Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly two million people, and the capital of Catalonia. A major port on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, Barcelona has a wide variety of attractions that bring in tourists from around the globe. The many faces of Barcelona include the medieval Old Town, and the unique street grid resulting from 19th-century urban planning. The city has long sandy beaches and green parks on the hills, pretty much side-by-side. It is also famous for a number of prominent buildings, of which the most-known are by the architect Antoni Gaudí, including his Sagrada Família, which became Barcelona's symbol to many.
Founded more than 2,000 years ago as the ancient Roman town Barcino, Barcelona is as historic as it is modern, with a constant flow of projects changing the face of the city and long-standing penchant for design and innovation. Thanks to the wealth of attractions, a very well-developed accommodation base, a lively nightlife and a robust transportation system, Barcelona has become one of Europe's, and pretty much the world's, most popular tourist destinations.
August is probably the busiest time for tourists in Barcelona. However, many shops and restaurants are closed from early-August to early September. During this time, you will find the most expensive hotel rates (outside of conference times such as the Mobile World Congress), and the city is devoid of locals, as the vast majority of residents go on vacation in August and leave the heat and humidity to the hordes of arriving tourists. This is also one of the highest periods of home break-ins, as criminals know that many places are unoccupied for an entire month.
While Barcelona has decent, albeit crowded beaches, the locals will be very appreciative if visitors do not consider Barcelona a beach resort and absolutely do not wear beachwear when visiting churches, restaurants, etc. If you only want a beach, and a good beach at that, head south to Costa Daurada, north to Costa Brava or out to sea for the Balearic Islands.
Barcelona is great off-season and is a lovely city even in the winter months of January and February, as long as the possibility of rain is low. Given the high humidity, 19 - 23°C is considered comfortable weather, which is usually the temperature from April to June, and from late September to November. These are the best times to visit the city. Anything warmer than this can feel too hot.
Toddler happiness is considered a public responsibility in Spain. In any public place, people around you will make every effort possible to make your toddler happy: whenever he or she looks bored or is crying, everyone does their best to entertain or to calm them. You will find a great list of things to do with children while your Barcelona visit.
- Tourist office at Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de Catalunya, 17-S (Metro: L1, L3. Bus: 9, 22, 28, 42, 47, 58, 66, 67, 68. Train: R4. 08:30-20:30. This is the main tourist office in the city.
- Tourist office at Plaça de Sant Jaume, Ciutat, 2 Ajuntament de Barcelona (City Hall). M-F 08:30-20:30, Sa 09:00-21:00, Su and public holidays 09:00-14:00.
- Tourist office at Estació de Sants, Plaça dels Països Catalans (Metro: L5,L3. Bus: 63,68. Daily 08:00-20:00.
- Tourist office at Aeroport del Prat. Daily 09:00-21:00. All tourist offices are closed on 1st January and 25th December. For a full list of tourist information points check the link above.
The department store El Corte Ingles publishes a free street map for tourists. You can pick a copy at the store, or at one of the many hotels in the city.
The Turisme de Barcelona site might be helpful.
Tourist office at Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de Catalunya, 17-S (Metro: L1, L3. Bus: 9, 22, 28, 42, 47, 58, 66, 67, 68. Train: R4. 08:30-20:30. This is the main tourist office in the city.
Tourist office at Plaça de Sant Jaume, Ciutat, 2 Ajuntament de Barcelona (City Hall). M-F 08:30-20:30, Sa 09:00-21:00, Su and public holidays 09:00-14:00.
Tourist office at Estació de Sants, Plaça dels Països Catalans (Metro: L5,L3. Bus: 63,68. Daily 08:00-20:00.
Tourist office at Aeroport del Prat. Daily 09:00-21:00.
Barcelona City Pass is a package that combines preferential skip the line tickets and transport tickets in Barcelona. This official city pass package saves you money during your must-do Barcelona visits.
Barcelona Card. This card gives free entry to more than 25 museums and other sites in Barcelona. For over 70 moresites it offers various kinds of discounts. It also includes a travel pass for public transport in Barcelona (for details see Hola BCN! card below). The card is available for purchase for periods of 2 to 5 days. If you don't plan to see lots of museums every day, then it may be cheaper to buy transport-only tickets (see below), and if you spend a lot of time in the largest museums, the Barcelona Art Passport may be better value. This card cannot be used on the cable cars or funiculars (except for Montjuïc). In general, if you plan to see only the famous highlights and don't visit museums, this card is not worth the hefty price or the hassle. Plenty of travel websites recommend and promote these kind of discount cards because they receive a commission. For transportation, get the T10 instead. From €20 for a Barcelona Card Express (2-day), up to €60 for a 5-day card (10% discount if bought online in advance); a version for children is available as well..
Barcelona Card. This card gives free entry to more than 25 museums and other sites in Barcelona. For over 70 moresites it offers various kinds of discounts. It also includes a travel pass for public transport in Barcelona (for details see [[#Get around|Hola BCN! card]] below). The card is available for purchase for periods of 2 to 5 days. If you don't plan to see lots of museums every day, then it may be cheaper to buy transport-only tickets (see [[#Get around|below]]), and if you spend a lot of time in the largest museums, the Barcelona Art Passport may be better value. This card cannot be used on the cable cars or funiculars (except for Montjuïc). In general, if you plan to see only the famous highlights and don't visit museums, this card is not worth the hefty price or the hassle. Plenty of travel websites recommend and promote these kind of discount cards because they receive a commission. For transportation, get the T10 instead. From €20 for a Barcelona Card Express (2-day), up to €60 for a 5-day card (10% discount if bought online in advance); a version for children is available as well..
