hotels4u.com barcelona travel guide

7/31/2019 Hotels4U.com Barcelona Travel Guide

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AT A GLANCEBarcelona is Spains most cosmopolitan city and one of the busiest ports inEurope. With its beachside location and bustling city centre, Barcelona offerseverything that you need from a holiday destination. However, with artworks fromGaudi and Mro lining its streets its also an art-lovers paradise, which has inspiredartists from Picasso to Dali.

FACT FILECurrency: Euro (EUR)Language: Catalan and Spanish

Time: GMT + 1Calling Code: +34

WHEN TO GOWith a balmy year round climate, theres never a bad time to visit Barcelona. Inwinter, there are very few cold days and in the summer the temperatures are nottoo hot, thanks to the cooling sea air. On the rare occasion that the weather is lessthan desirable there are plenty of indoor attractions.

Weather Spring: The weather between March and May is initially wet, butincreasingly warm and sunny. Temperatures can reach highs of 16 in March,rising to 20 in May.

Summer: The summer months from June through to September seeaverage highs of 28. Low humidity and a pleasant breeze keep thetemperature comfortable and holidaymakers should expect ten hours ofsunshine a day. Autumn: Warm and wet to start with, the average autumn temperature is21. However, rain is common and sometimes fog comes in from the sea whichcan see temperatures shift to around 12.


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Winter: In December, the average high falls to 13 and average lows are4. Snow is usually expected in January but the weather during this season islargely unpredictable with fluctuations between the teens and cold, blusteryweather.

Images: Barcelona Sun by Leolisa81 on Flickr / Barcelona rain by Wallygrom on Flickr

THINGS TO DO

From Gaudis famous architecture to Barcas famous stadium, Barcelona has ahost of attractions for holidaymakers to enjoy. Many of the attractions relate to theartists who have lived in or taken inspiration from Spains most artistic city.However, it isnt only cultural attractions that youll find; the city has a thrivingnightlife and there are several interesting options for daytrips nearby.

Attractions

Barcelona Cathedral: Also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Cross andSaint Eulalia, this is Barcelonas premier place of worship Basilica Santa Maria del Mar: One of the best examples of Gothicarchitecture in the city

Casa Mila: Known as the Quarry, this is the largest civil building designed byGaudi

Casa Mila by Craigyc on Flickr

FC Barcelona Museum and Nou Camp: Learn the history of Barcelonas most

famous football team through interactive displays Joan M ro Foundation: A museum of modern art honouring the artist JoanMro La Sagrada Familia : Gaudis most famous monument is due for completionin 2026

Sagrada by Daomna111 on Flickr
http://gospain.about.com/od/barcelon1/p/barcelona_cathedral.htmhttp://gospain.about.com/od/barcelon1/p/barcelona_cathedral.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_del_Mar,_Barcelonahttp://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/casamila.htmhttp://www.fcbarcelona.com/camp-nou/museumhttp://fundaciomiro-bcn.org/?idioma=2http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/sights/church/la-sagrada-familiahttp://gospain.about.com/od/barcelon1/p/barcelona_cathedral.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_del_Mar,_Barcelonahttp://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/casamila.htmhttp://www.fcbarcelona.com/camp-nou/museumhttp://fundaciomiro-bcn.org/?idioma=2http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/sights/church/la-sagrada-familia


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Parc Guell: Gaudis famous park features dragons, fairy cottages and hisclassic mosaics Barcelona Zoo: Meet a host of animals at the zoo, which celebrates its 120th

anniversary this year
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/park-guell.htmlhttp://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/park-guell.htmlhttp://www.zoobarcelona.cat/en/http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gaudi/park-guell.htmlhttp://www.zoobarcelona.cat/en/


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NightlifeTourists and backpackers usually head to Las Ramblas where the nightlife spillsout into the streets and the evening often begins with dinner and drinks. In theGothic Quarter you'll find that the Spanish nightlife is much more authentic. Thecobbled streets are full of intimate clubs and this is also the part of town where

you're likely to find secret bars taken over by squatters and known as okupas. In ElBorn, the nightlife is sophisticated but also slightly eccentric; keep an eye out forCat Bar for feline inspired decor. Don your best clothes if youre heading to thesophisticated nightspots of Port Olimpic. Gracia offers a bohemian nightlife whereyou can mingle with up and coming artists in bohemian bars. Hipsters and skaterswill love the Raval district which is home to Barcelona's oldest disco.

