You can conquer Barcelona! Are you ready?

Have a great holiday discovering this international metropolis. Rent a villa with all the comfort and privacy you need in the vicinity of the biggest city in Catalonia! During your stay you will have a beautiful private villa and the opportunity to discover Barcelona. What more could you want? Take advantage of this opportunity and don’t miss out!

Why go to Barcelona?

Barcelona is a magnificent city with very interesting secrets that will be revealed to you. This metropolis has unique sites and heritage, full of small neighbourhoods (barrios), alleyways, historical remains, the architecture of Antoni Gaudí or the art of Pablo Picasso.  If you are a football fan, you’d probably like to visit the FC Barcelona stadium or museum.

There are many reasons to come to Barcelona and spend a few days here. Not only for the trendy clubs and parties, but also to see Formula 1, Montjuïc or the Olympic zone, where the 1992 Olympic games took place and Freddy Mercury sang the ‘Barcelona’ anthem, and how parts of Barcelona has been renewed and extended.

You can visit the city, attend concerts by famous artists and groups such as Madonna, Shakira, James Morrison, Lenny Kravitz, UB40, The Cult or other artists and groups, but you will not be able to restrain yourself from doing some shopping. Nowadays Barcelona is becoming increasingly fashionable. What’s more, important fashion shows organised by leading designers take place here.

Barcelona:

• From sport to relaxation
• From historic sites to modern architecture
• From culture to shopping

Always good to know
Regardless of the type of holiday you prefer to have, Barcelona is the place to be – it’s a fact! For those who love the sun, there are many beaches, too.

Historical influences and high technology combined with nature.

Your visit to Barcelona doesn’t have to be minutely planned; it will allow the big city to surprise you with its different historical influences and high technology in harmony with nature.

One thing is certain: no matter what age you are, if you are with your significant other, your family or your friends, Barcelona will always have something interesting in store for you. Bursting with memorable sites and great architecture, not to mention the activities you can enjoy. Come and discover the South of Europe!

Find your villa near Barcelona here!

General

Barcelona’s location: on the Mediterranean coast in the north-east of Spain, on the Costa Maresme.

Time zone: GMT +1
Language: Catalan and Spanish. Official road signs are written in both languages.
Currency: euro €

Opening times

Opening times of shops, shopping centres, etc: from 10:00 to 20:30 or 21:30
Opening times of traditional shops: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:30 or 21:30. ‘Siesta’ time can vary a little depending on the business.

Payments

Opening times of banks: weekdays from 09:00 to 14:00; some banks are open on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00.
Passport/ID card: when paying with your debit card or credit card, you may be asked to present your passport or ID card.

Sales

In winter, the sales begin in the second week of January, and in summer they begin on 1 July.

Non-EU citizens may have a refund on their Value Added Tax (VAT).

Emergencies

112 for emergencies
092 local police (Policia Local)
061 medical emergencies

Climate

Barcelona has a pleasant climate all year round, even if the temperature can reach 40 degrees during the peak season in summer. Spring and autumn are the most appropriate times (more comfortable) to visit the city. Autumn is known for being the most popular period of the year, but it’s important to know that from mid-August to the beginning of September, there is a good chance that 10% of traditional businesses, such as restaurants, will be closed because it’s holiday season in Spain.

Advice

Before you begin exploring Barcelona, it is advisable to inform yourself a little. This way, you will avoid missing out on the places that you would like to see or ending up overwhelmed and staying somewhere for too long because you got lost and couldn’t quite leave the main street. Then, you can easily decide how much time to spend in Barcelona and what you will be able to see during your stay. Regardless, plans are made to be changed, so just make sure that when you are here, you appreciate what you see and what you do!

Transport

To get from Costa Brava and Costa Maresme to the centre of Barcelona
It is highly recommended that you take public transport. From the coast, you can travel by train to the city. In addition, there are bus services that go direct to Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and Blanes, for example.

To get from Barcelona ‘El Prat de Llobregat’ airport to the centre of Barcelona
The airport buses (aerobus) are located outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They travel from the airport to the centre of Barcelona, such as ‘Plaça de España’ or ‘Plaça de Catalunya’. The ride between Terminal 1 and 2 is free of charge. http://www.aerobusbcn.com/index.php/en.html

Airport (at night)
General bus: TMB
Night bus / NITBUS: NITBUS

Car rental
If you arrive by air, you will be able to rent a car at the airport. But it would also be more practical to rent it before your arrival and to pick up your rental from the site. Of course, it is also possible to rent a car for a day or two during your stay.

• Private transport
• Taxi

Traffic regulations

When you decide to rent a car, you need to be aware of the traffic regulations. In Barcelona, the traffic regulations are generally similar to those of big European cities. Nevertheless, you must pay attention to the road signs, in particular those that indicate the speed limit, because there are quite a few radar traps that can take your picture. You also need to be careful, because there are a lot of scooters, motorbikes and bikes in Barcelona that can approach you from all angles.

It’s believed that Barcelona has the most vehicles per inhabitant in Europe. This means that there is always a lot of traffic in Barcelona, with a lot of traffic lights and noise pollution. Above all, don’t be surprised if the drivers turn left or right without indicating; you therefore have to look in both directions before making a move at the wheel. And as in the rest of Europe, you are not allowed to use your phone whilst driving.

It is also advisable to enquire about the rental conditions before renting a car. There are certain criteria to observe: the minimum age is 23 years, you must have had a driving licence for at least 3 years, payment is by credit card – and do not forget to take out passenger insurance.

By train to ‘Barcelona Sants’ (Sants Estació) or ‘Passeig de Gràcia’.

RENFE is Spain’s national railway company.

Barcelona El Prat, Girona and Reus Airport

Depending on the city you are coming from, Barcelona El Prat de Llobregat Airport could be your only destination airport option. Otherwise, depending on the airlines, you also have the possibility of landing in ‘Girona’ or ‘Reus’ airport, especially if you fly with a low-budget airline.
From Girona airport, there is a bus that takes an hour and a half to go directly to the centre of Barcelona. You can also get to the centre of Barcelona from Reus Airport, as there is a means of transport that will take you there. Another option is to go by bus to Reus railway station (about 10 km away) and take the train to Barcelona Sants.

In Barcelona

There are many ways to get around Barcelona and its surrounding area. Barcelona has more than 633 square kilometres to explore. Even if you can see many things on foot, you won’t be able to see everything in a limited amount of time. You can therefore rent a car, a scooter or a Segway, or even get around by using public transport (train, bus, metro), boat or bike.

Car rental

Be independant and go wherever you want, whenever you want. Rent a car! As well as Barcelona, you can visit the Costa Brava, the Costa Maresme, or even go to Montserrat or Andorra.

Barcelona by bike

If the weather is nice, you can see a lot more this way and stop at various places instead of using public transport. You can thus enjoy seeing the city and getting some fresh air at the same time!

Bus

Do you want to keep on exploring, but also give your feet a little rest? You can take any of the 100 bus routes that operate between 5:00/6:00 and 22:00/23:00, often at 8 or 10 minute intervals. And much like many other cities, there is a night bus (Nitbus) which starts at 22:20 and continues until 6:00, passing through Plaça de Catalunya every 20 minutes.

Bus: TMB

Night bus: NITBUS

Cable car

The ‘teleférico’ is a good way to get up the Montjuïc mountain. During the ascent, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Barcelona port, the landscape and Barcelona’s iconic landmarks: La Plaça de Catalunya, La Sagrada Familia, La Catedral, El Puerto, La Villa Olimpica, etc.  With a limit of 8 people per ‘teleférico’, you can hop on and go to Parc de Montjuïc, Mirador and Castillo de Montjuïc.

Ferry

Close your eyes and imagine a pleasant trip by cruise ship, relaxing on the main deck on a deckchair in the sun, with a magnificent view of the sea, all while having a drink. This is all possible with certain cruise lines, such as:

Costa Cruceros: Barcelona – Mediterranean region

Grimaldi Ferries: Barcelona – Rome, Florence

GNV: Barcelona – Geneva

Various ferries go to the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Metro

There is nothing quite like getting around the city without the traffic jams! It’s the same system as for the bus or train, and you can choose between different types of tickets.

Scooter

Have fun riding a scooter and move about with ease in the streets of Barcelona. You won’t have to waste time finding somewhere to park, getting stuck in the crowded metros or trains, or even paying high taxi fares. What’s more, you will discover the city from a different angle.

Taxi

If you want to take a taxi, you can flag one down in any street or call a taxi service. The additional charges come to €3. Before getting in, it is advisable to ask how much it will cost to reach your destination: that way, you will avoid unnecessary sightseeing tours if you just have to travel two blocks. Keep in mind that the price also depends on the circumstances and the day, for example the price also varies if you have luggage with you and if you are going to the airport.

