19 Dos and Don’ts for Barcelona Holidays in 2025

If you're planning to spend your holiday in the beautiful city of Barcelona, there are a few things that you should know ahead of time.

Knowing just a few of these tips will help you get the most out of your experience and potentially save you a little heartache down the road, or at least give you some ideas on the best ways to prepare for the holiday ahead.

Let's go!

Do give your information to your hotel

Whether you're booking an all-inclusive Barcelona holiday or planning the trip yourself, your hotel will need a laundry list of information from you.

This is due to a recent nationwide policy change affecting all travelers in Spain.

Tourists are now required to share information about themselves, their backgrounds, and payment information that will then be passed on to Spanish authorities. Unfortunately, this new policy isn't optional; it's compulsory.

This new regulation doesn't only apply to hotels, either. You'll also need to share personal information if you're renting a car.

Because this new policy is nationwide, you'll encounter it whether you visit Barcelona, Madrid, or anywhere else in Spain.

Do book your tickets well in advance

Barcelona's popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, which has become a talking point worldwide.

It's not all talk though - this increase in tourism impacts everyone. One of the ways you might be impacted on your holiday is by activity tickets.

If you're hoping to get tickets to a local Flamenco show, museum, or something else, you need to book your tickets well in advance.

While this means you won't be able to have quite as much flexibility during your trip, it ensures you will be able to have the enriching cultural experiences that you want to have.

Don't underestimate Spanish drinks

According to the UK government, alcoholic drinks are often stronger in Spain than they are back home in the UK.

If you're planning to indulge in a few libations during your holiday, this is a good thing to know ahead of time so you don't find yourself with a pounding headache or worse.

Consider trying a Spanish specialty, Sangria, but remember to drink water and other hydrating beverages frequently and always consume alcohol responsibly.

Don't plan a holiday on a bank holiday or school break

If possible, of course.

It's natural to want to plan your trip during a long weekend or school break. After all, that's when everyone has the time!

However, with Barcelona's rising popularity these weekends can be extremely busy. This affects your trip in a few ways. One, airline and hotel prices often raise their prices alongside the holiday calendar.

Second, the city will be busier which means there's less availability for that amazing Tapas bar around the corner, that museum on your to-do list, and a spot to place your chair on the beach.

If at all possible, try to book your holiday around these weeks.

Do pay attention to flags on the beach

If you're planning to get into the water on the beach, make sure you pay attention to any flags that you see.

A lot of beaches have flag systems in place to keep beachgoers safe. This system lets you know whether or not it is safe to enter the water. If you see a red flag, do not go into the water!

Before running into the waves, do a quick scan to make sure there aren't any red flags - literally.

Don't wear your bathing suit around town

According to multiple media sources, wearing your bathing suit in Barcelona's city center is strictly prohibited. In fact, you could even get a significant fine.

Barcelona isn't the only Spanish city implementing policies like this. According to the UK Government, it's illegal to walk around in a bikini, swimming shorts, or to be bare-chested in some places in Spain unless you're specifically on the beach or at a pool.

Do travel a little bit further out for better beaches

If the beach is one of the alluring parts of a trip to Barcelona, it might be worth it to visit one of the beaches a little further out.

The beaches in Barcelona get extremely packed - especially in peak tourist season and on hot, sunny days.

If a relaxing beach day is important to you, it might be worthwhile to go a little further out where fewer people are.

Don't opt for free museum days

Most of the tips you read about Barcelona will tell you to take advantage of free museum days. It is a great program that makes museums more accessible to everyone, and a lot of museums participate, offering free entry once a month or on a specific timeline.

While this is incredible if you are looking to save money, there's a reason why we suggest skipping the free day and booking your tickets in advance.

Free museum days are insanely busy. People line up early in the day to get in and it isn't uncommon to wait in the queue for hours.

Then, once it's finally your turn, the museum could be at capacity, which means you'll be waiting your turn inside to see the pieces important to you.

A free museum day can become literally that - an entire day. This takes time away from other activities or plans that you had.

If budget is at the top of your list, definitely take advantage of free museum days. However, if it isn't the number one priority, save yourself the hassle of long queues in the hot sun, packed salons and book your tickets ahead of time.

Do have a plan for siesta

Spain is famous for its afternoon siestas, a quiet period in the mid-afternoon, famous for taking a little nap.

Siesta is an actual thing though, and if this is your first trip to Spain, you'll get to enjoy it firsthand!

Even if you don't plan to take part in siesta, others will. It isn't uncommon for restaurants and shops to close during this time (usually between 2 pm and 5 pm, but it varies).

