Ten things you should know before traveling to Barcelona.

Barcelona is the kind of place that enchants tourists. Millions of tourists come to Barcelona each year to experience its charms, drawn by the city’s majestic architecture and rich history all nestled against the backdrop of a Mediterranean beach resort.

Even with its widespread appeal, there are still misconceptions about it, particularly if you fall victim to the common tourist traps. Travelers can make many mistakes in a city this large, well-known, and culturally complex, but for me, it’s a place that always called me back and where I felt most at home.

Barcelona is frequently in the news these days due to its over-tourism issue, and angry graffiti in the vicinity of tourist destinations is one way that local discontent is shown. Due to crowds that have gotten out of control, city officials have in certain cases even been forced to limit entry to once-off-the-grid locations like the Carmel Bunkers. I’ve lived in Barcelona for several years now, and over that time I’ve figured out how to enjoy the city like a local by avoiding the dense crowds. This includes all the information you need to know about Barcelona’s culture and safety before visiting.

1. One cannot view the entire city in a single day.
   Even though Barcelona may not be the largest city you have ever visited, it is enormous when you take into account all the entertainment options. The best amount of time to spend in Barcelona is two to five days because there is so much to see. That should cover the must-sees, but if you want to spend more time exploring the region, ten days will give you enough time to arrange day trips to the Costa Brava, neighboring cava wineries, or even as far north as the Pyrenees for some skiing.
2.  A large number of tourists
   Overtourism is a problem in Barcelona, no doubt about it, but you can try to avoid the masses by visiting in the off-season or attempting to get a head start the day before the cruise ships arrive and the streets fill with tourists.

   

   In certain locations, you won’t be able to dodge the crowds, but you can reserve a lot of tickets in advance to prevent having to stand in line. To allow yourself some breathing room in between, try to space out the major things on your agenda. For example, avoid going from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batllò.

3. Steer clear of travel on significant occasions.
   Every summer, Barcelona serves as a cornerstone of the music festival circuit, drawing major bands from all over the world. However, you might want to avoid traveling on these weekends or any other time when major trade shows, like the Mobile World Congress, take over the city unless you already have your ticket for Primavera Sound or Sonar. Although the city is already pricey, lodging costs increase dramatically when a large number of tourists approach.
4. Recognise the cultural events to watch out for
   Seek out regional events that celebrate Catalan customs, such as the Correfoc fire parades, Sardana dance circles, human tower gatherings, and enormous parades, if you want to enjoy a true cultural experience in Barcelona. If you’re traveling on a holiday like Holy Week, you might happen upon them, but if you want to increase your chances, go in September when the city honors La Mercè, one of Barcelona’s patron saints, with a weeklong celebration that includes free music and cultural events.
5. There are several Ramblas
   Everybody will tell you that visiting La Rambla is a must, but in my opinion, strolling along the Rambla is similar to browsing Times Square at home—it’s busy, touristic, and best avoided when possible. Fortunately, there are several Ramblas in the city, so you can truly take advantage of the leisurely strolling that these urban elements were intended to promote. You may explore the well-known Botero cat sculpture on the Rambla del Raval in the center, or you can travel a little further and walk the Rambla del Poblenou from Diagonal down to the seashore.
6. The beaches improve with distance from the city center
   The most well-known beach in Barcelona is Barceloneta; if you want to truly stretch out on the sand, head a little further down the neighborhood’s small alleyways and excellent tapas bars. When visiting Barceloneta, avoid the crowds and noise caused by tourists by taking a stroll or a taxi via Port Olímpic to Platja de la Mar Bella. To be honest, the sand in Barcelona isn’t the best because all of the beaches were constructed artificially for the 1992 Olympic Games. You can find more serene and beautiful beaches if you can get outside the city and visit Sitges or further along the Costa Brava.
7. Learn about Catalan traditions
   The topic of Catalan independence, an autonomous area of Spain, is still up for debate, but you can show the locals some respect by being knowledgeable about all the unique traits that define Catalan culture. Show a little curiosity, and locals will be more than eager to tell you all about their favorite customs, from wintertime onion barbecues to the cheeky caganer (“the pooper”) a cherished Christmas icon.
8. Catalan is not a Spanish dialect
   This is the best technique to insult a Catalan in the shortest amount of time. You should have little trouble traveling around Barcelona as almost everyone speaks Spanish and Catalan, and the tourist industry is well-suited to English-speaking visitors. Nonetheless, by picking up a few words, you might leave a positive impression on your guests. Some are similar to Spanish and French, for example, “Hola” and “Merci” for “Hello” and “Thank you.” You can also try “Adéu” for “Goodbye” and “Bon día” for “Good morning.”
9. Pickpocketing is a genuine problem
   Almost everyone in Barcelona, including myself, has a first- or second-hand story of being pickpocketed (they took two credit cards out of my wallet while I was using my laptop at a busy cafe). Never let your guard down, particularly when using the subway or moving through busy tourist destinations like La Rambla. When you’re not using your phone, put it away. If you’re eating outside, never leave your phone out on the table.
10. Public transit operates effectively and safely.
    One of the nicest things about living in Barcelona is how simple and effective public transit is, even though you still have to watch out for shady pickpockets with your possessions. Overall, my experiences have been good, and getting to the main bus and train stations for trips outside the city is simple.

    

    There are also the red shared bikes known as Bicing, but they are exclusively available to residents, so don’t even try to rent one. You’ll need to hire a bike from a store if you want to use Barcelona’s bike lanes, but be careful where and how you lock it because bike thieves are just as common as pickpockets.