Hi all, we will visit Barcelona for 3 days in early June. We want to be sensitive to concerns from Barcelona citizens about over-tourism and wonder if there are neighborhoods/areas that are seen more favorably for tourists to stay by the citizens. We plan to stay at a local owned hotel.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.
Any neighbourhood will do. The problem with over-tourism is not really where one stays but where most everyone typically hangs out, which are the central districts (Ciutat Vella, L'Eixample...). Still, areas like Gràcia, Sant Gervasi or Poblenou might fit your objective better than the central districts.
Yet, if you don't mind me saying this: you're cutting it a bit thin to find accommodation -at a reasonable price- just 90 days from now...
What price range are you looking for?
Any neighbourhood will do. The problem with over-tourism is not really where one stays but where most everyone typically hangs out, which are the central districts (Ciutat Vella, L'Eixample...). Still, areas like Gràcia, Sant Gervasi or Poblenou might fit your objective better than the central districts.
@enric: I'd really be interested in any suggestions you have for exploring and spending time in those other areas. Outside of Park Guell, I generally see little to no information in traditional travel sources (like a RS guidebook) on Gràcia, Sant Gervasi or Poblenou.
Any further ideas so folks like us can expand our horizons beyond the "usual" is exactly what I look for and hope to experience - especially in cities.
That link suggests three hotels in the $$$$ price point. I need to find a family suite or two rooms because we have family visiting from the US. Any other suggestions in what looks to be a nice area? I really don’t enjoy the center city Ramblas area.
I tant Tom, encantat...
At the end of the day, the way each of us travels kind of determines what advice will actually work for you. Some people travel by ticking off a bucket list, others like to explore, and others enjoy mingling with locals. Personally, sure, there are always a few things I want to see when I visit a city for the first time. But I also really enjoy getting lost in small streets, stumbling upon little gems most people walk past, and mixing with locals in their bars and terraces, just following the local rhythm for a while. For me, that’s usually a big part of the travel experience, not just running from attraction to attraction like it’s Disney World. But that’s just my way of doing it. Others, perfectly legitimately, may prefer a different style of travel. I say this because when someone asks me for advice, it’s only fair to clarify that I tend to answer as if I were the one taking the trip. So it’s worth browsing online a bit of what I’ve written and seeing whether that style fits you or not.
There’s a post I wrote a long time ago that’s still relevant. Someone asked about visiting Park Güell and the Sagrada Família, and I suggested an itinerary that passes through Gràcia around lunchtime before heading to the Sagrada Família. It’s a nice walk, gently downhill from Park Güell, and it lets you soak up the atmosphere of Gràcia, a very bohemian neighbourhood that used to be an independent town until about a century ago, before being absorbed into Barcelona:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/infox-in-bcn-visiting-the-sagrada-familia-and-then-park-guell-or-the-other-way-around
A few other things I’d suggest doing while you’re in Catalonia, beyond just visiting the classic sights:
Castellers
Watching a castellers' performance: https://castellscat.cat/en/schedule
Understanding castellers: https://castellscat.cat/en/els-castells
The “Super Bowl” of castellers, held in October: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIw5gc0zlU4
Festa Major (if you are lucky you might catch a local town/neighbourhood festival)
A street parade during a Festa Major: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxT2FiEKDcM
What a Festa Major is: https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festa_major
Some of the best ones in Catalonia: https://interactius.ara.cat/festespopulars
Random bits to consider (google it up, they might or might not catch your eye):
- La Ruta del Modernisme -easy to follow DIY at your own pace and preference
- Casa dels Entremesos -small and free to enter
- Temple d'August in Barcelona
- Museu d'Història de Catalunya (MHC)
- MUHBA Plaça Reial
- Parc del Laberint d'Horta
- Turó de la Rovira
- Monestir de Pedralbes
- Refugi antiaeri 307
- Jardins de la Tamarita
- Biblioteca Arús
- Easy day getaways: Sitges, Montserrat, Caves Codorniu, Tossa de Mar, Girona...
Enjoy!
#infox #unusualspots #catalantraditions
Some Barcelona residents hate tourism because it's a hassle that drives up the cost of living. Some Barcelona residents love tourism because they earn their livings from it.
Your idea to stay at a local hotel is great. Maybe consider a couple of non-connected rooms rather than a larger family suite that might be harder to find. Look for something near a Metro stop that's well-connected to one of the main hubs. For example, we stayed at a place a couple short blocks from the Fontana Metro station that was just one stop from the busy Diagonal hub.
Our place of choice was Aparthotel Silver if that helps for location purposes. It's considered to be in the Gracia neighborhood.
We have stayed 3 times at Hotel Gaudi (lower las ramblas) and thoroughly enjoyed each stay. It was well priced and included breakfast. There is a nice rooftop bar area. We easily walked to many sites. https://www.hotelgaudibarcelona.com
During our last visit we splurged and stayed at Hotel Casa Fuster. It was very enjoyable, especially the weekly jazz night! Different neighborhood. https://www.hotelcasafuster.com/en/
Thanks to all for your advice and guidance. We have booked a hotel that looks very nice.
Best Regards
