Everything that you must know about Barcelona before your arrival:
About Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, is a vibrant European city, alive with colour, history and culture stemming from over 2000 years of history. It is the capital city of the autonomous Catalonia region, and a major economic centre – a modern metropolis with a major airport and Mediterranean port. Perfectly situated at the North-Eastern coast of the Iberian peninsula, Barcelona is a well established tourist destination – attracting international visitors seeking recreation, Mediterranean sunshine, history, tradition and culture. The city boasts seven beaches (of which Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta are the most popular), 68 municipal parks, countless museums and galleries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites containing the stunning architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Climate
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny winters, warm summers and relatively low rainfall. Temperatures during the summer months of July and August can be quite hot during the day, with temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), but are very pleasant in the evening. For more information about Barcelona, please see: www.bcn.es
Language
In Barcelona, as in the rest of Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the region, and Spanish, the official language of Spain. English and to a lesser extent French, are also fairly widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc. are nearly always available in English, French and German.
Public Transport and Car Rental
Barcelona has a good, comprehensive public transport network, with special ten-trip and one, two or three-day tickets valid on bus, metro and local trains. Taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. Free parking is very limited in the city center and car parks are expensive, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions outside the city.
Taxis
Taxis in Barcelona may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must usually be paid in cash though some accept credit cards.Taxis allow no more than four passengers. A little green light on top of the car, together with a sign inside reading LLIURE or LIBRE (FREE), mean that the taxi is free and available. The run from the airport to Sants station is about 19 €, and 21 € to downtown Barcelona.
Meals
In Barcelona, as elsewhere in Spain, mealtimes are usually later than in the rest of Europe. Here, at home many people have lunch between 2 and 3 p.m. and dinner between 9 and 10 p.m. However, restaurant lunchtime hours are adapted to working hours and to visitors. Lunch is normally served from 1 to 3 p.m., and dinner between 9 and 11.30 p.m. But there are many restaurants that have more flexible opening hours, not to speak about the uncountable number of “tapas” bars and bistros that stay open all day.
Shopping
The shops in Barcelona open between 9 and 10 a.m. and most close at lunchtime, that is, about 1.30 p.m. They open again in the afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. and do not close for the day until 8 or 8.30 p.m. The department stores and hypermarkets do not close for lunch. All retailers, including both small shops and department stores, open on Saturdays and close on Sundays, except for a few establishments with special permits.
Banking
Banks open from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some banks also open on Thursday afternoon until 8.00 pm or on Saturdays, from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. A bank is always open at Sants Railway Station.
Credit cards, currency and foreign exchange
Most international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveller's cheques may be exchanged at banks and at most exchange offices. A large percentage of banks have automatic teller machines that accept most international credit and debit cards. The Spanish currency is the Euro (€), as in most countries of the European Union. The Euro is based on the decimal system, one Euro being equal to one hundred cents.
V.A.T.
A value-added tax (V.A.T.) of 7 to 16% is applied to all products and services. In most cases it is included in the price. Whenever it is not included, however, it will be clearly specified.
Drinking Water
The tap water in Spain is purified so it is suitable for drinking. Most people, however, prefer to drink bottled water because it tastes better and is moderately priced.
Electrical Power
A 2-pin round adapter is necessary for electrical appliances. The electric current used is 220 volts/50hz.
For those bringing 110 volts/60hz appliances, be sure to use an appropriate transformer.
Medical Care
The Spanish National Health Service may be used by all persons from European Union countries who have the E111 Form. This form should be obtained at the health service or post office of the visitor's home country before travelling to Spain. It is advisable for participants from countries outside the European Union to take out medical insurance before reaching Spain since they will be charged for access to the national health system.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to identify thanks to the green cross displayed outside. Medicines that do not require a medical prescription may be purchased directly over the counter. If you need advice, do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist. If you usually take some medicine in particular, it is advisable to bring a sufficient amount with you for your trip. There are duties pharmacies open 24 hours a day in most city districts. Outside all the pharmacies there is a list of the nearest duty pharmacies.
Tips
Tips are not obligatory in Spain, although people usually leave them at restaurants (for a maximum of 10% of the total amount of the bill). Hotel and airport porters will accept tips, depending on the luggage.
Websites for tourist information
You can visit the Barcelona City Council website: www.bcn.es or the web of the
organisation “Turisme de Barcelona”:
www.barcelonaturisme.com
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