Barcelona

Barcelona overlooks the Mediterranean and is located in a heavily populated area, which is a hub of economic activity.

The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. It is a coastal city and has over four kilometers of urban beaches and large areas of nearby forest. Although it is a large city, it is easy to get around by public transport and on foot. You can reach any point in the city by metro, bus and taxi.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, its inhabitants are open and welcoming. The people of Barcelona speak Catalan, their own language, and Spanish. Many of them also understand English and French.

After a makeover lasting more than two decades, Barcelona has transformed itself into one of the most dynamic and stylish cities in the world. Always on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music, Barcelona will blow you away with its buildings, especially the work of the eccentric genius Gaudí, and its art, with significant collections of Picasso and Miró

Fast facts

Population: 1,593,000
Currency Name: Euro
Code: EUR

Electrical Plugs
220V 50 Hz


Languages Spoken
Official: Spanish

Time Zones
GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)

Country Dialing Code +34
Weights & Measures: Metric

Near Barcelona

Barcelona's favourable location makes it the ideal departure point from which to discover new landscapes and enjoy contact with nature. Within a radius of a little over 200 kilometres, you will find charming areas offering a wealth of cultural, historic and recreational attractions.

Getting there and around

Barcelona is well-served by land, sea and air links.

By plane
Barcelona's airport is 12km (7.5mi) southwest of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat. The city is a big international and domestic destination, with direct flights from North America and many European cities. Departure tax is factored into ticket prices.

By train
You can take domestic and international trains to Barcelona. The main train station is Estació Sants, 2.5km (1.6mi) west of La Rambla. Direct overnight trains from Paris, Geneva, Lisbon and Milan arrive here, as do services from various French cities and across Spain.

By bus
Buses are generally cheaper than trains, though not so comfortable. The main intercity bus station, Estació del Nord, is 1.5km (0.9mi) northeast of La Rambla, close to Arc de Triomf metro.

Barcelona city centre has rapid transport links, including nine metro and FGC lines, two tram lines and an extensive fleet of buses. The ring roads, or "rondes", have eased traffic congestion in the city. Eleven thousand taxis, with their yellow and black livery, provide a rapid and efficient service, and are available at all times either by pre-booking or by hailing them in the street.

Things to do

You will always find something to do in Barcelona. The city has over 50 museums, showcasing permanent collections of works by artists such as Picasso, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies. At the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) you can see one of the world’s most important collections of Romanesque art. It also has famous collections of contemporary art housed in museums such as the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and CaixaForum. Most museums stage temporary exhibitions.

Barcelona would not be what it is without the influence of the very famous Gaudi – don’t miss out the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and the amazing architecture on the city’s streets.

The city is also a showcase for the best of the country’s theatrical talent. One of the most important cultural events is the "Grec" Summer Festival: a date with theatre, music and dance. Barcelona is also renowned for its wide variety of musical events, including all the genres, and has three major venues: the Gran Teatre del Liceu, devoted to opera, the Palau de la Música, a modernista marvel, and L’Auditori, the concert hall designed by Rafael Moneo.

And that’s not all... You will also find areas where you can play sports in the open air and a whole host of leisure attractions. Barcelona is a box of surprises, which will keep you entertained with countless cultural and recreational activities.

Links

For further information, please visit

http://www.barcelona-airport.com/

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_city_guide

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