Plus Barcelona City Guide for Your Pocket
Welcome to the latest funky info packed city guide for your pocket.
Just print it off for when you are cruising past the sights of Barcelona. Afterwards you can pass it on to someone else, make an origami shape,
keep it as a souvenir or recycle it in some other tree huggin' hippy way.
LANGUAGE - SPANISH/CATALAN
English is becoming more widely known but more among the younger generations and those trying to be trendy. It is useful to know a few numbers and short phrases in Spanish to get you around, the locals will understand you even if they speak Catalan. See our printable phrase guide to help you along.
CURRENCY - EURO €1EU =$1.48USD =£0.71GBP (11/07)
Cash machines or ATMs are easily found throughout the main shopping district. These accept all major credit cards and any with the PLUS, CIRRUS or MAESTRO logos.
TIME - CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME (GMT+1HR)
Daylight savings (+1) starts the last Sunday in March and ends(-1) the last Sunday in October. 24hr time commonly used.
PHONE -Â COUNTRY CODE 0034
Local phone boxes can take credit cards or you can buy international phone cards and 'Telefonica' cards from a Estancos/Tabacos outlet ( they have the big 'T' sign).
EMERGENCIES
| AMBULANCE | 112 |
| FIRE | 080 |
| POLICE | 092 |
OTHER NUMBERS
| POLICE STATION | 93 290 2849 | Ciutat Vela |
| TOURIST OFFICE | 906 3010282 | Plaça de Catalunya 17-S |
| HOSPITAL DEL MARE | 93 248 9011/10 | Barceloneta |
| HEALTH SERVICE HOTLINE (24hr) | 902 111 444 | |
| INFO IBERIA | 902 400 500 | |
| RADIO TAXI | 93 303 3033 | |
| SERVITAXI | 93 330 0300 |
Getting to and around Barcelona
BARCELONA AIRPORT (El Prat de Llobregat)
The main city airport is 23km southwest of the city centre and takes all international and domestic flights. Connection to the city is either by RENFE train with stops at Sants-Estaçio , Plaça Catalunya and Arc de Triomf . There is also an Aerobus direct to Plaça Catalunya or local bus n.105 departs from B and C terminals to El Prat .
All local intercity trains are run by RENFE and FGC with the central stations located at Sants-Estaçio and Plaça de funicular Catalunya.
The main bus terminal is situated just east of the Arc de Triomf at Estacio d'Autobusos Barcelona Nord . There are several bus companies servicing central and northern Spain including ALSA and AUTO RES/AVANZA GRUPO and they can even book tickets online.
The city is well serviced with both efficient Metro lines and city buses. Single bus tickets are €1 and can be bought from the driver and then validated. Metro tickets must be bought from the machines or counters and fed into the ticket barriers. There are multitrip tickets such as the T-10, for 10 journeys and 2 day (€9.60), 3 day (€13.70), 4 day (€17.50) and 5 day (€20.80) unlimited passes. There is also a 1 day Tourist bus pass for €19, and a 2 day Tourist bus pass for €23. This gets you on the hop on hop off tourist bus that goes around the city. A city map is supplied. Buy online at www.tmb.net
Cheap and environmentally friendly and Barcelona is a wonder to walk around in. However the streets are exceptionally wide and the city well spread out so a gentle wander in one direction may require public services to return.
What to see in Barcelona
Inside this area there are typical examples of ornate gothic designs and architecture from the 14th and 15th Centuries such as the Palau Real , built on the ruins of the Roman settlement of Barcino. The Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat contains artefacts and excavations of Roman streets found in 1931 beneath the palace. The Catedral de la Seu was built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, expanding on the design set by the French. The intricate carvings and detailing both inside and outside add to the impressive character. Plaça Sant Jaume is the political heart with the Palau de la Generalitat facing the Catalan government building, both Modernista style buildings.
This is the name given to the wide pedestrian strip leading down from Plaça de Catalyuna to the water front and the statue of Columbus. Rather than have the cars drive down the centre they are relegated to the edges and the public get to walk among the many flower stalls, pet stalls, newsagents, cafes and restaurants. Locals still take their 'promenade' in the early evening and during the summer months world class street performers entertain local and tourist alike.
The entrance to the city food market is capped by an ornate modernista stained glass design, matched only in colour by the dazzling array of produce inside. Fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, meats, confectionary and bread cascade across the interior adding to the heady mix of flavours and scents. Open Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm.
Plaça Reial is known as the melting pot of the city where tourists, locals, street performers all gather to people watch, eat, drink and talk. The square is decorated with a fountain and Anton Gaudi's first public commissions of two lampposts made in 1878 , typical examples of the Art Nouveau movement and its aim to subvert all pre-existing ideas by using curves, colour and odd angles.
Another attractive wide square that attracts various groups including the children's dancing lessons on Saturday morning, the retired gents solving the problems of the world and of course the pigeons. The square represents the centre of the Catalyuna state, with its own language (Catalan) and self governance, but not independent of the rest of Spain.
