Barcelona is a coastal city in the northeastern part of Spain, the capital of the community of Catalonia. It is one of the main seaports in Europe and has a prominent social, cultural, and economic scene.

Good to know about Barcelona

Population Of Barcelona

The city itself has 1,6 million inhabitants, while the entire Province of Barcelona numbers 4,8 million. It is Europe's fifth most populated urban area.

Name Origin

Barcelona comes from an Iberian inscription Baŕkeno found on a coin. The already internationally renowned short form for Barcelona is Barça, from FC Barcelona's anthem Cant del Barça (Barça chant).

Language

The official languages spoken in Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish. Most locals are bilingual, and because the city is a preferred tourist destination, they also understand English and French. You will find that street names and traffic signs are in Catalan.

Transportation

Barcelona boasts an impressive public transport network that offers locals and tourists several options to move around the city - by bus, tram, metro, funicular, gondola lift, or aerial cable car.

If you want to get some exercise done, you can always choose to ride a bike in the city, and if you prioritise comfort, you can order a taxi.

Cost Of Living

Most of the food and wine in Spain are sourced locally, which allows for lower prices than in other European countries. On the other hand, transportation is more costly. Different factors can tip the scale one way or another, but the fact remains that Barcelona is the second most expensive Spanish place to live in, after Madrid, although not by much.

What To Eat In Barcelona

One of the most popular dishes is paella, a rice-based dish enriched with paprika, saffron, and various toppings. Although it originates in Valencia, paella is widely appreciated in Barcelona as well.

Croquetas or croquettes are deep-fried dumplings made mainly from mashed potatoes, ham, and bechamel sauce, covered in breadcrumbs. They are not to be missed!

Speaking of potatoes, patatas bravas (double-fried potatoes) are served with garlic and spicy tomato sauce that will have you ask for a second serving.

A wide selection of cheeses for all tastes awaits you in most restaurants here. Choose Manchego cheese for a nutty flavour, Idiazábal for smokiness, the creamy Mahón, or the rich Roncal.

Gazpacho is a tomato-based soup served chilled that is both flavourful and refreshing. It's a great choice for a hot summer day in Barcelona.

Chipirones is a delicious baby squid dish, delicate and deep-fried, sprinkled with fresh lemon zest.

You can't visit Barcelona without tasting the tortilla de patatas, also known as the Spanish omelette or Spanish tortilla.

Tapas (small portions of food) can include a variety of appetisers, such as jamon iberico (thin slices of ham), escalivada (roasted vegetables), cheeses, Padrón peppers, esqueixada (shredded salt cod salad), and chorizo (pork sausage with paprika and lard).

To feel satisfied, make sure you sample crema Catalana, a dessert similar to crème brûlée, and enjoy a glass of cava, the famous Spanish bubbly wine.

Tipping In Barcelona

Tipping is expected from tourists in Barcelona as is in all of Spain. Locals don't usually leave a tip. Waiters in bars are tipped 5 to 10 euros, and bartenders get 5 euros. If you're eating at a restaurant, the tip should be 10 percent of your bill.

What To See In Barcelona

Several UNESCO World Heritage sites are found in Barcelona - seven works of Gaudí, Palau de la Música Catalana, and Hospital de Sant Pau.

Sagrada Familia

Its name translates to "sacred family" and is arguably the first attraction in Barcelona on every tourist's list. It is a breathtaking (yet unfinished, 140 years in the making) cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí. Book tickets online to get better deals and avoid waiting in long lines, and check the dress code required.

Park Güell

Also designed by Antoni Gaudí, this nature-inspired park adorned with colourful mosaics opened in 1914 and was meant to be a residential estate. It is currently visited by more than 12 million people every year.

Casa Battló and Casa Milà, by Gaudí

Casa Battló is a Catalan Modernism piece of art, an apartment building with shapes and mosaics inspired by the legend of George and the dragon while Casa Milà is a beautiful structure with curve lines and unique chimneys that gave it the nickname of La Pedrera (the stone quarry).

Museu Picasso

The Picasso Museum is home to over 4000 works of the famous painter. Picasso spent a significant part of his life in Barcelona. The museum is closed on Mondays but can be visited for free every Thursday from 4 PM and every first Sunday of the month.

Las Ramblas and Barri Gòtic

The busiest street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas, is packed with tourists snapping pictures, tree lines on both sides, flower stalls, and street musicians. However, it becomes a dangerous place at night because of pickpockets. The Gothic quarter nearby is a must-see in the nearby historical city centre, as is Boqueria Market, the place to taste rich, authentic Catalan flavours.

Montjuïc Park

This park on a hill is a collection of buildings designed for the 1929 World Fair. You can spend an entire day here among museums, fountains, a castle, an Olympic stadium, and botanical gardens.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The Catalan Music Palace is one of the most impressive concert halls of Modernist times. Completed in 1908, after a three-year construction process, it hosts concerts attended by over half a million people yearly.

Hospital de Sant Pau

The hospital is an example of Art Nouveau architecture, with ceramics and sculptures. Children under the age of 12 can visit for free. The entire complex is closed on Mondays.

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Average high temperatures in Celsius are 28 degrees from June to September, 22 degrees in October, and below 17 degrees for the rest of the year. July has the least rainy days, three, while October is the rainiest month with nine days of precipitation.

The busiest months in Barcelona are July and August, while June and September are less crowded and still have warm weather. That makes them ideal for a Catalan vacation!