10 Tourist Mistakes Not to Make in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that everyone raves about, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Between the stunning architecture, late-night tapas, and the undeniable buzz of the city, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back. But, for every jaw-dropping Gaudí masterpiece and perfect plate of patatas bravas, there’s a tourist trap waiting to take advantage of an unsuspecting visitor.

The truth is, a Barcelona trip can go one of two ways—you either experience it like a pro, enjoying all the best parts, or you make a few classic mistakes and spend half your time frustrated, overpaying for bad paella, or wondering why you keep getting side-eyed by the locals.

The good news is that most of these common tourist mistakes are totally avoidable, as long as you know what to look out for.

So before you finalize your Barcelona itinerary, here’s your ultimate guide to what NOT to do in Barcelona—from overpriced tourist trap restaurants to cultural slip-ups that can instantly make you stand out (and not in a good way). Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of the game.

1. Eating at Tourist Trap Restaurants on La Rambla

La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, and it’s also one of the easiest places to waste your money on bad food. Those overpriced paella dishes that look like they came out of a stock photo? Yeah, they’re usually frozen and microwaved. The tapas platters that cost more than a flight to Madrid? Definitely not worth it.

Barcelona has some of the best food in the world, but tourist trap restaurants on La Rambla will make you question everything. The easiest way to spot them is the menu—if the menu is in six languages and there’s a guy outside aggressively trying to get you to sit down, run.

Bonus red flag: pictures of the food on the menu (especially if it’s laminated).

Instead, go out into the neighborhoods where the locals actually eat. El Born, Gràcia, and Poble-sec are always filled with authentic spots where the food is chef’s kiss. If you’re craving tapas, go for the small, hole-in-the-wall places with standing room only—that’s usually where the magic happens.

2. Assuming Everyone Speaks Spanish

This one throws a lot of visitors off. Yes, Barcelona is in Spain. No, Spanish is not the primary language here.

Welcome to Catalonia, where Catalan is king.

Now, locals do speak Spanish, and most people working in tourism speak English too, but assuming that Spanish is the go-to language can get you some unimpressed looks. Saying a few words in Catalan—like “Bon dia” (good morning) or “Gràcies” (thank you)—can go a long way in making you look like a respectful visitor instead of an oblivious tourist.

Also, don’t call Barcelona “Barça” unless you’re talking about the football team. The city nickname is “Barna.” If you drop a “Barça” while discussing your Barcelona trip, you might get corrected real quick.

3. Thinking Park Güell is Free

A lot of people show up at Park Güell assuming they can just wander in for free, only to be met with ticket booths and a reality check. While some areas of the park are open to the public, the part everyone actually wants to see—the colorful mosaic benches and those iconic Gaudí structures—requires a ticket.

Not only that, but tickets sell out fast, especially in peak seasons.

If this park is on your Barcelona itinerary, you have to book your tickets online in advance. Otherwise, you’ll be standing outside looking longingly at everyone inside living their best Instagram-worthy lives.

If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to pay, you can explore the free areas, but just know you won’t get those classic Gaudí shots unless you’re willing to climb a hill and take photos from afar.

4. Not Buying Sagrada Familia Tickets in Advance

Sagrada Familia isn’t just any church—it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world. People fly across the world just to see this masterpiece, so it’s no surprise that the demand for tickets is absolutely insane. If you think you can casually stroll up to the entrance, buy a ticket on the spot, and waltz right in, think again.

On busy days (which is basically every day), you might find yourself staring at a sign that says “Sold Out” or stuck in a line so long it feels like it’s winding its way through an entire Barcelona itinerary before you even get close to the door. And honestly, who wants to spend their vacation waiting in line when you could be sipping sangria by the beach instead?

Booking your ticket in advance is an absolute game-changer. Not only does it guarantee you a spot, but it also allows you to skip the massive general admission line, meaning more time for actually enjoying your trip rather than standing around sweating under the Spanish sun. Plus, if you book online, you’ll have access to different ticket options—including guided tours and tower access, which you might miss out on if you wait until the last minute.

Some visitors even make the mistake of assuming that general admission includes a trip up the towers, only to realize they need a separate ticket for that. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person begging the staff to let you up after you’ve already paid.

5. Taking a Taxi from the Airport

Grabbing a taxi from Barcelona El Prat Airport might seem like the easiest way to start your trip, but unless you enjoy overpaying for convenience, you might want to rethink that move.

