BARCELONA might be recognised as Spain’s “second city” but it’s still the country’s most popular destination.
More than 30 million tourists visit a year – so you can expect some crowds during the busy summer season.
Lee Bell – SuppliedI visit Spain at least every month – and there are some easy ways to avoid the crowds[/caption]
I visit Barcelona every month or so and have done for the past few years.
Along the way, I’ve learned from my own experience, as well as from friends that live there, how to do things like a local.
Here are the big mistakes I see many tourists making when visiting the city, especially for the first time, and how you can dodge the crowds and do what the locals do.
Sticking to the city beaches
I see so many visitors parking themselves on Barceloneta Beach when they go to Barcelona and not moving.
But consider visiting beaches further out of the city and you’ll be rewarded by quieter, more beautiful stretches of coast with way fewer tourists.
Badalona is a great option just 15 minutes away from the centre on the Metro, or Castelldefels, which you can reach by train from any of Barcelona’s main train stations (Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Estación de Francia) in about 30 minutes.
Eating dinner at 7pm – and ordering paella
Culturally, the Spanish eat dinner much later than other countries -you’ll never see locals dining in a restaurant before 9pm – so eat much later to blend in.
Another surefire way to look like a tourist is by ordering paella.
Lee Bell – SuppliedPaella is great – but locals often choose a common noodle dish[/caption]
The main beaches are great – but there are loads others that aren’t so touristy
There are lots of other Gaudi attractions you can visit without the queues tooLee Bell – Supplied
The traditional rice dish is only really something the Spanish eat at lunchtime, typically in the sun by the sea.
A great alternative to paella is fideuà – essentially a noodle-based version that’s very popular with Barcelonians.
Asking for a pint instead of a “caña”
The Spanish generally don’t drink pints of beer, mostly because when it’s hot the beer’s gone warm before you’re even halfway down.
Instead, do what the locals do and ask for a “caña” – a small draft beer, usually around 200ml, which ensures your beer is always extra cold.
What’s more, it’s only about €1 (88p) a pop – and if you’re a fast drinker you can always ask for a “doble”.
Ditch the common cocktails too, and opt for vermut, a fortified sweet wine that will give you local kudos.
Staying or eating in Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas might be one of the most popular streets in Barcelona, but that doesn’t make it the best spot for staying or eating, despite its super central location.
Not only is it an overpriced tourist trap where you can easily get ripped off but, worse still, it’s a pickpocket hotspot.
A short walk away is Sant Antoni – a great, more local alternative that’s quieter and bursting with great eateries.
There is also Barcelona’s “tech city” Poble Nou for a more young creative vibe, or Gracia in the north of the city for a more relaxed and quaint feel.
Shopping in the high street
If you fancy doing some shopping, there are some alternative districts to try rather than the popular Passeig de Gràcia which is full of high street chains.
The Born neighbourhood has some great independent clothing and jewellery shops, while Gracia, the neighbourhood just north of the city, is also a good shout for more local and authentic souvenirs.
And Els Encants in Glories worth a visit, boasting one of Europe’s oldest flea markets.
Queueing for popular Gaudi attractions
If you miss out on a slot to visit some of Gaudi’s more popular architecture such as the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batllo, don’t fret, there are other options that are usually easier to get into.
Casa Vicens, just outside Gracia, for example, is often very quieter, just as impressive and with much shorter queues.
Getting a taxi everywhere
While taxis are easy to flag down and the metro system in Barcelona is top-notch, cabs and public transport aren’t always necessary.
You can actually walk everywhere and this way you’re more likely to discover things you never expected.
Tired of walking? There are plenty of options for private bicycle hire if you want to get around quickly but in a more relaxed way, such as Donkey Republic – just be sure to dodge the group tours (the locals won’t appreciate that).
Avoid the taxi from the airport too – the Aerobus is just five minutes longer but will take you to the city centre and cost you €20 (£18) less.
Here are some other ways to make your holiday to Spain much cheaper.
Ditch the cocktails for a local vermut drink or small draft beer Read More