I adore Barcelona and tell everyone that YES, Barcelona is definitely worth visiting – if you do it properly! And not only visiting once, but it is worth coming back here time and again, and spending as long here as you possibly can. However, with concerns around overtourism and anti-tourism protests, I want to help you visit Barcelona ethically and sustainably, so you can enjoy the best of Barcelona without having a negative impact on the local community.
So, whether you’re not sure if Barcelona is worth your time or if overtourism is putting you off coming, I’m here to set your mind at ease. I’ll share some of the amazing things to do in Barcelona and the surrounding regions, so you will be able to see that Barcelona is worth your time, and discover how to visit Barcelona sustainably!
Why I Love Barcelona
It all started for me when I was at University in the UK in 2003, and the time had come to choose our year abroad options. Through a combination of luck & a lack of other ideas, I came to live in Barcelona and spent 9 months here studying, exploring and drinking in a bar opposite the university (we were students after all!).
I made friends with some amazing local people and had a wonderful time, and when I had to leave, I knew that I was definitely in love with Barcelona.
It took me a while to make my way back here, but in 2012 I lost my job in England and knew I had to come back to this special city. After living and working in Barcelona for 3 years or so, I left again to see the world. After nine years as a digital nomad, I didn’t find anywhere that felt like home like Barcelona. So I am now back, living here full-time and more in love with the city than ever.
Perhaps it is the location between the sea & the mountains. Or maybe it’s the architecture, the history, the culture, the nightlife, the food…. There really is something for everyone here, so no matter what you are into, you will find it in Barcelona!
I have seen a lot of changes in the city in the past 20+ years – some good, and some bad. Lately, things seem to be coming to a head, with anti-tourism protests due to over-crowding and gentrification, and a severe lack of housing for local people; these are problems we can’t ignore.
So, I want to do my part to help protect and preserve this wonderful city, sharing my tips for exploring Barcelona off the beaten path. If you can experience Barcelona like I do, you can’t help but fall in love with it too, and do everything you can to help protect it!
In this article, I’ll try to explain just what it is that makes Barcelona so special, and it isn’t just the top attractions, amazing food, and sandy beaches. It is a combination of all these things and so much more!
Don’t Come to Barcelona to Party
More importantly, don’t come to Barcelona if all you want to do is drink and party. While I want to encourage everyone to come and experience Barcelona, don’t be one of those tourists who come to a place without any interest in actually experiencing a different culture.
Check out my article about overtourism in Barcelona and what we can to do help, and you’ll get everything you need to know about how to visit Barcelona – and now on to why you should visit Barcelona!
Top Reasons to Visit Barcelona
There are so many reasons to visit Barcelona, but here are just a few of my favourites so you can see what Barcelona is known for and why you should come to Barcelona:
Architectural Marvels
Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture, particularly the work of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous Modernist Architect, who left his mark all over the city and has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Some of his iconic works include Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and houses such as Casa Batlló, but he’s not the only one who left beautiful buildings for us to enjoy.
The Gothic Quarter is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Barcelona to explore, with the Gothic Cathedral and hidden squares with ancient ruins from Roman times and more. The Eixample is the place to go for Modernism though, with spectacular buildings designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and other architects alongside Gaudí’s works.
If you appreciate unique and artistic architecture, Barcelona is a must-visit!
Historical Sites
Barcelona has a rich history, and you can explore historic neighbourhoods like the Gothic Quarter and visit landmarks such as the remains of a Roman temple, Montjuïc Castle, and more modern history with buildings from the early 1900s and remnants of the civil war in the 1930s.
Beneath the streets, archaeological digs have found ruins from Roman times and the 17th Century, which you can visit at the Born Cultural Centre.
Art and Culture
The city is home to many museums and galleries, filled with works by wonderful artists and impressive exhibits from all over the world. You can find everything from Egyptian sarcophagi to sailing boats, wax models to Roman ruins and everything in between in Barcelona museums around the city.
Catalan Culture is unique, and different from the rest of Spain – you can see cultural activities such as the castellers (human towers) celebrated at festivals and events with traditional dance performances of the sardana, which are incredible to watch.
Barcelona also has several theatres, music, and dance venues, as well as lots of street art and sculptures to enjoy too.
Food and Cuisine
Barcelona is renowned for its delicious food, especially its tapas and seafood. The city offers a diverse culinary experience, and you can enjoy traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes as well as international fare from all over the world.
You can find something to suit every budget here too, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants and excellent value lunchtime menus. Tapas is a great way to try various dishes as you order small portions to share.
Gastronomy Tours & Cooking Classes
One of my favourite ways to try the best food in Barcelona is on a food and wine tour that can take you on a culinary journey through the city’s markets, tapas bars, and restaurants. Explore rich Catalan gastronomy and discover the flavours of the region with a local guide who can pick out the tastiest treats for you.