Taxis in Barcelona aren’t exactly cheap, and the airport ride is one of the most overpriced trips you can take. Depending on where you’re staying, a taxi can cost anywhere from €30 to €40—and that’s if there’s no extra charge for luggage, time of day, or traffic delays (which, spoiler: there probably will be).

The Aerobús, on the other hand, is cheaper, faster, and ridiculously easy to use. It costs around €6.75 one-way or €11.65 round-trip, and takes you directly to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes. Then, from there, you’re able to get on the metro, local bus, or you can just take a short walk to your accommodation.

Plus, the Aerobús has free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, so you can scroll through your Barcelona travel guide in the meantime—without worrying about draining your battery before you even start your trip.

Now, if you must take a taxi, be smart about it. Only get into the black and yellow taxis that are clearly marked, and try to avoid anyone inside the terminal offering a “private ride.” Those guys? Total scam artists. They’ll either charge you an outrageous price or, worst-case scenario, take you for an unplanned detour.

6. Falling for the La Rambla Pickpocket Scene

If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: pickpockets in Barcelona are next-level professionals. They’re not the clumsy, obvious type—these are highly skilled professionals who make a living off of distracted tourists.

And if there’s one place they thrive, it’s La Rambla, the city’s most famous boulevard. This busy street, filled with tourists, performers, and market stalls, is basically their office, and business is always booming.

But La Rambla isn’t the only hotspot—metro stations, crowded attractions, and even restaurants are all fair game. You could be standing in line for a photo at Sagrada Familia or just sipping your morning cortado when, poof, your belongings vanish into thin air. The scariest part is that you won’t even notice it happening. One moment, your phone is in your pocket, and the next, you’re retracing your steps, trying to figure out where you went wrong.

Pickpockets here operate with surgical precision. Some work in pairs or groups to create small distractions—maybe a sudden commotion nearby, someone asking for directions, or even an overly friendly local who seems a little too interested in chatting.

So, how do you outsmart Barcelona’s infamous pickpocket scene?

Stay aware and keep your belongings close. Bags should be zipped and worn in front of you, crossbody style, with your hand resting on them in busy areas. Forget about sticking your phone in your back pocket—it’s as good as gone. And that innocent habit of leaving your phone on the restaurant table while you eat? A big no.

Thieves have perfected the technique of swiping phones right from under diners’ noses, sometimes with the old “map trick” (where they cover your phone with a map, then take both).

If you’re mindful and take precautions, you’ll likely be fine. But if you walk around oblivious, well, let’s just say Barcelona’s pickpockets will thank you for your generous donation.

7. Visiting in August and Expecting Locals to Be There

August in Barcelona is not it. Seriously, if you’re picturing a dreamy Barcelona trip where you casually blend in with the locals, sip coffee at a cute little café while the city hums around you—August will crush that vision real fast.

Why? Because most of the locals are gone.

Barcelona in August is basically a tourist takeover. The city is filled with visitors, while many locals escape the unbearable heat and head to the cooler coastal towns or the mountains. It’s their well-deserved summer break, and honestly, we don’t blame them.

And, when the locals leave, a lot of the authentic, family-run restaurants, shops, and bakeries go with them. That hidden gem tapas bar you saw on TikTok? Probably closed. That adorable boutique selling souvenirs? Doors shut.

If you’re hoping for an authentic Barcelona experience, August is the worst time to go. Sure, you can still hit up the big attractions, but the city just doesn’t have that same local energy that makes it so special.

If you really want to travel to Barcelona when it feels alive—and when you won’t be sweating through your clothes the second you step outside—go in spring or fall. The weather is still warm but not suffocating, the crowds are manageable, and best of all, Barcelona feels like Barcelona—not a tourist-filled amusement park.

You’ll actually get to experience the city the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, with locals filling the streets, markets buzzing, and all the best restaurants open and thriving. Trust me, your itinerary will thank you.

8. Only Sticking to the Tourist Hotspots

Barcelona’s big-name attractions are breathtaking, no doubt. The Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. But, if your Barcelona itinerary is just a checklist of these hotspots, you’re missing the very essence of the city.

Barcelona is so much more than its famous landmarks, and the best experiences are hiding in the neighborhoods where real life unfolds, away from the camera-clicking crowds.

