From sneaky pickpockets to tricked restaurants and dirty beaches, there are a few things to avoid while on a trip to Barcelona. Here, we take some time to tell you things to do in Barcelona and tell you the ten things you should not do.
Go see a bullfight
The prohibition of bullfighting in Barcelona came into force on January 1, 2012. Why? Because it’s cruel And, as any local could tell you, bullfighting is a Spanish thing, and “Catalonia is not Spain.” While there will certainly be a flood of people wanting to see a fight there before the ban goes into effect, should you really see something the locals are opposed to?
Girona or Reus error for Barcelona airport
Countless people fly to Barcelona Girona and Barcelona Reus each year without realizing that they are both miles from Barcelona. Doh! (In fact, only Ryanair describes these airports as ‘Barcelona’ airports.) Both are cities in their own right in their own separate provinces. Each is an inconvenient one hour bus ride away.
Instead: fly directly to Barcelona, or fly to Girona or Reus, but visit the local area first.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of flying: don’t assume that flying is always the fastest way to get to, from and around Spain. Often it will be the train!
Enter the Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is much more interesting from the outside, but the views aren’t among the best in the city because most of the building is under construction until 2026. As a result, you won’t be able to enter to witness the famous architecture first-hand.
Instead: to get good views of Barcelona, climb the statue of Columbus at the foot of the Ramblas.
Head to the nearest beach
Unless you like cigarette butt-infested concrete sand, sparkling water with plastic bags floating in it, and hordes of bustling beer-drinking tourists, don’t go to Barceloneta beach. But that does not mean that there is nothing to do in Barceloneta.
Instead: Better to take a short train ride to Ocata or San Pol de Mar.
Eat on the ramblas
Scam alert!
Instead: there is much better and cheaper food right next to Las Ramblas.
Being tricked by thieves pretending to show you a soccer move
When you are approached by a complete stranger and asked if you like Lionel Messi, should you try to tuck a leg between yours in an apparent attempt to show you a soccer move, then cover your wallet and yell ‘thief’?
Instead: politely say no, keep your hands on your wallet, and consider wearing a seat belt under your clothing.
Dress up and act like a tourist
Walking topless with a huge hat and a towel over your shoulder might seem like a good idea. But it really isn’t. The less conspicuous you are, the less likely you are to be robbed, robbed, or actually taken seriously by that local girl.
Instead: Just dress sensibly!
Take photos of the statues on the Ramblas without paying
Would you like to stay completely still for hours being interrupted by tourists and not being paid anything? Well then.
Instead: take a small loose change and put it in its box before breaking it. Usually you will get a little show for your troubles.
Take taxis everywhere
Taxis are too expensive.
Instead: two words. The subway . It will take you everywhere, for a fraction of the price. Buy a T10 card and each of the ten trips will cost you less than one euro.
Respect the queues
Forever. It’s an Iberian thing.
Instead : push when necessary and don’t take it seriously if someone pinches in front of you. Eventually you will do it with someone else.
