Gaudí’s pancake-like houses in Park Güell – and the view over Barcelona city
This is how to avoid the worst tourist traps in Barcelona and Catalonia
There are a lot of tourists in Barcelona
It’s important to steer clear of the worst tourist traps.
But there aren’t actually many European tourists anymore…
The vast majority of tourists are Asian, especially Chinese and Korean.
And as something new, there are also a lot of Indians visiting Barcelona.
It’s rare to hear German, Dutch or Scandinavian at the sights in Barcelona.
Michael Madsen shares tips for avoiding tourists in Barcelona
Top 5 attractions in Barcelona with way too many tourists
These attractions are overcrowded and simply not worth a visit.
They are tourist traps – stay away from them.
1. La Rambla
Barcelona’s iconic pedestrian street, which is one of the things Barcelona is most known for.
Once upon a time, it was cozy with fun stalls, bird sellers and a special atmosphere.
Not anymore! Gone is all the fun, cozy and special.
Now there are just thousands of tourists packed tightly together.
And you are constantly harassed by tourist restaurants that want to lure people in.
It’s so bad that I can only say: Stay far away.
2. The Gothic Quarter
The most beautiful quarter in Barcelona. And historically interesting.
Unfortunately, the old, narrow streets are packed with tourists.
It’s completely crazy in the famous squares:
Plaça Reial – the most famous square – where tourist restaurants are lined up.
Placeta del Pi – by the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi – there are tourist stalls everywhere.
Pacita de la Seu – by the Cathedral of Barcelona – is full of tourists and stalls.
However, it is possible to find less busy streets and alleys in the Gothic Quarter – if you move out to the periphery.
Close to the El Born district it gets better. And El Born is also a really nice area.
Make sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in El Born – also called the Cathedral of the Sea after the book by the same name. A unique experience – see further down in the article.
3. Plaça Catalunya
Barcelona’s central square, from where everything starts.
There is nothing special about the square. It has no sights.
But there is a huge crowd. I have never seen so many people in one place!
It can be difficult to avoid Plaça Catalunya, but do it if you can!
4. Montserrat Mountain
The jagged mountain with a monastery and the Black Madonna, which is an object of pilgrimage for travelers from far and wide.
The mountain is actually very beautiful – with distinctive rock formations.
But the monastery was newly built after Napoleon destroyed the old monastery, so it is not that historically interesting.
And the queue of tourists up to the Black Madonna is unbearable.
There are no pilgrims to see – only tourists.
The cogwheel railway up the mountain is just like an ordinary train ride. Nothing special.
However, there is an additional cogwheel railway all the way to the top of the mountain – with fantastic views.
So take the trip for the mountain and the views – not for the monastery or the Black Madonna.
5. The Dalí Museum in Figueres
The charismatic Catalan artist Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres, 1½ hours from Barcelona.
He donated his remaining works to the museum in his hometown.
However, Dalí’s most important works hang in other museums around the world, so it’s all the lesser-known works that can be experienced in Figueres.
And then there are the tourists. Far too many for my taste. You get to stand very close in there!
Top 5 attractions that are worth it – despite the tourists
The Nativity facade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
1. La Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s enormous masterpiece with sky-reaching towers and endlessly intricate details from the master’s creativity.
There are thousands of tourists both outside and inside. But that doesn’t matter here!
The reason for that is that Sagrada Familia is enormous and there is plenty of space everywhere – both outside and inside. Even in the towers there is space.
There is plenty of space to move around the entire Sagrada Familia unhindered – and outside – while admiring the many fine and fantastic details.
You don’t have to stand in line anywhere – unless you didn´t buy tickets in advance.
When you look up at the ceiling – and at the many fine high glass sections – you don’t see the tourists at all.
So don’t miss out on Sagrada Familia – it’s a great experience. You hardly notice the tourists at all when you are there.
Buy tickets for La Sagrada Familia here
Beautiful walk in green surroundings on Montjuïc mountain – with views of Barcelona city
2. Montjuïc Mountain
The mountain right in the heart of Barcelona – with the port on one side and the city center on the other – is a very nice experience.
