Tourism

Steps are being taken to extend the decree limiting tourist groups in Ciutat Vella by another year. The extension should start early in September and remain in place until September 2024, the goal being to maintain the balance between economic activity and everyday life in this district.

The text for the new decree limiting tourist groups in Ciutat Vella maintains the current regulations, which came into effect in March. These establish that groups cannot exceed 20 people and that the limit set for the number of groups in some streets and squares may not be exceeded, particularly in places which attract the most people because of their tourist value.

Limits on the number of groups in certain spaces will continue:

• Plaça Sant Jaume (maximum 8 groups)
• Plaça Reial (maximum 8 groups)
• Plaça del Rei (maximum 5 groups)
• Fossar de les Moreres (maximum 3 groups, standing at the sides)
• Passeig del Born (maximum 3 groups)
• Façade of Santa Maria del Mar (maximum 3 groups)
• Plaça del Pi (maximum 3 groups)
• Plaça Sant Felip Neri (maximum 2 groups)
• Plaça Isidre Nonell (maximum 2 groups)
• Carrer de Salomó Ben Adret / Placeta Manuel Ribé and environs (maximum 2 groups)
• Plaça de la Barceloneta (maximum 1 group)
• Façade of the Palau de la Música (Plaça Lluís Millet) (maximum 1 group)

The text for the regulations sets out the maximum capacities for spaces and monuments which require an explanation on the spot, which must be brief on busy days when there are a lot of groups. It also prohibits the use of loudhailers to give explanations, fostering the use of radio guides to minimise noise.

Since the regulations were introduced in March, pairs of civic officers have been out and about in the district streets to initially inform guides about the content of the decree, and also to inform the City Police in cases of non-compliance. The City Police are responsible for issuing on-the-spot fines.

Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 1,500 euros, rising to 3,000 euros for recurrent infringements.