Despite the political turmoil surrounding last week’s referendum, yes.
Barcelona has been one of the most highly-visited vacation spots in Europe for years. But the past week’s referendum vote, which resulted in hundreds of injured and photos and videos of Madrid police violently pushing and dragging peaceful protesters out of voting areas was just one stage in a conflict that does not readily show a promising solution. The Catalan government has announced its plans to declare independence from Spain as early as next week, and strikes and demonstrations cover headlines all over the world. All this publicity has left would-be visitors wondering: are tourists safe in Barcelona?
The short answer to that question is yes. Below are our recommendations (from locals and tour guides) as well as guidance on how to have a safe and enjoyable vacation in Barcelona this October.
Historical Background
The tension between Catalonia and Spain is real–it goes back for centuries. As recently as the 20th century, when Spain was ruled by dictator Francisco Franco, Catalans suffered greatly; their language was outlawed and Barcelona, a lively port city, languished in economic despair.
When Franco died in 1975, his son stepped in to begin Spain’s transition to democracy. In the modern world democracy is treated as a universal good, nevertheless, Catalans still complain of unfair treatment from Spain.
Last Sunday’s referendum changed everything–and not for the better. When the Catalan state held a vote to decide if they would declare independence from Spain, military police from Madrid came to the city in boats and a helicopter. Suddenly the internet around the world was filled with shocking scenes of Madrid police dragging women out of buildings by their hair, firefighters forming a human wall to protect protesters from the police, and thousands of Catalans filling the streets of Barcelona calling for peace, for justice, and for independence.
But while the picture painted in the news media of a violent Barcelona spreads through the internet, for many locals and expats in the city, that picture has stayed there.
(today, hundreds of tourists walked the famous Rambla Del Mar, a boardwalk extending into the Mediterranean from the Gothic Quarter)
Despite a significant police presence in the center of Barcelona, many tourists are still enjoying what the sun-drenched city has to offer in its temperate and quiet off season. Tour groups still walk the city streets, restaurants still offer incredible seafood, and the city remains a bustling metropolis for Catalans and international visitors alike.
Of course vacationers need to still guard against the common risks of travel. Bags must be watched, money must be kept close, and corner-street hucksters are to be avoided, but the general tenor of travel and tourism in the city remains unchanged. According to local tour guide Joe Thurston, street-level Barcelona is safe for city travelers.
“As a tour guide, I do up to ten tours of the city every week….the city is safe.”
The thousands of tourists on Las Ramblas and in the city attest to that fact: as of now, Barcelona is not a risky proposition for visitors.
But what if travelers are still concerned? How can tourists make sure to be extra-careful during their trip to Barcelona this October?
A Good Tour Guide
The first step is to ask the advice of a good tour guide. The city is full of tours, and visitors can just stop by Travel Bar at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm for a free walking tour and as much information as they need. Also, travelers may email the administrators of this website at tourbarbcn@gmail.com for any questions about travelling the city.
After the referendum vote, it is highly unlikely that any protest will become dangerous for a foreigner. Jessica, a Catalan living in the city, when asked if the protests would be dangerous, shook her head immediately: “No. Firstly because they are peaceful demonstrations….we are not crazy.”
A real concern that tourists do face is disruption of their visit by having to move around a peaceful protest, but a good local tour guide will be able to tell visitors where protests are likely to be.
The Oldest Tricks
What may prove advantageous is that the increased police presence in the area is cutting down on another concern for travelers to Barcelona: petty thievery.
Petty thieves have long been the bane of tourists in Barcelona. Pickpocketing is a common problem that can be avoided by placing items like money and phones in front pockets and keeping purses closed. But with more police on the streets in Las Ramblas, ensuring that civil unrest doesn’t turn dangerous, petty thieves have a more difficult time finding opportunities to snatch wallets and phones.
(Tourists stroll by Catalan Mossos on their way to the water)
….Simple as Clothing
Beyond finding an excellent local tour guide and securing valuables to be extra-wary of pickpockets and petty thieves, tourists should be wary of wearing or carrying a Spanish or a Catalan flag. Though the city is peaceful and welcoming to foreigners, a foreigner who identifies him or herself with either side of the conflict may find themselves on the receiving end of glares and remarks from opposed locals.
Even though the international news media makes it appear as though Barcelona is rife with unrest, tourists in Barcelona are still enjoying their off-season visits to this glorious city.
The history of Barcelona has been tumultuous for centuries, and one of the great glories of the city is it returns always stronger and always more beautiful. This time will pass for Barcelona as well, and she will continue on as the jewel of Europe that she is.
As the events of the coming weeks develop, information about where to go and how to avoid peaceful demonstrations in Barcelona will be available from any local tour guide as well as the administrators of this website. For updated information on checking in with a tour guide, be sure to check our Travel Bar Free Walking Tour Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BCNFreeTours/ or email the team at Tour Barcelona about any questions you have.
Anna Shoffner is a writer and tour guide for TourBarcelona.co.uk. An American by birth, she is inspired by the art, architecture, and the history of Barcelona. Comments or questions for her can be directed to LiveThatDreamBCN@gmail.com, or at any of the email addresses or pages listed on this article.