I visit Spain’s much-loved holiday destination every couple of months – how to really blend in with the locals

SPAIN attracts millions of Brits every year, but there is one city that remains one of the most popular.

Despite being Spain’s “second city”, more than 30 million tourists visit Barcelona each year.

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I visit Barcelona every month and have been doing so for the last few years.

Along the way, I learned from my own experience, as well as from friends who live there, how to do things like a local.

Here are the big mistakes I see a lot of tourists making when visiting the city, especially for the first time, and how you can avoid the crowds and do what the locals do.

Sticking to the city’s beaches

I see so many visitors parking on Barceloneta beach when they go to Barcelona and not moving.

But consider visiting beaches further outside the city and you’ll be rewarded by quieter, more beautiful stretches of coast with far fewer tourists.

Badalona is a great option just 15 minutes from the center by metro, or Castelldefels, which you can reach by train from any of Barcelona’s main train stations (Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Estación de Francia) in around 30 minutes .

Dinner at 7pm – and ordering paella

Culturally, Spanish people dine much later than other countries – you’ll never see locals dining in a restaurant before 9pm – so eat much later to blend in.

Another surefire way to look like a tourist is to order paella.

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The traditional rice dish is only something Spaniards eat at lunchtime, usually in the sun by the sea.

A great alternative to paella is fideuà – essentially a pasta-based version that is very popular among Barcelonans.

Order a beer instead of a “caña”

Spaniards generally don’t drink liters of beer, mainly because when it’s hot the beer heats up before you even get halfway through.

Instead, do what the locals do and order a “caña” – a small draft beer, usually around 200ml, which ensures that your beer is always cold.

What’s more, it only costs around €1 (88 cents) per soda – and if you’re a quick drinker, you can always order a “double”.

Also ditch the standard cocktails and opt for vermut, a sweet fortified wine that will earn you local accolades.

Stay or eat on Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas may be one of the most popular streets in Barcelona, ​​but that doesn’t make it the best place to stay or eat, despite its super central location.

Not only is it an expensive tourist trap where you can easily get scammed, but even worse, it is a hotspot for pickpockets.

A short walk away is Sant Antoni – an excellent alternative that is more local, quieter and full of great restaurants.

There’s also Barcelona’s “tech city,” Poble Nou, for a younger, more creative vibe, or Gracia, in the north of the city, for a more laid-back, quaint feel.

Shopping on the main street

If you like shopping, there are some alternative neighborhoods to try instead of the popular Passeig de Gràcia, which is full of high street chain stores.

The Born neighborhood has great independent clothing and jewelry stores, while Gracia, the northern neighborhood of the city, is also a good place to buy more local and authentic souvenirs.

And Els Encants in Glories is worth a visit, boasting one of the oldest flea markets in Europe.

Queues for popular Gaudi attractions

If you miss the opportunity to visit some of Gaudí’s most popular architecture, like the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló, don’t worry, there are other options that are generally easier to get into.

Casa Vicens on the outskirts of Gràcia, for example, is often much quieter, equally impressive It is with much shorter queues.

Taking a taxi anywhere

Although taxis are easy to hail and the metro system in Barcelona is top notch, taxis and public transport are not always necessary.

In fact, you can walk everywhere and that way you are more likely to discover things you never expected.

Tired of walking? There are plenty of private bike hire options if you want to get around quickly but in a more relaxed way, like Donkey Republic – just avoid the group tours (locals won’t like that).

Also avoid the airport taxi – the Aerobus takes just five minutes longer, but will get you to the city center and cost you €20 (£18) less.

Here are some other ways to make your Spain vacation much cheaper.

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