As the founder of Barcelona Mom Life and an immigration consultant, I’ve spent years helping international families navigate the joys and challenges of relocating to this vibrant Mediterranean city. Barcelona’s magnetic pull is undeniable—the stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, rich culture, excellent international schools, and family-friendly lifestyle make it an appealing destination for families from around the world. However, if you’ve been researching a move to Barcelona, you’ve likely encountered headlines about anti-tourism protests, “tourists go home” graffiti, and growing tension between locals and visitors. This reality can be concerning for families considering Barcelona as their new home or even for those planning an extended vacation.
Today, I want to address this complex issue head-on, providing context, understanding, and practical strategies for international families to navigate this sentiment respectfully and successfully. As someone who has lived on both sides of this equation over an extended period of time (15 years)—first as a visitor, then as a newcomer, and now as a long-term resident raising children here—I hope to offer a balanced perspective that honors both local concerns and the dreams of families seeking a new beginning in this remarkable city.
The Current Situation: Understanding Anti-Tourism Sentiment in Barcelona
In recent years, Barcelona has experienced a surge in anti-tourism demonstrations and sentiment. What began as sporadic graffiti and occasional protests has evolved into organized movements, with local groups staging demonstrations in tourist-heavy areas like La Barceloneta beach and Park Güell. Some infamous incidents have included water gun “attacks” on tour groups, symbolic beach occupations during peak season, false warnings on beaches (jellyfish, for example), and demonstrations blocking access to popular attractions.
It’s important to understand that these actions aren’t typically directed at individual tourists or families, but rather at the systemic issues related to mass tourism and its effects on the city. Nevertheless, the atmosphere can feel unwelcoming if you’re not aware of the underlying context.
Most notably for families considering relocation, there’s a crucial distinction to be made between short-term tourism and those moving to Barcelona with intentions to integrate, contribute to the community, and make this city their home. Local sentiment generally recognizes this difference, though it’s not always obvious in public demonstrations or media coverage.
To me, it is important for my clients to understand where this comes from, the empathize, and to truly make the effort to integrate to Spanish and Catalan society when making it there home, whether for 6 months, 5 years, or a lifetime.
The Root Causes: Why Anti-Tourism Sentiment Exists
To navigate this reality effectively, it’s essential to understand the legitimate concerns driving anti-tourism sentiment:
1. Housing Crisis and Gentrification
Perhaps the most significant issue is Barcelona’s severe housing crisis. The proliferation of tourist apartments (both legal and illegal) has removed thousands of units from the long-term rental market. This reduction in housing supply, combined with increasing demand, has caused rental prices to skyrocket by over 50% in the past decade.
For many local families, particularly younger generations, finding affordable housing in their own neighborhoods has become nearly impossible. When lifelong residents are priced out of communities where their families have lived for generations, resentment toward tourism is a natural response.
2. Neighborhood Transformation
Many traditionally working-class neighborhoods have transformed rapidly, with local businesses replaced by souvenir shops, global chains, and tourist-oriented services. When bakeries become bubble tea shops and hardware stores become bicycle rentals, the fabric of daily life changes dramatically for residents.
In areas like El Born, La Barceloneta, and parts of Gràcia, this transformation has been especially pronounced, creating a sense that neighborhoods are becoming theme parks rather than living communities.
3. Environmental and Infrastructure Pressures
Barcelona welcomed over 30 million visitors annually before the pandemic, in a city of just 1.6 million residents. This tourism intensity places enormous pressure on infrastructure, from overcrowded public transportation to water usage in a region increasingly affected by drought. Waste management, noise pollution, and environmental concerns also contribute to local frustration.
4. Cultural Preservation Challenges
Catalan culture has survived centuries of challenges, from political repression to globalization. The perception that tourism simplifies and converts this rich heritage into a commodity and digestible experiences—paella and sangria stereotypes rather than authentic cultural exchange—fuels concerns about cultural preservation.
5. Economic Complexity
While tourism generates substantial revenue and employment opportunities, the economic reality is complex. Many tourism jobs are seasonal, low-paying, and precarious. Economic benefits aren’t always distributed equitably, while the costs (higher housing prices, crowded spaces, etc.) are borne by all residents.
Why This Matters for Relocating Families
As a family moving to Barcelona, understanding these issues isn’t just about social awareness—it directly impacts your integration experience in several ways:
- Your children’s social experience: How local families perceive and welcome your family can significantly affect your children’s school and neighborhood relationships.
- Your sense of belonging: Building a meaningful life in Barcelona means creating authentic connections within the community, which becomes more challenging in an atmosphere of resentment.
- Housing options and costs: The tourism-driven housing market will directly affect your rental or purchase options and budget.
- Quality of daily life: Living in a neighborhood that maintains its authentic character, with a mix of practical local businesses rather than tourist-oriented services, contributes significantly to quality of life.