Boulevard Culture Club: The largest club on the Ramblas plays techo,electro and chart hits El Mariachi: A secret bar in the Gothic Quarter Cat Bar: An artisan beer bar and vegan restaurant with feline inspired dcor Catwalk: This glam nightclub in Port Olimpic stays open until 6am La Fourmi: A bohemian bar in Gracia with a great range of light bites Les Enfants: The oldest disco in the city mixes Indie-pop with 70s funk in itstwo rooms Opera and Flamenco: Flamenco is from Madrid, but visiting Spain is a goodexcuse to catch a show

Day Trips from BarcelonaWith an enviable location on the Costa Brava, Barcelona is close to many fantasticdestinations, from golden beaches to historic Roman sites. The excellent bus andtrain network means that these can all easily be reached on a day trip from thecity. The Tourist Information Centre on Catalunya Plaza should be able to put you

in touch with reputable excursion operators if youd rather not make the trip alone.

Montserrat: A Benedictine Monastery which offers stunning views across Catalonia.You can discover the holy grotto where visitations by the Virgin Mary werereported.

Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Figueres: The birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Teatre-Museu GalaSalvador Dali which houses some of his famous works. Figueres also boasts an 18th

century castle.Travel Time: 2 hours
http://www.myspace.com/boulevardcultureclubhttp://suitelife.com/2012/05/25/bar-barcelona-el-mariachi/http://suitelife.com/2012/05/25/bar-barcelona-el-mariachi/http://www.catbar.es/http://www.clubcatwalk.net/?lang=enhttp://www.barcelona-life.com/drink/pubs_cafes_details/251-La_Fourmihttp://www.barcelona-life.com/drink/pubs_cafes_details/251-La_Fourmihttp://www.discoenfants.com/http://www.barcelonayflamenco.com/http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/montserrat-spain.htmlhttp://www.salvador-dali.org/museus/figueres/en_index.html/http://www.myspace.com/boulevardcultureclubhttp://suitelife.com/2012/05/25/bar-barcelona-el-mariachi/http://www.catbar.es/http://www.clubcatwalk.net/?lang=enhttp://www.barcelona-life.com/drink/pubs_cafes_details/251-La_Fourmihttp://www.discoenfants.com/http://www.barcelonayflamenco.com/http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/montserrat-spain.htmlhttp://www.salvador-dali.org/museus/figueres/en_index.html/


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Sitges: Best known for its huge carnival and film festival, Sitges is a populardestination for gay travellers and boasts 17 sand beaches.

Travel Time: 30 minutes

Tarragona: This beach town is perhaps most famous for its ancient Roman remainsincluding an old amphitheatre next to the sea. Make sure you stroll through theOld Town with its cobbled streets.

Travel Time: 1 hour 14 minutes

Images: Montserrat by Rover0 // Figueres by Jaume Meneses // Sitges by Vroig // Tarragona by Ramonbaile

SHOPPINGSangria, Flamenco fans and cured hams are just some of the souvenirs that mostholidaymakers choose to bring back from Spain. However, Catalonia has a long

history of lace-making and as such Barcelona is a great place to search fordecorative tableware. Spanish brandy is also a great souvenir and many peopleclaim that its better than the French equivalent.

