Barcelona, Spain
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Things to do in Barcelona
From the narrow winding streets of its medieval Gothic quarter to the Catalan Art Nouveau architecture, the lively Mediterranean port of Barcelona is not only a treasure of the past, but also a brilliant metropolis. Situated on the coast of the western Mediterranean just a short distance from France, it has developed as a leading world city since its foundation by the Carthaginians in 218 B.C. Spain’s second-largest city is an exceptionally modern and innovative coastal city. Artists and designers gravitate to Barcelona’s bustling seafront to indulge in the eclectic assortment of Spanish bars, restaurants and beaches that submerge visitors in an intensive culinary and cultural microcosm. Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most eclectic fine art in Europe. Museums such as the Picasso Museum, the Miro Foundation and the Tapies Foundation are considered the city’s true cultural driving force and offer a distinctive Bohemian experience.
Being located on the Mediterranean assures Barcelona visitors a warm, welcoming climate and pleasant temperatures all year round to enjoy the many lush green parks throughout the city. Barcelona’s indefinable charm and whimsical character is best enjoyed with a meal or an aperitif on an open-air terrace.
- The official currency is Spain is the Euro
- Central European Time, Europe, UTC + 1 hour
- The official language for Spain is Spanish. Catalan is also spoken
- 127/220V 50 Hz
Best Travel Time
- April – June
- July – September
- October – December
Tip
- Barcelona is a great year-round destination
- Dress is subtle colors and select conservative styles for business
- Shorts are not acceptable in public; save them for the beach!
- Be aware that many Europeans and South Americans write the day first, then the month and finally the year
- A handshake is a normal greeting
- During a business lunch, it is recommended not to bring up business until after coffee is served
- Travel, sports and politics are good topics of conversation; stay away from religion as a topic
- Bullfighting is considered an art form; avoid making any derogatory comments
- To get someone's attention, turn the palm of your hand down and wave your fingers or your entire hand
- Avoid the OK sign with your thumb and index finger; it's considered rude
- Lunch is often served between 1:00 and 3:00 PM;
- Frequently, hors d'oeuvres (aka tapas) are served around 5:00 or 6:00 PM since diners eat later in the evening
- Dinner is often served between 9:00 and 10:00 PM; if you arrive earlier, you may be asked to come back later
- When you have finished dining, place your fork and knife next to each other.
- Do not cross the fork and knife or place them on either side of the plate; otherwise, you will be offered more food
- Many restaurants close during the month of August so owners and staff may take a well-deserved vacation
- Spaniards have a keen knowledge and appreciate for fine wine and food
- Spaniards love to celebrate and have a festival nearly every month!
- Public Holidays
- Barcelona is a great city to get around by foot. Pick up a map and enjoy the famous architecture of this dynamic city!
- Barcelona's metro system is another popular option for visitors; it's fast, clean and efficient!
- Enjoy tax-free shopping if you live outside the European Union and save 16% off the price of any items purchased as long as your total bill exceeds 90.15 Euros
- Many shops offer the tax free service, but you have to ask of it! Otherwise you may end up paying more for things
- When you arrive at the airport, you'll need to present your tax refund checks at customs before you check your bags
- There are no hard and fast rules regarding tipping in Barcelona
- It's common for restaurants to automatically added 10 to 15% to your bill. You may want to add an additional gratuity if you feel you received exceptional service.
- Often, tips are divided among all staff members.
- Fashion is important to Spaniards; especially when it comes to shoes
- Skip the gym shoes; you'll be a standout and not in positive way!
- Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes; you'll use them!
- Do not wear shorts out and about; keep them for the beach!
- Swimwear, sunglasses, billed or wide brimmed hat, sun block and lip balm
- Linen and cotton fabrics will be appropriate, during the summer months
- Darker colors are generally worn during the fall and winter
- Pack a light sweater or windbreaker for the trade winds can make evenings cool