- Emotional well-being: Feeling unwelcome or perceived as part of a problem can take an emotional toll, especially during the already challenging adjustment period of international relocation.
The good news is that by approaching your move with awareness, sensitivity, and intention, your family can navigate these complexities successfully and build a rewarding life in Barcelona. Let me share strategies that have worked for hundreds of families I’ve supported through Barcelona Mom Life.
10 Ways to Navigate Anti-Tourism Sentiment and Integrate Respectfully
1. Learn Catalan Basics, Not Just Spanish
While most Barcelonians speak Spanish fluently, Catalan is the heart language of the region and holds profound cultural significance. Making an effort to learn basic Catalan phrases communicates respect for local identity in a powerful way that distinguishes you from transient tourists. Even if you live in an area that has more Spanish integrated in the day-to-day (such as in Poblenou, Sant Martí, Nou Barris, etc.), everyone still uses Catalan and you can support your children’s adaptation at school by using it yourself and setting the example.
You don’t need to become fluent immediately. Start with simple greetings and expressions:
- Bon dia (Good morning)
- Gràcies (Thank you)
- Si us plau (Please)
- Parla anglès? (Do you speak English?)
For families with children, the integration will often happen naturally through school, as Catalan is the primary language of instruction in public and semi-private schools. Consider family language classes as a bonding experience—the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística offers affordable courses throughout the city, including some designed specifically for families.
2. Shop and Dine Locally
One of the most effective ways to integrate and counteract anti-tourism sentiment is by supporting local businesses outside the tourist ecosystem. This means:
- Shopping at neighborhood markets like Mercat del Ninot or Mercat de Sant Antoni rather than always defaulting to La Boqueria (which remains wonderful but overwhelmingly touristic and expensive)
- Finding your local “forn de pa” (bakery) and becoming a regular
- Patronizing family-run restaurants in residential neighborhoods
- Discovering neighborhood shops for everyday needs, such as clothing shops and bookstores instead of depending on online purchases for everything
Building relationships with local vendors creates community connections that transcend the tourist-resident divide. When the woman at the vegetable stand greets your children by name and asks about their school day, you’ve begun to include yourself into the community.
3. Participate in Community Events
Barcelona’s neighborhoods come alive with local festivals, school events, and community gatherings throughout the year. These provide perfect opportunities for meaningful integration:
- Attend your neighborhood’s Festa Major (annual festival)—every district has one, from Gràcia’s famous August celebration to smaller neighborhood events.
- Participate in school activities, particularly those that welcome family involvement, such those hosted by the PTA (AFA: Asociación de Familias de Alumnos).
- Join community improvement initiatives or volunteer opportunities
- Check out your local Centre Cívic (community center) which offers activities for all ages
Active participation demonstrates your commitment to the community beyond surface-level consumption of the city’s attractions.
4. Understand and Respect Local Customs
Small but impactful cultural adaptations signal respect and awareness:
- Adjust to local schedules—later dinner times, respect for siesta hours in residential buildings
- Learn proper recycling and waste disposal practices, which are taken seriously. They are located on every block or every two blocks, so there is no excuse to learn the system. The Barcelona City Hall has an app to identify how to recycle certain materials and other useful information for procedures in Barcelona: Barcelona a la butxaca (Barcelona in Your Pocket).
- Understand appropriate noise levels, particularly during traditional rest periods
- Respect local water conservation practices, especially during drought periods
- Observe dining customs and etiquette
These adaptations might seem minor, but collectively they demonstrate awareness that you’re living in someone else’s cultural space and respect their established norms.
5. Choose Sustainable Housing Options
Your housing choices can either contribute to or help alleviate the tourism-related housing pressure:
- Work with ethical property managers who serve both the local and international communities
- Consider neighborhoods slightly outside the most tourism-impacted zones
- Ensure your rental is properly registered and legal
- Review any tax obligations.
- One virtually unknown concept is that tenants have to pay 0.5% (in Catalunya) on the total rent for the entire contract period.
- This must be presented during the month of signing the rental agreement.
- Exemptions apply if for stable and permanent use (permanent home). In that case, you still need to present the tax form, but you would apply the 100% exemption code.
- Example: For an apartment rented out for one year at €800/month, the tax would be calculated over the total €9,600.
- One virtually unknown concept is that tenants have to pay 0.5% (in Catalunya) on the total rent for the entire contract period.
- For homebuyers, be sensitive to gentrification concerns
- Respect building community norms and participate in residents’ meetings
By making conscious housing choices, you avoid inadvertently contributing to the problems driving anti-tourism sentiment.
