6 Dark History Tours in Spain Worth Staying Up For

1.Dark History Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 344 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Our pick

Walk through El Born and La Ribera with an English-speaking guide such as Elena or Sara. Expect true stories of executions, the Spanish Inquisition, forgotten cemeteries, and Barcelona’s executioner, supported by projections, props, and historical readings rather than ghost-tour tricks.

“It was such an interesting tour!! Not too much walking and some fascinating history of such an old city. My husband loves spooky stuff so while this wasn’t a ghost tour, it was a perfect substitute. Plus way more interesting when it’s all real! Our guide Sara was fantastic!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Barcelona’s Dark History Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 181 reviews · 2 hours 2 minutes (approx.) · from $25Top rated

Walk from Arc de Triomf to El Born with a lively local guide such as Elena, Noah, Sara, or Annemarie. Expect a small group, radio headsets, visual props, and a serious look at the Spanish Inquisition, medieval punishments, public executions, cemeteries, and dark Barcelona legends.

“What a fabulous tour! Elena was full of energy, enthusiasm, local knowledge and general good vibes. The tour content was well thought out, and the props and projector really brought it all to life. I can't recommend this tour enough :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Barcelona Dark History Night Walking Tour With Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 153 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Join an English-speaking guide such as Vanesa, Mariah, Thami, or Lindsay at 8 pm for a three-hour walk through El Born and the Gothic Quarter. Hear stories of brothels, monks, hidden graves, and Catalan traditions while sharing vermouth, sangria, a cocktail, and a local shot.

“Tour is worth every penny. Vanesa was a cordial host. She was eager to explain the quirks of the city. And she remained amiable throughout the whole tour. I can’t recommend this tour enough. A++++”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Barcelona El Raval Dark History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $33

Walk from Sant Pere Nolasc Mercedaris through El Raval to the Three Chimneys Gardens with a local guide. Hear tales of the Vampire of the Raval, old hospitals, foundling infants, monasteries, nightlife, and street art. Guides may include Eoghan, Zeynep, Callum, Andres, or Cal.

“Eoghan provided us with a great experience, I am glad for having him as our guide, he was such a charming presence and I understood everything. Thank you, irishman!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Gothic Quarter Tour Dark History & Ghosts Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 64 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $23Best value

Follow an English-speaking guide such as Jordan, Mariah, Jen, or Jane through El Raval, La Rambla, and the Gothic Quarter after dark. Hear true tales of crime, torture, war, superstition, and haunted landmarks, ending at Santa Maria del Mar. Expect history first, ghost stories second.

“Amazing activity, excellent tour guide and well organized company. While visiting local landmarks, it was pretty interesting to hear true stories of medieval torture and intrigue. I would highly recommend this tour for visitors looking for a fun and different activity in the evening.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Barcelona’s Dark History Walking Tour in El Raval

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · from $33

Walk through El Raval with an English-speaking guide and uncover tales of the Vampiress, abandoned children, old cabarets, and Sant Pau del Camp. You’ll see Keith Haring’s political mural, the ancient Santa Creu hospital, Bar Marsella, and changing street art. Guides have included Andreas and Owen, also called Eoghan.

“Really interesting insight into the dark history of El Raval with Andreas. A good balance of being informative and fun too. Would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review