Barcelona's Secret WWII History
While Spain was officially neutral, Barcelona was a vital hub. Discover the city's role as a 'nest of spies,' a refugee escape route, and a place haunted by the Spanish Civil War, the prelude to WWII.
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The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of WWII History with a private, personalized experience led by a local.



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Journey beyond the beaches and Gaudí to uncover Barcelona's hidden WWII History. From Civil War scars to clandestine spy networks, every corner has a tale. Let a local guide reveal the city's secret past.
While Spain was officially neutral, Barcelona was a vital hub. Discover the city's role as a 'nest of spies,' a refugee escape route, and a place haunted by the Spanish Civil War, the prelude to WWII.
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a brutal dress rehearsal for WWII. Barcelona endured horrific aerial bombings by Nazi Germany's Condor Legion, testing tactics later used across Europe.
Author George Orwell fought alongside anti-fascist forces in Barcelona. His book 'Homage to Catalonia' vividly captures the city's revolutionary spirit and political turmoil just before WWII.
Step into historic cafes like Els Quatre Gats or the now-gone Hotel Colón bar, once hotspots for Allied and Axis spies exchanging secrets over a coffee. Uncover this fascinating part of Barcelona's history.
Barcelona was a crucial link in the 'Lisbon Route,' a path for thousands of refugees, including Jews and downed Allied airmen, fleeing Nazi-occupied France. Their stories of survival are woven into the city.
Don't just read about history, feel it. A private tour is your key to unlocking Barcelona's secrets. Your local guide is ready to show you the hidden sites and tell the forgotten stories. Book your personalized WWII history experience today!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.


Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.