How Many Tourists Visit Barcelona Each Year?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.

But just how many tourists visit Barcelona each year? Let’s dive into the numbers.

Overall Tourist Numbers

According to the Barcelona Tourism Board, the city received a whopping 9.4 million international visitors in 2019 alone. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with a 5% increase from 2018.

Top Tourist Nationalities

So which nationalities are visiting Barcelona the most? Here are the top five according to data from 2019:

  • France: Over 1.6 million French tourists visited Barcelona in 2019.
  • Germany: Nearly 1.3 million German tourists visited Barcelona in 2019.
  • United Kingdom: Just over 1 million British tourists visited Barcelona in 2019.
  • Italy: More than 800,000 Italian tourists visited Barcelona in 2019.
  • The United States: Nearly 800,000 American tourists visited Barcelona in 2019.

Tourism by Season

Barcelona is a popular year-round destination, but certain seasons see higher numbers of visitors than others. Summer is peak season for tourism with July and August being particularly busy months. However, spring and fall also see high numbers of visitors due to milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

The Impact of COVID-19

It’s important to note that these numbers reflect pre-pandemic tourism levels. In March of 2020, Spain went into lockdown due to COVID-19 and the tourism industry has been greatly impacted ever since. While Barcelona is slowly starting to open up to travelers again, it will likely take some time before we see pre-pandemic levels of tourism return.

Conclusion

Barcelona is a city that attracts millions of visitors each year, with no signs of slowing down (once the pandemic is over). From its stunning architecture to its rich culture and delicious food, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this vibrant city.