Train

Would you like to travel longer distances in a practical and comfortable way? Take the train. There are 3 varieties of trains belonging to different companies: there are short-distance and medium-distance trains in Catalonia, and long-distance trains that travel more than 400 km.

RENFE is Spain’s national railway company.
If you are travelling internationally, you can find your itinerary on the Elipsos website.

Tickets for public transport

There are all kinds of tickets for public transport. Of course you can save money by buying the right tickets, depending on how often you will use public transport in Barcelona. The most frequently bought tickets are, the T-10 ticket (10 trips per ticket), T-día (ticket for one day – it is also possible to get a ticket for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days), T-mes (ticket for the month) or a T-50/30 (50 trips in 30 days). It’s up to you to choose the one that will suit you best.

If you want to visit many places but you don’t know where to start, you can plan to see the most important tourist sites in a short time, whilst still moving at your own pace.

Barcelona Bus Turístic
Visit the city of Barcelona with the ‘Barcelona Bus Turístic’. The top deck of the bus is roofless, but you can also go downstairs, where you can sit under shelter. There are 3 bus routes that run through Barcelona: blue, red and green, which stop in all of the most important places of tourist interest in Barcelona:

Plaça Cataluña, la Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Francesc Macià, Parc de l’Espanya Industrial, Creu Coberta, Poble Espanyol, Anella Olímpica, Montjuïc cable car, Olympic Museum, Miramar, Castell de Montjuïc, Olympic Port, Barcelona Zoo, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Tramvia Blau Tibidabo, Mercat de Sarrià, Palau Reial, Playa del Bogatell, Avenida Diagonal, Paseo de Garcia, Camp Nou, …

It’s up to you to decide the length of your trip and where exactly you are going to get on and off of the bus.

Barcelona City Tour
Another company is the ‘Barcelona City Tour’. They have two different lines, green and orange, to guide you through the city. You will be given the opportunity to hop off the bus in 34 different places. What is good about the ‘Barcelona City Tour’ is that the buses come equipped with sliding roofs, you can thus be on the top deck and sheltered at the same time if it’s raining.Would you like to know more about Barcelona without having to read a whole series of books, but still receiving a lot of information?

Discover below other types of guided visits such as Bike Tours Barcelona, Barcelona Walking Tour, Helicopter Tour, Limousine Tour or Segway Tours.

• Bike Tours Barcelona
  Take a guided bike tour. Discover the beauty of the city’s culture while you pass through different sites of tourist interest such as squares and charming, narrow streets, etc.
• Barcelona Walking Tour
  Professional guides will guide you through one of Barcelona‘s fabulous neighbourhoods. You can also choose the walking tour that includes eating famous tapas: it’s known as the ‘Tapas Walking Tour’.

• Helicopter tour
  From up in the sky, you can enjoy a distinctive and perfect view of the coast, the intertwining streets and the city’s squares. Depending on the company you decide to take this tour with, you can fly over the Olympic Port, Port Vell, Montjuïc, Barceloneta, WTC, Torre Agbar and Sagrada Familia.
• Limousine Tour
  Do something different and take a ride around Barcelona, in the evening, in an exclusive limousine.
• Segway Tours
  The so-called ‘Segway’ is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a fun way to visit the city with experienced tour guides, on official routes designed for safety.

Get a discount on your city break

Why not pay less? It’s possible to get tickets for visits at a reduced price.

Arqueoticket

A combi-ticket for 5 museums:
1. Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya
2. Museu Barbier-Mueller d’Art Precolombí
3. Museu Egipci
4. Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat
5. Museu Maritime

ArtcoTicket

With this ticket, you can make the most of visiting 6 of Barcelona’s museums:
1. Fundació Alorda Derksen: national and international contemporary art
2. Fundació de les Arts i els Artistes: ‘Museu Europeu d’Art Modern’ (MEAM)
3. Fundació Foto Colectania: photos from 1950 to the present day
4. Fundació Francisco Godia: Spanish ceramics and mediaeval art
5. Fundació Suñol: exhibition of the best pieces from the Josep Suñol collection. A great opportunity to admire some of his pieces that have never before been presented to the public.
6. Fundació Vila Casas: this foundation consists of 3 contemporary art museums and 2 galleries for temporary exhibitions. The art pieces date from the 60s to today.

Barcelona Card

Are you used to travelling and doing things by yourself instead of having everything organised for you? Do you know where you want to go and what your goals are? Take a tour of the city with the Barcelona Card. This card is very beneficial and gives you the opportunity to visit an abundance of different places, ‘La Sagrada Família’ for example. You have unlimited access to Barcelona’s public transport, including the metro and the city bus. When you arrive at Barcelona airport, you will already be able to collect your card.  From the very first moment you use your card, it will already be active and valid for the duration that you have chosen.

If you still can’t get enough, you can also receive special offers for free entry to Barcelona’s tourist attractions.

Barcelona Metro Walks

With ‘Barcelona Metro Walks’, there are 7 routes to discover in Barcelona. As well as the guidebook, you will receive a 2-day ticket (consecutive days) so that you can use the metro and the bus in the city.

Information points

If you need more detailed information and materials (such as a city map or the ‘Barcelona Card’ for example), you can find all of this at Turisme de Barcelona and Turismo de Catalunya.

Where can you find a tourist information point?

For example:
Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça Sant Jaume
Estació de Sants
Terminus 1 and 2 of the airport
Cabina La Rambla
Mirador de Colom
Terminals de Creuers
(Information points in the port terminals)

Just a few small details to keep in mind

How to dress

If you come and visit Barcelona during the summer period, it is possible for the temperature to reach 40 degrees. If you have enough energy to leave your accommodation, you would probably feel more comfortable in a swimming costume because for some people it is normal to walk around shirtless – however, this is not allowed. In Barcelona’s shops, streets or supermarkets, this type of clothing is not appropriate, and you run the risk of getting a fine.  This also applies in places of tourist interest.

During the low season and the winter, the temperature can vary quite a lot between day and night, or morning and afternoon. So don’t be deceived by the nice temperature and warming sunshine during the daytime. It is enough if you bring a jumper or a jacket with you for when the sun goes in.

Safety

Barcelona is generally a very safe city! Aggressive behaviour and violence are not very common, even in the evening. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from keeping an eye on your belongings! This information is written in the Barcelona guide.

When someone warns you about these things, you always think that it will never happen to you but …

You can never be too sure…

One day, two ladies approached two young people of about 25 years of age to sell them flowers at €1.50 a piece. These women seemed nice and pleasant, so everything was fine. The young people had their luggage with them, since it was their last day in Barcelona, and they agreed to buy a flower off of them. As their hands were very full, one of the old ladies decided to take €1.50 out of one of their wallets herself to help them out. In that moment, the women seemed honest until the young men walked away.

All of a sudden, one of the women said to the other: ‘Too bad that there were only coins in his wallet. I thought that they had just arrived’. The other woman responded: ’Luckily I saw €50 in his wallet’ and with a smile she showed her friend the €50 note that she had taken from the naive young man.

Precautions to take

It is a possibility that you will be pickpocketed in Barcelona, so you should take precautions and be safe, not sorry.

• The places that attract the most pickpockets are the Rambla, at the end of the port, the lower end of the Raval district and of course the tourist areas.
• Always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Try to wear your bag on your hips, or as close to the front of your body as possible!

Keep your money in several different places or even share it between the other people who are travelling with you.

Try to wear clothes that are classed as ‘normal’ to the local population. When the temperature is 18 degrees or above outside, it will be normal for you to wear shorts and a short t-shirt, but most of Barcelona’s population won’t do this. Instead, they’ll wear a jacket and a scarf. During your stay, please try to leave your summer shorts at home. It’s simply a matter of taste, but you will be seen as a tourist and will become a potential victim if you dress like this.

• Try to keep your Barcelona guides and maps hidden. It’s not a crime to use them, but they are easily distracting and they attract pickpockets.
• Don’t put your valuables on display. Keep your new mobile phone in your bag and never leave it on a table. Don’t hang your camera constantly around your neck or your wrist.
• If you are a sociable person who likes getting to know the locals, be careful when you are in the city. Scammers often work in groups. Even if you have a nice conversation, they can still steal everything that you have on you, even if it’s still out of sight. In addition to this, you could unwittingly give away too much information.
• Don’t play street card games or other risky games. You already know that you will lose money and other goods.
• Just a tip: If you feel anxious, try to at least come across as the opposite, as people who feel unsure of themselves, are alone, who have had a bad day, etc. are the first potential victims.

Prices

Be aware of the price of things. If you want to dine in a restaurant or have a drink somewhere, check the menu before taking a seat. Keep in mind that some bars, cafes or restaurants have an additional charge if you want to sit in their outside terrace.

