I love Barcelona but would think twice about returning. Tourists seem really unwelcome there and I sympathise with the AirBnB protestors who want to limit the tourist trade to protect local people’s accommodation. It’s sad to think I might never again see those wonderful Gaudi buildings, the Antoni Tapies and Miro museums, MACBA and the streets of Fontana. Looking forward to hearing about your south of France adventure.
thank you, Jon. It was a love-hate experience, one that I would rather not go through again. That said, south of France was entirely different, quaint, pleasant, rewarding in many ways. I'll make the post hopefully soon, and will take the opportunity to echo your letter, because indeed those places have provided me with the opportunity to reflect and enjoy time at a much better pace.
When visiting Barcelona in 2011, I found it very welcoming and with a soul. When returning in 2024, I felt it had lost its vital force (literally, with the lack of water shutting down all the beautiful fountains), exausted by overtourism. Barcelona and the Amalfi Coast are two very good example of how hordes of turists can hurt places and people living there.
Thanks, I was feeling a bit like a prick for being less than enthusiastic about Barcelona, luckily quite a few people confirmed they feel pretty much the same.
Multumesc frumos pentru insight-ul din Casa Batllo. N-am intrat niciodata, tocmai din cauza aglomeratiei. Am cedat timpul ala Sagradei. N-am avut experiente neplacute anul trecut (poate ca Spania era pe val la European si oamenii erau mai ingaduitori?), dar Barcelona mi s-a parut foarte stearsa comparativ cu cea din amintirea mea.
Mi-a indus teama de a revedea Lisabona, capitala, coltul de pe acest continent unde mi-am lasat o parte din suflet acum niste ani.
I love Barcelona but would think twice about returning. Tourists seem really unwelcome there and I sympathise with the AirBnB protestors who want to limit the tourist trade to protect local people’s accommodation. It’s sad to think I might never again see those wonderful Gaudi buildings, the Antoni Tapies and Miro museums, MACBA and the streets of Fontana. Looking forward to hearing about your south of France adventure.
thank you, Jon. It was a love-hate experience, one that I would rather not go through again. That said, south of France was entirely different, quaint, pleasant, rewarding in many ways. I'll make the post hopefully soon, and will take the opportunity to echo your letter, because indeed those places have provided me with the opportunity to reflect and enjoy time at a much better pace.
When visiting Barcelona in 2011, I found it very welcoming and with a soul. When returning in 2024, I felt it had lost its vital force (literally, with the lack of water shutting down all the beautiful fountains), exausted by overtourism. Barcelona and the Amalfi Coast are two very good example of how hordes of turists can hurt places and people living there.
Your images are striking ...but you are not the first to complain about Barcelona's tourism and I'm glad to read this. Thank you.
Thanks, I was feeling a bit like a prick for being less than enthusiastic about Barcelona, luckily quite a few people confirmed they feel pretty much the same.
Multumesc frumos pentru insight-ul din Casa Batllo. N-am intrat niciodata, tocmai din cauza aglomeratiei. Am cedat timpul ala Sagradei. N-am avut experiente neplacute anul trecut (poate ca Spania era pe val la European si oamenii erau mai ingaduitori?), dar Barcelona mi s-a parut foarte stearsa comparativ cu cea din amintirea mea.
Mi-a indus teama de a revedea Lisabona, capitala, coltul de pe acest continent unde mi-am lasat o parte din suflet acum niste ani.
eu vreau să merg la Lisabona cât de curând, dar prin zona catalană nu mă mai prinzi în grabă, asta e clar. Casa Batllo e formidabilă.