Barcelona, the seventh most visited city in Europe
Since the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona has steadily grown in popularity as a tourist destination, attracting more and more visitors each year. That event marked the beginning of urban development plans that aimed to position the city as a global tourism capital — improving public services, creating high-quality public spaces, renovating the port, and opening access to the sea.
Barcelona has since become increasingly attractive not only to tourists but also to international residents looking to start a new life here, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.
Source: Ajuntament de Barcelona
Residents, tired of mass tourism
Not everyone wants Barcelona to become a global tourism hub. While the influx of tourists is undeniably an economic driver, it is also a double-edged sword for locals who no longer recognize their neighborhoods due to an atmosphere that sometimes feels too international, festive, and noisy.
As complaints and protests against mass tourism have grown — citing overcrowded public spaces and environmental concerns — the city has introduced measures to regulate tourism. These include halting new hotel licenses in the old town to encourage the “natural decline” of the sector. Developers looking to build or expand must now obtain licenses from establishments that are closing. Only the outskirts of the city may develop new projects.
The importance of respecting our neighbors
For us, one of the most important things is maintaining a lasting relationship with the local community. That’s why special attention should be given to neighbors, many of whom are already tired of noisy tourist apartments.
Noisy guests inevitably lead to complaints, and too many complaints can result in losing your license. Keeping neighbors happy is not optional — it’s essential.
How to keep your neighbors happy
To avoid disturbing residents, it’s important to put a few measures in place. One of the most effective ways is to establish clear house rules.
Age limits
Setting an age limit can be a first step to reducing noise. For example, you might decide not to allow groups under 25, as they’re more likely to host parties or return late at night. For larger groups — such as birthday or bachelor parties — it may even be worth setting a higher age requirement. Consider adding this rule to your house policy to avoid misunderstandings. Ultimately, the right limit will depend on your neighbors and their sensitivity to noise.
No parties, no smoking
Living next to a tourist apartment can come with inconveniences. Parties, loud behavior in common areas, or cigarette smoke drifting into shared spaces can all upset neighbors.
To help ensure rules are respected, you can use:
- Noise monitoring devices to keep track of sound levels and act quickly if they exceed acceptable limits, especially at night.
- Smoke detectors to make sure no one smokes inside the apartment.
You can also provide neighbors with a 24/7 phone number. Knowing there’s always someone available to handle issues can be reassuring and helps build trust.
With Barcelona’s stricter policies aimed at reducing the negative effects of tourism, the risk of losing your license is real. That’s why it’s crucial to do everything possible to maintain a positive relationship with your neighbors.