Barcelona Redefines City Tourism with Multi-Million Euro Upgrades to Outer-District Attractions

Barcelona City Council is implementing a polycentric tourism strategy designed to decentralise city visitors away from traditional hotspots. Supported by €40,848,876 secured from the 2022 Plan for the Modernisation and Competitiveness of the Tourism Sector using NextGenerationEU funds, the initiative focuses on enhancing alternative cultural, natural, and recreational sites across the city.

【Attraction Tickets】Barcelona: Casa Batlló Luggage Storage

Book today before 18:00

HKD 53 Start

Book now

Expanding Attractions Beyond the Centre

Travellers exploring outside the main core will find upgraded landmarks, natural escapes, and new cultural offerings:

• Montjuïc Mountain: Infrastructure enhancements include the renovation and replacement of escalators managed by Barcelona Serveis Municipals (BSM), as well as planned updates to Montjuïc Castle.

• Green Spaces & Parks: Environmental restoration projects are scheduled for Ciutadella Park, Parc del Laberint d'Horta, and the surroundings of the Collserola fountains in Collserola Park. A new geological garden is also being developed on Carrer Menéndez y Pelayo.

• Coastline & Waterfronts: Key coastal developments include beach enhancements alongside the restoration of the Forum bathing area, offering alternative seaside options along the Fòrum coastline.

• Heritage & Museums: Historical sites are gaining updated features, including an immersive room in the Chapel of Saint Michael at the Monastery of Pedralbes, digital museology at Casa de l'Aigua in Trinitat Nova, and renovations at the former Fabra i Coats factory for the Museum of Work (ICUB).

• Active Routes: A new pedestrian and bicycle path is being created along the Rec Comtal, connecting locations around the Besòs river area.

Infrastructure and Visitor Services

To support smooth travel and manage crowd movement across the city, several municipal updates are underway:

• Barcelona Nord Bus Station: Approval has been granted for the renovation and improvement of passenger spaces and services.

• Visitor Management Systems: A network of sensors is being installed in high tourist traffic areas (HTAs) to monitor visitor mobility and behavioural patterns.

• Private Sector Digitalisation: Barcelona City Council and its Directorate of Tourism have opened calls for subsidies to help private visitor economy businesses digitalise their services.