If you like to cook then taking a paella cooking class is another wonderful way to learn about local cuisine, and most classes also include a visit to a market to buy the produce you’re going to cook with. After learning how to make the dishes you’ll then get to sit down with your classmates and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
These are some more of my favourite food tours and cooking classes in Barcelona:
Nightlife
Barcelona has a lively nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. The city comes alive after dark, and there are plenty of options for entertainment, with speakeasy cocktail bars, live music concerts and beachfront nightclubs to choose from. Just remember to be respectful of neighbours living nearby and quieten down when you are on the street outside.
Sports & FC Barcelona
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you can catch a football match at Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most famous football clubs. The FC Barcelona Museum is a popular place for football fans too, and while Camp Nou is undergoing restoration you can still visit the museum and catch a glimpse of the pitch.
Until November, FC Barcelona (known as Barça) will play their home matches at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, you can buy tickets for matches here.
Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992 and you can visit the Olympic and Sport Museum to learn more about this incredible competition and visit the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, as well as wander around Port Olympic which was created for the event.
Shopping
Barcelona offers a wide range of shopping options, from luxury stores on Passeig de Gràcia to high-street shops and malls and independent boutiques in Gracia and the Old Town. There are lots of places to buy souvenirs in Barcelona too and you can find all sorts of unique gifts for your loved ones.
Foodies will also love browsing the markets in Barcelona, and while La Boqueria is a popular spot for tourists, head to Santa Caterina in the Gothic Quarter or other local markets for a more authentic experience (and cheaper prices).
Beaches in Barcelona
Barcelona has several beautiful beaches along its coastline, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. You can relax by the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a drink or a meal with a view of the sea once you’ve explored the city.
Barcelona’s Parks
In addition to Park Güell, Barcelona has many other beautiful parks like Parc de la Ciutadella and the Collserola Natural Park in the mountains above the city. These green spaces offer a refreshing break from the urban hustle and bustle and a lovely way to get some exercise and fresh air.
Outdoor Activities
Barcelona’s climate is generally mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities, in particular, if you visit Barcelona in Spring or Autumn when it isn’t too hot, or in the summer, when water sports are a great way to cool off.
You can go hiking in the nearby Montjuïc Hill, go for a bike ride along the city’s many bike lanes or along the coast, or enjoy water sports like paddle boarding, sailing and windsurfing.
Even local parks have space to play ping pong, and there are numerous sports centres where you can play tennis, padel and other sports.
Day Trips from Barcelona
Barcelona’s location allows for easy day trips to picturesque destinations like Sitges, Girona, Tarragona, and the wineries of Penedès. These trips offer a chance to experience different areas of Catalonia and learn more about the region’s culture and landscapes.
Barcelona is also close enough for a day trip to France and Andorra, and for those who are short on time, you can even combine both on one (long) day trip to visit 3 countries on the same day!
Festivals and Events
Barcelona hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most famous is La Mercè in September, which includes a variety of concerts, street parades, and cultural celebrations. There are also music festivals, such as Primavera Sound and Sónar, which attract international artists and music fans from around the world.
Language and Learning
If you’re interested in learning or improving your Spanish or Catalan, Barcelona provides an immersive environment for you to work on your skills. When I studied Spanish here, it took me a while to tell the difference between Catalan and Spanish, but once you figure it out it is much easier!
You can take language classes and practice your skills while exploring the city, and there are plenty of language exchanges where you can meet local people and expats to practise with.
Catalan Identity
Speaking of Catalan, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and the city’s unique blend of Spanish and Catalan influences adds to its charm. To me, Barcelona doesn’t feel like a Spanish city, it is most definitely a Catalan one, so you will have a completely different experience here than you would in Madrid or other cities in Spain.
Catalans are proud of their history and culture, in particular the language – so learn a few words in Catalan to impress them!
Cultural Diversity
Barcelona is a multicultural city, and you’ll find a mix of cultures and communities in the various neighbourhoods of Barcelona. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, music, and events. You can get every kind of food here, and rarely a week goes by without some sort of festival or event celebrating different cultures as the varied communities get together.
I hope all of that has helped you to realise that Barcelona is definitely worth visiting!
Cons of Visiting Barcelona
Of course, nowhere is perfect and there are some things you should be aware of before you come to Barcelona so you know what to expect and can prepare.
Overtourism & Crowds
Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak season. This means it can get horrendously busy in the city centre, with crowded attractions, long lines, and an unpleasant experience all around. Try to avoid coming to Barcelona in the summer, and make the most of the shoulder- and off-season if you can!
More importantly, be aware of the issues faced by local people in this fast-changing world of gentrification and overtourism. Residents are frustrated and angry with disrespectful tourists staying in Airbnb rentals that should be homes, making noise and littering the streets, so don’t be one of them!
