No, it’s not rude as it is the language of many or a majority of residents and it’s also an official language. It is however polite to try and engage in Catalan to Catalan speakers, as Catalan is Catalonia’s own language. People will be very appreciative if you do.
In this post
Should I speak English or Spanish in Barcelona?
English is the lingua franca, what tourists who don’t know Spanish or Catalan have to use when visiting Catalonia.
Can you speak regular Spanish in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, 98% of the population speaks Castilian Spanish. About 50-60% of Barcelona’s total population speaks Catalan. Some of the Catalan speakers speak it as a first language, and Castilian Spanish to them is considered a “second language”.
What should you not say in Barcelona?
13 Things Tourists Should Never Say in Barcelona
- “Isn’t it siesta time?”
- “It’s so typically Spanish”
- “Catalan is basically just Spanish, right?”
- “When’s bullfighting season?”
- “La cuenta por favor”
- “Cava is just cheap Champagne”
- “It’s the lazy Spanish work ethic that makes the economy slow”
- “I’d like some Parma ham”
What language should I speak in Barcelona?
Most of the people who live in Barcelona are bilingual and speak Catalan and Spanish, which is also an official language. Street names and most road and transport signs are in Catalan..
Is Barcelona English friendly?
Answer. Yes. Many people speak English especially the people that tourists generally come into contact with. English is quite widely spoken in Barcelona, especially in the tourist industry and by many young Spanish/Catalan people.
Where should you not stay in Barcelona?
- Raval. In the southern part of the old town (Gothic) is an area to avoid: Raval.
- La Mina and Sant Adrià de Besòs. As you walk through the streets of La Mina, you’ll probably notice the amount of trash.
- La Rambla and El Born. La Rambla becomes a stronghold for prostitutes and johns at night.
Do Spanish people like when you speak Spanish?
The vast majority of Spanish people really do appreciate attempts to speak their language, but as with places all over the world, there are some rude people out there!
Is it difficult to learn Spanish in Barcelona?
The answer? Yes, you will able to learn Spanish in Barcelona. But, in some ways, it could be a little tricky – depending. Barcelona is the Capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid.
Is it better to learn Spanish or Catalan in Barcelona?
If you want to connect with Catalan culture and have a more personal insight into the indigenous culture, then it’s best to learn Catalan. If you wish to be more widely understood, then learning Spanish would be the option.
Are Barcelona locals friendly?
The people of Barcelona are generally very friendly, non-aggressive, calm, helpful and generous, particularly with their time.
How do you avoid looking like a tourist in Barcelona?
Crucial Barcelona tips and tricks to avoid looking like a tourist
- Do book popular activities and experiences in advance.
- Don’t rent an Airbnb.
- Do stay longer (and in the city centre)
- Do avoid the free museum days.
- Do understand the difference between Catalan and other cultures in Spain.
How do I not look like a tourist in Spain?
Here’s how to NOT look like a tourist in Madrid, Spain
- Do make sure to drink beer.
- Do eat a big lunch then tapas late at night.
- Don’t go to a night club before 1am.
- Do have a go at jogging in Retiro Park.
- Don’t bother wearing flip flops.
- Do always wear or carry sunglasses.
Is Catalan more difficult than Spanish?
Yes, I’d say Catalan is easy for Spanish speakers, and particularly if you know one other Romance language as well as Spanish. Catalan would also be relatively easy for Italian speakers. In fact, if you live in Catalunya, learning Catalan would be the easiest language to learn.
How safe is Barcelona?
The ‘Safe Cities Index 2019’ by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), confirmed that Barcelona was one of the safest cities in the world in terms of general crime and overall ranked 19th in personal security and 26th overall in the world.
Do all Catalans speak Spanish?
Despite the cultural and political autonomy of Catalonia, almost all Catalans speak Spanish, often as their first native language.
Can I survive in Spain with English?
Sure. If you’re living in a major city, studying a course taught in English, interning or working at a company that requires English, or are living in expat areas such as Costa del Sol or Malaga, you can get by with just English in Spain. In all these scenarios, you can live in Spain even if you don’t speak Spanish.
Is it safe to walk in Barcelona at night?
It’s GENERALLY safe to walk around late at night. But it’s always best to avoid areas that lack crowds of people e.g. deserted streets, quiet alleys. Do as you’d do at home and avoid them if you’re walking around by yourself. We’d recommend that you take a taxi instead of walking home by yourself at night.
Is Barcelona walkable?
As anyone who has visited knows, Barcelona is absolutely dreamy — one of the most pleasant, walkable cities on Earth, filled with markets, sidewalk cafes, and bustling street life.
What is the best month to visit Barcelona?
The best time to visit the Barcelona is from May to June when balmy temperatures in the low to mid-70s mesh with a flurry of festivals that trumpet the advent of summer. The actual summertime is sticky with humidity – locals leave their beloved city in droves to catch a breeze somewhere else.
Is 10 days in Barcelona too long?
10 days in Barcelona would be GREAT if you’d like it to be a relaxing visit, doing very little each day, making daytrips to NEARBY towns like Girona/Gerona and Sitges. You can “DO” the city of barcelona in about 6 days if you’re REALLY diligent and have daylight.