10 tips for not looking like a tourist in Barcelona

Not want to look like a tourist? Follow our 10 tips to adopt the way of being Catalan and will merge in the mass incognito.

The habitants of Barcelona have habits of their own. The adoption of these habits will not only be useful not to look like a tourist, but also to be better received by the people here.

1. Get by in Catalan

Nothing better to attract the sympathy of the merchants! Barcelona may well be in Spain, the Catalans are very proud of their culture. The Catalan is not a dialect but a very rich language used in shops everywhere, at school, at work…

10 tips for not looking like a tourist in Barcelona

If you speak Spanish, you can totally communicate with the people here. But even a basic knowledge of a few words in Catalan will allow you to exchange more with the habitants of Barcelona.

2. Adopt local timetables

It is well known, in Barcelona we live with a different shift. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, adopt local timetables. This will also allow you to go in typical restaurants rather than those reserved for tourists who serve meals at noon or 19h.

But restaurants are not the only ones affected by this quirky rhythm: the many shops also adopt it.  Several shops and close between 13h and 17h. But, in return, they stay open until more or less 10 pm.

3. Dress appropriately

Certainly Barcelona is a city by the sea. That does not mean we can walk in shorts bath or undress! The Metro Line 4 serves the beach and it shows all summer people in beachwear, the bath towel over the shoulder.

10 tips for not looking like a tourist in Barcelona

They are immediately identified as tourists by people who do not necessarily have good intentions (I named: pickpockets). Adopt an admittedly rather casual and light clothing, but adapted to the city.

4. Wear a Barça shirt (why not?) But only on game days

If you hope to blend into the mass by trading your beach business against a Barça shirt, you missed! We will identify you from afar because even the biggest supporters do not come out with a jersey of FC Barcelona.

However, match day the rule is reversed and the blue and claret shirts invading the city. Visca el Barca!

5. Know the Barca anthem on the fingertips

The fans chant loudly the anthem of the team whenever they have the opportunity.

6. Always keep an eye on his business

Barcelona people are well aware that we must be vigilant and never lose sight of our business. Tourists sometimes tend to be easily distracted and are immediately identified by pickpockets.

10 tips for not looking like a tourist in Barcelona

Be careful not to wander a map in hand and always keep you on your most precious objects.

7. Take a vermouth as an aperitif

We grant you: you will not really offside if you ask for a beer, a mojito or wine as an aperitif. But if you really want to live Barcelona style, go for a vermouth. This fortified wine macerated with herbs and spices is a favorite with locals.

10 tips for not looking like a tourist in Barcelona

8. Eat paella at lunchtime

This may surprise, but eating a paella in the evening is not a habit in Barcelona. This specialty, considered long to digest, is always eaten at lunchtime, especially on Thursdays. 

9. Taste the Catalan specialties

Impossible of course miss Catalan specialties! Put yourself in the shoes of a local tasting  fideuà, le mar i muntanya, les calçots, la sobresada… And many more!

10. Frequent authentic addresses instead of tourist traps

Finally, do not look like a tourist, it is obviously necessary to avoid tourist traps. Flee eg restaurants of Las Ramblas or Passeig de Gràcia and prefer the surrounding streets or other areas, you will eat better for less and in a more typical atmosphere.