Barcelona is one of those cities that seduces you in an instant. The mix of golden beaches, the buzzing nightlife, and the mouthwatering cuisine are just three of the things that people fall in love with when they head to Barcelona. It's no wonder this Catalonian capital is a favorite among travelers and is always hit up for those who want to explore.

But to get the most out of your time in the city, a little planning can go a long way. Whether you're spending a long weekend or you're just stopping through, let's take a look at 7 tips for hitting up Barcelona like a seasoned explorer.

Image source: Pexels

1. Travel lightly. Depending on how long you're heading to Barcelona for, you want to be practical with your baggage so that you don't have to drag it around with you all the time. The easiest way to experience the city, especially the short term, is to ditch the bags. If you're arriving early or leaving late and stuck with your suitcases, the first move that you make should be to find luggage storage in Barcelona. Many locations across the city offer safe and affordable options near transport hubs and popular neighborhoods. Once you're free of your baggage, quite literally, you can start exploring without the burden, which is especially crucial in a city where walking is the best way to get around.

2. Embrace the local schedules. If there's one thing that you'll learn about Barcelona is that it doesn't run on your typical 9-5 clock. The meals are later, the shops close in the afternoon and the nightlife doesn't get started until well past midnight. In fact, lunch usually happens around 2:00 and dinner really kicks off before 9. This is not a rhythm you should fight, though. If you're visiting the city, immerse yourself in it and embrace that rhythm. Adjust your routine so you're not showing up to an empty tappers bar at 6:00 or waiting outside a club that hasn't yet opened. In between hours can be used to relax in a Plaza or by the beach with a cold drink.

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3. Book all of your attractions in advance. Barcelona's star attractions are not only world renowned, but often packed out.You should never assume you could walk into Gaudi’s Masterpieces on a whim because tickets sell out fast. Booking online in advance can save you hours of waiting and disappointment, and once you've dropped your luggage, you can get going. There are many attractions out there that now offer timed entry, so it's always best to plan your sightseeing around those time slots.

4. Go and wander the neighborhoods. Every neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct flavour. The Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of medieval alleys filled with history and mystery. The El Raval pulses with creative energy and multicultural vibes. You don't have to just stick to La Rambla. Get off the beaten path and see what Barcelona has to offer.

5. Take yourself out to eat like a local. Barcelona's food scene goes so far beyond paella, which by the way is actually more typical of Valencia, to sample tapas like pan contamate, which is bread with tomato, bombas, and croquetas are all there. You shouldn't miss out on trying local Catalan specialties such as roasted vegetables or noodle versions of paella. If you're into seafood, the Barceloneta area is where you want to be.

6. Be smart about the beaches. The beaches of Barcelona are always a major draw, especially during the warmer months. They're all crowded and famous beaches there, but if you're heading for a quiet experience, go farther down the coast to beaches like Marbella. Keep an eye on your belongings because petty theft can happen in busy areas. Bring a sarong rather than a bulky towel, wear sandals you can shake the sand out of and make sure that you reapply your sunscreen. Don't show up in your swimwear too far from the water. Spaniards typically change once they're off the beach.

7. Learn a little Spanish. Like many in Barcelona speak English, showing off a little bit of effort in the local language will go a long way.Barcelona is in Catalonia, where Catalan is widely spoken alongside Spanish. Simple greetings in Catalan will be appreciated, but if it feels too tricky, knowing a few Spanish basics like how to order food or ask for directions will make your interactions much smoother and friendlier.