13 Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona, Spain

Setting out on a journey to a new place is exciting in itself. Travelling fills the adventurous spirit with enthusiasm and anticipation, creating a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. Bustling Barcelona charms the likes of both seasoned and first-time travellers, discerning it as a destination that’s replete with untrammelled possibilities. Here are 13 Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona, Spain.

This city will surely leave an imprint - from its rich history, astonishing architecture, gourmet food scene, and Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces to fuming football fanatics and additional afternoon siestas. Before you set off on your Spanish getaway, there are a few tips to consider to make your experience all the more memorable.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Where to find the best beaches

• Catalonia vs. Spain

• Las Ramblas

• Catalan Cuisine

• Sundays in Spain

• Pickpockets & petty crime

• Walking

• Horario partido (Split timetables)

• Tourist traps

• How to see famous attractions

• Respecting locals

• The booze laws

• Flamenco

• FAQs

13. Barcelona’s best beaches are outside of the city

If you’re visiting Barcelona during the summer period, there’s no doubt you’ll be craving a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

While the Barceloneta beachfront is known for its beach bars and international backpacker atmosphere with live music, it may not be the ideal option for everyone. In fact, at times, there may not even be enough room to stretch out a towel.

The nicest beaches near Barcelona are Lloret de Mar, Sitges, Sant Pol de Mar, Montgat, and Garraf. All are easily accessible via public transport, with either trains or buses being your best options. There are turquoise waters, lush vegetation and rocky cliffs all to be explored, and these spots are a stellar option compared to the inner city’s beaches.

Want to make a day trip out of it? Check out my detailed guide to the Best Beaches in Catalonia.

12. Catalonia vs Spain

Needless to say, Catalonia is considered a part of Spain. However, as an autonomous region composed of Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, it boasts a significantly different cultural background from Spain’s.

Local Catalans are proud of their heritage, history and language, and lobbying for autonomy is an ongoing battle. This is a tricky subject to discuss due to the political situation. You should practice caution when saying “Catalonia is Spain”, as it can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect, irritating the more passionate residents. This is one of the most essential things locals want you to know before you visit Barcelona.

Boasting Catalan culture and tradition, Barcelona flaunts its official language, Catalan. Many locals describe the Catalan language as a combination of French, Spanish and Italian; you’ll see it displayed everywhere you venture. It’s pretty easy to get by with English. However, basic Spanish (Castellano) is widely appreciated.

Side note: Catalan will get score some serious points with the locals. A few phrases can go a long way! Three staples are bon dia (good morning), si us plau (please), and gràcies (thank you).

11. Your trip shouldn’t revolve around La Rambla

Despite the persistent points made across glorified guidebooks, La Rambla is not a quintessential Barcelona experience. And while it is easy on the eyes, La Rambla is essentially Barcelona’s biggest tourist trap.

From over-priced stores to substandard restaurants, this is basically a breeding ground for theft and pickpocketing. If you do elect to head down to the Rambla, check out the landscape’s unique interplay between modern and mythical-like monuments. Soak up the bustling atmosphere, and watch for some colourful characters.

I have a friend named Marian, a talented street artist and a seasoned regular on the Rambla. He draws remarkably realistic pieces (for a commission), but there’s one catch. He draws with his feet. His artwork will blow you away, and his life story is awe-worthy. He’s a true testament to human potential, and if you so happen to spot him seated on the Rambla, I urge you to strike up a conversation.

10. Indulge in Catalan cuisine

First-timers, don’t be deceived by Las Ramblas; this food-centric city offers much more than just your typical Spanish paella. Barcelona’s gastronomy scene is threaded with the Mediterranean palate, and the dishes are predominant in olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish and meat.

Straddling the Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona poses the perfect opportunity to dive into some delectable Catalan cuisine. With a wealth of seafood options, you should order a paella or fideuà. As you’d expect, this place is teeming with tapas, so try out classic dishes like the patatas bravas, pimientos de padron, bombas, and pa amb tomaquet.