From the old fort on the top, you can enjoy a fantastic view and get a good overview of the entire city.
There are quite a few tourists here, but it’s a large area, so they are spread out and don’t bother you.
Take the cable car from the Poble Sec district up to the top – in itself a good opportunity to overlook the city.
In addition to the old fort and its cannons, Montjuïc Mountain also offers the museum of the city’s famous painter Joan Miró, the Spanish village exhibition Poble Espanyol and the Olympic stadium from the 1992 Olympic Games.
Gaudí’s pancake-like houses in Park Güell – and the view over Barcelona city
3. Park Güell
Gaudí’s distinctive park with wavy benches, mosaic salamanders and cake houses.
These are some particularly special constructions and certainly something you have never seen before.
It is one of Barcelona’s biggest attractions, so of course there are many tourists here.
But there is plenty of space here, so you can easily experience the park without being bothered by the tourists.
However, it is necessary to have bought tickets from home – otherwise they are sold out.
Buy tickets for Park Güell here
Gaudí´s Casa Battlo seen from the outside
4. Casa Battló and La Pedrera/Casa Miló
The two most famous Gaudí houses are located on the shopping street Passeig de Gràcia, where all the expensive brand stores are located.
The Gaudí houses are exciting to see from the outside. But they are packed with tourists inside.
Casa Battló in particular is actually very special inside.
Every room is a new experience. Gaudí’s imagination for interior design was extraordinary.
But it can be difficult to get a good experience because of the many tourists.
The entrance tickets are not exactly cheap either…
You can settle with just seeing them from the outside. They are fantastic buildings from the outside.
Otherwise, make sure to book tickets for Casa Battló and La Pedrera/Casa Miló in advance.
Book tickets for Casa Battló here
Gaudí’s Casa Miló, also known as La Pedrera
Particularly good experiences in Barcelona and Catalonia
Cathedral of the Sea Santa Maria del Mar Basilica in the El Born district
1. Cathedral of the Sea
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar has a special story about how it was built, as described in the book “Cathedral of the Sea”. Read it before you visit Barcelona.
Unfortunately, the basilica is completely enclosed by the surrounding buildings, so there is not much to see from the outside.
But inside it is an absolutely fantastic experience.
Especially the ceiling of Catalan brick arches, the columns and the high glass panels are quite incredible!
I have never seen such a fantastic ceiling. A great experience.
If you only visit one church, it should be the Cathedral of the Sea. Absolutely unique!
And the best of all: there are almost no tourists here.
You will have the basilica almost to yourself. The whisper of history simply hits you here, which makes it a great and very authentic experience.
Tickets are required to enter.
Tickets for the Cathedral of the Sea, Santa Maria del Mar, can be purchased at the entrance. There is no queue.
4. El Born
The bohemian neighborhood right next to Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter.
El Born has almost as long a history as the Gothic Quarter – and is the very core of Medieval Barcelona.
Here you will find the Cathedral of the Sea in one of the old, cozy streets.
And Barcelona’s magnificent Picasso Museum. A must for art lovers.Tickets for the Picasso Museum here
There are also many cozy cafes and unique shops here.
And not nearly as many tourists as in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
3. Andorra
On the French border – 2½ hours from Barcelona – lies one of Europe’s smallest countries, Andorra.
The country has virtually no attractions – and is not really a sight in itself.
But it is located in the middle of the Pyrenees – with beautiful high mountains all around the capital city of Andorra la Vella.
The Pyrenees are quite impressive – and a fantastic scenery for a visit to Andorra.
So if the opportunity arises, visit Andorra and experience the best of the Pyrenees. A fantastic nature experience.
And there are no ‘ordinary’ tourists here. Only skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The old fisherman village of Cadaqués where Dalí got his inspiration
4. Cadaqués
The small idyllic fisherman´s village near the border with France with blue-painted windows and fishing boats in small bays.