Tips on things to do and visit in Barcelona

Flamenco show (at dinner time)

Have a great evening in one of the restaurants where you can dine while watching a Flamenco show. Enjoy Spain’s traditional gypsy dance. It will be a spectacular evening for everyone.

From -5 to 45 degrees; an incomparable experience of summer and winter

Be in the sun and the ice at the same time! It is possible in the ‘Ice Bar Barcelona’! The temperature varies between -5 and 10 degrees in this bar. Upon entering, you will be provided with a coat and gloves. Sit in a chair, go to the lounge for a drink… Everything is made of ice! You will probably want to warm up afterwards, so go and have a drink on the beach terrace.

Holidays: A time to relax and unwind

Relax during your stay and visit one of Barcelona’s spas with Arab baths, one of which is located on the route leading to the city centre.

To discover the ways of the Spanish, come and take part in a tapas tour. During this visit, you will try all kinds of tapas in bars and in restaurants. In this way you will learn what takes the Barcelonians’ fancy.

Barcelona’s districts.

A vast amount of Barcelona’s history is preserved. You can read advice on the most interesting things to visit in each district. This could facilitate your holiday preparation.

The historic centre, ‘Ciutat Vella’, ‘La Rambla’ and the seafront

Don’t miss out on visiting Barcelona’s must-see areas. The most famous street in Barcelona, ‘La Rambla’, crosses Barcelona’s historic centre from Plaça Cataluña in the east, to the ‘Monument de Colomb’ (where Columbus landed in 1493), the old port or ‘Port Vell’ (known for its ‘new’ rotating bridge and the Barcelona Aquarium, the IMAX cinema, the Maremagnum with its shops and cafe terraces), Barceloneta (the maritime district built in the 18th century), the Barceloneta beach and the Olympic Port (the old industrial zone that was knocked down and reconstructed for the 1992 Olympic Games) with Barcelona’s tallest building in the background.

You also can’t miss out on the kiosks, with birds and flowers, musicians and mimes. There is the also the ‘Palau Moja’, the Boqeuria market (a colourful food market, also called the ‘Mercat de Sant Josep’), the ‘Gran Teatre del Liceu’ theatre, the ’Plaça Reial’ with its palm trees and its neoclassical lampposts designed by Gaudí, the ‘Museo de Cera’ wax museum with its many figures, and various other impressive moments that are worth admiring along the ‘Rambla’.

And so much more to discover…

Nearby the Rambla, you will find the Carrer Montcada and the ‘Museu Picasso’ in the mediaeval districts. These renovated buildings retain their original external appearance, and their spacious interiors contain a unique pictorial treasure that makes them one of Barcelona’s most important attractions.

Other interesting places to visit include ‘Palau Güell’ (Gaudí’s first building), ‘La Llotja’ (stock market) and Barcelona Aquarium. This marine centre will give you the chance to learn more about the Mediterranean: you will go through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and other underwater creatures. In the evening, you can attend a show called ‘The Magic Fountains’: lights and colours that dance to the music and aquatic acrobatics. Don’t miss out on the Mercè church that gives its name to the square, with its fountain that represents Neptune. On 24 September, the Mercè festival takes place, as he is the patron saint of Barcelona.

Before the 1992 Olympic Games, urban planning was divided into three sections including Barcelona beach. Just for the Olympic Games, they greatly improved Barcelona’s coastline.

Barri Gòtic

The ‘Barri Gòtic’ (Gothic quarter) is a labyrinth of small streets and squares which reflect influences outside of the Roman period. The Romans chose this site to establish a new colony and the mediaeval Jewish quarter (‘El Call’, in Catalan).

The ‘Barri Gòtic’ area has a beautiful Gothic cathedral called the ‘Capella de Santa Llúcia’, a Roman temple and an arabesque mosque. It took more than 600 years to be finished. A large number of the historic buildings are well preserved and even still being used, even if it’s for a different purpose than in the past. Some of these, for example, are ‘Plaça de Sant Jaume’, ‘Palau de la Generalitat’ (Catalan government headquarters) and ‘Casa de la Ciutat’ (the Barcelona city hall). It is also very possible that while in this neighbourhood you will find the ‘Carrer del Bisbe’ or the ‘Carrer Petritxol’, both with magnificent architecture.

The Roman influence is always visible when you walk down the streets of the Barri Gòtic: the Temple of Augustus, the aqueduct, the city walls. In the ‘Plaça del Rei’, one of the best-preserved squares, you can still see the splendour of mediaeval Catalonia. Do you like architecture and art and would you like to know more about Barcelona’s history? Follow the path towards the Church of Pi, the Temple of Augustus and the Barbier Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which boasts prestigious art collections from America’s pre-Hispanic cultures.

El Born and the Ribera

You will travel back in time in the ‘El Born’ district with the Santa Maria del Mar church and the many manor houses dating from the 14th century. If you like animals, visit Barcelona Zoo! It has more than 400 species of animal, including aquariums with dolphin and whale shows. Then enjoy taking a break in the Parc de la Ciutadelle amongst the sculptures and by the lake. Or simply go and take a breath of fresh air in a lovely setting.

Have you always wanted to discover the origins of chocolate? Take a look at the Museu de la Xocolata. Even if you’re not a big museum fan, this museum is different from all others! You can take part in the ‘Chocolate Tour’. Don’t forget to visit the Oriol Balaguer, Xocoa, Cacao Sampaka and Ochiai shops. Calling all chocolate lovers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fancying fresh fruit and vegetables? The ‘Mercat de Santa Catarina’ has just what you need. Its roof is a very expressive structure and there is a beautiful mix of colours. Even if you are not interested in buying fruit or vegetables, the building alone is worth a visit.

El Raval

Art is present throughout the whole city of Barcelona. This once-unfrequented old district has become a very popular destination thanks to its many bars, restaurants and lounges.

Go and take a look at the ‘Rambla del Raval’ with its sculpture of a giant Botero cat, ’l’Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu’ and the MACBA. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is located in a very bright and spacious building. Here you will find a wide variety of exhibitions and artistic, academic and recreational events.

A special structure that unites both culture and architecture is the ‘Monasteri Romanesc de Sant Pau del Camp’ dating from the 10th century. The church, the cloister, the chapter house and the abbey residence were built between the 12th and 14th centuries, and the paintwork was carefully restored during the 20th century.

Of course, you shouldn’t let visiting Gaudí’s works slip your mind. Unfortunately, some tourists do not give certain art pieces such as the ‘Palau Güell’ the attention they deserve. Note the fabulous arabesque influence in the structure and decoration, and take a good look at the roof – it’s spectacular.

Barceloneta and Port Vell

The Barceloneta and the old port, ‘Port Vell’, have services for boats such as mooring for recreational boats. There are also various shops, offices and leisure facilities. The docks are used by the fishing fleet. In ‘Las Golondrinas’, you can take walks along the port and boat trips along the coast, passing the Forum.

A large number of typical restaurants serve a vast variety of rice dishes, fish and seafood.

Representative buildings in this area:

Maremagnum

The Maremagnum is open 7 days a week, except on 25 December and 1 January. There are various shops here: shoe shops, accessories, cafes, chocolate shops, toys, decorations, souvenirs, photographs, computers, discos, bars, gastronomy, etc.

Barcelona’s World Trade Centre

The ‘Moll de Barcelone’ is a congress centre (430-seat auditorium) with offices and 5-star hotels.

Torre de Jaume I

The second-highest cable car in the world offers a fantastic sea view (it’s 100 metres above sea level).

Sant Martí (Vila Olimpica & Forum)

Completely remodelled, the Olympic village was built on the seafront to welcome the 1992 Olympic Games athletes. On the other side, the ‘Marina olimpica’ or Olympic Port is used by sailors and local communities. As well as sailing facilities and schools, there is a large variety of restaurants and bars. At the foot of one of the ‘Port Olímpic’ towers, there is a giant fish sculpture, designed by Frank Gehry in 1992. It is a huge sculpture reaching 35 metres in height, built from woven bands of coloured copper-steel.

One of the latest urban planning interventions is the City Forum, one of the biggest cultural and public leisure spaces. It consists of the Barcelona International Convention Centre and the photovoltaic cell providing solar energy. It also has a marina, a swimming area and a vast promenade.

The ‘Villa Olimpica’ has 200 buildings of different styles. This modern district normally has very spacious accommodation. L’Avinguda d’Icària is the main artery of the Olympic Village. Enric Miralles designed the very expressive arbours with abstract shapes.

If you want to try your luck, go to Barcelona’s Gran Casino, which is situated in the Olympic Port, with slot machines, table games and much more. And to finish your day, well, you can dine in one of the many restaurants or go clubbing; there are many of these facilities in this area.