See also: Catalan phrasebook, Spanish phrasebook
Barcelona's official languages are Catalan and Spanish. About a half prefer to speak Catalan, a vast majority understands it, and virtually everyone knows Spanish. However, most signs are indicated only in Catalan because it is established by law as the first official language. Yet, Spanish is also widely used in public transport and other facilities. Regular announcements in the Metro are made only in Catalan, but unplanned disruptions are announced by an automated system in a wide variety of languages including Spanish, English, French, Arabic and Japanese. On the other hand, FGC announcements -either regular or disruptions- will be made only in Catalan, and disruption announcements on RENFE's network will usually be broadcasted only in Spanish. As in most other cities, any attempt by visitors to use the native languages is always appreciated. Most locals are bilingual in Catalan and Spanish, and instinctively address foreigners in Spanish. Catalan is a language, not a dialect, and sounds closer to Italian, Portuguese, and French in many ways. Avoid referring to Catalan as a dialect, which will offend Catalans.
You might find some locals answer in Catalan after being asked in Spanish, that's not because they are being rude but because they assume you are bilingual. In Catalonia, it's not uncommon to hear people code switching between different languages in the same conversation. In case you can't understand what they are saying, tell them you don't speak Catalan and politely ask them to repeat it in Spanish or English.
The main cause of Spanish and Catalan social bilingualism in modern Catalonia is a large scale immigration process from the rest of Spain which occurred over the 20th century, as Catalonia started a significant industrialization which demanded an increased workforce from elsewhere. 60% of the people in Catalonia use Spanish as their first language, and 40% use Catalan. The issues regarding language, national identity, and politics are like politics anywhere.
In tourist areas, almost all shops and bars have some English speaking staff. People will generally make an effort to try to help you if you speak English. If you are a native English speaker, you will have few problems, as Barcelona hosts many tourists.
Walk around the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gòtic (Ciutat Vella). Highlights include the Catedral., the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. (formerly known as the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat), and Plaça Reial..
Walk around the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gòtic ([[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]). Highlights include the Catedral., the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. (formerly known as the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat), and Plaça Reial..
Walk around the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gòtic ([[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]). Highlights include the Catedral., the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. (formerly known as the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat), and Plaça Reial..
Walk around the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gòtic ([[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]). Highlights include the Catedral., the Museu d'Història de Barcelona. (formerly known as the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat), and Plaça Reial..
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in Eixample, Palau Güell. in Ciutat Vella, Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in Gràcia, the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
The works by the Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Palau de la Música Catalana. in Ciutat Vella and Hospital de Sant Pau. at the border of Eixample.
The Ruta del Modernisme run by Modernisme Centre (Pl. de Catalunya, 17, subterráneo; phone +34 933 177 652) is a guidebook and discount voucher book that costs €12. It takes you to all the best Modernisme (art nouveau) buildings in Barcelona. The main part of the route can be walked in a couple of hours, if you don't stray too far from the main routes. The Tourist Offices offer a pack that includes discounted tickets to many attractions such as La Pedrera and La Casa Batlló. All can be seen from the outside for free.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
Since 1984 seven buildings by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) in or near Barcelona have been listed as "Works of Antoni Gaudí" on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]: the basilica of Sagrada Família., Casa Milà. (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]], Palau Güell. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], Parc Güell. and Casa Vicens. in [[Barcelona/Gràcia|Gràcia]], the crypt of the Church. in Colònia Güell.
The works by the Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Palau de la Música Catalana. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]] and Hospital de Sant Pau. at the border of [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]].
The works by the Catalan art nouveau architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Palau de la Música Catalana. in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]] and Hospital de Sant Pau. at the border of [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]].
- Museum of Natural History in the Forum - Museu Blau
- CosmoCaixa: Museum of Science Amazing museum for kids from 4-5 upwards. Adults will really enjoy it also.
- Zoo and Parc de la Ciutadella.
- Aeri del Port de Barcelona, C/ Taquígrafo Garriga, 97 – Esc.B -2º9ª, +34 934 304 716. Jun-Aug 11:00-20:00; Mar-May, Sep-Oct 11:00-19:00; Nov-Feb 11:00-17:30. Have a ride at Port Vell Aerial Tramway. Port Vell Aerial Tramway is the 1450-metre-long harbour aerial tramway with red cars connects Montjuïc and Barceloneta. It starts in Barceloneta on the top of the 78-metre-tall Torre San Sebastian. tower, which has also a restaurant at its top accessible by an elevator. It has an intermediate stop at Torre Jaume I. tower (close to Columbus monument), which can be reached by elevator from ground—107 metre tall tower, the second-tallest aerial tramway support tower in the world. The final point of the line is Miramar on the slopes of Montjuïc hill. Overall, the whole system is quite old (built in 1929, albeit restored a couple of times), and the car is packed with tourists during the daytime — particularly sensitive for a stroller or a wheelchair. But if you start from the Montjuîc side, there are fewer people waiting. single €11, return €16.50; it's not a part of Barcelona's integrated fare network.
- Stroll along the following famous streets in Ciutat Vella:
- La Rambla. (Las Ramblas), a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink. Avoid the groups of people supposedly betting on a game played on a cardboard table - they are thieves. Head off into some of the side streets for a cheaper, more local, and authentic experience of Barcelona. Often called Las Ramblas, because it is a series of several different streets each called 'Rambla de ____', the sections also have distinct feels. As you get closer to Plaça Catalunya, you find more street performers doing stunts. In the middle, you'll find street performers in costumes. Towards the pier, there are artists who will do pencil drawings, paintings, etc.
- Plaça de Catalunya.. Connecting all the major streets in the city, the Plaça is known for its fountains and statues, and the central location to everything in the city. A favourite meeting spot for locals.
- Portal de l'Àngel.. Large pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops in which to browse.
- Watch football ie soccer. The big team, globally famous, is FC Barcelona in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football. They play at Camp Nou, which has a capacity of 98,000, 1 km west of Sants, the main railway station. Nearest Metro is Palau Reial. Also in La Liga is RCD Espanyol: they play at RCDE Stadium, which has a capacity of 40,500, at the western edge of the city. No metro, so take a bus towards Ave del Baix Llobregat.
- Cruise miles of beachfront boardwalk starting from Barceloneta, or get a tan on the beach.Eat good seafood and rice dishes at La Barceloneta neighbourhood
- Sit on a wooden bridge to Maremagnum in Ciutat Vella and cool your toes at the water's edge with a book, sandwich, or just for a short rest.