Sweet freaks, you can turn to a traditional dessert called Crema Catalana (similar to a Crème Brulée).

And to top it all off, because you’re in ‘Cava country’, you can’t leave without popping a bottle of Catalonia’s famous sparkling wine, cava.

If you’re interested in a Full Food Guide to Barcelona, check out the best places to eat here. I’d recommend this private food-tasting tour, which covers over ten tasty tapas places, fusing sweet, savoury and drinks. Plus, you’ll see all the city’s highlights in between.

9. Stock up before Sunday strikes

Before you embark on your upcoming adventure, this is one of the most important things to remember.

Even though tourism thrives in this Spanish city, many places tend to shut down on Sundays. In line with the country's predominant Catholic culture, approximately 90% of Barcelona restaurants, bars, supermarkets, malls, and shops remain closed on Sundays.

To ensure a smooth experience, it's best to prepare beforehand. Make sure to gather essentials like food and water a day prior, particularly if you plan on partying on Saturday night.

The small handful of places that are open on a Sunday is generally, as you guessed it, tourist traps. Expect to fork out the big bucks and battle big-ass crowds too. Sundays in BCN are great for smashing cervezas (beers) at the beach or demolishing a Mediterranean-infused picnic at Bunkers del Carmel.

If you find yourself stuck and strapped for options, I recommend downloading the app Glovo (similar to Uber Eats) app.

8. Keep your eyes peeled for pickpockets

Don’t get me wrong; I’ve loved living in this city for five years. But if there’s one downside to the dazzle and delight of Barcelona, it’s the thieves. These professionals don’t just come in pairs but in packs here. Unfortunately, Barcelona is pinned as the pickpocket capital of the world.

Considering Spain’s cataclysmal unemployment rate, people tend to take to the streets. And the worst part? The police can’t do anything. That time my apartment got broken into? Nothing. That time they stole my laptop? Nothing. Don’t come to Barcelona with any high expectations of recovering your stolen goods. The best advice I can give you is to get travel insurance.

Here are the best tips to avoid pickpockets in Barcelona:

• Be extra cautious in Las Ramblas, in the metro and train stations, on the beaches and when waiting in long lines.

• Don’t leave your phone, camera, purse, or anything valuable on the table when eating at a restaurant.

• Don’t leave your phone in your back pocket.

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you.

7. Get your walking boots on

To truly experience the local lifestyle in any European city, walking is the ideal mode of transportation. Although it may be tempting to take a taxi, especially in the sweltering summer heat, these streets were designed for pedestrians.

Exploring the labyrinthine laneways of El Gotico, the winding paths of El Born, and admiring the stunning architecture of L'Eixample, walking through BCN reveals hidden treasures and local gems in both the Old Town and surrounding neighbourhoods. Following this tip promises to make your time here even more unforgettable.

Walking’s not your thing, you say? No worries, mate. Hire an electric scooter, bicycle or segway. This city is chockfull of alternatives.

6. Brace yourself for tricky timetables

If you’re a big-time midday power-napper like myself, then this city is indefinitely tailored to your needs.

It’s no joke that the Spanish siesta is taken seriously… Prepare to prioritise your scheduling and sightseeing because Barcelona boasts an horario partido (split timetable). This means most restaurants, bars, and other shops will close from 2 pm until 4 pm.

Aside from considering the midday siesta, this seaside city’s lunch and dinner eating hours are also out of the ordinary. El almuerzo (lunch) is generally from 1 pm to 3 pm, and la cena (dinner) ranges between 9 pm and 11:30 pm.

A handful of eateries and stores will be open if you are in a central touristic area, like El Gotico or Passeig de Gracia. Just don’t expect to indulge in the most authentic of experiences.

5. Venture beyond the tourist traps

There’s simply no disputing that the divine architectural gems found fringing the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and Parc Guell are well worth checking out.

But this is a thing that tourists should never do in Barcelona: spend all of their time at the swarming sites. The main catch of BCN is that many marvellous monuments are threaded throughout the city and its outskirts too.

