Delving into Barcelona’s dynamic urban evolution, the "Barcelona and The Future" regular tour offers an insightful exploration of the city’s regenerating @22 district in Poblenou. Led by experienced architects, this enriching experience takes participants on a journey through contemporary architecture, sustainable urban practices, and the city’s rich industrial heritage. Highlights include the award-winning Media-TIC building and discussions on innovative concepts like parametric design and superblocks, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and families alike. But what lies beneath the surface of this captivating tour? Let’s uncover the deeper insights that await.
Key Points

- Explore the contemporary urban culture and architectural evolution of Barcelona’s regenerating Poblenou district on a three-hour guided tour.
- Gain insights into sustainable urban planning, innovative architecture, and the city’s transformation through discussions led by knowledgeable architects.
- Discover the award-winning Media-TIC building, a showcase of parametric design, and learn about Ildefons Cerdà’s grid plan that shaped Barcelona’s expansion.
- Engage with topics such as the independence movement, cradle-to-cradle design, and the impact of "superblocks" on urban development.
- Experience a highly rated tour that caters to architecture enthusiasts, families, and those interested in Barcelona’s dynamic future.
👉 Check out our guide to the 4 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Barcelona
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Tour Details
- Educational Insights
- Participant Experience
- Booking Information
- Exploring Poblenou
- Insights Into Urban Culture
- Architectural Highlights
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
- Is Food or Drink Provided During the Tour?
- How Many Participants Are Typically in the Tour Group?
- Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Barcelona
- More Tours in Barcelona
- More Tour Reviews in Barcelona
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Barcelona we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview

As a regular walking tour in Barcelona, "Barcelona and The Future" offers insights into the city’s contemporary urban culture, with a focus on the regenerating @22 district in Poblenou.
The three-hour tour explores the future of Barcelona, covering topics like urbanism, modern architecture, and the city’s industrial history. Highlights include the Media-TIC building, a World Building of the Year award winner.
The tour takes place in the Poblenou district, an area aiming to revive its industrial legacy. Suitable for architecture enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s evolution, the tour is led by experienced architects, providing a knowledgeable perspective on the city’s planning and design.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Barcelona.
Tour Details

The tour is approximately three hours in duration, with a start time of 04:00 PM.
Participants will meet outside the Disseny Hub entrance, located at Plaza de les Glorias Catalanas, 37-38, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
The tour highlights include:
- 8 reviews with a 5.0 overall rating, indicating excellent customer satisfaction.
- Insights into urbanism, modern architecture, and the future of Barcelona.
- Exploration of notable structures like the Media-TIC building, winner of the 2011 World Building of the Year award.
- The tour is led by experienced architects, providing a knowledgeable perspective on Barcelona’s planning and architecture.
Educational Insights

The tour provides in-depth insights into the urban evolution and architectural landscape of Barcelona.
Participants can expect to explore a range of topics, from the city’s urbanism and independence movement to cutting-edge technologies like parametric architecture and cradle-to-cradle design.
They’ll explore the Ildefons Cerdà’s grid plan that defined Barcelona’s expansion, as well as the groundbreaking Media-TIC building, winner of the 2011 World Building of the Year award.
Through these educational discussions, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s transformation into a hub of sustainable urban planning and innovative architecture, shaping its future as a vibrant, dynamic city.
Participant Experience

Participants praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides who lead this tour, deeply appreciating the wealth of information presented about Barcelona’s urban evolution.
The tour is described as a highlight of trips to the city, providing an insightful and comprehensive understanding of its transformation. Travelers seeking a deeper dive into Barcelona’s planning and architecture will find this experience particularly rewarding.
The tour caters to a diverse audience, from architecture enthusiasts to families, catering to their interests through the exploration of topics like urbanism, independence, parametric design, and the city’s iconic Cerdà grid.
Some key features of the participant experience include:
- Guides’ expertise and enthusiasm bring the content to life.
- In-depth exploration of Barcelona’s urban evolution and future.
- Suitable for a range of interests, from architecture to city planning.
- Provides a memorable and enriching perspective on the city.
Booking Information