- Wander the Barri Gotic in Ciutat Vella, the largely intact medieval center of the city and visit the Cathedral and its wonderful cloister.
- Enjoy your Sangria at La Plaça Reial in Ciutat Vella, near La Rambla Street. Great place to sit, relax, and drink. (People from Barcelona do not drink sangria, it's just a tourist drink! But you can enjoy it anyway!)
- Walk in El Born neighbourhood in Ciutat Vella, a former very popular area with great restaurants and places to have a few drinks. If your accommodation is on Rambla, El Born is a great place to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and find more creative shops and craftsmen. El Born means jousting field, and its history and stories can fill one of those huge books stored in old libraries. There are interesting and quirky details to uncover while walking around, such as the name given to its streets, the medieval signs to brothels, and remnants of the secession war of the end of the 18th century. Indulge yourself at Hofman or Bubó bakeries and make sure you visit the Santa Maria del Mar church.
- Visit a Flamenco Show in a real tablao. One of the best is Tablao de Carmen in Sants-Montjuïc. A cheaper alternative is in the jazzclub Jazz Si in Ciutat Vella. (Although Flamenco is mostly just a touristy activity, Catalan people are not into flamenco. It's a dance and music from Andalucia, the southest region in Spain)
- Ride the Cable Way to get from the sea front to Montjuïc mountain in Sants-Montjuïc
- Sit and sip on a coffee in Plaça dels Àngels in Ciutat Vella, while admiring the whiteness of the MACBA and the best street skate tricks in town.
- Catch a performance at the beautiful Teatre del Liceu or the Palau de la Musica Catalana, both in Ciutat Vella.
- Rent a bike, or join a bike tour, and see the highlights of the city in a different way. Ride from the magic beaches of the Mediterranean to Gaudí's modernist buildings through the medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter.
- Sail 3 hours to see Barcelona from the sea.
- Mail boats serve almost all populated in Barcelona, and are among the cheapest way, to reach many areas, though far from the fastest or most comfortable. The government has a mailboat schedule of routes online which may or may not reflect reality.
- Sail on a classic yacht. Enjoy a day trip sailing along the Barcelona coastline on a classic yacht.
- Walk in Gracia neighborhood, a very popular area with a great variety of restaurants, cafés and terraces where you can still feel the local ambiance that has already been lost in El Born.
- For good views over Barcelona: visit Park Güell, Tibidabo, Monjuic and /or Carmel's bunkers.
Barcelona hosts a number of annual fiestas, many of which are unique to Catalonia and offer an insight into its distinctive culture.
- Sónar. An annual three-day music festival. It is described officially as a festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art. Music is by far the main aspect of the festival. The festival runs for three days and nights, usually starting on a Thursday in the third week of June. There is a day location and a night location. €52 daypass, €76 night entry, €199 festival pass on internet booking, higher fees for entrance passes.
- Monegros Desert Festival. The most famous and biggest one day/night electronic music festivals in Spain is in the desert of Fraga, 200 km from Barcelona. More than 40, 000 people gather every July to celebrate electronic music with the best DJs representing styles from house, electro, minimal, techno, to drum&bass, dubstep, and hiphop. 20 hours nonstop, it is a unique desert experience.
- Festes de la Mercè. Barcelona's main annual festival around 24 September, encompassing many events such as human towers (castellers), free live music events on the streets, firework displays, and processions of wooden giants. It is a holiday and the city offers a lot of activities to have fun. Enjoy a fountains and fireworks show at the base of the Montjuïc hill.
- Festes de Gràcia. The Festes de Gracia is a Catalonian celebration, held around 15 August each year to commemorate the Assumption. During the week of festivities that mark one of Barcelona's most important fiestas, the city of Gracia explodes with fun, excitement, color, and fireworks. Many streets are decorated by neighbours, and there is live music, food in the streets, and the parties continue all night.
- Festes de Sants. Similar to Gracia's event, but smaller and later on in August. If you can't go to Gracia's event, try to go to this festival.
- Sant Jordi. 23 April. Considered to be like Valentine's Day. People give roses and books around the streets. Traditionally, men give women roses and women give men books. It is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.
- Corpus. Late in May (Corpus Christi day). An egg is put over the fountains (most of them in the churches, and decorated with flowers), and it "magically dances" over the water. Most of the churches are in the city center: Cathedral's cloister, Santa Anna, Casa de l'Ardiaca, Museu Frederic Marés, and over 10 more fountains.
- Fira de Santa Llúcia. From 2/3 December to 23 December, to commemorate Sta. Llúcia (13 December). During this time, in front of the Cathedral, Christmas objects are sold. Some places sell Christmas trees, but most of them sell elements for making the pessebres (Nativity scenes). These include small sculptures, wooden pieces, and moss used to simulate grass.
13 December is the feast day of Santa Llucia, patron saint of fashion designers and blind people, who gather at the Santa Llucia chapel in the cathedral to pay their respects.
- Barcelona Jazz Festival. A brighter way to celebrate the colder Autumn days, the annual Jazz festival has been running for nearly 50 years now and runs roughly from the last week in October and all the way through November Tickets prices differ for each event.
- Revetlla de Sant Joan. This is the midsummer solstice celebration. It is celebrated on 23 June every year and is signified by the fireworks (there are frequent and loud amateur fireworks all night long, which may make it hard to sleep) that are permanently on display during this time.
- Fira de Barcelona. There are trade events all year round in Barcelona.
During festivals and especially during Mobile World Congress which is a major trade show at the Fira, accommodation in Barcelona and especially near the Fira is much more difficult to find and more expensive than usual.
Sónar. An annual three-day music festival. It is described officially as a festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art. Music is by far the main aspect of the festival. The festival runs for three days and nights, usually starting on a Thursday in the third week of June. There is a day location and a night location. €52 daypass, €76 night entry, €199 festival pass on internet booking, higher fees for entrance passes.