Step outside the tourist-targeted hot spots and soak up the atmosphere in the lush greenery around Montjuïc or the hipster-inspired community in Gràcia. If you want to taste how the locals live, pop out to Poble Nou, El Clot, Poble Sec or Sarrià.

Top tip: If you visit the popular attractions in Barcelona, the ideal time to visit is either on a weekday. If you can’t make it there during the low season, expect nothing less than long queues. After all, millions flock here every year, and for bloody good reason.

4. A plan of attack re: popular attractions

Remember that tickets sell out fast if you’re travelling to Barcelona during peak season, so booking online’s best. You will save yourself the hassle of last-minute, frantic ticket hunting, and you can sometimes skip the line.

With entry fees hovering around the €5 to €25 mark, these costs can stack up surprisingly quickly if you don’t plan… Fortunately, there are many sightseeing and discount passes to help save yourself some cashola without missing out on anything.

The ample array of Barcelona Sightseeing Passes encompass discounted prices on the scope of tours and activities, in addition to entertainment and nightlife, shopping, restaurants, and transport. With the manifold of sightseeing passes, it can be overtly overwhelming when it comes down to making a decision.

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed culture vulture, a Gaudí-fanatic, or an avid academic, look no further because I’ve got you covered. Check out my comprehensive guide comparing the best of Barcelona’s Sightseeing Passes.

3. Hitting up the town? Lower your voice at night

Due to the close proximity of Barcelona’s narrow streets, even a normal conversation can be a severe nuisance to the neighbours. If you’re heading into the heart of the city for a night out, please be respectful of the locals.

This is one of the things you should know before visiting Barcelona because the locals aren’t afraid to take action in the form of retaliation. No joke, they will throw a bucket of water from their balconies. So, don't speak too loudly if you don’t want to get soaked. The funniest part: this is not uncommon!

Specific areas to be extra cautionary: El Born, El Gotico and El Raval. Buena suerte.

2. Buy booze before 10pm

Believe it or not, if you want to score a bottle of alcohol in the evening, it must be before 10 pm. After that point, local vendors cannot legally sell you anything.

There are, however, ambitious entrepreneurs that are famous amongst locals in Barcelona. These are generally guys walking around with plastic bags selling beers and other beverages on the streets. If somebody mentions ‘‘sexy beers’’, they’re referencing the seasoned street vendors selling ‘‘cerveza-beer’’.

One thing to know before travelling to Barcelona: if you get caught drinking on the street, you’ll cop a hefty fine.

1. The Flamenco Forecast: Unforeseen

Yes, Flamenco plays an integral role in Spain’s history, however, don’t expect to see much of it in Barcelona.

The passionate illustration painted through song and dance traces its roots back to the province of Andalusia, thus pinning it as a predominately southern cultural expression.

That being said, there are, however, some notable tablao (flamenco theatres) like Los Tarantos and Cordobes.

This is one of the many things to know before you visit Barcelona, especially if you’re travelling here to immerse yourself in its revelling cultural scene…

FAQS

What are 3 interesting facts about Barcelona?

Barcelona was Spain’s capital back in 1937 to 1939. Modern-day Barcelona was built on an underground city. Barcelona has two official languages – Catalan and Castilian Spanish.

What do you want to do first in Barcelona?

Book the Sagrada Familia early in the morning, head to Park Güell or the beach in the afternoon and then spend the evening eating tapas in El Born or El Gotico.

How do you greet someone in Catalan?

Bon dia/Hola = Hello.

How many days in Barcelona is enough?

4 days is enough time to see most of the major attractions like Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. You may be able to squeeze in a day trip to Girona, Sitges or Tarragona too.

Barcelona, formerly a prominent city of the Roman Empire, boasts a rich history that caters to culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and art aficionados. This bustling Spanish metropolis offers many options to satisfy everyone's interests. With so much to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.

Before visiting Barcelona, it's essential to know these 13 tips to ensure a fantastic Spanish getaway. By considering them, you can make the most of your trip and have a blast.

Do you have any travel hacks for Barcelona?