This is where Dalí and other great artists found inspiration at the beginning of the 20th century.
There are not many fishing boats left here, though…
And quite a few tourists have already found their way here.
But even though it is not completely untouched anymore, it is a beautiful experience.
Beautiful little bays surrounded by cliffs and small houses with blue doors and windows. Quite idyllic.
The medieval city of Girona, not far from Barcelona
5. Girona
Just 1.5 hours from Barcelona is the best-preserved medieval city in Spain located.
Girona has avoided wars and the historic center is therefore as it was created in the Middle Ages.
Seasons of “Game of Thrones” were filmed here because of the many authentic medieval scenarios in the city.
And there are not many tourists here. You can move around the narrow old staircase streets without hindrance.
A truly authentic experience.
And then the beautiful view of the colorful houses along the river is just an extra bonus.
Transportation around Barcelona
Metro and bus make it easy to get around Barcelona.
And with Google Maps, there is no longer any need for bus schedules or to familiarize yourself with how the routes are.
It has become incredibly easy; Google Maps tells you, for example, that you can take either the metro or bus no. 55 up to the Monjüic cable car.
The only challenge is the tickets. Make sure to buy a good travel card from home, such as Hola Barcelona, which includes both metro and bus.
More about the Hola Barcelona card here
Beware of pickpockets!
You have to be extremely vigilant in Barcelona!
Pickpockets are skilled. Very skilled!
I personally experienced having the zipper on my backpack opened right in front of my nose.
Even though I had it on my chest and right in front of my eyes.
Make sure to keep everything in the inside pockets of closed jackets or in some other way very close to the body.
You cannot avoid be inattentive once in a while – and pickpockets take advantage of that.
Make sure to make it impossible for them!
Top 3 districts for staying
Where in Barcelona you want to stay is of course about what you are looking for – and how much you want to walk or take public transport.
Here are a few good suggestions:
1. El Born district
In the El Born district you will be very close to the most central places – with the Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Ciutadella Park and the port within walking distance.
And El Born is really cozy and authentic.
But it can also become too much…
There can be noise, beggars, drunks and pushy people here.
2. Poble Sec district
Poble Sec is located at the foot of Montjüic mountain, close to the port.
It’s really cozy here, very quiet, safe and local. A real residential area, although still traditional.
And then there are countless restaurants and bars, especially for tapas and drinks.
There is, among other things, an entire restaurant street where you can get everything in tapas and a cozy city atmosphere, without it being touristy at all.
The only downside is that it’s too far to walk to most things – so it means a lot of bus and metro travel.
3. Eixample district
The more modern Barcelona with long straight avenues and beautiful buildings.
Here you are close to the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudí houses – and a little away from the crowded center.
In Eixample you will find some of the better and more expensive restaurants – and some of the nicer shops.
Should be chosen if you want to stay a little nicer and have more exclusive options.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Barcelona and Catalonia:
Is it difficult to get around Barcelona?
Barcelona is a large and sprawling city, so it is too far to get around walking.
However, there is a well-developed and well-functioning public transport network.
Is it difficult to use public transport in Barcelona?
No. Both buses and the metro cover the entire city and they are frequently passing by.
It is easy to take both buses and the metro – even if you don’t know the city that well.
Buy a Hola Barcelona card – then you can use public transport as much as you want.
Is there a drought and water shortage in Barcelona?
Yes, Catalonia is one of the worst hit regions in Spain – after more than 4 years of drought.
To stem the drought, Barcelona plans to import water by ship from both Valencia and France.
Didn´t Catalonia declare independence?
Yes, on October 27, 2017, the Catalan Republic was proclaimed, but shortly after it was withdrawn again.
A Spanish state of emergency then put an end to the ambitions and the responsible leaders were arrested or had to flee abroad.
In 2024, an amnesty was approved for the responsible leaders in an attempt at reconciliation, as well as to win the separatists’ support for the socialist government in the Spanish parliament.