Three distinct designs by three of Barcelona's founding fathers of 19th C Modernista architecture. Casa Amatller (#41) was designed by Puig I Cadafalch and shows Islamic influences from Spain's Moorish past while Casa Batlló (#43) reflects Gaudi's desire to portray nature in form, there are virtually no straight lines and the house takes on a dragon like shape with the roof imitating scales. Montaner's Lleo Morera at #35 combines elements of renaissance styling partnered with Gothic and Greek decoration, adding to the architectural confusion - hence the name 'Apple' (Block) of Discord. Sadly they are not open to the public but worth a look anyway.
The Quarry (La Pedrera) is the common nickname gifted to this apartment building but the inspiration comes from the sea. Once again Gaudi has dispensed with straight lines and let the flow of nature take over, giving the overall impression of sand, seaweed and wind. There are guided tours (€7) of the building including museum rooms about Gaudi's life and occasionally there are free temporary art exhibitions to allow closer examination of the interior.
Gaudi dedicated the latter half of his life to the design and creation of this church dedicated to the Holy Family, even living and sleeping on site. After his tragic death in 1926 the public donations continued to fund the epic construction creating controversy over whether to follow his organic vision to completion. The building still continues today funded by the thousands of visitors that come every year. Original plans lost during the Civil War have resulted in additional architects adding their own interpretations to the overall design presenting an eclectic architectural array. Open daily 9am-6pm (Oct-Mar), 9am-8pm (Apr-Sep), admission €8. lift €2
Another popular attraction is this Museum dedicated to the unique works of Picasso. The collections include sketches and early works from childhood right through to his Blue and Rose periods, and some examples of his move into Cubism. Open 10am-8pm Tuesday-Sunday, admission Museum €6, temporary exhibition €5 or combined €8.50.
What to eat in Barcelona
One story is that these were eaten between meals to keep the workers going and one story has an ill king that could only eat small bites of food with wine. However they came about these tasty little snacks are best enjoyed any time of day and have a huge variety of toppings and ingredients. Txapela on Passeig de Gracia has an extensive menu and tapas starting from €1 each so you can sample a range.
This dish originated in Valencia and is a combination of rice either with fresh fish, seafood or meat mixed with vegetables. There is also a seafood version done with squid ink. The pan is usually bought to the table so a few of you can band together and share.
A night out in Barcelona is not complete without Sangria. Red wine is mixed with fruit, spirits and ice to make a refreshing spritzer style drink. Typically sold in pitchers during the summer months in bars, restaurants and relatively cheap.
The origin of this dessert is hotly contested between the French, English and Catalans, however you can't beat a helping of this creamy custard topped with crispy melted sugar.
Most restauarants and cafes now include the service charges and IVA (tax) in the bill. If in doubt check with the waiter if there are additional charges . Tipping is not expected but if service has been good a 10% tip or leftover change is appreciated.
Perhaps a main reason for coming to Barcelona is to experience the legendary nightlife. The clubs get going around 11pm and keep going 'til the early morn, the Spanish don't just know how to party - they invented it! Areas of interest include the very touristy Maremagnum on the waterfront, 3 floors of clubs offering a range of music styles from hip hop to Latin, no cover charge but some serious long pour cocktails. Also available, techno heads take note of Moog Club and Torres de Avila . La Terraza is an open air dance club open only in the summer months. Salsitas is a popular restaurant and dancefloor. The Faery Bar just off La Rambla towards the marina is a unique bar complete with faery grottos, mystical trees and upside down room.
Free things to do in Barcelona
Another Gaudi inspiration devoted to all things natural. The park was landscaped between 1900 and 1914 as a part of a commercial development that never took off. The colourful ceramic embedded park bench is the most ergonomic public seat to take a siesta on thanks to Gaudi's study of a man sitting in clay. The sea views and tranquillity are enhanced by the spacious layout and the occasional classical busker. Open daily 10am-6pm (Nov-Feb), 10am-9pm May-Aug, 10am-7pm (April-Sept), guided tours €1.20.
Walk up the promenade from the Metro stop to fully appreciate the features of the slope. On warm summer evenings every half hour the Font Màgica fountains perform a colourful light spectacle accompanied with music, either classical or contemporary which usually lasts about 15mins attracting huge crowds to sit on the steps leading up to the Palau Nacional art museum. The mount is also home to the 1992 Olympic stadium , an 18thC fortress , a replica Spanish village, amusement park, Fundació Jan Miró and the funicular ride between the top and the marina. Fountains operate 7pm-9pm Fri&Sat, (Oct-Apr), 8pm-12am Thu-Sun, (May-Sep).
Strict controls are now in place to ensure a high water quality and recent structural developments of a board walk, public facilities and restaurants make the Barceloneta and Icaria public beaches popular escapes from the city heat.
High speed internet connections are becoming more popular and accessible in the larger cities. You can expect to pay from €1 per hour. Always keep bags with you in public internet cafes. You may find these sites useful during your stay:
These places can get you connected:
| Bornet internet Café | Bara de Ferro 3 | Picasso Museum |
| Cibermarchando | Industria 193 | open every day |
| Electric Lounge | Car. Misser Ferrer 1 | from €1 p/h |
| Easy Everything | La Rambla 31 | from €1.30 p/h |
Grab ya best fiesta outfit and join the party! Here's when:
These won't make you into an SAS commander but they may help avoid some difficulties as you travel around.