Special selfie zone for the biggest tourist hotspot in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of Europe's most popular city break destinations – and has been struggling with the downsides of mass tourism for years. One flashpoint is the world-famous Sagrada Família, which draws around 4.7 million visitors annually. Tourists hoping to snap the perfect selfie in front of Gaudí's iconic basilica often end up blocking pavements, access roads — or even standing right in the path of metro station exits.

Now, the city council is taking action. According to «Euronews», plans are underway to create a designated «selfie forecourt» — a dedicated space where visitors can take photos without disrupting the daily routines of local residents.

The new meeting zone will be created between the façade of the basilica and Plaça Gaudí, along Carrer de la Marina. A 6,200-square-meter plaza is set to provide a welcoming space for visitors to pause, take photos, and relax. Construction is expected to begin after summer 2025 and be completed by April 2026 — in time to mark the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudí's death.

For some time now, Barcelona has been pursuing a clearer line in dealing with mass tourism. The new forecourt is part of a broader urban development plan to relieve pressure on hot spots and channel the flow of visitors. In 2024, the city had already earmarked 44 million euros for measures at 16 tourist hotspots – including more cleaning staff, police presence and information services.

At the same time, the city announced a complete ban on short-term rentals to tourists until 2028. The number of cruise ships docking at the port is also to be reduced.