How to Spend the Ultimate Weekend Dining and Drinking in Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg draws more than 3 million visitors a year — and not just for the wine. While this Hill Country gem ranks as the second most popular wine destination in the U.S. behind Napa Valley, it's also one of the best spots in Texas for a romantic weekend, group getaway, or a solo retreat. Think cozy bed and breakfasts, bluebonnet blooms, Champagne flights with caviar, brisket tacos and peach-picking at roadside orchards, Downtown karaoke bars where the wine flows late, and other stops to soak in its rich history. Whether planning a Hill Country getaway or searching for the ultimate wine tasting in Fredericksburg, this town delivers. Use this guide to help navigate you through Fredericksburg's best restaurants, must-visit wineries, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems that make this part of Texas a standout destination year-round. 8 a.m. Breakfast and coffee at Caliches Coffee
338 West Main Street
Stop into this quaint coffee shop and roaster for an espresso drink made with its selection of beans, featuring a flagship blend from Colombia's Huila and Tolima regions. Caliches is also home to what might be one of the tallest avocado toasts in town: the best-selling dish features a slice of toasted sourdough piled high with avocado, a jammy soft-boiled egg, kale, pickled onions, pepitas, and blistered tomato confit. If interested in checking out another coffee shop in the area, Java Ranch Coffee & Provisions (114 E Main Street) is another worthy stop, offering coffee drinks, frozen sangria, and canned alcoholic beverages. 10 a.m. Shop on Main Street
Once properly caffeinated, it's time to hit the heart of Fredericksburg: Main Street. Fredericksburg's Main Street is a gift giver's dream, with dozens of shops filled with goodies, including one-of-a-kind and customizable hats, boots, T-shirts with cheeky designs, and plenty of edible souvenirs that will make your recipient eager to take their own trip to the 'burg. Stopping into Lock, Stock, & Barrel (132 East Main Street) is non-negotiable for those who love food. Here, you can stock up on kitchen staples, Texas-proud kitchenware, ready-made snacks, fresh coffee beans in various flavors, and plenty of flavorful non-perishables, including olive oils, sauces, and maple syrups that come in more than a dozen flavors. The multi-room, Der Küchen-Laden (258 East Main Street), commonly known as the kitchen store, is where you can stock up on kitchen essentials, including adorable mugs and aprons, kitchen towels, cookbooks, fresh coffee beans, an assortment of teas, and ever-clever onion goggles — designed to keep your eyes dry while chopping onions.
11:30 a.m. Sweet treat at Piccolina
301 East Main Street
You'll likely need some refreshments while running up and down Main Street. Pop into Piccolina for some Italian ice in refreshing flavors like lemon, mango, basil-lime, and orange-vanilla bean. If looking for something boozy, try the Proseccolina ($15). Served in a coupe glass, this combination of Italian ice topped with prosecco has gone viral on TikTok. 1 p.m. Lunch
After some browsing and a sweet pick-me-up, it's time to settle in for a midday meal. The best bet is to grab a seat at one of the restaurants off Main Street. Mosey into Vaudeville ( 230 East Main Street) , where you'll be entranced by its boutique's assortment of glassware, cocktail gear, and artsy decanters. Then, head downstairs to its bistro, which serves charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and a stellar duck confit. Finish with something sweet, like a white chocolate blackberry cashew macaron or pistachio tiramisu.
If you want to keep lunch simple in favor of an activity, head to the family-owned Jenschke Orchards (8301 US-290) where you can pick fruits like strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and pumpkins, depending on the season, and enjoy Tex-Mex style barbecue, margaritas, and tacos at the on-site restaurant Leroy's Tex Mex BBQ. Must-orders include the nachos and the brisket taco. Be warned: Peach-picking at Jenschke comes in high demand. Visitors must buy $5 tickets to reserve their spots, so plan ahead. Jenschke also features a range of family-friendly activities, including live music and a 5-acre corn maze in the fall. 3 p.m. Sip at a winery or two
Since Fredericksburg is known for its wine, visiting at least a couple of wineries is almost a prerequisite to any trip in the region. Becker Vineyards, one of the town's first-ever wineries, provides traditional tastings on a sprawling estate surrounded by fragrant lavender in bloom during spring and early summer. Favorite sips include its best-selling Viognier, a refreshing white, or the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Signor Winery (362 Livesay Lane), another favorite, hosts a more refined, design-forward experience, allowing visitors to sip while traversing its manicured lawns or sampling different varieties in a tasting room built from reclaimed wood. Try their Signor Cuvée, a sparkling blend perfect for a sunny afternoon, or the Sangiovese Rosé, and visit on weekends to enjoy with live music.