Monegros Desert Festival. The most famous and biggest one day/night electronic music festivals in Spain is in the desert of Fraga, 200 km from Barcelona. More than 40, 000 people gather every July to celebrate electronic music with the best DJs representing styles from house, electro, minimal, techno, to drum&bass, dubstep, and hiphop. 20 hours nonstop, it is a unique desert experience.
Festes de la Mercè. Barcelona's main annual festival around 24 September, encompassing many events such as human towers (castellers), free live music events on the streets, firework displays, and processions of wooden giants. It is a holiday and the city offers a lot of activities to have fun. Enjoy a fountains and fireworks show at the base of the Montjuïc hill.
Festes de Gràcia. The Festes de Gracia is a Catalonian celebration, held around 15 August each year to commemorate the Assumption. During the week of festivities that mark one of Barcelona's most important fiestas, the city of Gracia explodes with fun, excitement, color, and fireworks. Many streets are decorated by neighbours, and there is live music, food in the streets, and the parties continue all night.
Festes de Sants. Similar to Gracia's event, but smaller and later on in August. If you can't go to Gracia's event, try to go to this festival.
Sant Jordi. 23 April. Considered to be like Valentine's Day. People give roses and books around the streets. Traditionally, men give women roses and women give men books. It is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.
Corpus. Late in May (Corpus Christi day). An egg is put over the fountains (most of them in the churches, and decorated with flowers), and it "magically dances" over the water. Most of the churches are in the city center: Cathedral's cloister, Santa Anna, Casa de l'Ardiaca, Museu Frederic Marés, and over 10 more fountains.
Fira de Santa Llúcia. From 2/3 December to 23 December, to commemorate Sta. Llúcia (13 December). During this time, in front of the Cathedral, Christmas objects are sold. Some places sell Christmas trees, but most of them sell elements for making the pessebres (Nativity scenes). These include small sculptures, wooden pieces, and moss used to simulate grass.
13 December is the feast day of Santa Llucia, patron saint of fashion designers and blind people, who gather at the Santa Llucia chapel in the cathedral to pay their respects.
Barcelona Jazz Festival. A brighter way to celebrate the colder Autumn days, the annual Jazz festival has been running for nearly 50 years now and runs roughly from the last week in October and all the way through November Tickets prices differ for each event.
Revetlla de Sant Joan. This is the midsummer solstice celebration. It is celebrated on 23 June every year and is signified by the fireworks (there are frequent and loud amateur fireworks all night long, which may make it hard to sleep) that are permanently on display during this time.
Fira de Barcelona. There are trade events all year round in Barcelona.
Aeri del Port de Barcelona, C/ Taquígrafo Garriga, 97 – Esc.B -2º9ª, +34 934 304 716. Jun-Aug 11:00-20:00; Mar-May, Sep-Oct 11:00-19:00; Nov-Feb 11:00-17:30. Have a ride at Port Vell Aerial Tramway. Port Vell Aerial Tramway is the 1450-metre-long harbour aerial tramway with red cars connects [[Barcelona/Sants-Montjuïc|Montjuïc]] and [[Barcelona/Ciutat_Vella#Understand|Barceloneta]]. It starts in Barceloneta on the top of the 78-metre-tall Torre San Sebastian. tower, which has also a restaurant at its top accessible by an elevator. It has an intermediate stop at Torre Jaume I. tower (close to Columbus monument), which can be reached by elevator from ground—107 metre tall tower, the second-tallest aerial tramway support tower in the world. The final point of the line is Miramar on the slopes of Montjuïc hill. Overall, the whole system is quite old (built in 1929, albeit restored a couple of times), and the car is packed with tourists during the daytime — particularly sensitive for a stroller or a wheelchair. But if you start from the Montjuîc side, there are fewer people waiting. single €11, return €16.50; it's not a part of Barcelona's integrated fare network.
Stroll along the following famous streets in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]:
- La Rambla. (Las Ramblas), a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink. Avoid the groups of people supposedly betting on a game played on a cardboard table - they are thieves. Head off into some of the side streets for a cheaper, more local, and authentic experience of Barcelona. Often called Las Ramblas, because it is a series of several different streets each called 'Rambla de ____', the sections also have distinct feels. As you get closer to Plaça Catalunya, you find more street performers doing stunts. In the middle, you'll find street performers in costumes. Towards the pier, there are artists who will do pencil drawings, paintings, etc.
- Plaça de Catalunya.. Connecting all the major streets in the city, the Plaça is known for its fountains and statues, and the central location to everything in the city. A favourite meeting spot for locals.
- Portal de l'Àngel.. Large pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops in which to browse.
Stroll along the following famous streets in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]:
- La Rambla. (Las Ramblas), a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink. Avoid the groups of people supposedly betting on a game played on a cardboard table - they are thieves. Head off into some of the side streets for a cheaper, more local, and authentic experience of Barcelona. Often called Las Ramblas, because it is a series of several different streets each called 'Rambla de ____', the sections also have distinct feels. As you get closer to Plaça Catalunya, you find more street performers doing stunts. In the middle, you'll find street performers in costumes. Towards the pier, there are artists who will do pencil drawings, paintings, etc.
- Plaça de Catalunya.. Connecting all the major streets in the city, the Plaça is known for its fountains and statues, and the central location to everything in the city. A favourite meeting spot for locals.
- Portal de l'Àngel.. Large pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops in which to browse.
Stroll along the following famous streets in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]:
- La Rambla. (Las Ramblas), a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink. Avoid the groups of people supposedly betting on a game played on a cardboard table - they are thieves. Head off into some of the side streets for a cheaper, more local, and authentic experience of Barcelona. Often called Las Ramblas, because it is a series of several different streets each called 'Rambla de ____', the sections also have distinct feels. As you get closer to Plaça Catalunya, you find more street performers doing stunts. In the middle, you'll find street performers in costumes. Towards the pier, there are artists who will do pencil drawings, paintings, etc.
- Plaça de Catalunya.. Connecting all the major streets in the city, the Plaça is known for its fountains and statues, and the central location to everything in the city. A favourite meeting spot for locals.
- Portal de l'Àngel.. Large pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops in which to browse.
