Barcelona Creates Dedicated Selfie Zone at Sagrada Familia to Combat Overtourism and Improve Visitor Experience

Barcelona is taking action to manage overtourism around the iconic Sagrada Familia. The city will create a 6,200-square-meter zone near the basilica's Nativity facade, providing a dedicated space for tourists to take photos and alleviate congestion. This initiative addresses concerns from residents about crowded streets and obstructed traffic caused by visitors seeking the perfect shot. The project, costing €2.7 million, is part of a larger €15.5 million plan to improve infrastructure and visitor management at the Sagrada Familia, which attracts 4.7 million visitors annually. Construction is slated to begin after summer and conclude in April 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death. This is just one of several measures Barcelona has implemented to curb overtourism, including a €44 million plan to regulate crowds at 16 tourist hotspots, a shift away from mass tourism with the new slogan 'This is Barcelona,' a ban on short-term apartment rentals by 2028, and restrictions on cruise ship landings. The city aims to balance tourism with the needs of its residents, ensuring Barcelona remains a vibrant city for all.