How NOT to be a Tourist in Barcelona

The last thing one of the world´s most-visited cities needs is another tourist. Therefore, if you plan to visit the capital of Catalonia, it may be wise to follow the tips below to blend in with (and avoid the rolling eye from) the locals.

Don´t wear flip-flops. This may be obvious to voyagers who have visited Europe before and have noticed Europeans do not wear flip-flops. Such footwear pretty much labels pedestrians as tourists. Cap it off with a fancy camera and a sun hat, and you´ve got next year’s tacky Halloween costume.

Don´t go to dinner before 9 p.m.. Southern Europeans like to do everything late: eat lunch, eat dinner and arrive to anything they have scheduled. Therefore when in Spain, do as the Spaniards do. Have a light afternoon meal of a few pintxos or a bowl of patatas bravas, and save the larger meal for later in the night. Keep in mind, however, there really isn´t such a thing as a ¨big meal.¨ Spaniards like to keep their meals small and frequent, inserting a café con leche between meals.

Stay away from Las Ramblas. The most famous street in Barcelona is also the most dangerous. Petty thieves stroll the central walkway, waiting for you to be distracted by a street performer or a restaurant promising the city´s best tapas. Keep walking, keep your valuables close, and keep your eyes open … or even better, avoid this area completely to get a more authentic taste of the real Barcelona.