A journalist who returned to Barcelona after 12 years was surprised to find the city far less hostile to tourists than headlines suggested. Despite Barcelona's reputation as a centre of anti-tourism protests, the visitor encountered no anti-tourist graffiti or signs, and locals were described as cheery and welcoming.
First Impressions
The last visit was 12 years ago, when a few anti-tourist signs were visible, mostly targeting the rise of Airbnb rentals. Since then, the city has introduced strict regulations on short-term rentals, with plans to phase out 10,000 tourist apartments by November 2028. Other measures include limiting visitor numbers at attractions like Park Güell and banning cruise ships from the central port, forcing them to drop passengers further away to reduce congestion.
Crowds and Attractions
Visiting in spring rather than peak summer, the city felt busy but not overcrowded. The Sagrada Familia, which receives around five million visitors annually, was well-prepared with efficient security lines and guided tours. A skip-the-line guided tour allowed the journalist to explore without feeling packed in. Similarly, an early morning visit to Casa Batlló, which sees 1.5 million visitors a year, was recommended to avoid queues.
Local Attitude
Despite expecting hostility, the journalist found locals to be friendly and helpful. Waiters patiently explained menus, and residents politely navigated around tourists taking photos. No anti-tourist graffiti was spotted, contrary to experiences in other parts of Spain. The journalist emphasised that the city's atmosphere was buzzing rather than packed, especially in spring or autumn compared to the hot summer months.
Advice for Tourists
The article suggests visiting in spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat and crowds. It also advises tourists to be sensitive: learn a few Spanish words, respect that Barcelona is someone's home, and spend money in local businesses rather than tourist traps. Such changes could help improve the reputation of British tourists abroad.
Travel Packages
TUI offers three-night city break packages to Barcelona from £666 per person, including flights from London Stansted and bed and breakfast at the 4* H10 Madison Hotel. Experiences such as a small guided tour of the Sagrada Familia with tower access start from £70 per adult, and a private early access tour of Casa Batlló with skip-the-line entry is available from £70 per person.
