Is Barcelona worth visiting? It’s a fair question, especially with recent headlines about overtourism. I’ve been to Barcelona a long time ago, and while the city has a lot to offer—history, architecture, food, and the Mediterranean coast—it also has its challenges. Crowds, higher prices, and restrictions on short-term rentals are changing how visitors experience the city.
If you’re considering a trip, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Is it still possible to enjoy Barcelona without feeling overwhelmed? Can you experience its charm while avoiding the busiest spots? In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned along with tips to help you decide if Barcelona is the right destination for you.
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The Appeal of Barcelona
Barcelona has always had a certain pull. From the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter to Gaudí’s surreal architecture, the city blends history and creativity in a way that feels distinct from anywhere else. There was a time when you could walk along La Rambla, and hear street musicians, smell freshly baked churros, and see locals chatting over coffee at sidewalk cafés.
Then there’s the food—market-fresh seafood, delicious tapas, and the simple pleasure of pan con tomate. And, of course, the Mediterranean is always nearby, offering a chance to slow down along its beaches or watch the sunset from a seaside bar. Barcelona has an energy that draws people in, but is that enough to justify a visit with the current challenges?
Understanding Overtourism in Barcelona
Barcelona has long been a tourist favourite, but in recent years, the sheer number of visitors has started to strain the city. Overtourism isn’t just about crowded streets—it affects housing, local businesses, and even daily life for residents. Rising rents, disappearing neighbourhood shops, and overwhelmed public spaces have led to growing frustration among locals.
In the summer of 2024, protests made headlines as residents voiced their concerns, holding signs that read “Barcelona is not for sale” or “Go home tourists” holding water pistols in their hands.
For travellers, it raises an important question: how do you visit responsibly without contributing to the problem?
Measures Taken to Address Overtourism
In response to growing frustration, Barcelona has introduced stricter rules to manage tourism’s impact. The city has cracked down on short-term rentals, banning new licenses for tourist apartments and increasing inspections on illegal listings. Tourist taxes have also gone up, with visitors now paying higher fees for hotels and cruises. Officials hope these measures will ease pressure on housing and public spaces while generating revenue to support local infrastructure.
Reactions have been mixed. Many residents support the changes, seeing them as necessary to reclaim their neighbourhoods. Some businesses, however, worry about losing income. For travellers, these new rules mean higher costs and fewer Airbnb options, but also a chance to experience a city that’s trying to find balance.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Barcelona Now
If you’re thinking about visiting Barcelona, it’s worth considering both the benefits and the challenges of travelling there today.
Pros:
- Cultural Experiences: The city’s festivals—like La Mercè and Sant Jordi—offer a chance to see Barcelona at its most vibrant, with music, traditions, and local celebrations.
- Authentic Neighbourhood Experiences: Efforts to regulate short-term rentals aim to preserve the character of local neighbourhoods. This initiative supports the return of traditional shops and fosters a community atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage more authentically with residents and daily life.
- Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: The city’s focus on sustainable tourism encourages visitors to explore lesser-known areas, reducing pressure on popular sites and promoting a more balanced distribution of tourist activity.
Cons:
- Crowded Attractions: Iconic sites like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell continue to draw large crowds, leading to long wait times and a less-than-great experience.
- Increased Costs: The recent doubling of tourist taxes in Catalonia means higher expenses for accommodations. For instance, visitors in Barcelona may pay between €2 to €7 daily in tourist taxes, impacting overall travel budgets.
- Regulatory Changes: The city’s ban on new short-term rental licenses and plans to phase out existing ones by 2029 may limit accommodation options and require travellers to seek alternative lodging, such as hotels.
- Local Sentiments: Growing local protests against mass tourism highlight resident frustrations over housing affordability and quality of life. If you are visiting, you need to be mindful of these sentiments and strive to engage respectfully with the community.
- Not Ideal for Slow Travellers: Visiting Barcelona now is difficult in connecting with locals. With ongoing protests and rising anger over mass tourism, many residents are less open to interacting with tourists, making it harder to experience the authentic local culture. This growing tension can detract from the immersive, slow travel experience many seek.
Barcelona isn’t off-limits, but visiting now requires a bit more thought and flexibility.
Experience Barcelona Like a Local: Where to Go, Eat, and Shop Responsibly
To truly experience Barcelona beyond the tourist crowds, it’s important to seek out places that offer an authentic taste of local life—whether through its hidden gems, unique eateries, or charming shops.
| What to Do | Where to Shop | Where to Eat + Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Batlló: Go after 6 PM, and you’ll receive a glass of cava as you walk through one of Gaudí’s most popular buildings Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: A museum of Catalan art and culture Basílica de la Sagrada Família: Visiting this masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is a must | Mercat del Ninot: A local’s favourite market in L’Eixample with food shops as well as stalls that sell clothing, jewellery, and books. Mercat de Sant Antoni: A 143-year-old food market where locals shop for the day’s groceries | Bar Cañete: A tapas place in El Raval Bar PINOTxO: Classic tapas counter in the Mercat de Sant Antoni Cal Pep: Long-standing local restaurant known for its traditional dishes |
For a break from the crowds, consider a day trip to the Pyrenees—like my visit to Vall de Núria, where the fresh mountain air and quiet trails offered a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos.
Final Thoughts: Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?
Barcelona is one of those cities that stays with you. Its history, architecture, and way of life make it an unforgettable place. But visiting now requires more thought than it once did. As much as I love walking through the Gothic Quarter or sipping vermouth by the sea, I also recognize the challenges locals face with mass tourism.
If you choose to visit, consider staying in locally run hotels, dining at neighbourhood restaurants, and exploring beyond the usual hotspots. Travel should be a two-way exchange—about experiencing a place but also respecting it. Barcelona is still worth visiting, but the way we travel matters more than ever.
If Barcelona feels overwhelming, consider Valencia instead—fewer crowds, great history, and stunning beaches. Swap the chaos for a more relaxed experience!
