Barcelona - the three C’s: Coastal, Cosmopolitan, and the Capital of Spain’s Catalonia province. Okay, that may be four C’s, but who’s counting? Barcelona is filled to the brim with contemporary art and influence, gothic architecture, and a booming world of gastronomy.
A visit to Barcelona feels like a visit to another world, and it can be difficult to know how to navigate that! Lucky for you, we are here with some helpful tips on living your best Catalan life in Barcelona.
Catalan Culture
Don't confuse Catalonia with Spain. Catalonia is a province of Spain, and its capital city is considered Barcelona, whereas Spain’s capital is Madrid. The two also have their own unique dialects that should be recognized. They are distinct languages representing different cultures; You will find Spanish in Spain and Catalan in Catalonia.
Pickpocketing
Do keep your eyes open for pickpockets, especially in crowded public places. Tourist and local-heavy areas such as Las Ramblas or near the Sagrada Familia are areas prone to more pickpocketing attempts, so you should keep an eye on your belongings at all times. If you find someone approaches you animatedly to get you to sign something or is excitable, walk away and say no thank you. For extra precaution, leave your valuables in the hotel safe and take only as much cash as you'll need for the day.
Lunch and Dinner
Don't expect to eat lunch before 1pm, or dinner before 8 pm at most restaurants and shops. Locals in Barcelona eat later in the day and at night, so use your leisure time before meals to try some tapas (small dishes) like croquettes, sardines, pan con tomate, patatas bravas, and more. Plus, when in Barcelona, try to embrace the siesta - the period of time in the afternoon (typically the hottest temperatures) when you are encouraged to rest and escape the heat.
Dress-Code
Do dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. We know it is unrealistic to wear long pants and long sleeves in the middle of the summer, but bring a shawl, sweater, or wrap to throw over your shoulders, waist/knees, if you plan to visit any religious sites. Most cathedrals and churches will not allow you to enter if you do not meet the dress code, out of respect for the institution.
Drinking Etiquette
Don't over-consume your beer or wine. Drinking culture in Barcelona - specifically during the day, early evening, and at meals - is quite contained, and you will find that beer and wine are often served in a caña (small glass). Aside from the excitement of Barcelona’s bustling nightclub scene, drunkenness is frowned upon, especially in public. Enjoy slowing things down, and take the opportunity to try new drinks in smaller portions!
Smoking and Antismoking
Do be careful and considerate if or when you smoke. Even though you may find more locals smoking than you would typically see in the U.S. Spain has anti-smoking laws that ban smoking in enclosed spaces. That includes bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs, open-air tourist buses, and airports.
Explore the City
Don't spend your entire time in Barcelona in the main areas of the city (Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia). While these are incredible neighborhoods and are popular for a reason, Barcelona has so much more to offer! Some neighborhoods that are still accessible but often overlooked include Eixample, El Raval, El Born, Montjuic, Gracia, and more. Dive deep into Barcelona’s culture of Picasso, Olympics history, smaller boutiques and wine bars, and Bohemian vibes.
Ready to explore Barcelona and put these tips to the test? Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and the ELx Travel team will plan your visit to Barcelona!