What is the status of Catalonia’s independence struggle?
The separatist parties ruled Catalonia for 14 years, but lost the elections in the spring of 2024. Now there is a socialist government loyal to Madrid.
Is the independence struggle over?
No, far from it! Even though they have lost power in the Catalan parliament, the separatist parties still have a lot of power because they also occupy seats in the Spanish parliament – and here they are the deciding factor in the survival of the socialist government.
Every single law the Spanish government wants to pass therefore comes with a price in the form of concessions and benefits for Catalonia.
Do you need to know Catalan to get around in Barcelona?
No. Both Spanish and Catalan are official languages. Many people also speak English in Barcelona.
There is hardly anyone in Barcelona who cannot speak Spanish. In fact, only a minority speak Catalan as their primary language.
Who speaks Catalan?
Although Catalan is the official language, far from everyone has it as their first language or mother tongue.
It is especially the well-educated, white-collar workers and higher social classes who speak Catalan as their first language and/or preferred language.
Many workers, unemployed and generally more ‘regular’ people speak primarily Spanish.
In addition, there are a lot of immigrants from other parts of Spain and the world – and they speak primarily Spanish.
Is it possible to visit FC Barcelona’s home ground, Camp Nou?
Yes. And there’s also a fantastic tribute to the club and the players in the FC Barcelona Museum.
Visit Camp Nou and the FC Barcelona Museum
What’s the best way to get to Barcelona from the airport?
The best way to get to Barcelona from the airport is by bus.
This requires a separate ticket (not included in the Hola Barcelona card).
Is there a combined ticket for everything we want to see in Barcelona?
Yes, there are a number of different combined tickets – including one to suit your needs.
How to get to Montserrat
Take a trip from Barcelona to Montserrat.
Here you will visit the monastery and get up close to the Black Madonna.
Book a trip to Montserrat here
Are there any Gaudí houses that are not crowded with tourists?
Yes, Gaudí’s first house, Casa Vicens, is less known and there are not as many tourists.
However, tickets must be purchased in advance.
Can you see Barcelona’s great cathedral from the inside?
Yes, Barcelona’s magnificent cathedral is open for entry with a ticket.
Barcelona Cathedral Tickets here
What is the best Flamenco show in Barcelona?
The flamenco show at the Barcelona City Hall Theatre is said to be the best.
Barcelona City Hall Theather Flamenco Show
Is Barcelona’s Picasso Museum worth a visit?
Yes, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is the largest Picasso museum in the world.
Picasso Museum Barcelona Tickets
How to avoid the worst tourist traps in Barcelona?
Stay away from La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, especially the most famous squares in the Gothic Quarter.
Plaça de Catalunya is also badly hit. Avoid it if you can.
Are there many tourists in Barcelona?
Yes, Barcelona is one of the most touristy cities in the world. There are a lot of tourists here.
How to avoid the tourist crowds?
If you just avoid La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter, you’re well off.
There are also many tourists in other places, but it’s not as intense.
In most other places there is plenty of space so the tourists are spread out nicely.
So it’s not so overwhelming. Even in La Sagrada Familia it’s okay even though there are a lot of tourists here.
Can you visit Barcelona without walking La Rambla?
Yes! Allow me flip over the question: What are you missing? Tourist crowds and tourist traps. Otherwise, nothing.
Not even if you manage to abstract from the tourist crowds is there anything nice or exciting about La Rambla anymore.
There used to be. But unfortunately not anymore…
But the Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona!
Yes. And the most interesting area historically.
But the tourist crowds are simply too much for ordinary people. It’s unbearable.
Make sure to avoid the popular squares, instead move towards the periphery – into the small streets where not so many people come.
In the periphery you can get a good experience of the Gothic Quarter.
Is the El Born district worth a visit?
Yes, definitely. It’s a cozy and beautiful bohemian neighborhood with small, quirky shops and cafes.
Many tourists also come here, but compared to the Gothic Quarter, there’s almost nothing.