Watch football ie soccer. The big team, globally famous, is FC Barcelona in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football. They play at Camp Nou, which has a capacity of 98,000, 1 km west of Sants, the main railway station. Nearest Metro is Palau Reial. Also in La Liga is RCD Espanyol: they play at RCDE Stadium, which has a capacity of 40,500, at the western edge of the city. No metro, so take a bus towards Ave del Baix Llobregat.
Cruise miles of beachfront boardwalk starting from Barceloneta, or get a tan on the beach.Eat good seafood and rice dishes at La Barceloneta neighbourhood
Wander the Barri Gotic in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], the largely intact medieval center of the city and visit the Cathedral and its wonderful cloister.
Enjoy your Sangria at La Plaça Reial in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], near La Rambla Street. Great place to sit, relax, and drink. (People from Barcelona do not drink sangria, it's just a tourist drink! But you can enjoy it anyway!)
Walk in El Born neighbourhood in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], a former very popular area with great restaurants and places to have a few drinks. If your accommodation is on Rambla, El Born is a great place to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and find more creative shops and craftsmen. El Born means jousting field, and its history and stories can fill one of those huge books stored in old libraries. There are interesting and quirky details to uncover while walking around, such as the name given to its streets, the medieval signs to brothels, and remnants of the secession war of the end of the 18th century. Indulge yourself at Hofman or Bubó bakeries and make sure you visit the Santa Maria del Mar church.
Visit a Flamenco Show in a real tablao. One of the best is Tablao de Carmen in [[Barcelona/Sants-Montjuïc|Sants-Montjuïc]]. A cheaper alternative is in the jazzclub Jazz Si in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]. (Although Flamenco is mostly just a touristy activity, Catalan people are not into flamenco. It's a dance and music from Andalucia, the southest region in Spain)
Ride the Cable Way to get from the sea front to Montjuïc mountain in [[Barcelona/Sants-Montjuïc|Sants-Montjuïc]]
Sit and sip on a coffee in Plaça dels Àngels in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]], while admiring the whiteness of the MACBA and the best street skate tricks in town.
Catch a performance at the beautiful Teatre del Liceu or the Palau de la Musica Catalana, both in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]].
Sail on a classic yacht. Enjoy a day trip sailing along the Barcelona coastline on a classic yacht.
Walk in Gracia neighborhood, a very popular area with a great variety of restaurants, cafés and terraces where you can still feel the local ambiance that has already been lost in El Born.
Most shops and shopping malls are closed on Sundays because of law restrictions. In Ciutat Vella you will find plenty of small fashion shops, souvenir shops and small supermakets open on Sundays. The souvenir shopping scattered throughout the Barri Gotic and all along La Rambla are tourist traps, none of them sell Catalan or Spanish products but the typical array of Chinese general souvenirs, they should be avoided. Moreover on the Port Vell, right at the end of The Ramblas there is Maremagnum, a shopping mall that stays open all Sundays.
- Secondhand English books in Gràcia.
- Design lovers head for Gràcia.
- El Corte Inglés. Spanning several floors and several buildings, and in several locations around town, many in Eixample and Inland Suburbs and a couple also in Ciutat Vella. You can find anything and everything in this department store, from gastronomy to pneumatics. Tax return checks are made on a separate floor of the store. See review for the whole chain in the Spain article.
- La Boqueria. In Ciutat Vella. Large public market with a diverse range of goods and produce. Enjoy freshly squeezed organic fruit juices for €1.5 per cup. If you go near closing time (20:00) sellers will make you a special price (2 or 3 for €2). Closed Sundays.
- Stamps are actually sold in 'Tabacs' or tobacconists. Once you know what they look like, you'll notice them on every block or so. To post your mail, you need to find one of the rare yellow letter boxes along the sidewalks.
- Records For vinyl records, try the wonderful shop Discos Revolver at 13 Carrer dels Tallers.
- Supermarkets are spread across the city. BonÀrea, Bonpreu and Condis are the most popular supermarket chains from Catalonia. Mercadona, Consum, and Dia are other popular chains from the rest of Spain. All of them are a cost-effective way to purchase grocery items. There are also organic/specialty supermarkets like Casa Ametller or Veritas which are pricier. Small corner stores are the most visible on city streets, but tend to mark up prices in exchange for convenience.
El Corte Inglés. Spanning several floors and several buildings, and in several locations around town, many in [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]] and [[Barcelona/Inland Suburbs|Inland Suburbs]] and a couple also in [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]. You can find anything and everything in this department store, from gastronomy to pneumatics. Tax return checks are made on a separate floor of the store. See [[Spain#El Corte Ingles|review for the whole chain in the Spain article]].
La Boqueria. In [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Ciutat Vella]]. Large public market with a diverse range of goods and produce. Enjoy freshly squeezed organic fruit juices for €1.5 per cup. If you go near closing time (20:00) sellers will make you a special price (2 or 3 for €2). Closed Sundays.
Stamps are actually sold in 'Tabacs' or tobacconists. Once you know what they look like, you'll notice them on every block or so. To post your mail, you need to find one of the rare yellow letter boxes along the sidewalks.
Records For vinyl records, try the wonderful shop Discos Revolver at 13 Carrer dels Tallers.
Supermarkets are spread across the city. BonÀrea, Bonpreu and Condis are the most popular supermarket chains from Catalonia. Mercadona, Consum, and Dia are other popular chains from the rest of Spain. All of them are a cost-effective way to purchase grocery items. There are also organic/specialty supermarkets like Casa Ametller or Veritas which are pricier. Small corner stores are the most visible on city streets, but tend to mark up prices in exchange for convenience.
As with all cities which welcome large numbers of tourists, Barcelona's cuisine is inconsistent in quality, but there are plenty of restaurants serving excellent food at very reasonable prices, if you know where to look. The usual rules of thumb apply: to save money and get better food, look for places off the beaten track used by fellow travellers, and seek out cafés and restaurants which the locals frequent. In practice, this usually involves searching out eateries in residential districts away from the main sightseeing attractions. Avoid restaurants with touts outside, and have a basic understanding of the traditional foods served in restaurants, as well as the local drinks. One slightly crafty way of sussing a place's authenticity at a glance is to take note of how they spell a certain word: a menu board advertising tapas, written the Spanish/international way, is likely to be somewhere which primarily caters to tourists, whereas somewhere offering tapes, using Catalan spelling, is in all probability a venue frequented by locals.
