Barcelona captivates visitors with its enchanting blend of Gothic architecture, modern marvels like the Sagrada Familia, and sun-drenched beaches like Barceloneta.
It’s a photographer’s paradise, with breathtaking sights around every corner, many of them free to admire and capture. However, one particular shop has taken a controversial stance against the modern scourge of overtourism and selfie-snapping crowds.
In mid-2023, Queviures Múrria, a renowned delicatessen in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, made headlines by posting a sign informing tourists: “Visit just looking (inside) €5 x person, thank you.”
This century-old shop opened in 1898, is renowned for its exquisite Modernista architecture and high-end offerings like fine wines, artisanal meats, and cheeses.
Its ornate tiled floors, woodwork, and stained glass attract hordes of Instagrammers daily, snapping selfies amidst the vintage splendor.
With the deli’s staff overwhelmed by visitors clogging the aisles without making any purchases, the €5 photography “fee” seemed a lighthearted deterrent.
As one employee told The Independent, they had previously joked about charging the endless stream of selfie-seekers. While no one was charged at first, the message was clear: this working shop wasn’t a free photo studio.
The controversial sign sparked debate around overtourism’s impact on local businesses. Barcelona, with its stunning architecture and coastal beauty, received a staggering 99 million overnight visitors in 2022 according to The Mirror.
Overrun neighborhoods, hiking tourism taxes, and measures like Queviures Múrria’s selfie fee reflected escalating tensions.
Yet the deli’s move seemed to work, with selfie crowds thinning out over time. While polarizing, it highlighted Barcelona’s struggle to balance free-flowing tourism with protecting local culture and businesses.
The city remains an immense draw, but visitors must be mindful that their infinite selfie stops can disrupt authentic spaces trying to operate amidst the perpetual mob scene.
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