You can even see some locals here! That doesn’t happen in the Gothic Quarter.
How to avoid Plaça de Catalunya?
It’s very difficult, because it’s the heart of Barcelona.
Most buses and metros stop here – and you often have to change buses here.
Take a deep breath and get it over with!
Is Montserrat Mountain outside Barcelona worth a visit?
Well, the Monteserrat Mountain itself is actually quite beautiful and fascinating – with jagged peaks and fantastic views.
The queue to the Black Madonna is horrendous – and there are no pilgrims to be seen – only tourists.
So take the trip for Montserrat Mountain and the views – not for the Black Madonna.
Is the Dalí Museum in Figueres worth a visit?
Dalí’s imagination and madness were legendary – and you can see some examples of that in the museum.
But his greatest works are exposed elsewhere, so only the lesser-known works can be experienced here.
And there are far too many people here for my taste. You get to stand far too close by the small works to really experience them!
Is La Sagrada Familia worth a visit?
Yes, unequivocally! It is a magnificent experience.
There are certainly thousands of tourists here, but there is enough space so you don’t notice them too much.
There are no queues – unless you haven´t secured a ticket in advance – so you can freely move around at your own pace.
Buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia here
Is Montjuïc Mountain worth a visit?
Yes, Montjuïc Mountain is actually a pretty nice trip that is highly recommended.
Take the cable car up from the Poble Sec district – that in itself is a nice experience with a view of the city.
From the fort at the top there is a nice view over all of Barcelona.
And here you can do a nice walk around the fort, which is surrounded by forest and green areas.
There is another cable car that goes down to the harbor.
Is Park Güell worth a visit?
Yes, for sure. It is definitely something you have never seen before!
The park has many crazy constructions. Gaudí had a crazy imagination.
And there is a nice view over Barcelona and the Mediterranean.
The many tourists are not a significant nuisance, because there is plenty of space here and they are spread evenly throughout the park.
Get tickets for Park Güell here
Are Casa Batlló and Casa Milá/La Pedrera worth a visit?
Definitely to see them from the outside. Gaudí created some very different buildings that you shouldn’t miss.
Casa Batlló in particular is also very special inside. But there are a lot of tourists!
Book tickets for Casa Battló here
La Pedrera/Casa Miló tickets here
Is the Cathedral of the Sea worth a visit?
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar – also called the Cathedral of the Sea – is probably the best and most authentic experience in Barcelona!
So yes, don’t miss the Cathedral of the Sea.
The mighty Catalan arches in the ceiling in particular will take your breath away.
And the best thing is that there are almost no tourists here – you pretty much have it to yourself.
Buy your tickets at the entrance – there are no queues here.
Is Andorra worth a visit?
Yes, I think so.
The country and its capital Andorra la Vella do not have any attractions.
But the country is located in the middle of the Pyrenees and is beautifully framed by 2-3 km high mountains all around.
It is a beautiful scenario – whether with snow or green hills around
Is Cadaqués worth a visit?
Yes, the small idyllic fisherman´s village that inspired Dalí and other great painters is a beautiful place.
Tourists have already found their way here, but the idyll is still well preserved.
Is Girona worth a visit?
Yes, absolutely! A nice and authentic experience.
The historic center has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages, which is rare.
So rare that season 6 of Game of Thrones was filmed here.
How to get around Barcelona?
Metro and bus are the two best forms of transport in Barcelona.
Buy a good travel card from home, such as Hola Barcelona, which includes both metro and bus.
See more about the Hola Barcelona card here
Are there many pickpockets in Barcelona?
Yes. And they are extremely skilled!
Always keep valuables in your inner pockets. Make it difficult for pickpockets!
Never walk around with expensive watches or mobile phones in plain sight.
Here are 3 super-nice places to stay in Barcelona:
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TSA La Rambla Remember you found it on Autentical.com! Book it on Booking.com.
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Sweett – Palau Remember you found it on Autentical.com! Book it on Booking.com.
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