Like any place that you visit, you have to adapt to the environment. The dress code is strict in a casino: sportswear, shorts and T-shirts are not allowed. The minimum age to enter is 18 years and ID is mandatory. Aggressive behaviour and cheating are not permitted.

End your vacation with a relaxing visit to the beach! The Nova Icària beach is the perfect place to make the most of the nice weather. Take a breath of fresh air by walking along the beach. If you want to eat something or even have a drink, there are nice restaurants with terraces and gardens right on the beach!

Here is a word of advice: go to ‘Cementiri del Poblenou’. It’s the first of its kind in Barcelona: the bishop Climent blessed it in 1775. Napoléon’s troops destroyed it in 1883, but it was reconstructed in 1849. The modernist architecture and the sculptures have been preserved.

Are you a nature lover? The ‘Parc Diagonal Mar’ boasts 14 hectares of green spaces, lakes and metal arbours, and the skyscrapers offer spectacular views.

This modern district is not the best place to go shopping, but there is a small shopping centre, ‘El Centre de la Villa’, with a few shops and a supermarket. In the neighbouring district, ‘El Born’, you will find pretty one-of-a-kind boutiques and much more.

Eixample-Garcia
The heart of Barcelona is ‘Eixample-Garcia’, with its checkered street design. Among these streets you will find ‘Eixample’, which expresses Barcelona’s personality with its modern housing and contemporary atmosphere, and ‘Gràcia’ embodies the ancient rural villages that have been annexed to Barcelona, all without losing their character.

The sight that contrasts with religion just as mass tourism contrasts with faith: for the last forty years of his life, Antoni Gaudí dedicated his time to constructing a fascinating cathedral. ‘La Sagrada Família’ is the face of Barcelona. It was blessed and officially consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on the morning of 7 November 2010, 128 years after the first stone was laid in Barcelona. The church is rich in religious symbolism and combines the natural and the spiritual. When Gaudí was fatally hit by a tram in 1926, other people continued his work. Luckily, Gaudí left his models, plans, drawings and the key elements to allow the work to continue. It must be said that Gaudí changed his mind a lot during the development of the Sagrada Família. Architects like Oriol Bohigas and Jordi Bonet worked to catch up with the completion of the church. For a long time, many people thought that it was in permanent ruin, an unfinished and unachievable project. The time and the budget available to Gaudí wasn’t a problem: ‘At the Sagrada Família, everything is fortuitous’. To this day, no-one knows how much money has been spent on this church, and no one will ever know. The source of income is inexhaustible: more than 2 million visitors have paid an entrance fee of €12.50. That aside, you also need to take into account donations and investors, making all architectural works therefore feasible.

Examples of Gaudí’s other works are La Pedrera (better known as Casa Milà) and Parc Güell. Casa Milà was officially designed as a residential building; nowadays, part of the building is a cultural centre. The roof, with all its sculpted chimneys, is impressive. Barcelona would not be what it is today without ‘Parc Güell’, a work of art where you will find the most beautiful examples of Gaudí’s fantastic imagination.

Other Gaudí monuments are concentrated in the north of Gràcia. For example, there you can find the Casa Vicens, which is Gaudí’s first major project. Another impressive building is the Casa Batlló, with its eccentric chimneys and the part with the giant dragon on the roof.

In this very part of Barcelona, you can also find Parc Güell, which you must visit. On Carmel hill, it was Gaudí’s mission to build a garden with different types of architectural elements, recreational areas and ornamental buildings in the grand scheme  of building a residential district. The project, which spanned 17-18 hectares, failed, but it left behind the most original park, which includes  the Casa Museu Gaudí and the Casa Güell. Gaudí’s style embodies the fusion of his works with nature. Furthermore, Gaudí used a lot of glass and ceramic mosaics, one of which being the attention-grabbing winding bench in ‘Parc Güell’. And don’t forget the lizard, which is Parc Güell’s symbol. While you contemplate Gaudí’s many architectural works, you will notice that not a single straight line exists in any of his pieces. If you really want to have a beautiful panoramic view of the city, go to Parc Güell!

In the heart of Gràcia, you will find La Plaça de Vilas de Gràcia, which is surrounded by streets. In the centre of this square you will find a clock tower with a steeple at the top.

You should also come and discover Barcelona’s modern architecture. At the start of the 20s, Lluís Domènech i Montaner built the Sant Pau hospital. It is an impressive building, which has the same surface area as nine Eixample buildings.

After a great dinner during a marvellous evening, you can visit one of the pubs to grab a drink, walk along the beach or whatever else takes your fancy. A good idea would be to go to Cinemes Verdi. This is a historic building with cinema rooms that play films in their original version.

Quadrat d’Or

Shopping alert! You will find many fashion shops on the Passeig de Gràcia, such as: Furest, Miró, Armand Basi, Loewe, Camper, Mango, Replay, etc.

Barcelona would not be what it is without its art, culture and history. The Fundació Francisco Godia displays mediaeval art, ceramics and collections of modern paintings. For those who want more modernism, a visit to Museu del Modernisme Català will satisfy your needs.

Les Corts, Sarriá and Sant Gervasi

Sport is synonymous with leisure and with being the best. In general, sport forms a part of education. Here in Catalonia, football represents a large part of this sector. Traditionally, the biggest clubs of Catalonia’s autonomous regions and of the city of Barcelona are FC Barcelona (founded in 1899) and the RCD Espanyol (founded in 1900). ‘Camp Nou’ is the home of FC Barcelona, designed by the architects Francesc Mitjans Miró and Josep Soteras Mauri in 1957. With the collaboration of Lorenzo García Barbón, Camp Nou is the cathedral of the football world! This stadium has the capacity to seat 99,354 people, making it the biggest stadium in Europe. In the beginning, its official name was ‘Estadi del FC Barcelona’, but this has changed after a vote that was carried out by the club’s members during the 2000/2001 football season. Since that vote, the official name has been ‘Camp Nou’ (New Pitch). In addition to the football pitch, Camp Nou has a chapel next to the changing rooms, a presidential box, a VIP room, a press room, several TV studios, a sporting medical centre, an area for veteran players, the FC Barcelona museum, a nursery and offices.

The districts (Les Corts, Sarriá and Sant Gervasi) are intersected by Diagonal Avenue (11 km long), Barcelona’s largest and most important avenue, which divides the city into two parts, the eastern part and the western part. And of course, for those who love shopping, there are large shopping centres like El corte Inglés, shoe shops, jewellers, perfume shops, art galleries and more.

Don’t miss a visit to the Pavellons de la Finca Güell, one of Gaudí’s most original works, then visit the Museu-Monestir de Pedralbes. This monastery has housed a whole religious community of the Order of Saint Claire since 1327, and in 1983 it opened some of its rooms to the public, transformed into museum rooms with collections of paintings, ceramics, silverware, goldsmithery and furniture. Of course, the Saint Miquel chapel belongs to the building.

As Barcelona is a mix of architecture and historical remains which are in harmony with nature, Barcelona’s green spaces are unmissable. For example:
– Maternitat: These gardens are worth visiting thanks to their structures which work in accordance with Modernism and Noucentism.
– Cosmocaixa: An innovative educational centre that promotes scientific experimentation through the observation of natural phenomenons.
– With the Tramvia Blau (a blue train that has been in service for more than 100 years), you can gain access to the funicular which climbs to the top of Tibidabo. At this mountain’s summit you will find the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a theme park which has more than thirty attractions, a museum, Museu dels Autòmates, and the ‘Talaia’ (the Ferris wheel and the plane).
At the Parc de Collserola, you will have access to a unique observation point; it is also a popular destination for walkers, joggers and cyclists.
One of the most beautiful places is the Plaça de la Concordia, found in the heart of the former Les Corts  village, which was annexed by Barcelona in 1897.

22 @

A very representative  piece of art is the ‘Torre Agbar’. It is a symbol of the emergence of the city of Barcelona which holds an esteemed position amongst the world’s major business centres. It’s for this reason that the tower can be found in the new technological  and commercial neighbourhood known by the name of ‘22@’. The building’s 4,500 lights that shine 40 different colours and its 145-metre stature make the tower highly striking to everyone. This construction is a homage to the Sagrada Familia, the north-facing part was designed with the intention of giving a panoramic view of the temple. Furthermore, the architect (Nouvel) was inspired by Montserrat’s characteristic hills, a very precious location in Catalonia since it is the place where the temple of its patron saint is located. The tower is made up of 31 floors and its surface area is 50,693m². You can enjoy the Agbar Tower from several different spots in Barcelona: Montjuïc, Poble Sec, Portvell, Olympic Port, Carrer Casp, Meridiana, Bac de Roda, Catalonia’s national theatre, l’Avinguda Diagonal, the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.

Winter lighting schedule: from 1 November to 27 March, from 19:00 until 23:00 during the week and from 20:00 to 00:00, then on bank holidays and national holidays from 20:00 until 23:00.