For a vineyard that's newer to the area, visit Meierstone Vineyards in Stonewall (573 Meier-Stone Road) for a refreshing sparkling wine and a stellar cabernet, or Grape Creek Vineyards (10587 US-290) for what feels like a slice of Tuscany with its sweeping architecture, guided tastings, member-only patios, and a tour of its winemaking operations. Try the crowd-pleasing Bellissimo, a Super Tuscan-style red, and pair it with wood-fired pizzas from the on-site trattoria Stout's Signature. Those needing a reprieve from the Texas sun can book a tour at Slate Theory (10915 US-290) , an underground cellar featuring a unique, immersive tasting experience. Wine flights are paired with moody lighting and curated soundtracks. 6:30 p.m. Dinner: Decisions, Decisions
Though Fredericksburg has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a travelers' destination from its wineries, the small town brims with worthy dining options that might take you by surprise. Housed on the same grounds as Cotton Gin Village resort, Cabernet Grill (2805 South State Highway 16) serves a creative blend of Southern, Texan, and upscale comfort fare. There's chicken-fried chicken topped with lobster and a creamy green chile gravy, honey butter drop biscuits with spiced Cabernet jam and whipped caramelized onion butter, fried lion's mane mushrooms topped with a Gorgonzola compound butter, and sous-vide bacon-wrapped quail with strawberry puree and candied jalapeño. Don't skip dessert — the butterscotch walnut bread pudding with salted caramel deserves space on the table.
For a restaurant with a lively atmosphere and inventive cocktails, dine at Hill & Vine (210 South Adams Street) , which has an outstanding chicken sandwich, steaks, crispy coconut shrimp tacos, and a mocha tres leches. The restaurant doesn't take reservations (apparently, only George Strait can book a spot), so put your name on the list, head to the bar for a drink, and sit outside in its charming outdoor patio area while you wait for your table. Those searching for German cuisine are in for a treat at Otto's German Bistro (316 East Austin Street), which serves reinvented German staples like duck schnitzel and homemade späetzle.
Unwind at the wine and chocolate bar in Ocotillo, where silky drinking chocolates are sourced from Colombia, Madagascar, Mexico, and Vietnam and served by flight.
425 East Main Street
Unwind at the wine and chocolate bar in Ocotillo, where silky drinking chocolates are sourced from Colombia, Madagascar, Mexico, and Vietnam and served by flight ($14) or in a mug for $8, with the option to add espresso. Pair your drinking chocolate with the decadent double chocolate chip cookie with Texas pecans and finish with a glass from one of its self-pour machines. If you have time, dip into its sister lounge, Six Twists. The Champagne bar offers a unique selection of sparkling wines and is currently the only establishment in Texas to import and serve N.V. Paul Dethune Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut. At Six Twists, visitors can choose between four types of Champagne flights, including a sampling of rosé or its Wild Card flight, a lineup of eccentric sparkling wines featuring pours from India and Slovenia. Take the experience up a notch by adding a single bump of caviar or a flight of three different caviars, curated by owner and caviar sommelier Melissa Humphries. 10 p.m. Late night at Velvet Lounge or the Emigrant Boutique Hotel's speakeasy, Maggie's
Most places in Fredericksburg's Main Street close early, but if you're in the mood to keep the night going, sing your heart out at Velvet Lounge (401 East Main Street), the town's bustling karaoke bar (cover is $10 for cash and $15 with credit card), or the nearby Hive Patio Bar and Meadery, which has a lively outdoor patio; live DJs on weekends; and an extensive selection of beer, mead, and cocktails. Step inside Maggie's (341 East Main Street) for a more refined, after-hours atmosphere. The recently opened basement speakeasy in the Emigrant hotel hosts live music and plenty of booth and table seating. Bargoers can make song requests with tips through Venmo. Lodging:
For the full Fredericksburg experience, especially for first-timers, staying at a bed and breakfast is essential. The Hoffman Haus (608 East Creek Street) is a charming, family-owned and -operated inn that offers a quaint retreat in cabin and house-style room options. It's just a short walk from Main Street, and the breakfast delivered each morning in an adorable picnic basket is enough motivation alone to book.
If you prefer to be in the middle of the action, try the recently opened Albert Hotel (213 East Austin Street) , Fredericksburg's first full-service hotel, complete with a pool that's perfect for an afternoon dip.