Take El Raval, for example. This neighborhood has a raw, artsy energy that’s impossible to fake. It’s filled with cool street art, indie boutiques, and offbeat cafés where locals sip their café amb llet in the sun. You’ll find some of the city’s best food here, from cheap and tasty empanadas to fusion tapas that’ll blow your mind.

And if you’re into unique museums, there’s the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art)—even if you’re not into modern art, the skateboarders outside pulling tricks in the plaza make for great people-watching.

Then there’s Gràcia, a neighborhood that feels like a charming little village in the middle of the city. Here, life slows down. Families gather in plazas, elderly locals chat on benches, and there’s always a bakery tempting you with the smell of fresh-baked coca.

If you want a break from touristy crowds, this is where you’ll find it.

And let’s not forget Poble-sec, which is home to some of Barcelona’s best tapas bars.

And if you’re up for a little day trip, you can just take a short train ride to Montserrat, which offers some of the most beautiful mountain views and a peaceful escape from the city.

9. Assuming Flamenco is a Barcelona Thing

Flamenco and Barcelona go together like pineapple and pizza—some people force it, but the locals are not on board. If you’re coming to Barcelona expecting passionate flamenco performances on every street corner, let me stop you right there.

Flamenco is not from Barcelona—it’s from Andalusia, in southern Spain. While you’ll find plenty of shows advertised all over the city, most are staged entirely for tourists. That’s not to say the performances aren’t entertaining (they can be), but if you’re looking for something authentic to Barcelona’s culture, flamenco is not it.

Barcelona is part of Catalonia, a region with a distinct culture, history, and language separate from the rest of Spain. And if you really want to embrace the local traditions, skip the overpriced flamenco shows and check out sardana dancing instead. The sardana is Catalonia’s traditional folk dance, and it’s all about unity and community.

You can catch locals performing it in Plaça de la Catedral on Sundays, and it’s a far more authentic glimpse into Barcelona’s real cultural roots.

That being said, if flamenco is on your bucket list, you might want to save it for a trip to Seville, Granada, or Madrid, where you can experience it in its proper element.

10. Trying to Do Too Much in One Trip

It’s tempting to land in Barcelona with a jam-packed itinerary, determined to see everything in just a few days.

Gaudí’s masterpieces? Check. A deep dive into the Gothic Quarter? Check. A day trip to Montserrat? Why not?

But here’s the problem—Barcelona isn’t the kind of place you rush through. Trying to squeeze in every single attraction will leave you drained, overwhelmed, and barely able to remember what you even saw. Instead of fully enjoying each experience, you’ll find yourself sprinting from one place to the next, snapping quick photos before dashing off to the next “must-see” spot.

And does racing through La Boqueria market while scarfing down a bite of jamón really count as experiencing Barcelona’s legendary food scene?

A well-planned Barcelona itinerary is not about cramming in as much as possible; it’s about striking the right balance. Sure, hit the big sights like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, but also leave time for spontaneity. Some of the best moments in Barcelona happen when you don’t have a strict plan—like stumbling upon a tiny, family-run tapas bar, finding a hidden plaza where locals gather, or just sitting on the beach with a cold drink, watching the world go by.

When you give yourself space to just exist in the city, you start noticing the little details—the street performers along La Rambla, the scent of freshly baked croissants in El Born, the way the afternoon sun makes the rooftops glow. These moments won’t be found on a typical tourist checklist, but they’ll probably be your favorite memories.

So, instead of treating your trip like a race, slow down. If you don’t see everything, that just gives you a reason to come back (and trust me, you’ll want to).

Final Thoughts

A Barcelona trip can either be a dream or a series of frustrating, overpriced, and overcrowded experiences, depending on how prepared you are. The best way to enjoy this city isn’t by rushing through the must-sees like a contestant on a game show. It’s about enjoying all the energy, eating where the locals eat, and dodging the sneaky tourist traps that make unsuspecting visitors groan in regret.

Now that you know what NOT to do in Barcelona, you’re already ahead of the game. You won’t waste money on that sad, overpriced paella on La Rambla. You won’t find yourself frustrated by long lines you could’ve easily skipped. And you won’t be that tourist unknowingly committing cultural faux pas while locals exchange knowing glances. Instead, you’ll experience Barcelona like someone who gets it.