People who arrive in Barcelona for the first time often experience an overwhelming sense of familiarity. They may have never been to the Catalonia region before. However, they’ve likely seen more photos of Barcelona than any other city in the world. Rather than a literal sense of déjà vu, new visitors already have Antoni Gaudí’s architecture imprinted in their minds.
I experienced this when I first visited Spain’s second biggest city. Before arriving, I had saved hundreds of photos of the city’s beaches, tapas bars, and cultural landmarks. I felt as though I had lived there all my life.
However, I realised that familiarity can create false confidence. I often found myself lost, confused, and overwhelmed. To help you avoid my mistakes, I’ve compiled a list of tips for your first trip to Barcelona.
1. Choose Your Neighbourhood Carefully
I recommend spending plenty of time reviewing each of the city’s neighbourhoods before picking one. Staying in one neighbourhood will give you a completely different experience from staying in another, especially if you’re only there for two or three days.
If you want to truly experience old Barcelona, you need to stay in or near the Gothic Quarter. The neighbourhood’s medieval winding streets put you right in the centre of the action. However, it can get incredibly busy. 26.1 million people visited Barcelona in 2025 and it’s safe to assume that a high number of these visitors spent time in the Gothic Quarter.
If you’re looking for a quieter area, Gràcia could be an option. Once an independent village, the area feels less touristic and more relaxed. And if you’re looking to soak up the city’s nightlife and arts scene, consider El Born.
2. Don’t Plan Too Much
Barcelona is a big city with lots of must-visit sights. However, you’re not going to get around everything in one visit — I recommend accepting this before you arrive.
Plan less and you will have more time to experience the little things that Barcelona has to offer. For example, people-watching in plazas, browsing in local markets, and admiring the architecture.
My advice would be to plan a ‘must-do’ activity for each day, leaving the rest of your time flexible. For example, you could do Sagrada Família one day and Park Güell the next. Don’t have a plan for the rest of the day, just explore the city and see what happens. Your time in Barcelona will feel more like a holiday and less like a checklist.
3. Stay Connected
Maybe it’s not only your first time in Barcelona, but your first time abroad overall. If so, prepare for your streaming services and social media feed to look a bit different while in Barcelona.
Are you someone who likes to stream films and shows after a long day? You may find that your favourite shows are not available in Spain. However, if you download a VPN, you’ll be able to stream the same shows you would watch back home.
You may be wondering: what is a VPN? A VPN is a tool that allows you to route your connection through a server based in your home country. By using a VPN, you can bypass geoblocks and access the streaming library you’re used to.
4. Be a Thoughtful Visitor
Barcelona is one of the top 10 most-visited cities in Europe. The city is overrun by tourists in the summer, and the impact of overtourism has become an increasingly important issue. Be conscious of overtourism when booking accommodation and deciding where to eat.
The city’s mayor has announced that all Airbnb contracts will end by November 2028. Expensive tourist accommodation and the rising cost of living have priced many residents out of Barcelona. To be a thoughtful tourist, it would be a good idea to avoid Airbnb. Staying in a locally-owned hotel or guesthouse will ensure that your visit has a more positive impact on the city.
Similarly, choose local restaurants over international chains whenever possible. By doing so, you support local businesses and also get to enjoy more authentic dining.
Be a Traveller, Not a Tourist
Barcelona isn’t just a destination; it’s home to 1.7 million people. The best way to experience the city is to immerse yourself in everyday life as much as possible. You can be a traveller by simply learning a few basic Spanish or Catalan phrases. You can then try them out in an independent café or restaurant, or while browsing a local market.
Avoid rushing from one landmark to the next. Spend some time wandering through neighbourhoods outside of the city centre. Who knows, you may come across parks, landmarks, and statues most tourists miss out on.