Pickpocketing
Like many tourist cities, Barcelona has issues with pickpocketing and petty crime like bag snatching. You need to be careful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas such as Las Ramblas and public transportation. To help keep your stuff safe, I recommend investing in a theft-proof backpack and consider getting some hidden-pocket clothing to keep your belongings out of reach.
Protests and Demonstrations
Barcelona has experienced political tensions and demonstrations, in particular those related to Catalonia’s push for independence from Spain. While these events are generally peaceful, they can disrupt normal activities and transportation, so keep an eye on the news and avoid big crowds.
Language Barrier
While many people in Barcelona speak English, Catalan is the official language with Spanish, and some locals may prefer speaking Catalan first and then English over Spanish. Learning a few basic phrases in Catalan will certainly help you to mix with the locals, but Spanish is also very useful for day-to-day communication and better than nothing!
High Prices
Barcelona is relatively expensive compared to many other Spanish cities. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment costs are some of the highest in Spain, especially in popular tourist areas like the Gothic Quarter and Eixample. If you’re on a budget, then try to avoid peak summer and holiday periods and weekends which are the most expensive.
Late Dining Hours
The local dining culture involves eating dinner later in the evening, with Catalan dinners not usually starting until 9 or 10pm. Most tourist eateries will open at 7pm to cater for tourists’ earlier dining times, but don’t be surprised if you only hear foreign voices in the restaurant!
Other Questions You Might Have about Visiting Barcelona
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, yes! Just take a look at all those reasons above, from food and gastronomy to Catalan culture, nightlife and the beautiful city – but remember to be respectful and visit Barcelona responsibly.
Is Barcelona a Good Holiday Destination?
Barcelona can be an excellent holiday destination if you’re looking for a city break as it has the best of any European city, combined with beautiful beaches and proximity to mountains and countryside for day trips.
If you are visiting Barcelona with kids then I’d probably suggest a few days in the city and then a few days on the Costa Brava or further south to spend some time at the beach away from the city or visiting a theme park like PortAventura.
However, if you’re just looking for a beach vacation or to party without any interest in local culture then there are cheaper and less crowded places to visit.
Is Barcelona Safe for Tourists?
Barcelona is a safe city, with low levels of violent crime. However, pickpocketing can be a problem so I use a theft-proof backpack and hidden-pocket clothing like my Waypoint travel scarf to keep my belongings safe
You can read more about whether Barcelona is safe to visit in this article here.
Is Barcelona Expensive or Cheap to Travel To?
It is usually quite cheap to travel to Barcelona, with budget airlines and train connections to the city offering various choices. However, prices do increase significantly during the summer and peak holiday season, and once you’re here you’ll see how expensive it can be.
Accommodation in Barcelona can be extremely expensive, so try to book your trip during quieter periods in the shoulder or off-season. If you want to visit Barcelona on a budget there are lots of free things to do in Barcelona to help your money last longer!
Is Barcelona a Nice City?
Barcelona is my favourite city on earth, and I adore it! It is easy to navigate and get around, and beautiful architecture is everywhere you look, from Gothic buildings to Modernist marvels.
It can get horribly busy during the summer but even then there is still plenty to enjoy – but please, please do your best not to contribute to the problems in the city and be a respectful visitor!
How many Days in Barcelona is Enough?
I’d say you need a minimum of two or three days in Barcelona to get the best of the city; a Barcelona day trip is simply not enough time! However, you could easily spend a week in Barcelona and still have plenty of things to keep you busy.
I wrote a separate article on how many days in Barcelona is enough to help you decide how to plan your Barcelona itinerary and how much time to spend here.
When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona?
I love spring and autumn (fall) in Barcelona so I’d say that the best time to visit Barcelona is from April until June or in autumn in September and October. Barcelona in winter can be lovely with the Christmas decorations and holiday events, but Barcelona can be awfully hot and busy in the summer so avoid August in particular if you can! ➡️ Check out more advice for the best time to visit Barcelona
Which is better, Barcelona or Madrid?
Choosing between Barcelona and Madrid ultimately depends on your own preferences and interests. Barcelona is known for its unique architectural masterpieces and a strong Catalan cultural identity. The city has beautiful beaches, the UNESCO listed works of Antoni Gaudí, and is my personal favourite city in the world (although I may be biased!).
On the other hand, Madrid, as the capital of Spain, is known for its rich history, world-class museums like the Prado, and incredible cuisine. Madrid is often seen as the political and cultural centre of the country and to me seems more formal during the day but also more lively at night.
If you prefer a coastal city with a strong regional character and innovative architecture, Barcelona will be the choice for you. However, if you lean towards a city with a traditional, historic feel, and a focus on art and museums, Madrid could be more appealing, although Barcelona has its share of art and museums too!
So, Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?
100% YES! I hope with all of this I have convinced you that Barcelona is an incredible city and definitely worth including in your Spain itinerary, and Europe itinerary – if you do it properly! If you have any more questions about visiting Barcelona, head over to our Facebook group and join the conversation there.