Those looking for their zen might be able to find it at the Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant and Spa (405 Whitney Street) , whether it be at its garden area or its on-site spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials. The on-site gift shop, the Marigold Club, is a charming spot for take-home souvenirs, ranging from adorable scarves, clothes, and jewelry to candles and seeds to plant flowers that attract pollinators back home.
Transportation:
Some areas of Fredericksburg are walkable, from lodging accommodations to nearby shops and restaurants on Main Street. Otherwise, driving or taking a rideshare, especially when drinking, is highly suggested.
For the history buff: Texas history abounds in Fredericksburg, focusing particularly on the history and contributions of the German community that first landed in Fredericksburg in 1846. Book a tour at the Pioneer Museum (325 West Main Street) , where visitors can learn about the original German settlers and see some of the first homes they built. Not far away is the National Museum of the Pacific War (311 East Austin Street) , a haven of artifacts and a detailed account of World War II in the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's leadership as Commander-in-Chief. History fans can visit and tour the LBJ Ranch, the former dwelling of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Visitors can tour the space at their own pace by driving to the different sites, including Johnson's birthplace, his first school, and the Johnson family cemetery. Consider booking with Fredericksburg Tours for an engaging tour through the city by trolley.
For animal lovers: Visitors who are really into animals can visit the Preserve (650 Doublehorn Road) , an elephant sanctuary offering intimate, educational encounters with a small herd of Asian elephants rescued from private ownership. Guests can observe bathing rituals, assist in feeding sessions, and learn about conservation efforts. The Preserve also cares for several exotic birds and tortoises, making it a rewarding stop for animal lovers of all ages. One of the more niche experiences — the Rhinory ( 13112 US-290) , offers tastings, a wide-ranging wine list, and up-close views of its resident rhino.
For beer enthusiasts: Wineries seem to get all the shine, but Fredericksburg's beer scene is just as impressive. Fredericksburg Brewing Company (245 East Main Street), the oldest brewpub in Texas, or Altstadt Brewery (6120 East, US-290), which brews beers in the centuries-old German style, including Kölsch, Hefeweizen, and Lager, in a castle-like facility with a biergarten.
For people who love to cook: Pair your culinary and dining experiences in Fredericksburg with some lessons from Fischer & Weiser's Cooking School, which is housed at the back of Das Peach Haus (1406 S US Highway 87) . Diners can learn how to cook recipes they'll want to bring back home and find some flavor-packed condiments, including its signature roasted raspberry sauce (great over cream cheese), jalapeño peach preserves, and peach wine right there in the shop.
For those who love nature and adventure: Plan your trip in the cooler months, or mid-March to late April, when wildflowers like bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are abloom throughout the Texas Hill Country. Looking to get some exercise in with a view? Head to the Lone Star State's massive pink granite dome known as Enchanted Rock. The area boasts 11 miles of trails, all of which, aside from the Loop Trail, close 30 minutes after sunset.
For those on the hunt for antiques: Though it might not be as renowned as Round Top for its antiques, Fredericksburg has its fair share of unique finds. Pop into Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques (301 South Lincoln Street) , for the most eclectic selection of antiques, furniture, and home goods from around the world, including everything from tabletop books and one-of-a-kind couches to insect collections and a set of teeth (yes, you read that right).
