What Not To Do in Barcelona: Top 10 Tourist Fails To Avoid
- Expect people to speak English.
- Leave a tip.
- Pay for basic tapas.
- Pay for a walking tour.
- Go to a Flamenco show.
- Show up at La Sagrada Familia without a ticket.
- Buy anything on Las Ramblas.
- Order paella that’s advertised with stock photos.
In this post
What should you not wear in Barcelona?
Do not wear heavy cotton denims typical of Northern Europe and USA/Canada during summer months- choose light-weight denim cotton instead. Do choose lighter coloured clothing during summer months and more muted/autumnal conservative colours during cooler months. Do respect religion.
What areas of Barcelona are unsafe?
Three districts to avoid in Barcelona
Want to be on the safe side? Then consider avoiding Ciutat Vella. This covers the area of the Barri Gotic, El Born, El Raval, and Barceloneta.
Is Barcelona dangerous for tourists?
Barcelona is generally still considered to be a safe place to visit by international standards. Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Spain and before the Covid pandemic the city welcomed around 9 million tourists a year.
Why is Barcelona dangerous?
Barcelona is no more dangerous than anywhere else you’ve been. There are indeed tons of pickpockets and other crimes of opportunity, but the risk of violence is extremely low. I’m certain it’s no worse than in Italy. So if you were fine travelling in Rome and Naples, you’ll be fine in Barcelona.
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 it OK to wear shorts in Barcelona?
Locals won’t be wearing shorts outside the summer season and you will stand out as a tourist if you are wearing yours. Up to you though! Don’t wear your beach / swimwear around the city, this isn’t the done thing. There are no laws or rules against this but you might get some strange looks from the locals if you do.
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 Rambla safe?
Las Ramblas, the main promenade through central Barcelona, is humming with activity 24 hours a day and – pickpockets and tourist scams aside – is considered safe. Late at night, the south end of the street may feel a little seedy but is still relatively safe (and pretty easy to avoid if you prefer).
Is it OK to wear shorts in Spain?
People wear shorts – there is no taboo about it, but you will find that older people, people working and in more formal situations people wear longer trousers.
What should you not wear in Spain?
Nix the dirty denim, sports t-shirts and shabby shoes, especially if you’re visiting style-conscious cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It’s all in the fit. Baggy shirts and shorts just won’t cut it in Spain.
How can I avoid being robbed in Barcelona?
Here’s how to avoid it happening to you:
- Get the airport bus. If you fly to Barcelona, take a cab or the bus from the airport.
- Don’t carry more than you need.
- Be tourist-aware.
- Leave your backpack at home.
- Know underground vs.
- Be terrace smart.
- Cab it.
- Blondes don’t have more fun.
Is the tap water drinkable in Barcelona?
It’s in accordance with both WHO and EU water standards, and Spain’s own governmental sanitation agency that oversees tap water, the Ministerio de Sanidad, says that Spanish tap water is 99.5% safe to drink.
Will I get mugged in Barcelona?
Trying to Steal the Suitcase
Like all major cities, muggings can happen at any time, anywhere in the world. Barcelona is a beautiful city and although muggings happen, it should not discourage travelers from exploring that area. Instead, we need to be more cautious, aware, but not paranoid.
Are taxis in Barcelona safe?
Yes, taxis in Barcelona are incredibly safe. The prices are regulated by a taximeter to prevent overcharges.
Do you tip in Barcelona?
While tipping isn’t expected in Spain, it is always welcome, and if you feel so inclined you can be sure that your contribution will be appreciated. On the other hand, if you experience bad or surly service, don’t feel obligated to leave a tip. Restaurant checks always include service.
What is considered rude in Spain?
No sorbas (Don’t slurp): While in other countries such as Japan, this is considered polite, it’s rude to slurp in Spain. No eructes (Don’t burp): Just like slurping your food, burping is considered rude in Spain. Some people definitely burp in public, but trust us, no one likes those people.
Do they wear jeans in Spain?
Top style tips for Spain
On the whole, they dress conservatively and make an effort when they go out, even if it’s just doing the daily shopping. Jeans are very popular here in every style and worn throughout the year and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe.
How do you act in Barcelona?
How to act like a local in Barcelona in 5 steps
- Eat like a local. When in Barcelona, you absolutely must experience all the delicious food that the city has to offer.
- Enjoy vermouth time.
- Watch the sun set at Bunkers del Carmel.
- Prepare to have late meals.
- Don’t leave without shopping.
What should I wear to dinner in Barcelona?
We have found that smart casual is best. For men, shirt and slacks are great. Women; casual dress, slacks and blouse or capri and nice blouse OK. Unless you go to a very formal expensive restaurant, you should be fine with above suggestion.
What kind of food is Barcelona known for?
- Paella. Paella. It’s impossible to talk about Barcelona food and not mention paella.
- Croquettes. Croquettes.
- Patatas Bravas. Patatas Bravas.
- Jamon Iberico. Jamon Iberico.
- Potato Bombas. Potato Bombas.
- Gazpacho. Gazpacho.
- Escalivada. Escalivada.
- Fideuà Fideuà