Don't rush

Perhaps easier said than done, but try not to rush during your holiday in Spain. While abroad, you will quickly notice the lackadaisical approach to time. Life slows down.

This is especially true at restaurants. It may take more time for a server to get to you, and it may be a long waiting process to get the bill, but this is entirely normal here.

Set aside ample time for meals. Savor the moment.

Do make sure your inoculations are up to date

While there aren't vaccination requirements to enter Spain, the UK government recommends that all British travelers going to Spain have an updated Tetanus shot (good news, it is free on the NHS).

In addition to that, the UK government recommends that some travelers to Spain also get polio and rabies vaccinations. The UK government can provide you with detailed information regarding any recommendations around vaccines.

Don't walk around with your phone or wallet in your pocket

Many European cities have an issue with pickpocketers - Barcelona is no exception.

Pickpocketing is extremely common here and, unfortunately, tourists are usually the prime target.

It's not uncommon for groups of pickpocketers to work together, making unsuspecting tourists and foreigners even more vulnerable to being robbed. On top of that, pickpockets are typically extremely well practiced, meaning you likely won't even realize your phone or wallet is gone until the next time you go to reach for it.

In Barcelona, it's essential that you never ever keep your phone or wallet in your pocket. Always keep them in a bag, such as a small cross-body bag that you carry on your front, right where you can see it.

Some pickpockets may work as scammers and try to trick you by getting your attention to sign a petition, spilling something on you, or other artificially produced scenarios.

With that, make sure you're hyper-aware of your surroundings, particularly in really busy areas such as public transit and city centers.

Do make dinner reservations

This tip is a bit more relevant if you're staying in the city center during peak tourism periods, but it doesn't hurt nonetheless.

If there's a restaurant you are really hoping to try, or you want to ensure you can eat at a specific time, it's best to get dinner reservations just in case.

Nowadays, getting a reservation can be as easy as Googling the restaurant and booking a slot online, though in some cases you might need to pick up the phone and call.

Don't try to eat dinner at 5 pm

Most Spanish restaurants close their kitchens between the lunch period and dinner, making it a little bit difficult to find a dine-in meal.

In Spain, the day starts later, so lunch might not be until 2 or later, and dinner until 8. Some restaurants won't even open for dinner service until 8.

If you're used to eating around 5 or 6, you may want to rethink your schedule if you're hoping to pop into a restaurant.

With that being said, you can find eateries that serve food all day in tourist areas. You'll also be able to find fast food options too, a life saver if you're feeling particularly peckish.

Do go to the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is a feast for the eyes. With gorgeous gothic architecture and winding streets, this old part of the city is a unique experience.

A visit to the Barri Gòttic means enjoying street musicians, stunning churches, tapas bars, and more. You'll be taken to another world in this neighborhood.

Don't hand your wallet to a "police officer"

Thieves may pose as police officers in Barcelona, according to the official UK Government website. When they do this, they may ask for your wallet, as if asking for your identification.

The UK government states that official police officers in Barcelona will not ask for your wallet or purse - they will ask for your ID.

Additionally, all official police officers will carry their badge/ID, even if they aren't dressed in uniform.

Stay attentive.

Do avoid ticks and mosquito bites

While this is a general no-brainer (who wants to be bitten?), it's particularly important in parts of Southern Europe, including Barcelona.

the UK government recommends that all British travelers avoid tick bites because Spain does, unfortunately, have disease-carrying ticks.

The same is true for mosquitos. There are Dengue-carrying mosquitos in Spain. While they're more present in the southern part of the country and the Spanish islands, it's best to do what you can to avoid being bitten altogether.

Don't leave home without copies

This piece of advice isn't specific to Barcelona, though it is quite important due to the high levels of pickpocketing and thievery. Never leave home without copies of your important documents!

Make sure to bring photocopies of your passport, ID, and any other important papers in tow.

In the really unfortunate event that your official documents are lost or stolen, having copies can be a lifesaver.

Do try some tourist activities

There's a reason guided tours and buses are popular!

Consider booking a tour or getting a ticket for a hop-on-and-off bus. Guides are usually locals, meaning they will be able to provide you with insider information, tips, and details about Barcelona.

Additionally, you'll get to see the sites while also learning about the history, culture, and relevance of what you're seeing, making the entire experience more enriching and memorable.

Many guides will even stick around (before and after) the tour to answer specific questions you might have, or even give you suggestions about what to see next or where to eat.

Enjoy being a tourist in Barcelona! It's your holiday, afterall.