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4 hours ago
Spaniards packing water guns blame mass tourism for housing crunch
BARCELONA, Spain -- Protesters used water pistols against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona on Sunday as demonstrators marched to demand a re-think of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of the Spanish city. 'The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,' Andreu Martínez said with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor cafe. 'Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.' Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 visitors last year eager to see Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade. Martínez says his rent has risen over 30% as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a knock-on effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, like souvenir shops, burger joints and 'bubble tea' spots. 'Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, is coming to an end," he said. "We are being pushed out systematically.' Similar demonstrations against tourism are slated in several other Spanish cities on Sunday, including on the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, as well as in the Italian postcard city of Venice, Portugal's capital Lisbon and other cities across southern Europe — marking the first time a protest against tourism has been coordinated across the region. In Barcelona, protesters blew whistles and chanted, 'Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.' They held up homemade signs saying 'One more tourist, one less resident' and 'Your Airbnb was my home.' They stuck stickers saying 'Citizen Self-Defense,' in Catalan, and 'Tourist Go Home,' in English, with a drawing of a water pistol on the doors of hotels and hostels. There was tension when the march stopped in front of a large hostel, where a group emptied their water guns at two workers positioned in the entrance. They also set off firecrackers next to the hostel and opened a can of pink smoke. One worker spat at the protestors as he slammed the hostel's doors. American tourists Wanda and Bill Dorozenski were walking along Barcelona's main luxury shopping boulevard where the protest started. They received a squirt or two, but she said it was actually refreshing given the 83 degree Fahrenheit (28.3 degrees Celcius) weather. 'That's lovely, thank you sweetheart,' Wanda said to the squirter. 'I am not going to complain. These people are feeling something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some areas (of the city).' Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with overtourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Barcelona, where protesters first took to firing squirt guns at tourists during a protest last summer. Spaniards have also staged several large protests in Barcelona, Madrid and other cities in recent years to demand lower rents. There has also been a confluence of the pro-housing and anti-tourism struggles: When thousands marched through the streets of Spain's capital in April, some held homemade signs saying 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.' Spain, with a population of 48 million, hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, compared with 83 million in 2019, making it one of the most-visited countries in the world. A poll in June 2022 found just 2% of Spaniards thought housing was a national problem. Three years later, almost a third of those surveyed said it is now a leading concern. Spain's official public opinion office said 76% of people responded 'Yes' last year when asked if they were in favor of tighter government regulations on tourist apartments. (Those polls were of 4,000 people, with a margin of error of 1.6%) Spain's municipal and federal authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry and are taking appropriate action to put the tourism industry on notice, despite the fact it contributes 12% of national GDP. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform which it said had violated local rules. Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told The Associated Press shortly after the crackdown on Airbnb that the tourism sector 'cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,' which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. And last year, Barcelona stunned Airbnb and other services who help rent properties to tourists by announcing the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. The short-term rental industry, for its part, believes it is being treated unfairly. 'I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,' Airbnb's general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago recently told the AP. That argument either hasn't trickled down to the ordinary residents of Barcelona, or isn't resonating. But Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, doesn't just oppose Airbnb in his home city; he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle. 'In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,' he said. The government measures were not enough to keep Sunday's marchers at home in Barcelona.
Hamilton Spectator
6 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Spaniards packing water guns blame impact of mass tourism for housing crunch
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Protesters used water pistols against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona on Sunday as demonstrators marched to demand a re-think of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of the Spanish city. 'The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,' Andreu Martínez said with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor cafe. 'Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.' Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 visitors last year eager to see Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade. Martínez says his rent has risen over 30% as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a knock-on effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, like souvenir shops, burger joints and 'bubble tea' spots. 'Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, is coming to an end,' he said. 'We are being pushed out systematically.' Similar demonstrations against tourism are slated in several other Spanish cities on Sunday, including on the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, as well as in the Italian postcard city of Venice, Portugal's capital Lisbon and other cities across southern Europe — marking the first time a protest against tourism has been coordinated across the region. In Barcelona, protesters blew whistles and chanted, 'Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.' They held up homemade signs saying 'One more tourist, one less resident' and 'Your Airbnb was my home.' They stuck stickers saying 'Citizen Self-Defense,' in Catalan, and 'Tourist Go Home,' in English, with a drawing of a water pistol on the doors of hotels and hostels. There was tension when the march stopped in front of a large hostel, where a group emptied their water guns at two workers positioned in the entrance. They also set off firecrackers next to the hostel and opened a can of pink smoke. One worker spat at the protestors as he slammed the hostel's doors. American tourists Wanda and Bill Dorozenski were walking along Barcelona's main luxury shopping boulevard where the protest started. They received a squirt or two, but she said it was actually refreshing given the 83 degree Fahrenheit (28.3 degrees Celcius) weather. 'That's lovely, thank you sweetheart,' Wanda said to the squirter. 