Some districts to check out include Gràcia, which is a hub of quality, affordable Catalan cooking of both the traditional and more avant-garde varieties, and the Eixample, whose chic boulevards have upscale restaurants aplenty worthy of your splurge money. The fishing quarter of Barceloneta (in Ciutat Vella) is an example of a neighbourhood where it pays to be picky: closer to the gentrified seafront, a slew of mojito beach bar-style places serve up expensive tourist tapas; for the real thing, head into the backstreets, where many traditional bars are still tucked away. In all cases, be prepared to "promenade" in search of the most attractive-looking menu; that's what the locals do, after all.
Set menus (menú del migdia) Most restaurants (and some bars) offer a menú del migdia (menu of the day), which usually means a simple and unpretentious two course meal (one salad, main dish and a drink; plus a dessert sometimes), 3 or 4 options each, with a drink and a dessert, for €8 to €20, depending on the restaurant. Depending on the restaurant, the portions may be quite generous, or rather small. During the week, some smart restaurants offer lunch specials from 14:00 to 16:00. The savvy traveller will try the hip places for a fraction of the price during the day.
If you're looking for a place where everyone can choose their own meal, ask for restaurants that serve platos combinados, which is the closest thing to an American/Northern European meal.
Smoking is not permitted inside bars and restaurants since 2011, but it's usually allowed in terraces.
You can get food from any part of the world in Barcelona, but make sure you try some Catalan food.
See Catalan cuisine section in the Catalonia article.
The selection of seafood is consistently great, although not a lot of it is local (this part of the Mediterranean is pretty well fished-out).
A treat to try that no travel guide mentions is waffles sold at street stands. They will tempt you with their mouth watering smell and taste.
Tapas restaurants are now all over the city (although tapas originated in Andalusia in the south of Spain). Each Spanish region has its native tapas; signature 'Catalonia' tapas is delicious. Some Catalans eat a more French-style three course meal (appetizer, main dish and dessert) and would more likely go for a pre-meal beer/vermouth and some snacks (olives, chips, etc.); others go for a meal entirely of tapas. This pre-meal snack is called 'fer el vermut' or 'making the vermouth'. As you travel to smaller towns in Catalonia outside of Barcelona, it is less likely that you will find tapas and more likely you'll see restaurants serving traditional Catalan food in three courses.
Beyond Catalan food, there is no shortage of durum or shawarma stands in Barcelona, offering tasty beef or chicken and salad in toasted flatbread for around €3.50. Gyros are delicious! You can also consider the Asian selection, with a lot of Chinese, Japanese and Indian restaurants. As with anywhere else, there are plenty of Italian restaurants, while Latin American offerings, particularly Argentine and Mexican, are well-represented too.
If you feel lost in the variety of food choices there are - Catalan, Basque, Spanish, and beyond, it may be helpful to do a food tour to quickly get oriented. Many independent tour operators run food and wine tours in the city.
- Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours, Hurtado 28 Barcelona, 08022, +1 800 656 0713. A family-owned business that showcases the best of Catalan gastronomy in off-the-beaten districts of Barcelona.
- Foodie&Tours. A third-party website that has selected and listed best gastronomic tours in the city, including cooking classes, tapas walking tours, and vineyard visits. Bookings are possible through their website.
Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours, Hurtado 28 Barcelona, 08022, +1 800 656 0713. A family-owned business that showcases the best of Catalan gastronomy in off-the-beaten districts of Barcelona.
Foodie&Tours. A third-party website that has selected and listed best gastronomic tours in the city, including cooking classes, tapas walking tours, and vineyard visits. Bookings are possible through their website.
Depending on where you are in the city, there may be restaurants galore, or none at all. The following areas tend to be restaurant "hubs", with a large variety of restaurants to choose from:
- Barceloneta: A popular quarter for locals, where you can try fish based dishes, such as Paella (a name that may hide many different kinds of rice concoctions) or Arròs negre (Black Rice), that takes its colour because it is made using squid ink. Barceloneta is a very good place to eat tapas as well.
- Sant Antoni is the new addition to the culinary scene in Barcelona where old and trendy cuisine mingle.
- Eixample Esquerra (between Gran Via and Mallorca)
- Barri Gòtic (especially for tapas)
- "El Born" (next to Barri Gòtic)
Around Plaça Catalunya there are dozens of restaurants serving tapas. One should be careful with the tourist traps as the area is highly populated with tourists.
For budget eating you may choose "menú del migdia" in small bars on the Avinguda del Parallel for €9-11 per person. Be aware that sometimes the menu and the staff are only in Spanish.
The large cafes that line the Passeig de Gràcia and the Rambla Catalunya, just north of the Plaça Catalunya, offer a variety of acceptable tapas. This part of the town is quite touristy and a bit expensive.
In several supermarkets you can find a wide stall with a great selection of ready-to-eat dishes. You can get a two-course lunch for less than €5.
- Comer y no Bombas. Shares free vegan food.
- Juice bars. More and more the city is being populated by bars that serve organic/vegan food and cold-pressed juices.
- El Glop. Three locations, in Eixample and Gràcia. Excellent mid-range Catalan meals. Allow about €20 per person, although you could get out of there for half of that if you let the price dictate your choice of dishes.
Comer y no Bombas. Shares free vegan food.
Juice bars. More and more the city is being populated by bars that serve organic/vegan food and cold-pressed juices.
El Glop. Three locations, in [[Barcelona/Eixample#El Glop|Eixample]] and [[Barcelona/Gràcia#Taverna El Glop|Gràcia]]. Excellent mid-range Catalan meals. Allow about €20 per person, although you could get out of there for half of that if you let the price dictate your choice of dishes.
