Shit you probably haven’t thought of… but should know: Barcelona

Day-to-Day Culture: Barcelona is slllooowww… The Spanish have absolutely mastered work/life balance, and two+ years later, I am still envious of them for it. I mean, the Starbucks near my apartment didn’t even open until 9 AM! And while many start work earlier, the day really doesn’t become active until after 11 AM, especially in retail areas. And as for the infamous afternoon siesta? Barcelonians take their midday breaks SERIOUSLY, with many stores, restaurants, and offices closing for a few hours every afternoon. Dinner is also late for most Americans, typically starting no earlier than 8 PM.

Long story short, prepare for late mornings and even later nights. Additionally, meals in Barcelona are about much more than simply eating. They’re a communal experience, with the culture celebrating good food, conversation, and a drink or two shared among friends and family, especially around dinner time. Dining al fresco, or in the fresh air, is also a standard practice, especially as the weather warms, and alleyways, patios, and even side streets become overrun (in the best way) with outdoor seating, dining, and camaraderie.

Museums: Given Barcelona’s long and rich history, it should be no surprise that the city is home to museums and historical attractions galore. However, given my limited time touristing during my first visit, I focused on exploring museums within walking distance of my rental. A must-see is obviously the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Pablo’s early works, and offering insight into his formative years and deep connection to the beautiful city. Contemporary and street art enthusiasts (like myself) will appreciate MoCo Museum, which showcases cutting-edge modern artists, including Banksy, Basquiat (my absolute FAVE), and Warhol. For a more immersive experience of Banksy himself, the Banksy Museum (another fave of mine, as well as my son’s) highlights the elusive artist’s most iconic works, bringing his provocative messages to life through several exhibitions and displays. Whether you’re drawn to classic masterpieces, bold contemporary statements, or simply want to pick up a few cool souvenirs and gifts (lots of penis-shaped gifts here for some reason, lol), Barcelona’s museums (and souvenir shops) literally have something for everyone.

Trash & Recycle: Recycling is big in Barcelona, and there are public disposal bins on almost every street, so there’s really no reason not to participate (for reference, green = glass, blue = paper, yellow = plastic). Public trash cans are on almost every corner as well. Cleaning your table after you eat, however, is apparently not a thing, so don’t be surprised if you need to clean a table before dining in, especially at coffee shops, small eateries and fast food joints.

Smoking: If you’re not a smoker, don’t be surprised by the number of people who do partake in Barcelona. It’s tolerated, accepted, and in some ways, still romanticized. Lungs… who needs ‘em, right?

Pets & People: Leashes on pets are apparently just a suggestion in Barcelona. On that note, I only saw a few stray animals during my time in Barcelona, something that, having lived in big cities all over the world, actually surprised me. Stray people, however, were much more common.