6. Connect with Mixed Friend Groups
While expatriate communities provide valuable support during transition, developing relationships across cultural boundaries enriches your Barcelona experience immeasurably:
- Seek out playdate opportunities with local families from your children’s classes
- Join mixed-nationality sports or interest groups
- Consider language exchanges
- Participate in activities where conversation and cultural exchange are natural
The American psychologist John Berry’s acculturation model suggests that the most successful adaptation strategy is integration—maintaining your cultural identity while developing positive relationships with the host culture. Mixed friendship circles facilitate this balanced approach.
7. Stay Informed About Local Issues
Understanding Barcelona’s evolving challenges helps you navigate the social landscape with empathy and awareness:
- Follow local news sources available in English (Metropolitan Barcelona, Catalan News)
- Join neighborhood social media groups
- Understand basic local politics and current concerns
- Be aware of neighborhood-specific issues
This knowledge allows you to participate in informed conversations with neighbors and demonstrates your investment in the community’s wellbeing beyond your personal experience.
8. Travel Thoughtfully Within Catalunya
Exploring beyond Barcelona shows appreciation for the region’s diversity while reducing pressure on the city’s most overwhelmed sites:
- Discover less-visited coastal towns accessible by train
- Explore the mountain villages of the Pyrenees
- Visit interior wine regions like Penedès or Priorat
- Use public transportation when possible
- Support sustainable tourism initiatives
These explorations provide authentic experiences while demonstrating a more thoughtful approach to enjoying Catalunya.
9. Share Authentic Experiences on Social Media
As international residents, your social media presence influences others’ perceptions of Barcelona. Consider how your digital footprint might contribute to overtourism or offer a more nuanced perspective:
- Highlight local cultural events respectfully
- Share insights about sustainability and respectful tourism
- Present a balanced view that acknowledges both Barcelona’s beauty and its challenges
Thoughtful social sharing can inspire more responsible approaches among friends and followers considering Barcelona visits.
10. Become Advocates, Not Just Residents
The most integrated international families in Barcelona find ways to contribute positively to addressing tourism-related challenges:
- Support local initiatives focused on sustainable tourism and community preservation
- Join neighborhood associations where international perspectives are welcomed
- Help visiting friends and family understand how to experience Barcelona respectfully
- Participate in community dialogues about balancing tourism and local life
- Consider how your professional skills might contribute to community solutions
By positioning yourself as part of the solution rather than part of the problem, you transcend the tourist-resident dichotomy entirely.
Our Family’s Journey: Personal Experiences
As I transitioned from a temporary visitor and student to resident, my awareness evolved, especially as this period covered a significant transformation in Barcelona’s transformation to a hot destination.
Gradually, I found my place in the complex social ecosystem of our Barcelona neighborhood. Today, I maintain friendships with both international and local families. Our child moves fluidly between languages and cultural contexts. We’ve become advocates for responsible tourism among our visiting friends and family.
This evolution didn’t happen overnight, and it required humility, flexibility, and genuine interest in the culture we had chosen to join. But the rewards—a sense of authentic belonging, cross-cultural relationships, and the privilege of raising third-culture children—have been immeasurable.
Resources for New Barcelona Families
To support your family’s integration journey, I’ve compiled resources that have proven valuable for Barcelona Mom Life families:
Language Learning
- Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística (offers family-friendly Catalan courses)
- Parla.cat (free online Catalan learning platform: this is how I personally learned Catalan beyond just the street language)
- Language exchange groups specifically for parents
Community Connections
- Neighborhood-specific parent groups
- International Women’s Club of Barcelona
- Barcelona Women’s Network
- Professional Women’s Network
Family-Friendly Local Experiences
- Neighborhood festivals calendar
- Nature exploration groups focusing on Collserola and surrounding areas
Conclusion: Finding Your Place in Barcelona’s Complex Reality
The path to becoming a respectful resident of Barcelona involves acknowledging the legitimate concerns driving anti-tourism sentiment while actively working to position your family as part of the community rather than transient consumers of its charm.
The anti-tourism movement isn’t going away—in fact, as climate concerns intensify and housing pressures continue, these tensions may increase. However, international families who approach their Barcelona journey with awareness, respect, and genuine investment in community wellbeing can still create meaningful, rewarding lives here.
Barcelona remains a remarkably welcoming city for families who demonstrate respect and interest in local culture. The same passion that drives Catalans to protect their city makes them proud to share its authentic character with those who appreciate it deeply.
At Barcelona Mom Life, we believe in creating a community of international families who enhance rather than extract from Barcelona’s vibrant culture. We’re committed to supporting your family’s integration journey with practical guidance, cultural insights, and connections that bridge communities.
Your family’s Barcelona story is just beginning. With thoughtful navigation of these complex social dynamics, it can become a story of genuine belonging, enriching cross-cultural experiences, and a lifestyle that respects and contributes to this extraordinary city we’re privileged to call home.
Would you like personalized support for your family’s move to Barcelona? Barcelona Mom Life offers relocation coaching, school selection guidance, and integration workshops designed specifically for international families. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your family navigate a successful transition to Barcelona life.
