Barcelona bans tourists from famous La Boqueria market

Barcelona Tourist Hot Spots As Its Popularity Continues To Grow

Large groups of tourists have been banned from the iconic La Boqueria market in Barcelona.

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, known as La Boqueria, is one of Barcelona's biggest tourist attractions, and is situated just off the famous La Rambla.

But irked locals and stallholders have been complaining and petitioning about large groups of tourists getting in the way of the weekly shop, and of customers who actually want to buy things.

So the city has responded by banning groups of over 15 people entering the market at its busiest times - Friday and Saturday mornings.

Security guards will make groups larger than 15 aware of the new rules, and escort them out.

Rob Dobson, Barcelona expert and blogger, told The Local it was a "good idea", adding: "Of course tourists are part of the make-up and economy of this city and a huge part of La Boqueria on any day, but there's a difference between a couple or a family browsing and a group of 10 or 15 people being taken round, often by a guide.

"A group of 15 is still a bit large in my opinion but I think everyone will benefit from the new regulations in the end."

Stallholders reportedly have an issue with groups being taken around by guides, as they are often just 'sightseeing' rather than buying, and it can also lead to overcrowding.

Sally Davies, a writer who lives in Barcelona, said: "As a person who does genuinely need to stop in La Boqueria from time to time, I find those huge groups of tourists a real pain.

"Give them (the tourists) a map, point out the most interesting stalls and let them discover it for themselves, I say. That way they're more likely to buy things, too, which is good for everyone involved."

Manuel Casanovas, who works for Barcelona Tourism, told MailOnline Travel: "Turisme de Barcelona completely agree on the reorganisation of tourist areas.

"Because the Boqueria Market has become one of the main icons of the city, the best thing they could do is a sort of reorganisation of the public flow especially on Friday and Saturday, which is the moment that most locals do their weekly shopping."

The move comes as the issue of tourism overcrowding at Barcelona's famous sites heats up.

Dobson added: "Of course locals get annoyed when the places they frequent on a daily basis are overrun with tourists but they have to understand they are an important part of the economy."