Barcelona is one of the major cities in Spain, second only to Madrid, Spain’s capital. It is situated in North East Spain between the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Coast. It is Catalonia’s capital city and its inhabitants number over one and a half million.
Language
Catalonia is a region that strives to maintain its identity as separate from the rest of Spain and Catalonians have their own language which is used in preference to Spanish. Though both are recognised languages officially, due to Nationalist leanings, Catalonians make a point of only using their own language to communicate.
As a tourist, your simple Spanish phrases will be understood and acknowledged and as the Catalan language differs only slightly from Spanish, you may be able to understand it too.
Weather
Barcelona has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures that are in the region of about 10ºC in winter, climbing to an average of 25ºC in the summer. Its plentiful rainfall means that it stays fairly green year round, a contrast to some of the more arid regions of Spain.
Food
Barcelona has many wonderful dining experiences to offer, from street cafes to fine restaurants to tapas bars. A tapas bar that comes highly recommended which you may want to pay a visit to is Cal Pep on Plaza Olles.
Sights
Barcelona is famed for its original and historical architecture. Architects worldwide refer to its unique architecture, amongst which Antonio Gaudi’s modernist cathedral the Sagrada Familia, which though still remaining incomplete, is an awe inspiring work.
Barcelona is a city of Art celebrating many of Spain’s most famous artists and home to the Picasso Museum, the Fundacio de Joan Miro and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. A wonderful museum dedicated to the Spanish Surrealist Artist, Salvador Dali can be found a short way outside the city in a small town called Figueres. The building itself is a work of art and inside, many of Dali’s most well known works can be viewed.
Barcelona is home to the famous football team, Barça and the Camp Nou stadium, a fine sports venue. Barcelona played host to the World Cup in 1992, bringing the city into the public eye and since then, the city has enjoyed its new status as one of the most favored tourist destinations in Spain.
Barcelona is a city of rich history and culture, with a creative modern vibe and is well worth a visit during your stay in Spain.
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