This tour is available for booking from $47.75. The price covers the 3-hour guided tour led by experienced architects who provide a knowledgeable perspective on Barcelona’s planning and architecture.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for a variety of travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s evolution and future.
With an overall 5-star rating from 8 reviews, this tour is a must-do for architecture enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in exploring Barcelona’s contemporary urban culture.
Exploring Poblenou

Poblenou, the former industrial district of Barcelona, serves as the focal point of this walking tour.
Once known for its factories, the neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a hub of contemporary urban culture.
Participants can expect to:
- Explore the area’s industrial heritage and its ongoing revitalization efforts.
- Explore the Media-TIC building, a renowned example of parametric architecture and winner of the World Building of the Year award.
- Gain insights into the concept of "superblocks" and their role in Barcelona’s urban planning.
- Discover how Poblenou is embracing sustainable practices, such as reducing its carbon footprint.
This tour provides an in-depth look at Poblenou’s evolution, blending the past, present, and future of Barcelona’s urban landscape.
Insights Into Urban Culture

Barcelona’s urban culture offers a captivating blend of its industrial heritage and visionary plans for the future. The @22 district in Poblenou is a prime example, showcasing the city’s commitment to reviving its past while embracing innovative urban design.
Visitors on this tour gain insights into the district’s evolution, exploring cutting-edge architecture, sustainability initiatives, and the city’s parametric planning approach. From the award-winning Media-TIC building to the implementation of superblocks, the tour provides a deep dive into Barcelona’s strategies for shaping a more livable, environmentally-conscious future.
Through the guide’s expertise, participants uncover how Ildefons Cerdà’s grid plan and modern concepts like cradle to cradle inform the city’s ongoing transformation.
Architectural Highlights

Several architectural marvels showcase Barcelona’s progressive vision for the future.
The Media-TIC building, winner of the 2011 World Building of the Year award, exemplifies the city’s commitment to cutting-edge design.
Nearby, the Disseny Hub hosts innovative exhibits, reflecting Barcelona’s dedication to design excellence.
Ildefons Cerdà’s iconic grid plan, implemented in the 19th century, continues to shape the urban landscape, blending historical roots with modern sustainability.
Plus, the city’s embrace of parametric architecture and cradle-to-cradle principles underscores its forward-thinking approach to urban development, positioning Barcelona as a hub of architectural ingenuity and environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Participants can generally take photos during the tour, as it is a walking tour focused on contemporary urban culture and architecture. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide.
Is Food or Drink Provided During the Tour?
Food and drink are not provided during the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing any desired refreshments. The focus of the experience is on exploring the urban environment and architectural insights, rather than catering.
How Many Participants Are Typically in the Tour Group?
The tour typically has a small group size, allowing for more personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides. Most groups range from 8 to 15 participants, providing an intimate and engaging experience for those interested in exploring Barcelona’s urban culture and architecture.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for this tour. Participants can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. The focus is on the educational experience, so there are no strict sartorial requirements.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, from children to seniors, and welcomes participants of all backgrounds who are interested in exploring Barcelona’s urban culture and architecture.
Barcelona and The Future. Regular Tour
“I would strongly recommend this tour. Pia is an architect and a professor which makes her a wealth of knowledge. She shared so much history which w…”
Recap
The "Barcelona and The Future" tour offers an immersive exploration of Barcelona’s dynamic urban evolution. Guided by experienced architects, participants explore the city’s contemporary architecture, sustainable practices, and industrial heritage, making it an enriching experience for architecture enthusiasts and families alike. The tour highlights innovative concepts like parametric design and superblocks, providing valuable insights into Poblenou’s regeneration and Barcelona’s vibrant urban culture.






















