Barcelona is a lively city filled with music, dancing, amazing food, and unique architecture. Before you take off to explore the city, be aware of these 9 things to know before visiting Barcelona to get the most out of your exploration.
Traveling to any foreign country or city can be daunting. But, with these tips, you will blend in more, and feel more comfortable as you explore!
Table of Contents
1. Language
There are 2 official languages in Barcelona; Catalan and Spanish. However, most locals also speak English as well since it is such a well-visited location. If you were hoping to practice a bit of your Español while in Barcelona, you totally can! And the locals are happy to indulge in your language practice.
Just don’t be surprised or disheartened when there are signs or information that you can’t understand at all – chances are it is Catalan!
Download offline translation for Spanish in Google Translate - check out other useful apps for navigating foreign countries!
2. Pickpocketers
While most locals love the tourism that keeps Barcelona’s economy booming, it also opens doors for others to prey on unaware travelers. Pickpocketing is a common profession in Barcelona, and you can be easily targeted if you don’t know what to look out for.
- Keep your valuables safely tucked in your bag.
- Keep your bags zipped and closed fully! If the bag won’t seal closed, use a different one!
- In crowded areas, wear your bag in front of your body. You may feel like a tourist doing this, but they already know you’re a tourist so you might as well protect your belongings!
- Many pickpocketers will set up a ploy/distraction to catch you off guard, be aware!
- Anyone can pickpocket, not just your stereotypical shady-looking man – keep your guard up!
Las Ramblas is especially notorious for pickpocketing since it draws in so many tourists!
3. Buy Tickets In Advance
Many of Barcelona’s top attractions can draw a line that will have you waiting for hours. With a little bit of extra planning, you can skip the lines and spend your time enjoying rather than waiting!
Places like Park Güell have a limited capacity, so the line can take hours, or you will simply be told to return later in the day. You often can buy tickets online, and schedule your entry for a specific time. That way, you know you’ll be able to cruise in when it works best for you.
Check out some of the Top Things To Do In Barcelona and buy your tickets!
4. The Schedule & "Siesta"
It may be surprising for tourists that aren’t prepared for the schedule in Spain regarding meal times and rest hours.
Lunch is typically eaten around 2:30-3:00pm, and dinner isn’t eaten until 20:00-21:00! For those used to eating at 18:00 or will be surprised to see that many restaurants may not even be open until after 20:00! Be sure to eat a big lunch to hold you over for dinner, as dinner meals are often much smaller.
While ‘siesta’ started in Spain, it isn’t observed everywhere, especially in a city the size of Barcelona. However, there are still quite a few restaurants and shops that close between 14:00-17:00! After a few days in Barcelona, and a few late nights out, you may join the siesta life to catch up on some rest.
5. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
While the tap water in Barcelona has been confirmed to be safe to drink, it tastes a little bit funny. That doesn’t mean you have to buy wasteful plastic bottles to stay hydrated in the Spanish sun! Barcelona has taken a massive initiative to reduce plastic bottle use by installing refill stations in public areas.
Find public refill stations in parks, plazas, and more to reduce your single-use plastic & save money!
6. Gratuity
On the note of eating out, tipping isn’t expected in Spain. Unlike too many places, servers are paid a living wage here! If you enjoyed your meal, leaving 5-10% is greatly appreciated! For taxis, you can simply round up to the nearest €5 to keep it easy!
If you do wish to leave a tip, you won’t be able to do so with your card. You won’t even see a spot to write a tip on the receipt like you can in the US! This leads us to our next point regarding cash.
7. Keep Cash On You
Not all stores and sellers can accept cards, especially some of the smaller local artisans. So, keep some Euros with you at all times for transport and food.
And as mentioned above, tips can only be left in cash!
Hide cash in your wallet or bag for an emergency and never flash your money around. Protect yourself from being a target!
8. Free Museum Day
Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month! This doesn’t apply to all museums, but worth being aware of.
Some museums offer different free admission days, and almost all museums are free on May 18 (International Museum Day).
Check out the places you’re looking to go to and see when they have reduced rates or free entry! Many offer free entry in the afternoon or early mornings. But, do be aware that many people cash in on these free days, so get there early!
Almost all attractions offer lower rates during the off-season. This will save you money, allow you to explore with fewer crowds, and help reduce the impact of over-tourism that is experienced in the peak season (summer months)!
9. The Best View
When the sky looks clear with only a few clouds in the sky, take that as the sign to get up to the Carmel Bunkers for sunset! Grab a jacket, some wine, snacks, music, and your favorite people, and get set up to watch the sunset!
This has definitely become more well-known, so be sure to get there EARLY! Like 2-3 hours before sunset early. Especially if you want a good place to sit to enjoy the views! Be social, and have fun – and even scout out some places to explore next!
Summary - Things To Know Before Visiting Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is. a lively city filled with music, dancing, amazing food, and unique architecture. Before you take off to explore the city, be aware of these 9 things to know before you go! It can be easy to fall into the tourist traps that are set up for unsuspecting travelers, but you can be smarter than that!
With these tips, you will blend in with the locals and get the most out of your experience!
