Rick Steves Claims This Vibrant City Is One Of The Hottest Tourist Destinations In Europe

Barcelona is a city steeped in history and in constant flux. Once a haven for artists, dreamers, and architectural visionaries, Catalonia's capital city now finds itself fighting to balance the needs and well-being of its residents while managing the sheer volume of tourists who flock to the ancient city to experience the many reasons why it is so cherished by locals. Dubbed "one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe" by travel guru Rick Steves in a blog post, Barcelona sees over 32 million tourists descend upon its borders every year. However, Steves promises that outside the port city's tourist meccas, "life in Barcelona is a distinctive mix of Madrid-style love of life and Parisian elegance and taste."

It's clear Steves has long held "Spain's most cosmopolitan and European corner" — as he called it in an online travel guide — in high regard. Whether it's the winding tunnels beneath the Gothic Quarter or the sunlit cathedrals that rise above the ancient city's maze of streets and alleyways, the mouthwatering paella or late-night tapas shared in hidden courtyards, or the artistic masterpieces and Mediterranean breezes that attract so many visitors, Steves says Barcelona is both captivating and complicated.

Challenging tourists to give the city more than they take, and to appreciate all that makes Barcelona magical, the guidebook writer reminds travelers that despite the overwhelming crowds, there's still plenty to enjoy throughout Spain's second-largest city. The best places to explore in Barcelona depend on the type of getaway you're seeking, but ultimately, Steves promises in his blog that Barcelona's "bright sides still outshine the negative effects of mass tourism."

Perhaps the most iconic Catalonian neighborhood, L'Eixample is home to the world-renowned "bible in stone," Sagrada Família. The crowning jewel of the 19th-century architect Antoni Gaudí, which has been under construction for 140 years, can be seen from all over Barcelona and is arguably the most identifiable building in Spain. Known for its upscale shopping and dining, L'Eixample is also home to Arenas de Barcelona Shopping Center, a converted former bullring turned one-of-a-kind shopping mall with unique restaurants, stores, and activities.

Serving as a bridge between the medieval labyrinth of the Gothic Quarter and the lively, beachside stretch of La Barceloneta is El Born, which Rick Steves describes as "an edgier slice of the city." Also a favorite among locals, the barrio overflows with bars, restaurants, and boutiques, and its dining scene offers something for everyone, from quick bites at highly rated (and my personal favorites) Lady Dumpling and Honest Greens, to Taperia Princesa and El Set, which curate truly authentic Spanish dining experiences. At its heart stands the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a 14th-century Gothic-style cathedral that anchors and inspires the barrio's iconic architecture. The Picasso, MoCo, and Nightmare Horror museums also call the area home, adding yet another layer to this creative enclave.

A 20-minute walk from the narrow, winding streets and building-shrouded alleyways that define El Born, El Raval, once considered seedy and shadowy, has been revitalized in recent years and is now one of Barcelona's most exciting nightlife destinations. For a quick escape from the city center, take the Metro to the village neighborhood of Gràcia. The home of the famous Park Güell, Gràcia is an art- and nature-lover's dream, with Gaudí's lasting impact evident in the many works that dominate the enchanting neighborhood.

While Barcelona is generally considered safer than major American cities, there are still a few things to be aware of before hitting the enchanting Catalonia Coast. Pickpocketing, responsible for almost half of all reported crimes in the city, runs rampant in major tourist areas, including the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, and Las Ramblas. Solo travelers, particularly women, should stay alert and keep personal belongings secure, even while sitting on sunlit terraces enjoying an afternoon bevvy. Though kidnappings and sexual crimes are uncommon in Barcelona, I was followed on two separate occasions during the two months I spent in El Born, which serves as a not-so-gentle reminder to always trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings.

While Rick Steves cautions against Barcelona's bustling tourist meccas like Las Ramblas, he also notes that regardless of where you spend your Barcelona getaway, you'll inevitably run into "the human traffic jams that now clog the city's once-leisurely pedestrian boulevards." As such, tourists should be aware that, as welcoming as Barcelona is, there are still residents and neighborhoods that actively protest against the overtourism that has plagued their beloved city in recent years.

As a result of these protests and subsequent short-term rental bans, travelers who typically utilize Airbnb or similar providers should plan ahead and book accommodations well in advance. Given Barcelona's recent crackdown, accommodation availability is expected to drop, while prices, including for hotel rooms, continue to climb. As Barcelona is a major European city and popular vacation destination, finding non-stop flights and those with short layovers from the U.S. to Barcelona-El Prat Airport is relatively easy, with several major airlines offering multiple routes into the enchanting city.