Summer lighting schedule: from 28 March to 31 October, from 21:00 until 23:00 during the week and then on bank holidays and national holidays from 21:00 until 00:00.

The 22@ district is a sign of the future and of technology. Nevertheless, there exists a harmony, for example the Parc del Centre del Poblenou is a calm place in the middle of the city offering visitors a new experience. The park is characterised by the different pictorial and sculptural elements that can be found there. The park extends along the Avinguda Diagonal on the Poblenou sides. There is a lot of industrial activity as well as offices, universities and other buildings like the Auditori and the Catalonia National Theatre.

Sants and Montjuic

The largest district, taking up the equivalent of a fifth of the municipal territory, is Sants and Montjuic. This part of Barcelona is well known because of the 1929 exhibition and the 1992 Olympic Games: the Olympic Ring, Picornell pools, the major museums, the botanical gardens and the beauty of nature. Artists throughout the world have a go at filming video clips for their songs here and even producers want to film their best films in particular locations.

Barcelona was and still is used as a backdrop for an abundance of clips and movies, maybe not obvious to everyone but you can look out for them. Here are certain examples:

Video Clips:
Evanescence, ‘My immortal’, filmed in ‘Barri Gòtic’.
Shakira, ’Loca’, was filmed on Barceloneta beach, in the ‘Plaça del Palau ‘ and in a famous fountain in the streets of Barcelona.
Kylie Minogue with ‘Slow’ in the Montjuïc Olympic swimming pools
Vengaboys, ‘We like to party!’ at the ‘Barceloneta’ and ‘Ciutadella Olimpica’

Films:
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Actresses (1996)
All about my Mother (1999)
The Forging of a Rebel (1994)

Throughout the whole year, the Montjuïc are a sight to behold. At the Poble Sec, the beautiful fountains regularly adorn themselves with all sorts of colours and movements according to the different styles of music being played. At the foot of Montjuïc, there are three streams of water in concentric circles that make constantly morphing water sculptures and shapes.

Depending on the period of the year, the fountain has a musical colour light show. In summer, the show’s schedule goes from 21:00 to 23:30

The Montjuïc district has other places of interest, such as the impressive Montjuïc Cemetery, which is worth a visit. There is even a guided visit of 40 tombs. You will also see mausoleums and sculptures of great artistic value.

www.cbsa.es

With the Montjuïc Cable Car, you can ride along the mountain. It is equipped with eight seats, and you can get on and off of the cable car at three different stations: Parc de Montjuïc, Mirador and Castell.

On foot, you can also see a myriad of things and decide where you want to stop. The ‘Camí de Mar’ will allow you to take a pleasant 20-minute stroll from the Mirador de l’Alcalde to Mirador del Migdia.

Aeri del Port  is a 1,300-metre course through the port, between Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta and Jaume I, next to the World Trade Centre, in Miramar.

Does the cinema or the theatre particularly interest you? Sala Montjuïc is an open-air cinema. It’s perfect when the temperature is high and yet you don’t want to be in an air-conditioned building.

Plaça de Espanya
If you are driving and want to avoid traffic jams, try not to drive through the Plaça Espanya. This place is truly worth visiting but it’s better to go there on foot or by metro. What’s more, Plaça Espanya is on the way to Montjuïc, Fira de Barcelona and to other places of great tourist interest such as Parc de Joan Miró (a 22-metre-high sculpture called Dona i Ocell), Caixaforum, which hosts art exhibitions, concerts, literary and cinematic events, and Poble Espanyol brings together Spanish vernacular architecture.

Ciutat del Teatre is a 19^th-century building which is very interesting to visit. Here you can find the Mercat de les Flors, Teatre Lliure (theatre), l’Institut del Teatre (school) and six theatres which host up to 2,000 people.

Shops and markets

Shops
Barcelona is a city with a lot of commercial activity. The most famous shopping centres are:

Boulevard Rosa: shoe shops, boutiques and accessories
www.bulevardrosa.com
El Corte Inglès
This is a shopping centre, and there are several of them in Barcelona, in Glories and the Ramblas, for example. Here you will find shops such as Zara, Pepe Jeans, restaurants and a big cinema.
www.lesglories.com
L’Illa
L’illa is a design shopping centre. Its construction is linked to the 1992 Olympic games. You can find clothes shops such as Zara, Mango, Jack & Jones, Lacoste, Benetton and more.
www.lilla.com
La Roca Village
This shopping ‘village’ is only a 30-minute train ride from Barcelona. Buy a Tommy Hilfiger jumper, a Burberry bag, Ralph Lauren or other less expensive famous brands! www.larocavillage.com

La Maquinista
La Maquinista has shops, restaurants, bars and a cinema!
www.lamaquinista.com
Shopaholics will be in paradise in the Passeig de Gracia, which is like the Kalverstraat in Amsterdam, the Via del Corso in Rome, Bleecker Street in New York or the Caddesi Istiklal in Istanbul. As in many other big cities, there is an H&M, Zara, Mango and a Berschka.

Markets
The Catalans love doing their shopping at the market. Discover Barcelona’s daily life alongside the local population! Most markets are colourful, noisy and have a great atmosphere. One of the reasons behind this is that they are housed in historic buildings. There are different types of markets. Some are held once a week, some once a month or during special holidays, for example:

Food markets

Ciutat Vella

La Boqueria
This dates back to the 13th century. Since the 19th century, it has been located near La Rambla, where the Sant Josep convent used to be. It is for this reason that it is also known as the Sant Josep Market. It doesn’t matter how, but it’s always good to discover Mediterranean cuisine: dried fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, eggs, cheese, olives and prepared meals. On top of all that, there are several tapas bars and a restaurant!

Carrer La Rambla

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
Information office	Bus: 59, 91, N9, N12, N15   Metro: L3 – Liceu	Every day from 8:00 to 20:30

La Barceloneta
Every building has its own story, and the same goes for this market. In 1884, this project was implemented by the architect Josep Miàs. After being renovated (between 2005 and 2007), the city of Barcelona awarded Mias for his 5,200m² project.

 Plaça de la Font

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
Wi-Fi	Metro: L4 – Barceloneta	Monday – Saturday from 8:00 to 20:30

Santa Caterina (Avinguda Francesc Cambó)
This is the last market to be built in Barcelona by the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue (EMBT). In this market you will find all sorts of regional products: fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, etc. There is also a small supermarket nearby.

Avinguda Francesc Cambó 

Additional services:

Transport

Schedule

– Home delivery service	Bus: 17, 19, 40, 45, 120, N8	Monday from 7:30 to 14:00

– Information office                     Metro: L4 – Jaume I          Tuesday and Wednesday
from 7:30   To 15:30

– Lockers                                                                               Thursday and Friday
from 7:30 to 20:30

Wi-Fi                                                                                    Saturday from 7:30 to 15:30

Eixample-Gracia

Sant Antoni
The market is similar to ‘Mercado de la Boqueria’. This market is larger and there are fewer tourists.

Ronda Sant Antoni

Additional services	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L2– Sant Antoni	Monday – Thursday from 7:00 to 14:30 and from 17:00 to 20:30 Friday and Saturday from 7:00 to 20:30

El Ninot
In this market you will find more than 175 stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and all kinds of fish. In the outside stalls that surround the market there are clothes, household items, gifts, etc.

Carrer Casanova

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Bus: L6, L7-FGC Provença   Metro: L5 – Hospital Clínic	From Monday to Friday from   8:00 to 21:00   Saturday from 8:00 to 15:00

La Concepció
This market is best known as a flower market, but it is also a food market. You can find a lot of things here: many different varieties of flowers and food items such as vegetables, meat, fish, bread, biscuits and much more.

Carrer d’Aragó 

Additional services:

Transport

Schedule

– Home delivery service   – Wi-Fi

Bus: 19, 43, 44, 47, 50, 51, 55, B20, B24   Metro: L3, L4 – Passeig de Gràcia / Girona

– Flower market:   Open 24 hours, 7 days a week – Food market: Monday from 8 :00 to 15:00 Tuesday – Friday from 8:00 to 20:00 Saturday from  8:00 to 15 :00

Fort Pienc
This market, established in 2003, is one of Barcelona’s newest markets. Here you will find poultry, eggs, meat, pork, sausages, ham, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and sea fish. There are also bakeries, grocery shops and bars. 

Plaça Fort Pienc

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Bus: North Barcelona bus station   Metro: L1 – Arc de Triomf	Monday, Saturday from 8:00 to 15:00   Tuesday – Friday from 8:00 to 20:00

Sagrada Familia
This market was opened in 1973 to provide food supplies during the construction period of the Sagrada Familia. It is still in business to this day. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh fruit, seafood, beef, pork, cheese and more.

