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Overtourism in Barcelona: how to be a sustainable tourist

Posted on by Claire
An upward view of historic stone buildings with arched windows and a large tower set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The stone structures feature intricate Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and detailed carvings.
22
Sep

I recently spent two days in Barcelona, a city that’s suffering badly from over-tourism.

There have been protests against mass tourism this year, and Airbnbs are being banned in the city.

I set out to do some research: should we still be visiting Barcelona?

Although there have been protests, there are also hundreds of thousands of people employed in the tourist industry and thousands of tourist-focused businesses.

I don’t believe that NO tourism is the answer – so here are some ways we can be more responsible tourists in Barcelona and elsewhere in Europe.

Here are some tips!

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DON’T feel like you need to miss all the popular attractions, but do so respectfully

Barcelona is world-famous for its Gaudi architecture – and this is why many people come to the city.

Sustainable travel isn’t about not visiting, it’s just about doing it sustainably.

La Sagrada Família, one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, often draws overwhelming tourist crowds.

While the intricate design and ongoing construction of Gaudí’s masterpiece are fascinating, the best views are actually from a bit of a distance!

If you’re looking to avoid queues and the €26 entrance fee, admire the basilica’s architecture from nearby spots like Plaça de Gaudí, where the full scope of its towering spires is visible.

If you are visiting, remember that it is a basilica, so behave appropriately and don’t wear anything too immodest (the official website recommends covering shoulders and knees).

See all of my tips for La Sagrada Família here.

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is one of Gaudí’s most famous but unfinished works.

Unlike the Sagrada Família, this building has a more subdued presence – but its undulating stone façade stands as a testament to Gaudí’s visionary design.

A view of Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, in Barcelona. The modernist building features a unique undulating stone facade and is adorned with a large vertical Catalan flag hanging from the top. Sculptural elements decorate the balconies.

It’s easy to admire from the outside, but the rooftop boasts incredible views if you choose to explore further inside!

A short walk from La Pedrera, Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí’s most colourful and surreal masterpieces. With its skeletal balconies and dragon-like scales, it’s hard to miss, but it’s also one of the busiest tourist spots in the city.

A close-up of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí. The building’s ornate facade includes organic, bone-like shapes, vibrant mosaic tiles, and curved windows. A Catalan flag is also visible, hanging from a balcony.

Visiting early or late in the day can make both Casa Batlló and Casa Milà more enjoyable, or simply take in its unique exterior from across the street.

Find hidden spots in the Medieval Jewish Quarter

A narrow alleyway in an old town lined with stone buildings. Signs on the walls indicate street names such as "Carrer de la Fruita" and "Carrer de Marlet," with rustic street lights and exposed wiring overhead.

Just steps away from bustling tourist streets, the Jewish Quarter feels like a different world.

You can enjoy a quieter side of Barcelona by roaming these streets!

One of Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhoods, it’s home to the ancient Sinagoga Major, dating back to the 2nd century.

Look out for the small Christian saint statue above the synagogue, a relic from the Spanish Inquisition, which reveals a deeper layer of the city’s complex past.

Plaça Reial is home to some of Gaudí’s earliest works—specifically the lamp posts.

This central square, inspired by Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, is a hub of activity. Look beyond the surface, though, and you’ll discover that these lamp posts marked the beginning of Gaudí’s legacy in Barcelona.

Visit underrated areas like Poblenou

A vibrant street mural depicting a red demon with horns, sharp fangs, and exaggerated features. The demon holds a pitchfork, and the graffiti is painted on a white, textured wall.

Poblenou is a neighbourhood with an alternative vibe and far fewer tourists.

Street art covers many walls in this area, so a simple stroll is an art tour in itself.

The places I visited in Poblenou (Google map locations) were:

I found a Get Your Guide tour that visits lots of the underrated areas of Barcelona by bike, including Poblenou – check it out here.

Head to the lesser-visited beaches

A peaceful beach scene with a lifeguard station labeled "Salvament" on the sand. The calm blue ocean stretches to the horizon under a clear sky, with a few people sunbathing and swimming.

Barceloneta Beach is a hotspot for tourists, but if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, walk a little further north to Platja de la Mar Bella or Platja del Bogatell.

Both beaches boast the same golden sands and refreshing waters but with significantly fewer people, making them perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Avoid chain coffee shops and restaurants

A table at an outdoor restaurant with plates of Spanish tapas, including Pimientos de Padrón, patatas bravas with a sauce, and a salad with tomatoes and a ball of mozzarella. A glass of champagne sits to the left of the dishes.

One of the best ways you can be more sustainable is to avoid chain coffee shops and restaurants and favour local spots instead. Here are the independent venues I visited while I was there (click for Google Maps links).

Stay local

The front of a small boat docked in a marina, showing its open sun deck with a blue canopy. In the background are palm trees and a modern building, with a partly cloudy sky overhead.
A woman smiling in a selfie while sitting on a boat. She is wearing a white captain’s hat with a navy and gold emblem. The marina is visible in the background, along with several other docked boats and modern buildings.

Opt for locally owned guesthouses or smaller hotels rather than Airbnb rentals, which have been linked to the city’s housing crisis.

Many guesthouses offer affordable and authentic accommodations that don’t displace residents.

Here are the two places I stayed at in Barcelona. Click on the name to go to its Booking profile.

  • Pensión Teruel: This was the cheapest place I found in Barcelona city centre on night one – it was a locally run guesthouse and I found the bedroom to be clean, but the shared bathroom less so! I made a full YouTube review here.
  • Boat Hotel Barcelona: This self-contained boat is located in Port Forum. It has two beds, a dining area, toilet and plenty of outdoor space to relax!

Walk or use public transport

Barcelona’s extensive metro and bus system makes it easy to avoid taxis or rental cars. It’s easy to use – you can buy a ticket on the machine in English!

Walking is also a great way to discover the city’s hidden gems while reducing your carbon footprint!

Claire