Barcelona Travel Guide
ONE of the worlds leading economic and cultural centres, Barcelona is also an excellent tourist destination for the whole family to visit. It is a diverse and varied city with a blend of the modern and the historical which provide the perfect fusion for those looking to enjoy sightseeing or recreational events in a short break.
Vital Statistics
Population: 3,218,071
Time Zone: CET +1
Temperatures: 20C/68F (Average High) – 11.1C/52F (Average Low)
Currency: Euro
Twinned with: San Francisco, Montpellier, Shanghai, Athens, Rio De Janerio, Dublin
Official Languages: Spanish/Catalonian
History
Barcelona’s founding has two very different legends. The first attributes Hercules with the historic discover, where as the second to pins the honour of founding the Spanish City on Carthagiaon Hamilcar.
Throughout time Barcelona has been known as the capital of the Catalonia region, which initially sought it’s independence from the rest of the country in the 12th century.
The Napoleonic wars left the province ravaged, but the post-war period and resistance to Franco’s coup d’état led to an industrial revolution, and thus helped bring about an upturn in the city’s prosperity.
Transport
The heart of Catalonia is served by Barcelona Airport, which is located around eleven miles from the city centre. The main hub of Barcelona can be accessed by using the well mapped out train and metro network which operates around the city.
Travel by sea is also a good option when travelling to the Spanish city. The port of Barcelona has a 2000-year-old history and it runs regular ferry services from most major European countries.
Local transport networks in and around Barcelona are also excellent. There are bus, metro and trams widely available. A combination of the three will allow you to access the majority of places a visitor would need to go, but if not then taxis can also be hailed and, unlike in some major cities around the world, these are fairly priced.
City Highlights
The Gothic Quarter
Spanning a large area of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter and many of the buildings here date back to medieval times and the height of Roman occupation. This quaint area is suitable for a relaxing day of sightseeing or shopping for souvenirs and fashion goods.
Park Guell
The Gaudi inspired open space is a hybrid of park and architectural showcase. Worth a visit on a sunny day and for a view out over the tiled rooves of the modern city. Be sure to circumnavigate the exterior and interior paths of the maze to discover many of the artists creations and his former living quarters.
La Sagrada Familia
Awe inspiring by its verticality and exterior, La Sagrada Familia is a medieval cathedral like no other. Only 50% completed, it is still possible to visit whilst construction takes place. Take a trip to the top of the towers for a view of the far-reaching sights of the picturesque city.
Nou Camp
Stadium of the ultra successful FC Barcelona, ‘Catalonia’s team’ play their home games in the city. As well as buying tickets for matches, fans and those interested can also purchase guided stadium tours of visit the club’s museum.
Also worth a visit…
Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas, Arc de Triumf
Other options
Barcelona is listed first amongst the top ten beach cities in the world. It has seven beaches, several of which are spectacular considering such an urban setting.
Those who enjoy the outdoors may consider a visit to Montserrat. Accessible since the 5th century, the mountain is a superb place for views out over the city.
A cable car route is set up for those who don’t fancy climbing up the mountainside.
Food and Drink
As a unique area of Spain, Barcelona has its own distinctive cuisines available to visitors. Breakfast in Barcelona is commonly eaten on the move so there are plenty of bakeries and coffee shops should you wish to follow suit.
Lunch is traditionally eaten between 2pm and 4pm, but dinner is not eaten until around 9pm. This does mean though that restaurants stay open until midnight or 1am in some cases.
Most restaurants cater for international tastes but geographically diverse pallets would not want to miss out on Allioli, Sofregit and Chanfaina sauces on their meat.
On the beverage side, Sangria is a well-known drink in the local Tapas bars as are conac (brandy), bianco (white) and tinto (red) wine or local cervesa (beer).
There is plenty of local flavour if you are willing to shop around, and with plenty of options in terms of both food and drinks, it is a good way to soak in the local culture.
Vital Statistics
Population: 3,218,071
Time Zone: CET +1
Temperatures: 20C/68F (Average High) – 11.1C/52F (Average Low)
Currency: Euro
Twinned with: San Francisco, Montpellier, Shanghai, Athens, Rio De Janerio, Dublin
Official Languages: Spanish/Catalonian
History
Barcelona’s founding has two very different legends. The first attributes Hercules with the historic discover, where as the second to pins the honour of founding the Spanish City on Carthagiaon Hamilcar.
Throughout time Barcelona has been known as the capital of the Catalonia region, which initially sought it’s independence from the rest of the country in the 12th century.
The Napoleonic wars left the province ravaged, but the post-war period and resistance to Franco’s coup d’état led to an industrial revolution, and thus helped bring about an upturn in the city’s prosperity.
Transport
The heart of Catalonia is served by Barcelona Airport, which is located around eleven miles from the city centre. The main hub of Barcelona can be accessed by using the well mapped out train and metro network which operates around the city.
Travel by sea is also a good option when travelling to the Spanish city. The port of Barcelona has a 2000-year-old history and it runs regular ferry services from most major European countries.
Local transport networks in and around Barcelona are also excellent. There are bus, metro and trams widely available. A combination of the three will allow you to access the majority of places a visitor would need to go, but if not then taxis can also be hailed and, unlike in some major cities around the world, these are fairly priced.
City Highlights
The Gothic Quarter
Spanning a large area of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter and many of the buildings here date back to medieval times and the height of Roman occupation. This quaint area is suitable for a relaxing day of sightseeing or shopping for souvenirs and fashion goods.
Park Guell
The Gaudi inspired open space is a hybrid of park and architectural showcase. Worth a visit on a sunny day and for a view out over the tiled rooves of the modern city. Be sure to circumnavigate the exterior and interior paths of the maze to discover many of the artists creations and his former living quarters.
La Sagrada Familia
Awe inspiring by its verticality and exterior, La Sagrada Familia is a medieval cathedral like no other. Only 50% completed, it is still possible to visit whilst construction takes place. Take a trip to the top of the towers for a view of the far-reaching sights of the picturesque city.
Nou Camp
Stadium of the ultra successful FC Barcelona, ‘Catalonia’s team’ play their home games in the city. As well as buying tickets for matches, fans and those interested can also purchase guided stadium tours of visit the club’s museum.
Also worth a visit…
Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas, Arc de Triumf
Other options
Barcelona is listed first amongst the top ten beach cities in the world. It has seven beaches, several of which are spectacular considering such an urban setting.
Those who enjoy the outdoors may consider a visit to Montserrat. Accessible since the 5th century, the mountain is a superb place for views out over the city.
A cable car route is set up for those who don’t fancy climbing up the mountainside.
Food and Drink
As a unique area of Spain, Barcelona has its own distinctive cuisines available to visitors. Breakfast in Barcelona is commonly eaten on the move so there are plenty of bakeries and coffee shops should you wish to follow suit.
Lunch is traditionally eaten between 2pm and 4pm, but dinner is not eaten until around 9pm. This does mean though that restaurants stay open until midnight or 1am in some cases.
Most restaurants cater for international tastes but geographically diverse pallets would not want to miss out on Allioli, Sofregit and Chanfaina sauces on their meat.
On the beverage side, Sangria is a well-known drink in the local Tapas bars as are conac (brandy), bianco (white) and tinto (red) wine or local cervesa (beer).
There is plenty of local flavour if you are willing to shop around, and with plenty of options in terms of both food and drinks, it is a good way to soak in the local culture.