The city's transformation from 1990 to 2008:
the pros and cons

Barcelona has grown in less than 20 years from a modest city to an international point of reference for urban transformations and as a global cultural and economic centre of attraction. The energy and spirit of the Catalan people made possible a long list of urban regeneration projects in the 1990s, turning Barcelona into a post-modern city, whose attractiveness is due to the combination of contemporary cultures and public spaces with its rich history of architecture, design and the arts. A heady mix of style, relaxation, space, fun and beauty makes Barcelona the complete holiday destination, but is life so great for locals?

If you are interested in seeing some of the lesser-known parts of the city and hearing about urban regeneration processes that have brought the authorities into conflict with local residents, then come on this tour to see a Barcelona that contrasts strongly with the popularity of its architectural masterpieces. We will take in the Raval, Barceloneta and Poblenou neighborhoods, all of which have tales of social struggle and drastic reformation. Listen to the locals. Compare stories. Give your opinion. Make up you own mind.

Your guide is City Mine(d), an urban cultural organization carrying out artistic activities related to the city’s most fragile areas and assets. City Mine(d) is active on local level in the city but also promotes an international network for urban creativity, KRAX. Its collaborations with the Centre for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB) give City Mine(d) a presence amongst the city’s official institutions and add weight to its projects’ political messages.

WHEN: on request

PRICE: €32 per person  for groups of  4 and more. To be paid at the start of the tour. For groups of  less then four: € 128  Whenever possible we combine separate smaller groups to form groups or 4. 

BOOKING: Please phone or e-mail us as soon as possible, since the groups are limited to a maximum of ten. The tours can be given in English, Dutch or Spanish.

My Favourite Things walking tours in Barcelona are recommended by Time Out, the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet