Tourism in Barcelona

Nice Outfit! Barcelona Tourists, 2015

Barcelona is a wonderful city in many ways, from its history dating back to Roman times (and even earlier), to its lively art, music, and theater scene, to its architecture, and yes, to its uninhibited night life. And lots of folks around the globe have figured that out.

So, today, as you walk down the crowded La Rambla, or as you aggressively shoulder your way in to buy some sweets in La Boqueria market, you will find yourself mixing it up with thousands of other tourists, many just recently disgorged from a monster cruise ship in the nearby port. In the minority in many areas are the local Catalans, strolling about or out to pick up a few things for the evening meal.

Thus the growing debate.

How do you bring in those tempting tourist dollars yet preserve something of the authentic, original Barcelona (whatever that might be) for those who actually live, work, and raise children here? How do you maintain a pleasant environment for long-time and settled Barcelona residents yet keep the place from turning into a noisy and shallow Disneyland, selling trinkets and T-shirts by day, and morphing into a loud, obnoxious, party-til-you-puke, throw-the-beer-cans-on-the-beach, disco destination by night?

Those tourist dollars are indeed wonderful–but at what cost? What might be the right balance? And then, how to achieve that balance?

Stop the Noise! Near a Barcelona tourist area, 2015