Shopping Areas:

Las Ramblas: The perfect district for souvenir shopping Avinguda Diagonal:Barcelonas top fashion designers are located along thisstreet Plaa de Sant Josep Oriol: This area is full of boutiques and handicraftshops

Shopping Centres: Les Glories: A huge commercial centre with over 230 well-known shops anda multiplex cinema
http://wikitravel.org/en/Sitgeshttp://www.spain.info/en/ven/provincias/tarragona.htmlhttp://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/ramblas/barcelona-las-ramblas.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avinguda_Diagonalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avinguda_Diagonalhttp://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/Spain-Barcelona/Tourist_Site-Plaza_de_Sant_Josep_Oriol-Pl_de_Sant_Josep_Oriolhttp://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/Spain-Barcelona/Tourist_Site-Plaza_de_Sant_Josep_Oriol-Pl_de_Sant_Josep_Oriolhttp://www.barcelona4all.com/Shopping.htmlhttp://wikitravel.org/en/Sitgeshttp://www.spain.info/en/ven/provincias/tarragona.htmlhttp://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/ramblas/barcelona-las-ramblas.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avinguda_Diagonalhttp://travel.viamichelin.com/web/Destination/Spain-Barcelona/Tourist_Site-Plaza_de_Sant_Josep_Oriol-Pl_de_Sant_Josep_Oriolhttp://www.barcelona4all.com/Shopping.html


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The Centre Comercial Maremagnum: The only mall in the city thats open onSunday La Maquinista: Catalonias largest shopping centre and home to a bowlingalley and Carrefour

MareMagnum by PuroticoRico

El Corte Ingles: Spread over nine floors this European chain specialises inelectronics El Bulevard Rosa: A boulevard of clothes shops lined by antique shops onthe outside

Markets: La Boqueria: Barcelonas best known market situated off Las Ramblas Sant Antoni Market: This food market is larger and less well known than LaBoqueria Fira Artesana: Specialises in honey and honey-flavoured cheeses Mercadillo de la Plaa de Sant Josep: An art market showcasing work bylocal artists Mercat del Encants: Barcelonas largest flea market and a great place to siftthrough treasures

La Boqueria by Klearachos Kapoutsis

FOOD & DRINKPaella, tapas, sangria you may think you know Spanish food, but Spain is madeup of many different regions, and each has their own unique cuisine. In Barcelona,expect to find many fish or pork-based dishes. Salted cod or cod served withraisins and pine nuts are both popular fish based dishes, whilst pork tends toappear in stews such as Escudella or Ollada. Save some room for desert,particularly crme Catalan, made from egg yolks, milk and sugar, cracked like acrme brle.

Crme Catalan by Michael_Reuter

Popular Barcelona Hotspots:
http://www.bcninternet.com/touristinfo.php?contentid=2492http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/shops/la_maquinistahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Corte_Ingl%C3%A9shttp://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/shops/bulevard_rosahttp://www.boqueria.info/index.php?lang=enhttp://www.mercatdesantantoni.com/index.phphttp://traveldk.com/barcelona/dk/fira-artesana-placa-del-pihttp://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/shopping/barcelona-market.htmlhttp://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/monuments/mercat_del_encantshttp://www.bcninternet.com/touristinfo.php?contentid=2492http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/shops/la_maquinistahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Corte_Ingl%C3%A9shttp://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/shops/bulevard_rosahttp://www.boqueria.info/index.php?lang=enhttp://www.mercatdesantantoni.com/index.phphttp://traveldk.com/barcelona/dk/fira-artesana-placa-del-pihttp://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/shopping/barcelona-market.htmlhttp://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/monuments/mercat_del_encants


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Barceloneta: This is a popular quarter for locals and the place to try fish baseddishesBarri Gotic: The area is particularly renowned for its tapas restaurantsAvinguda del Parallel: Many restaurants on this street have Menu del Dia for under11

La Boqueria: Taste Spanish hams and cheeses in this bustling farmers' market onthe Ramblas

CULTURE & ETIQUETTESpain is famous for having siestas from 2pm-5pm, but in reality this doesnt reallyaffect larger cities such as Barcelona, where the majority of shops stay openduring the siesta. Restaurants and bars are more likely to be affected and taketheir siesta between 4pm-8pm. When it comes to restaurants, tourists should notwait to be shown to a table and instead make their way to the nearest free tablewhere they will be served. Eating with your hands is frowned upon and youll findthat the locals even use knives and forks for eating fruit. One important thing tonote is that Spaniards have less regard for personal space than other cultures and

may stand close when talking to you. Backing away is seen as rude so beprepared.

