To help you plan your sightseeing, I've listed my ideal itineraries for Barcelona, whether you're going for one day, two days, three days, or more. Barcelona is easily worth two days, and no one would regret having a third day (or a fourth, or a fifth…).
What you can see and do in Barcelona depends largely on how much time you have. While two days is enough to round up the main attractions, I would encourage you to spend at least three days in the city in order to take advantage of some of the city's other charms…
Yes, while Barcelona is generally safe for tourists, certain areas like El Raval, parts of the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and the Barceloneta beachfront have higher risks for petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching), especially at night, due to large crowds and opportunistic thieves; serious violent crime is less common but awareness is key, particularly avoiding unlit alleys and staying alert in busy transit hubs.
What should I see in Barcelona for the first time?
What to Do in Barcelona. Explore all things Gaudí: like Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. Walk by foot through the Gothic Quarter to see beautiful architecture. Head to the W Hotel for a beautiful view from the top.
While you can get by with English, speaking some Spanish or Catalan can improve your experience. Locals appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just basic phrases. This can help in building connections and showing respect for the local culture.
Yes! Barcelona is full of budget restaurants, market bars, and affordable tapas spots where you can eat well without breaking the bank. With a daily budget of €35–40, you can enjoy local food, street food, and great value meals throughout your trip. So now you know how much to budget per meal in Barcelona.
Tipping is never required, even in Spain's most tourist-heavy city. Locals don't tip routinely, and service staff don't expect it. That said, Barcelona sees more visitors, so you might see tipping more often in central restaurants or hotels. If you feel the service was worth it, leave a euro or two.
The “1:1 rule” states that Barça can only spend on sports salaries as much as their income and accounts allow. LaLiga calculates a limit (LCPD) taking into account the club's expected income and remaining expenses, such as non-sports salaries or management expenses.
You must eat iconic tapas like Patatas Bravas, Croquetas, and Bomba, along with staples like Pa amb Tomàquet (tomato bread) and Jamón Ibérico, while enjoying traditional dishes such as Paella, Fideuà, fresh seafood, and the Catalan dessert Crema Catalana for a true Barcelona food experience, often found in bustling tapas bars and local restaurants.
Avoid the hottest hours, using them to rest or to be on the beach, but not to walk the streets of Barcelona. We're not just saying this because you can get sunburnt, but also because of the fine you'll be fined for walking around the city without a T-shirt on.
People who walk alone very late at night in those areas and who might be a little drunk are most at risk of being mugged. Generally everyone can walk the streets of Barcelona and tate the metro in complete safety from violence.
Barcelona in particular is a city that has suffered from overtourism for many years. Concerns became elevated in 2018 and 2019, directed at both beach and cultural tourism, with protests and anti-tourist graffiti.
