10 Things to Not Do in Barcelona

A ban on bullfighting in Barcelona came into effect on January 1, 2012. Why? Because it's cruel. And, as any local might well tell you, bullfighting is a Spanish thing, and 'Catalonia is not Spain'. Though there will no doubt be a rush of people wanting to see a fight there before the ban comes into effect, should you really be going to see something the locals are opposed to?

Countless people fly to Barcelona Girona and Barcelona Reus each year not realizing they're both miles away from Barcelona. Doh! (In fact, it's only Ryanair that describes these airports as 'Barcelona' airports). They're both cities in their own right in their own separate provinces. Each is an inconvenient hour-long bus ride away.

Instead: Fly direct to Barcelona, or fly to Girona or Reus but check out the local area first.

Oh, and while we're on the subject of flying: don't assume that flying is always the quickest way to get to, from and around Spain. Often it'll be the train!

Sagrada Familia is much more interesting from the outside. The views aren't among the city's best. Most of the building is under construction.

Instead: For good views of Barcelona, go up the Columbus statue at the bottom of the Ramblas.

Unless you like cigarette butt-infested, concrete sand, scummy water with plastic bags floating around in it and hordes of boisterous beer-swilling tourists, don't go to Barceloneta beach. But that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do in Barceloneta.

Instead:  You're better off taking a short train ride to Ocata or St Pol de Mar.

Rip-off alert!

Instead: There's far better and cheaper food just off Las Ramblas.

When approached by a complete stranger asking if you like Lionel Messi should he try and wedge a leg between yours in an apparent attempt to show you a football move, then cover your wallet and shout 'thief!'

Instead: Politely say no, keep your hands on your wallet, and consider wearing a security belt under your clothes.

Walking around topless with a huge sombrero on and a towel thrown over your shoulder might seem like a perfectly good idea. But it really isn't. The less conspicuous you are, the less likely you are to be ripped off, robbed or, for that matter, taken seriously by that hot local chick.

Instead: Just dress sensibly!

Would you like to stand completely still for hours on end being snapped by tourists and not get paid a thing? Well, then.

Instead: Carry a little loose change and drop it in their box before snapping. You'll usually get a little show for your troubles.

Taxis far too expensive. 

Instead: Two words. The Metro. It'll get you everywhere, for a fraction of the price. Buy a T10 card, and each of the ten journeys will cost you less than a euro.

Ever. It's an Iberian thing.

Instead: Push where necessary and don't take it to heart if someone nips in front of you. You'll do it back to someone else eventually.