The attached video is a photo exhibition in the form of a video, and it’s about tourists in Barcelona. I photographed the following 106 photos of tourists on my early autumn trip to Barcelona, when the weather there was still summer-like warm and sunny. Most of the tourists had already left the Barcelona scenery and a slight tiredness shone on the faces of the customer service staff. Still, according to my experience, it’s mostly okay to be a tourist in Barcelona, but you should prepare yourself for the trip, e.g. by buying tickets to attractions in advance to avoid unnecessary queues, if possible. You can watch my photo exhibition on YouTube As a Tourist in Barcelona now on my blog, and at the same time you will also get tips on what kind of clothes to pack and how to dress in Barcelona between September and October –

Video duration: 8:01

Barcelona travel tips and attractions

Barcelona, that jewel of Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast, is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. Its unique combination of historical splendor, modern architecture and rich cultural life make it an irresistible destination. Here are the tips and attractions that every tourist visiting Barcelona should experience.

Barcelona attractions

Sagrada Família
The famous unfinished church designed by Antoni Gaudí is undoubtedly Barcelona’s most famous landmark. Its detailed facades and massive towers make it an unforgettable sight. The construction work on the Sagrada Família church has been going on for over one hundred years, and rumor has it that this year, 2024, the construction work on the church would finally be completed. That’s a good reason enough to go to Barcelona again.

Park Güell
Another Gaudí’s masterpiece, Park Güell is a colorful and imaginative park that offers spectacular views across the Barcelona city. Its mosaic-decorated benches, strange structures and leafy paths make it the perfect place for an afternoon of relaxation. In hot weather, the park’s trees also provide cooling shelter and street musicians there provide entertainment.

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Walking through the narrow medieval streets of Barcelona’s oldest area, the Gothic Quarter, is fascinating. The area is home to historic buildings such as the Barcelona Cathedral, as well as numerous shops, cafes and bars.

La Rambla
Barcelona’s famous pedestrian street, La Rambla, is a pulsating vein that runs from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the seafront. On this street you can find street artists, small markets and kiosks that sell everything from delicious snacks to unique souvenirs. And besides, there are many, many people there, as you can see in the video.

Picasso Museum
Art lovers must visit the Picasso Museum, which displays the largest collection of early works by one of the world’s most famous artists. As a big fan of Picasso’s painting, the museum was personally a slight disappointment for me, and not only because I wasn’t allowed to take photos there.

Tips for a trip to Barcelona

Timing is everything
Barcelona is popular all year round, but the summer months can be particularly crowded. Consider visiting in the spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant but the tourist crowds are smaller.

Buy tickets in advance
Queues for the most popular attractions, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, can be long. Buy your tickets in advance online, and you’ll save time and avoid queuing.

Use public transport
Barcelona’s public transport is efficient and comprehensive. Use the metro, buses and trams to get to different parts of the city quickly and easily.

Taste local delicacies
Don’t leave Barcelona without tasting traditional Catalonian food and tapas. Barcelona’s gastronomy is a unique blend of the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients and the traditional and innovative cooking methods of Catalonia. This diverse food culture offers culinary experiences representing both traditional and modern cuisine, making Barcelona one of the richest gastronomic centers in Europe. Plan a couple of good restaurant or café visits in advance, because just by going to Barcelona on the spot, you might not find them good restaurants, and you will miss out on all the good taste experiences.

Traditional delicacies

Barcelona is especially known for its tapas, small portions that can include everything from seafood to meat and vegetables. Patatas bravas (Spanish tapas potatoes), gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic oil) and jamón ibérico (air-dried ham) are tapas favorites. Paella, another popular dish, features fresh seafood from Barcelona’s coastal area and is a saffron-flavored rice dish that can also include chicken or rabbit. Cava, the sparkling wine of Catalonia, is an important part of the local drinking culture and complements many meals. For dessert, crema catalana, the Catalan version of crème brûlée, offers a sweet end to the meal.

Modern gastronomy and fresh ingredients from the market

Barcelona doesn’t just live on its traditions; the city has numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. These restaurants offer unique experiences that challenge traditional notions of food. At the heart of Barcelona’s food culture are its squares and markets, such as the famous La Boqueria, full of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Popular with professional chefs and food lovers alike, this market offers access to a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and other local products.

Tips for tasting

When you visit Barcelona, feel free to try different dishes. The local markets offer a great opportunity to see where the people of Barcelona draw their inspiration from. Food tours are also a great way to learn more about local cuisine and discover hidden gems. Also remember that the locals eat late: lunch is typically enjoyed between 2pm and 4pm and dinner after 9pm.

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