Carrer de Padilla

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Information office   – Lockers	Metro: L2, L5 – Sagrada Familia	Tuesday to Thursday from 7:00 to 14:00, then from 17:30 to 20:30   Friday from 7:00 to 20:30 Saturday from 7:00 to 15:00

L’Abaceria Central
L’Abaceria Central (1892) is one of the oldest markets. Originally it was an open-air market in the la Plaça de la Revolució. At the time, it was also known as ‘Santa Isabel’ and ‘Mercat de la Revolució’. 

Travessera de Gràcia

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Information office   – Lockers	Bus: 39, 114	Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 14:30, then from 17:30 to 20:30   Thursday and Friday from 7:00 to 15:00, then from 17:00 to 20:30 Saturday from 7:00 to 15:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00

La Llibertat
This market is located is a large building designed by the architect Miquel Pasqual Tintoré. In addition to the food, you will also find plants, flowers, clothes, books, comic books, housewares and clothes.

Plaça de la Llibertat

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service   – Information office	Metro: L6, L7   Bus: 22, 24, 28, 87, N4 Train: S1, S2, S2, S5, S55	Monday – Friday from 8:00 to 20:30   Saturday from 8:00 to 15:00

L’Estrella

Carrer Pi i Margall

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service	Metro: L4 – Joanic   Bus: 39, 55, 92, 114, N6	Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 07:00 to 14:00   Tuesday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Friday from 07:00 to 14:30, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 7:00 to 15:00

Lesseps
Lesseps is an indoor market located at the foot of Parc Güell hill. This market provides the neighbourhood with fresh produce six days a week.

Carrer Verdi

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L3 – Lesseps or Vallcarca   Bus: Blue line on the tourist bus	Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 to 14:00   Tuesday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 17:30 to 20:30 Friday from 07:00 to 20:30 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Les Corts, Sarriá and Sant Gervasi

Les Corts
This market was built in the 60s style, with a very characteristic roof composed of several arches. Do you also want to know what Camp Nou looks like? This market is located close to the football stadium of the great Barcelona team.

Travessera de les Corts

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Wi-Fi	Bus: 15, 43, 59, 70, 72, 75   Metro: L3 – Les Corts	Monday to Wednesday from 7:00 to 14:30   Thursday and Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 7:00 to 15:00

Sant Gervas
This market is located in the same place as the town hall.

Plaça de Joaquim Folguera

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service	Metro: L7   Bus: 16, 17, 58, 64, 74, N0, N5, N8	From Monday to Thursday, then Saturday from 08:00 to 14:30   Friday from 08:00 to 20:30

Sarriá

Passeig Reina Elisenda de Montcada

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L6   Bus: 22, 30, 64, 66, 68, 75, N7 and the red line on the tourist bus Train: S1, S2, S5	Monday and Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00   Tuesday – Thursday from 07:00 to 15:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Friday from 07:00 to 20:00

Les Tres Torres
Les Tres Torres is a market that was built inside a former film studio.

Carrer Vergos

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L6   Bus: 16, 30, 68, 70, 72, 74, N7 Train: S5, S55	From Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00

Galvany
One of Barcelona’s most beautiful markets, this is considered an artistic monument.

Santolo

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L6   Bus: 14, 68, N7, N8 Train: S1, S2, S5, S55	From Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday and Saturday from 07:00 to 14:30

Sants and Montjuic

La Marina
Located near to the area where the large fountains, the sports centre with pool, sports fields, etc. are located.

Passeig de la Zona Franca

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L1 – Sainta Eulalia, L8, S4, S8, S33   Train: R5, R6	Monday and Wednesday from 08:00 to 14:00   Tuesday and Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 08:00 to 14:30

Hostafrancs
This market has the same architectural style as La Concepció.

Carrer de la Creu Coberta

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L1 – Hostafrancs   Bus: 30, 56, 57, 91, 115, 157, N2, N14	Monday – Thursday from 07:00 to 14:30, then from 17:30 to 20:00   Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Sants (Passeig Zona Franca)
For half of the 19th century, it was an open-air market. Nowadays it is located in a modernist building that was designed by the architect Falques i Urpí, with a surface area of 2,583 m². The market is also known as ‘Mercat Nou’.

Passeig de la Zona Franca

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Bus: 9, 37, 72, 109, N1	Monday and Wednesday from 08:00 to 14:00   Tuesday and Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 08:00 to 14:30

Horta-Guinardó

El Guinardó

Carrer de Teodor Llorente

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L5 – Congrés   Bus: 19, 45, 47, 50, 51, 117, N1, N4	From Monday to Thursday, then Saturday from 08:00 to 14:30   Friday from 08:00 to 20:00

El Carmel

Carrer de Llobregós

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service   – Information office	Metro: L5 – El Carmel   Bus: 19, 86, 119	Monday to Wednesday from 07:30 to 14:00   Thursday from 07:30 to 14:00, then from 17:30 to 20 :30 Friday from 07:00 to 20:30 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Vall d’Hebron

Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service	Metro: L3, L5	Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 14:30   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Horta

Carrer del Tajo

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery services   – Information office – Wi-Fi	Bus: 86, 87, 102, 112, 185   Metro: L5 – Horta	Monday to Wednesday, and Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00   Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00, then from 17:30to 20:00 Friday from 08:00 to 20:00

Nou Barris

La Mercè

Passeig de Fabra I Puig

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service   – Information office	Bus: 11, 32, 47, 50, 51, 71, 82, 122, 132   Metro: L5 – Virrei Amat	Monday to Wednesday from 07:30 to 14:30   Thursday from 07:30 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Friday from 07:30 to 20:30 Saturday from 07:30 to 15:00

La Guineueta
As well as food, you will also find bookshops, hairdressers, flower stalls, shoe repair stalls etc.

Passeig de Valldaura

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Information office	Metro: L4 – Llucmajor	Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Canyelles
In addition to food, you will also come across bookshops, flower stands, clocks and watches, jewellery, clothes, etc.

Carrer d’Antonio Machado

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Information office	Metro: L3 – Canyelles   Bus: 27, 47, 60, 71, 122, 127, 185, N4, N6	Monday to Thursday from 07:30 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:30 to 15:00

Montserrat

This market is divided into 2 floors with all sorts of food, such as eggs, meat, ham and Spanish sausages, then there ‘s fruit, vegetables and bread. There are also hairdressers, clothes, cleaning products and flowers.

Via Favència

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Information office	Metro: L3 – Roquetes, L4 – Via Júlia	Monday to Thursday  from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

La Trinitat
In this market, which covers almost 2,000 m², you can buy all sorts of food, household items and other non-food items.

Carrer de la Pedrosa

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Wi-Fi	Bus: 50, 51, 80, 81, 127   Metro: L3, L4 – Trinitat Nova	Tuesday to Thursday from 07:30 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00   Friday from 07:30 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:30 to 15:00

Ciutat Meridiana
This market sells fruit, vegetables, cold cuts, clothes, etc.

Carrer de Costabona

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L11	Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 14:30   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Núria

Avinguda dels Rasos de Peguera

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L11	Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15 00

Sant Andreu

Felip II

Carrer de Felip II

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service   – Information office	Bus: 20, 71, 96, 126   Metro: L1, L5, L9, L10 – La Sagrera	Monday to Thursday, and Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 20:00

Bon Pastor

Carrer de Sant Adrià

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Bus: 11, 42, 73, N8   Metro: L9, L10 – Bon Pastor	Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00   Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00

Sant Andreu

The Sant Andreu market is located in the centre of the village of Sant Andreu.

Plaça del Mercadal

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L1	Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 13:00   Tuesday from 07:00 to 14:00 Friday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Sant Martí

Poblenou Market

Plaça de la Unió

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L4 – Barceloneta	Monday from 08:30 to 14:00   Tuesday to Thursday from 08:30 to 14:00, then from 17:30 to 20:30 Friday from 08:30 to 20:30 Saturday from 08:30 to 15:00

Poblenou Market (Rambla Poblenou)

Rambla Poblenou

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L4 – Poblenou	Open on the 1st Saturday of every month from 09:00 to 17:00

l Besòs

At this market, you will find all kinds of food, perfume, children’s and adults’ clothing, presents and other decorative items.

Carrer de Jaume Huguet

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L4 – Besòs   Tram: T5, T6	Monday to Thursday, and Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 17:00 to 20:00

Sant Martí

Carrer de Puigcerdà

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L2 – St. Martí, L4 – Besòs   Tram: T5, T6	Monday to Thursday, and Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 16:00 to 20:00

El Clot

One of the city’s old markets, nearly a century old.