Try a "café con hielo" an espresso served with a glass of ice cubes on the side and any local 'cafeteria'. Cafes are found on each corner in Barcelona, and these days a conscious movement in favour of top quality coffee is changing the scene in the Catalan capital with a new trend in terms of coffee houses.
- Chupitos are found in several locations throughout the city, including one in Barceloneta. Chupitos is Spanish for "shots" and offers hundreds of unique shots including the "Harry Potter" (a shot that sparks as cinnamon is sprinkled over it), and "Monica Lewinsky" (a variety of flaming shots) among others. As much a show as it is a place to get a drink, it's a fun night out.
Chupitos are found in several locations throughout the city, including one in Barceloneta. Chupitos is Spanish for "shots" and offers hundreds of unique shots including the "Harry Potter" (a shot that sparks as cinnamon is sprinkled over it), and "Monica Lewinsky" (a variety of flaming shots) among others. As much a show as it is a place to get a drink, it's a fun night out.
- Barcelona WiFi. Daily 08:00-01:00. An internet service provided by the city council. There are more than 700 Wi-Fi hotspots in the city, mostly at various municipal buildings. The speed is limited to 256 Kbps, VoIP applications are filtered. No registration is required. Free.
Barcelona WiFi. Daily 08:00-01:00. An internet service provided by the city council. There are more than 700 Wi-Fi hotspots in the city, mostly at various municipal buildings. The speed is limited to 256 Kbps, VoIP applications are filtered. No registration is required. Free.
Barcelona is Europe's pickpocketing capital. Never keep your wallet, cash or important documents in trouser pockets or in bag pockets: a money belt is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent being robbed. As always, be alert in crowded places, such as public transport, train and bus stations, La Rambla and Raval. People may approach you asking for change, or to change money. Just ignore them. If you are asked to change money, then official looking police may approach you afterwards to 'check' your wallet for ID, etc. These are not police, so be at your most vigilant or you might find they have taken a few cards or cash upon returning your wallet. If you are in a crowd of spectators watching street entertainment, beware of anyone getting suspiciously close to you.
Pickpockets use the football trick as the local specialty. At certain tourist hotspots, there are people who will try to show you a 'magic trick'. This involves tying a piece of string around your finger. While you are distracted (and your arm is effectively disabled), an accomplice will pickpocket you. It is also possible that criminals will pose as tourists and ask directions to approach their victims. Keep your distance and be careful in tourist places.
The subway is a hotbed for pickpocketing activity, which can range from simple opportunistic thefts to coordinated attacks. Be especially wary on the subway platforms at Sants train station and Sagrada Família. A group of men will come out of seemingly nowhere while you attempt to enter a subway car and block your entrance and exit in a coordinated manner, effectively pinning you against the doors while they close. They will act as if the car is just crowded and they are trying to get on as well, but, in reality, they have already gone through your pockets.
Once they take stuff, they quickly return to the platform and walk off calmly while you are trapped in the departing subway as they make sure they exit just before the doors cannot be reopened. Violence in these situations is rare, and in most cases the goal of the thieves is to rob you undetected. Stay vigilant: do not leave anything in a back trouser pocket (except maybe a map of the city). Hold on to your bag or purse at all times. Do not leave anything unattended while you sit in a cafe or restaurant.
One guy acts like he's reading a newspaper and is about to go into the subway gate (he's scanning his target). While you insert your subway card to enter and before the gate opens, that guy immediately enters his subway card also, which causes the gate to jam and alarm sound. Immediately 3-4 other people appear and, while acting like trying to help, (pointing to the gate telling you 'the door is jam') will try to snatch your backpack or wallet while you are still surprised. Check and make sure no one tailgates on you, or, simply, just let the guy go first.
While you are at an outdoor table of a café, don't leave your smartphone on the table. Someone will try to steal it. For example, a guy babbling for change with an unreadable poster in his hands, getting closer and closer to the smartphone until he eventually picks it up, passes it to a second guy that will run away with it.
People in Barcelona are often very friendly and love to practice their English, so don't be unfriendly. That said, you should, of course, be suspicious if someone approaches you in a touristy area speaking your language and asking you for help. This should put your guard up immediately. Do not be tempted to sign their petition, give them directions, or help them with their problem. You don't know anything about where you are, since you're a tourist, so you won't be able to help them in any case.
Professional scam artists exhibiting a high degree of coordination are active in many areas of the city. Be careful in tourist areas. A variety of methods are employed, including the No-change trick. A common scam involves fake cops who will show up ask to see your passport, then take your belongings at the first opportunity. The story varies, but they are almost certainly not real ones. When it happens, the best strategy is to just walk away instead of starting any sort of conversations with them. Another trick is that one seemingly confused person will ask you for directions, diverting your attention and then suddenly fake police will appear asking for your ID. This is a co-ordinated move to divert the attention and steal whatever is possible. If such incident happens, just walk away, without listening to any of their conversation. Stay alert, especially in busy tourist area near the Sants station and Plaça d'Espanya.
Another popular scam happens in the metro. A group of scammers (often middle-aged women) will take advantage of the fuss while people are entering the metro and surround a tourist, frantically asking for directions. Most tourists won't know what to say while one of the scammers empties their pockets. They will try to confuse the tourist while the metro stays in the platform, and will get out just before the doors are closed. When you realize you've been scammed, the train will have already left and they will be safely outside with your belongings.
The bird excrement scam is also common. One or more accomplices will secretly spray or throw a smelly liquid on you. When you look up thinking a passing bird has pooped on you, they will run up to you and tell you that they saw a bird poop on you. They will offer to help you clean up, and while you are cleaning they will go through your pockets and any bags you have set down. It is wise to beware of anyone who is attempting to touch a complete stranger.
A version of Three Card Monte is one of many common scams played on Les Rambles. There are also people holding petitions to install a wheelchair lift in locations with a lot of stairs. Once your signature is obtained they will then aggressively ask for a donation. Sometimes there can be crowds of children demanding money with hardly anyone else in the area, making it difficult to get away.
