledge. He was patient and adapted the tour to our needs. Highly Recommend

Thomas

20 May 2024

Just right amount of information. Not too much. Not too little. Not too academic, not too simple. Just right. And he listens to the questions we ask.Great guy. Great tour guide.

Lauren🇺🇸 United States

15 May 2024

Philippe was incredible! He planned a wonderful walking tour and pointed out so many little details I would have never seen on my own. He was amazing & so knowledgeable about the history of Barcelona. He gave great recommendations & I only wish I'd had more time in the city to see and do even more.Amazing guide & so knowledgeable!

Ted🇦🇺 Australia

14 May 2024

Philippe is an excellent guide happy to talk history politics architecture and life in general - I really enjoyed the time with himAn intelligent character

Alexandra

3 May 2024

Thomas🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 April 2024

Philippe made our trip. He is such a knowledgeable guide, giving not only my wife and I but our 9 & 13 y/o sons lots of fascinating facts about Barcelona's history as well as the Catalan culture. My 13 y/o son had Fideuà as per his suggestion and loved it. My 9 year old can't stop telling people the difference between Japanese & Chinese dragons - 3 or 5?!? We all enjoyed a cup of the best hot chocolate ever at Museu de la Xocolata too. Overall, Philippe kept us all thoroughly engaged throughout the whole tour. If you want to experience the best parts of Barcelona, get in touch with him 👍Amazing guide for an amazing city

beatty🇺🇸 United States

8 April 2024

phillipe takes into consideration what his client wants and knows and tailors the tour. he is prompt and enthusiastic.knowledgeable

Leah🇺🇸 United States

3 January 2024

We had such a great time with Philippe! He was flexible with some travel issues, greeted us and had a blast cooking and getting to know him and more about Barcelona. He took to the kitchen with our 3 kids and was so engaging while we enjoyed Sangria. Would recommend to anyone! Pan con Tomate and Paella are new family favorites! MUST DO Experience in Barcelona!