'I am not going to complain. These people are feeling something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some areas (of the city).' Crackdown on Airbnb Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with overtourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb , but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Barcelona, where protesters first took to firing squirt guns at tourists during a protest last summer. Spaniards have also staged several large protests in Barcelona, Madrid and other cities in recent years to demand lower rents. There has also been a confluence of the pro-housing and anti-tourism struggles: When thousands marched through the streets of Spain's capital in April, some held homemade signs saying 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.' Spain, with a population of 48 million, hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, compared with 83 million in 2019, making it one of the most-visited countries in the world. A poll in June 2022 found just 2% of Spaniards thought housing was a national problem. Three years later, almost a third of those surveyed said it is now a leading concern. Spain's official public opinion office said 76% of people responded 'Yes' last year when asked if they were in favor of tighter government regulations on tourist apartments. (Those polls were of 4,000 people, with a margin of error of 1.6%) Spain's municipal and federal authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry and are taking appropriate action to put the tourism industry on notice, despite the fact it contributes 12% of national GDP. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform which it said had violated local rules. Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told The Associated Press shortly after the crackdown on Airbnb that the tourism sector 'cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,' which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. And last year, Barcelona stunned Airbnb and other services who help rent properties to tourists by announcing the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. 'Taking away housing' The short-term rental industry, for its part, believes it is being treated unfairly. 'I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,' Airbnb's general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago recently told the AP. That argument either hasn't trickled down to the ordinary residents of Barcelona, or isn't resonating. But Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, doesn't just oppose Airbnb in his home city; he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle. 'In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,' he said. The government measures were not enough to keep Sunday's marchers at home in Barcelona. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
14 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Spaniards packing water pistols blame impact of mass tourism for housing crunch
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — In Barcelona's residential Gràcia neighborhood known for its quaint squares, Txema Escorsa feels he is being left behind. The friendly faces of neighbors in his apartment building have been replaced by a non-stop flow of hard-partying foreigners, and his teacher's salary can't keep pace with the rising rent. 'It is tough for me to imagine what to do next,' he told The Associated Press in the living room of his two-bedroom apartment. 'If I leave, will I be contributing to Barcelona losing its essence that comes from its locals? But there comes a time when I'm fed up.' Escorsa, 33, is just one of many residents who believe tourism has gone too far in the city famed for Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade, running roughshod over communities and exacerbating a housing crisis . It's not just a Spanish problem. Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with overtourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb , but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Barcelona, where protesters plan to take to the streets on Sunday. Similar demonstrations are slated in several other Spanish cities, including on the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, as well as in the Italian postcard city of Venice, Portugal's capital Lisbon and other cities across southern Europe — marking the first time a protest against tourism has been coordinated across the region. 'Very likely water pistols will be back' A poll in June 2022 found just 2% of Spaniards thought housing was a national problem. Three years later, almost a third of those surveyed said it is now a leading concern. (Both polls were of 4,000 people, with a margin of error of 1.6%) Spaniards have staged several large protests in Barcelona, Madrid and other cities in recent years to demand lower rents. When thousands marched through the streets of Spain's capital in April, some held homemade signs saying 'Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.' Last year, Barcelona seemed to reach a tipping point when a rally in favor of 'degrowing tourism' ended with some protestors shooting water pistols at unsuspecting tourists. Images of those incidents went around the world, and more such scenes are expected on Sunday. 'It is very likely the water pistols will be back,' said Daniel Pardo, one of the organizers of the Barcelona protest. 'In fact, we encourage people to bring their own.' Spain, with a population of 48 million, hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, compared with 83 million in 2019, making it one of the most-visited countries in the world. It could receive as many as 100 million tourists this year, according to studies cited by Spain's economy minister. Blocking tourist rentals Spain's municipal and federal authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry and are taking appropriate action to put the tourism industry on notice, despite the fact it contributes 12% of national GDP. Almost two-thirds of those who took part in a poll conducted last year in Barcelona said tourist apartments led to bothersome behavior. Two months later, the city stunned Airbnb and other services who help rent properties to tourists by announcing the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. A survey by Spain's public opinion office last year showed more than three-quarters of respondents favored tighter regulations on tourist apartments. Spain's left-wing government approved regulations making it easier for owners of apartments to block others from renting to tourists in their building, as well as approving measures to allow cities like Barcelona to cap rents. And last month, it ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform which it said had violated local rules. Spain's Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told AP that the tourism sector 'cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,' which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate AP interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism. 'These record numbers in terms of tourism also pose challenges, and we need to deal with those challenges also for our own population,' Cuerpo said. 'Brewing for decades' The short-term rental industry believes it is being treated unfairly. 'I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,' Airbnb's general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago told the AP. 'If you look at the over-tourism problem in Spain, it has been brewing for decades, and probably since the 60s.' He says hotels are still the leading accommodation for tourists. In Barcelona, hotels accounted for 20 million tourists in 2024, compared with 12 million who used homes, according to local data. Rodríguez de Santiago notes the contradiction of Barcelona's Mayor Jaume Collboni backing the expansion of the city's international airport — announced this week — while still planning to wipe out the tourist apartments. That argument either hasn't trickled down to the ordinary residents of Barcelona, or isn't resonating. Escorsa, the teacher in Barcelona, doesn't just oppose Airbnb in his home city; he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle. 'In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,' he said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