Plaça del Mercat

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
– Home delivery service   – Information office	Bus: 202, 203, 211, 212, 213, 218, 220, 221, 303, 323, 400, 402, 500, N3   Metro: L1 – Clot	Monday from 08:00 to 14:30   Tuesday to Thursday from 08:00 to 14:00 Friday from 07:00 to 20:30 Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00

Provençals (Carrer Menorca)

Carrer de Menorca

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L2 – Bac de Roda / St. Martí	Monday to Thursday, and Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00   Friday from 07:00 to 14:00, then from 16:00 to 20:00

Non-food markets

Mercat dels Encants de Sant Antoni

The biggest and best-known market.

Ronda de Sant Antoni

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Bus: 20, 24, 37, 41, 55, 64, 120, 141, N6   Metro: L2 – Sant Antoni	Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 20:30

Mercat Gotique

An old market with second-hand items for sale.

Avinguda de la Catedral

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L4– Jaume I	Open every Thursday (except in August)

Mercat Brocanteria

Antique dealers and collectibles

Plaça del Portal de la Pau

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L3– Drassanes	Open weekends and public holidays

Cominical de Sant Antoni
A market where you can find collectibles such as books, comic books, drawing materials, stamps, etc.
Carrer deld’Urgell

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L2   Bus:13, 20, 24, 37, 41, 55, 64, 91, 141, N6	Sunday from 08:00 to 14:00

Vells Encants
Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes

Additional services:	Transport	Schedule
	Metro: L1   Bus:7,56,N2, N7 Tram: T4, T5, T6	Monday. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00

List of activities for a splendid stay in Barcelona

Art & Culture: Museum

Barcelona is a city where art and culture reign. There are so many places and things that prove this point – like the museums, for example. Here are some of Barcelona’s museums that we recommend you visit:

– CaixaForum
An exhibition centre that collects more than 700 works of art from Spanish and international artists. There are temporary exhibitions and a few permanently displayed pieces.

– CosmoCaixa
The science museum has been renovated with a representation of the Amazon rain forest, a planetarium, a geological wall with all kinds of rocks, and all the zones are filled with fish, amphibians, insects, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants.

– Museu de la Xocolata
Do you like chocolate? In Barcelona there are many shops that sell chocolate, but the  Museu de la Xocolata specialises in it. During the tour, you will begin with the history of chocolate, how to make chocolate, Barcelona made out of chocolate and during one part of your museum tour you will be taught how to make chocolate sculptures!

– Museu de Geologia
Different aspects of geology are represented, with more than 15,000 minerals, 14,000 rocks and 100,000 palaeontological pieces.

– Museu del Perfum
Who doesn’t like smelling good? The perfumes in this museum’s safekeeping date from the Roman era until modern day. With more than 1,000 perfumes from different regions of the world and from different types of cultures: Egyptian, Israeli, Etruscan, Roman, Arab and other ancient cultures.

– Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat (MUHBA)
In a new concept of moving around the city, this museum tells you the story of Barcelona’s history. With protagonists such as Plaça del Rei, Temple d’August, Via Sépulcral, Domus de Sant Honorat, El Call, Santa Caterina, Monestir de Pedralbes, Vil-la Joana, Refugi 307 and the Parc Güell, there are more than 2,000 years of history!

– Museu Europeu d’Art Moderne (MEAM)
Are you interested in modern art? Don’t forget to visit MEAM. This museum displays modern art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. It’s a special concept, with the ‘Funcació de les Arts i els Artistes’ supporting the museum’s artists. This is inherent in the economic and financial situation of the 21st century. If you want to see more modern art, go to Museu Picasso, which is just a few steps away.

– Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
A historical museum that has 1,000 years worth of art, ranging from the Roman period until the mid 20th century. In the sculptures, art works/objects, paintings, drawings, posters, photographs and coins, you will note the Modernist style, Noucentist, Baroque and Renaissance styles. You will find works of art from anonymous artists and from artists such as Bernat Martorell, Father Sanglada, Francisco de Zurbarán, Rubens and Ramon Casas.

– Museu Picasso
Discover Pablo Ruiz Picasso’s works in the ‘Museu Picasso’, spread throughout five large buildings characterised by the Catalan Gothic civic style. According to art experts, it is one of the largest collections of Picasso’s works in the world.

– Palau de la Música Catalana
An impressive theatre from 1908 whose architecture will take you back to the fin de siècle.

Beaches

Barcelona is one of the only cities, apart from Miami, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, that has several beaches, one of which is close to the centre of the city! Most of the beaches are not very big, because they are artificial, with coarse sand. But that does not change the fact that Barcelona has a long coastline with more than 4 km of beaches!

All beaches are adapted to people with reduced mobility. From the end of May until the end of September there are lifeguards, sunbeds and showers provided at the beach.

Here is a list of beaches going from south to north along the coast:

– Playa de Sant Sebastiá
One of the longest beaches in Barcelona, with the Barceloneta beach. It’s the perfect place!

Additional services:	Size	Transport
	Length: 1,100 m   Average width: 81 m	Bus: 14, 16, 17, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64, 157   Metro: L4 – Barceloneta

– Playa de la Barceloneta
The Barceloneta beaches are the main attraction in this part of Barcelona. In the summer they are bustling with bathers, and they are sought after  throughout the rest of the year.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
– 3 volleyball courts – Ping-pong table – Skate boarding area – Gym zone	Length: 1,100 m   Average width: 89 m	Bus: 14, 16, 17, 36, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64   Metro: L4 – Barceloneta and Ciutadella Tram: T4 – Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica

-Playa de la Nova Icaria
The ‘Nova Icaria’ beach is close to the Olympic Port, which is in fact a very desirable place with pleasant temperatures.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
– 2 volleyball courts – Ping pong tables – Playground	Length: 400 m   Average width: 63 m	Bus: 6, 36, 41, 92, 141   Metro: L4 – Ciutadella and Bogatell Tram: T4 – Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica

– Playa del Bogatell
This beach is near to a long stone boulevard. A perfect place to jog, skate or ride a bike.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
– Volleyball courts – Ping pong tables	Length: 640 m   Average width: 39 m	Bus: 6, 36, 41, 92, 141   Metro: L4 Poblenou and Llacuna

–Playa de la Mar Bella
A breakwater separates the ‘La Mar Bella’ beach from the ‘Del Bogatell’ beach. This beach is known for being a nudist beach. Nevertheless, a lot of people wear swimming costumes.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
– 2 volleyball courts – Ping pong tables – Aquatic activity centre (windsurfing, kayaks, sailing boats, etc.)	Length: 500 m   Average width: 42 m	Bus: 36, 71, 141   Metro: L4 – Selva de Mar Tram:T4 – Selva de Mar

–Playa de la Nova Mar Bella
One of the few beaches that are known for their peaceful appearance.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
	Length: 500 m   Average length: 45 m	Bus: 36, 43, 141   Metro: L4 – Selva de Mar and El Maresme

–Playa del Paseo Marítimo ou Playa de Llevant
One of Barcelona’s newest beaches, it dates back to 2006. There are luxury apartment blocks and the ‘Diagonal Mar’ shopping centre nearby.

Additional services:	Size	Transport
– Area for skaters – Ping-pong tables- Playground	Length: 380 m   Average width: 59 m	Metro: L4 – Selva de Mar Tram: T4 – Selva de Mar and El Maresme

Tips for Barcelona in the evening

Metropolitan nightlife.

Barcelona is also known for its great nightlife. You will have the opportunity to go and dance in trendy clubs that famous people frequently visit. Go to stylish places or have fun at a foam party. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of dancing, you can still kick back in a chic bar. It’s definitely worth going out in Barcelona at night!

In general, nightclubs don’t have a fixed entrance fee. It depends on the evening: if there is a special DJ playing, if you arrive before a certain time (before 01:00 for example) or even if you have been handed a flyer with a special offer or reduction in the street.

On Thursday evening, as in other student cities, it’s student night. Which often means that it’s free entry.

Friday and Saturday are the most popular nights to go out.

Please keep in mind that the consumption of alcohol is only permitted inside nightclubs (not in the street) and that there are also certain dress codes. For example, you can’t get into a nightclub wearing trainers or any men’s sports shoes.

Here is a list of Barcelona’s most sought-after nightclubs:

– Sala Bikini one of the best places to go to concerts, listen to alternative music and much more. Officially there are two rooms that can be interconnected by a movable partition wall. The music varies depending on the type of party: sometimes there is salsa music, latino, house,  80s, 90s, hip-hop, etc.

– At Costa Brave, you can listen to chart-topping music from pop, rock, dance and house! All under one roof. Since the 60s it has been one of Barcelona’s classic nightclubs.

– If you like minimal techno, go to Magic Club. You’ll have a great evening dancing to 80s music, pop, soft rock and disco classics.

– El Row is the place to listen to tech-house live. Artists who play on stage include  Carlo Lio, Marc Maya, Luca Bachetti, Sydney Blu, Toni Varga, Oscar Aguilera and similar artists.