In 2019 there has been a surge in violent crimes around Barcelona: only in the summer there has been almost as many violent deaths as on the whole previous year. While tourists are very rarely targeted, so for the regular tourist this should be not a concern, many of these deaths are either drug related or drunken fights. Be extra careful if you're in those sorts of things.
Local club FC Barcelona (also known as "Barça", a term used by locals to refer strictly to the club and not the city) is seen as a symbol of Catalan nationalism, and has a very heated and politically charged rivalry with Real Madrid, which is seen as a symbol of the Spanish state and ruling establishment, and violent confrontations between the supporters of both clubs have been known to occur. Avoid wearing Real Madrid jerseys while you're in Barcelona, especially on matchdays, as that could result in you being singled out for violence by local fans.
On the other hand, wearing an Atletico Madrid (the other Madrid club) jersey might get you some stares and a couple of harmless teasings, but certainly no violent reactions.
Barcelona offers ATMs in many locations. Many provide a wide range of services (withdrawals, transfers, mobile credit recharges, ticketing, etc.), and most accept ATM/debit/credit cards of various banks. Choose an ATM in a secure or highly-public space (e.g., in a bank lobby or airport terminal) to avoid machines modified by criminals to skim/video your card data or where you might be robbed after use. Ensure early in usage that the ATM supports a language you understand. For a full discussion of safe/effective charge/debit/ATM card usage and their cost trade-offs, see Money.
Be very careful in the Barcelona Sants train station where thieves prey on new arrivals, even on the platforms. In general, try to stay away from suburban trains (cercanias in Spanish or rodalies in Catalan) late in the evening, as you may encounter young offensive drop-outs that disturb passengers, smoke, break windows and vandalize equipment. Don't rely too much on the railway security staff as they rather reluctant and by all means avoid messing up with those troublemakers.
Women travelling alone should exercise caution while exploring the more isolated parts of Montjuïc. The city beaches, particularly the ones adjoining Barceloneta, have proven to be quite lucrative for bag snatchers. Anything that one would rather not lose is best left, locked, in one's hostel or hotel.
Men traveling alone should expect the prostitutes on Les Rambles, St. Antoni, and Raval in the early hours to be very aggressive and in league with pickpockets and robbers.
Also, people need to be careful when leaving the bars of the Olympic Port late as there are many pickpockets around.
Women should be wary of wearing exposed jewelry such as gold chains and necklaces. People walking down a street may be attacked from behind by a thief who may grab the necklace and try to rip it off the woman's neck before quickly running away, often down a convenient side street. Be especially careful of seedy looking men on bicycles as grab and snatch assaults can occur.
In the event of such a robbery, people will need to find the local police station to report the incident, especially if a travel insurance claim is going to be made. Don't expect any police action beyond the report though as these types of events are par for the course and arrests, even when made almost never lead to prosecution due to a slow, antiquated, and overburdened legal system.
Parts of Barcelona are covered by closed circuit TV surveillance, but only the more popular spots.
Many Barcelona residents have the impression that there are too many tourists in Barcelona and that it has increased living costs, as landlords prefer to rent to tourists and not to locals to make more profit. Also, a lot of local shops have closed to make way for souvenir spots, so many locals feel they are being expelled from areas they have lived their whole life. In some areas, particularly the ones next to the beach where drunken tourists often stroll in swimming suits, there have been anti-tourism demonstrations by locals, which have had the backing of the Mayor of Barcelona. (At present, October 2019, this movement has nearly disappeared from scene).
Tourist drivers may attract special attention, such as Red light bag snatch or Flat tire scams
Besides being a particular pickpocket hot spot, there are plenty of fare evaders who will stick to you when crossing a fare barrier. Do not even attempt to block their way and let them pass, as many of them can be quite aggressive. Although stations are full of surveillance cameras, they are seldom used to either enforce fare payment or as a proof for filed assault charges, except in the most severe cases. Lack of staff in many stations and few ticket inspections effectively mean carte blanche for them. The fare evasion fine is just €50 if paid on spot, no matter how many times the culprit has previously been caught, and many fines remain unpaid because payment enforcement is legally way too cumbersome.
If you need to report a crime (for example, to claim on travel insurance), be prepared for the reality that in the downtown police station, officers generally do not speak English, even though the theft report form is in English, Spanish, and Catalan. The police station most often used to report theft is the one underneath Plaça Catalunya beside metro station, where they have some translators for common world languages.
EU citizens can get free or reduced cost medical treatment on presentation of an EHIC card and passport.
- Hospital Clinic I Provincial De Barcelona, C/ Villarroel 170 (Metro Stn Hospital Clinic (Line 5), +34 932 275 400.
Hospital Clinic I Provincial De Barcelona, C/ Villarroel 170 (Metro Stn Hospital Clinic (Line 5), +34 932 275 400.
|
Day trips from Barcelona include:
- Costa Brava - The coast North of Barcelona has rocky cliffs and a mix of pebble beaches and sandy beaches.
- Figueres- Home of the most impressive Salvador Dalí museum.
- Montserrat - Visit the monastery nestled high in the mountains to see the Black Madonna or hike to the peak to earn a fantastic view of the surroundings. 50 km from Barcelona.
- Colònia Güell — is a tiny settlement famous for its modernist architecture. It is on the railway to Montserrat.
- Sitges - A traditional beach side destination for the locals. Full of fashion shops open on Sundays. Is a popular gay destination too.
- Canet de Mar - Is small enough to walk almost anywhere. See the historical centre, the churches and cathedral, and visit many architectural works of Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Canet is the smallest town in Catalonia with many historical and modernist buildings. It also has a lot of blue flag beaches, recognised at the European level for their quality.
- Girona - A quiet town with an ancient Jewish section, narrow streets, imposing walls and plenty of cafes. See directions to the north airport above.
- Pyrenees - A mountain range around 150 km north from the city.
- Sant Cugat del Valles - Has one of the most interesting Romanesque cloisters in Catalunya, with many interesting carvings. The town itself is full of expensive vilas.
- Montseny - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 40 km northeast of Barcelona. Go there by car or bus/train