First Time Visiting Barcelona?

Here is everything you need to know from a (near) local

Sagrada Familia (Personal archives)

I relocated to this fabulous city from New York in September 2020. I did so during the pandemic and while the borders were closed. It wasn’t easy, but I found some gray areas in the rules that allowed me to enter. I planned to stay in Barcelona for three months. I never left. I’m still here.

I am certainly not an expert in all things Barcelona. I’ve never worked as a tour guide and barely speak Spanish. I only know a few words in Catalán, the official language of Catalonia, the autonomous community in which Barcelona resides. What I do have is first-hand experience living here.

If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, I believe I can help you have a much better experience. This article isn’t exactly a travel guide; it’s more of a summary of what to do, see, and expect. ¡Venga, vamos!

Is Barcelona safe?

Much like any big city anywhere on the planet, Barcelona does have its fair share of crime. However, tourists have very little to worry about when visiting. This city does have a reputation for pickpocketing and petty theft, but so do Paris and Rome. In my opinion, it’s safer here than in most popular tourist destinations around the world.