– Opium Mar is the perfect place to spend the beginning of your evening having a drink in their lounge and dining in their unique restaurant. While doing this, you can enjoy the sea view from the large terrace. At night, you can boogie to house music in their nightclub.

– Otto Zutz is a very trendy nightclub that is divided into several floors with different genres of music such as funk, hip-hop, R & B, soul.

– Razzmatazz is a large nightclub made up of three floors, five dance sections, many bars and a terrace to get some fresh air. This place is very popular, and it’s always full of people, but it’s worth visiting to listen to the DJs.

– Sala Becool is a nice place to enjoy electronic music and concerts. If you want to listen to quality house music, techno, deep house and disco, don’t forget to go to Sala Becool.

– Sutton is an unmissable place for locals and tourists! There are two floors filled with hip-hop music, house and funk. This nightclub attracts famous people like football players, artists or actors. This prestigious club is one of the places in Barcelona where you can find all types of people!

– ‘Plataforma Club’ can fit 500 lovers of drum’n’bass, dubstep, jungle ragga, etc. Thursday is the essential drum’n’bass night.

Typical flamenco music can’t escape nightlife in Spain. Flamenco is an art in Andalusia and for Gypsies in the south of Spain. For them, it was a way of expressing their pain and their suffering. Over the years, it has become a very popular attraction in the rest of Spain. During a show such as ‘Los Tarantos’ or ‘Tablao Cordobes’, you will have a lovely evening listening to live flamenco music sometimes mixed with Latin music.

Cinema & theatre 

– IMAX
In Barcelona’s Port Vell, there is an IMAX cinema. An IMAX cinema is a large cinema where you can choose between different types of technology to view a film. Which of its 416 seats will be yours?

– Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC)
This theatre is a magnificent building that has the structure of a Greek temple with its eccentric shapes. The Teatre Nacional de Catalunya consists of two parts: the main building contains the ‘Sala Gran’, the ‘Sala Petita’ and some offices. The other part, which is more modern, has the ‘Sala Tallers’. In these three rooms there are theatre performances  in Catalan and Spanish and also classics from around the world. There are also shows for children, such as opera, circus, dance shows and more.

– Palau de la Música Catalana
This is a magnificent theatre from 1908 which will take you back to the fin de siècle thanks to its architecture.

– Gran Teatre del Liceu
This former opera house has three sections. If you are interested, you can take a guided visit where the guide will tell you highly interesting historical stories. You thus don’t have to read lots of books and search the web. Most of the time, the guides mix their own personality into their storytelling, which makes it even more appealing.

Recommended activities for children

– Tibidabo theme park
This is one of the oldest theme parks in the world! There are rides for every age: 25 rides (including the Falkirk wheel), great shows and all kinds of theatre. The ‘Sky Walk Tibidabo’ is a fantastic event – you will have an incredible view of Barcelona from 500 metres up! If you fancy taking a break, there are many places to have a drink or something to eat, there are also picnic areas at your disposal!

– Museu de la Xocolata

Do you like chocolate? In Barcelona there are numerous shops that sell chocolate, but the  ‘Museu de la Xocolata’ specialises in it. During the tour, you will begin with the history of chocolate, how to make chocolate, Barcelona made out of chocolate, and during one part of your museum tour you will be taught how to make chocolate sculptures!

– FC Barcelona Stadium and FC Barcelona Museum
Children would be very happy to have the chance to visit one of the world’s biggest stadiums, FC Barcelona’s Stadium. Feel the good vibes of the Barça team with your children or simply come to relax: walk around the Camp Nou welcome zone, take a look at the press boxes, walk in the players’ footsteps through the tunnel to get to the football pitch – there is even background music – then you can visit the dressing room, the mixed zone and the press room. You will probably recognise the walls from conferences between the players and the media.

And that’s not all, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the trophies won by the team and learn more about Barça’s history in an interactive way. In the multimedia zone there is a large touchscreen where you can access information and statistics about the presidents, directors, club supporters and much more in the FC Barcelona museum.

Note: check in advance that your visit doesn’t fall on a match day because, if that is the case, the museum closes 3 hours before the start of the match.

– Barcelona Aquarium
Barcelona Aquarium is the second largest in the world! More than 14 million people have visited this great underwater world. It is made up of three sections, each section with its own attractions. Enter into the Oceanarium and walk through the 80-metre long tunnel, with sharks and 11,000 other species. It’s something that you should do at least once in your life. There are also permanent exhibitions to learn about the underwater world in an active way.

For families, there are all sorts of activities, such as sleeping with sharks, different workshops and guided visits. One way or another, you will have a great day where you will see and learn a lot.

Barcelona is almost always sunny, but it can rain from time to time. Don’t worry, there are also indoor parks such as Aventura Park, Chupipark, Jocland, Malup Parc, Parc Waki, etc.

 Sports and activities

– Abseiling and climbing (12 metres of rock wall), just 40 minutes from Barcelona.
– 40-metre jump from a bridge, 50 minutes from Barcelona.
– Bungee jumping, 1 hour from Barcelona
– Canyoning is a combination of caving, swimming, hiking and mountaineering. Only 5 minutes from Barcelona
– Horse riding at ‘Escola Hípica’, at Sant Cugat
– Ice rink at ‘Pista de Gel del FC Barcelona’
– Caving: you will discover the hidden underground secrets of Catalonia.
– Rafting: about 3 hours from Barcelona
– Scuba diving: 1 hour from Barcleona
– Swimming pools (public pools): Bernat, Picornell, Palau Sant Jordi
– Tennis Vall d’Hebron Public Tennis Centre
– Water sports are at the ‘Mar Bella’ beach: for example, the Vela Port Olympic Public Centre for sailing lessons.
– Winter sports: there is an artificial ski slope 2 to 3 hours from Barcelona and on Montjuïc mountain.

Wi-Fi Zones

Nowadays the Internet is essential for everyone. You will be able to surf the Internet in several public places, such as cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping centres. Now, in Barcelona, there are Wi-Fi zones in parks. For example in Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de l’Espanya, Pista Poliesportiva, Parc de la Creuta del Coll, Casal de Gent Gran, Parc de Cervantes, Parc de la Pegaso, Camp Municipal de Futbol, Parc Català, Parc del Labirint d’Horta, Parc de Joan Miró, Parc Güell and the Casa Elizalde gardens.

Festivals

Like everywhere in the world, there are (official) national holidays, bank holidays and local festivals. Most banks and shops are closed. Therefore it is always good to be aware of these precise dates. As well as Spain’s national festivals, Barcelona has very popular local and national festivals:

Date	Event		Information
1 January	New Year		First day of the year
6 January	Día de Reyes		The Day of the Kings: on this day, presents are given and there are fireworks.
17 January	Els Tres Tombs		A traditional festival for Saint Antione, known as ‘Els Tres Trombs’, referring to the three towers with horses.
End of February	Carnival
3 March	Sant Medir		‘Dolce festa’ is a celebration with a parade where thousands of sweets are thrown for people.
Beginning of April	Viernes Santo		Good Friday
Beginning of April	Lunes de Pascua		Easter Monday
23rd April	Sant Jordi		The local population normally sets up stalls in the street to sell roses and books.
1st May	Día del trabajo		Workers’ Day
11 May	Día de Sant Ponc		The festival takes place along the Carrer Hospital, where they sell spices, herbs, honey and sugared fruits.
23 and 24 June	Sant Juan		On the night of Saint Jean there are fireworks and people let off all kinds of firecrackers.
15 August	La Asunción		Feast of the Assumption, a celebration in which each neighbourhood has its own celebration. One of the most spectacular is the Festa Major de Gràcia.
11 September	Festa Nacional de Cataluña		Catalonia National Day. This is the day of the Catalan anthem and separatist demonstrations.
24 September	La Mercè		The biggest street festival takes place over 5 days. It’s in honour of ‘Mare de Déu de la Mercè’, patron saint of Barcelona. With fireworks near the Christopher Columbus statue, it bids farewell to summer and welcomes in autumn. Parades, concerts, and dance shows take place. Some of the most popular events are the parades, the ‘corre focs’, the ‘Castellers’ and the ‘Gegants’. The ‘Castellers’ are human towers also formed with young children. This event takes place is the Plaça de Sant Jaume. ‘Els Gegants’ is a parade of nobility (kings, queens, etc.) between the  Plaça de la Mercè, the Barcelona cathedral and the Plaça de Sant Jaume.
12 October		Fiesta de la Hispanidad		National Day in Spain
1 November		Fiesta de todos los Santos		All Saints’ Day
6 December		Día de la Constitution		Constitution Day
8 December		Día de la Inmaculada Concepción		Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25 December		Navidad		Christmas
26 December		Día de San Esteban		Saint Stephen’s Day

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