Useful Phrases

Que parla Angles? Do you speak English? Bona tarda Good Afternoon Quant costa aixo? How much is this?

Dos and Donts

DO keep an eye on your belongings on the Metro to avoid being targeted bypickpockets

DONT drink outdoors or on the beach as you may be fined by the Police

DO take a sunset catamaran cruise from Barceloneta beach DONT forget that nightlife in Barcelona starts at 10pm for bars and

midnight for nightclubs DO budget accordingly. Barcelona can be expensive

TippingTipping is not common in restaurants in Barcelona and most locals will simplyround up their bill to the nearest Euro. Any tip larger than cents will embarrass thewaiting staff, who are paid much better than waiters at home. Taxi drivers in thecity include a fee for handling your luggage and therefore should not be tippedmore than a few cents. You should however tip the maid who cleans your roomand 1-2 per day is usual.

Tipping by Daquella Manera

TRANSPORTThe public transport system in Barcelona is clean, effective and great value formoney. Therefore youll find that theres no need to hire a car for the duration of

your stay, unless youre planning lots of daytrips out of the city. The two mainways to get around are the Metro and the local bus service. However, many sights


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are closer than you think and Barcelona is surprisingly compact, making walking agreat way to get around and take in the local architecture.

Getting Around

Buses: Barcelona is served by TMB, an efficient bus network taking in the

city centre Taxis: The official taxis are yellow and black with a green illuminated light atthe top Metro: The Metro in Barcelona is clean and air-conditioned and the perfectway to get around all the sites Airports: Barcelona only has one airport - El Prat de Llobregrat which is10km outside the city centre. However, budget airlines also fly toCatalonia -Reus and Girona Costa Brava. Both of which are located 100km from the citycentre.

Barcelona airport by Curimedia

Fare Information

A single ticket on the Metro costs 2, but if you are taking more than 5journeys in a day it will work out cheaper to buy a T10 ticket for 9.25 whichgives you 10 journeys Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 10

HEALTH & SAFETYBritish Embassy in Spain Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeEmergency number: 112BARCELONA BLOGGERS TOP TIPS

Julie Sheridan Guiri Girl in Barcelona

"Many visitors to Barcelona body swerve the former red-light district of the Raval,

which is known for all the wrong reasons. But Id recommend you pay a visit to theRomanesque-style church of Sant Pau del Camp, which is the oldest church inBarcelona. Its a compelling mix of history, religion, and architecture (it eveninspired Picasso). Ask for Jordi to show you around and mention my name with abit of luck he may even sing to you in Gregorian chant."

Jennifer Lo Prete Orange Polka Dot
http://www.tmb.cat/en/homehttp://lebl.notams.com/http://www.reus-airport.es/http://www.reus-airport.es/http://www.reus-airport.es/http://www.barcelona-girona-airport.com/http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/other-locations/barcelona-consulate-general/http://www.guirigirlinbarca.com/http://www.orangepolkadot.com/http://www.tmb.cat/en/homehttp://lebl.notams.com/http://www.reus-airport.es/http://www.reus-airport.es/http://www.barcelona-girona-airport.com/http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/other-locations/barcelona-consulate-general/http://www.guirigirlinbarca.com/http://www.orangepolkadot.com/


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Barcelonas compact city center, mild weather, history and imaginativearchitecture make it an excellent choice for a family vacation. In Barcelona, youwill find people who adore children and will gladly welcome them at nearly allrestaurants.

My favorite family outing in Barcelona is the charming childrens puppet theater,La Puntual, in the hip El Born neighborhood. La Puntual offers weekendperformances with some English shows sprinkled throughout the schedule.Although most performances are in Catalan, children are usually so fascinated withthe creative and beautiful show, they hardly notice the language difference.

Spain Emotion

Don't forget the museums that have free entrance in #Barcelona on Sundayshttp://bit.ly/OP0WiY

Jeremy Holland From Barcelona

Near Palau de la Musica on Carrer Verdaguer i Callis is one of my favorite spots inBarcelona - L'Antic Teatre. A non-profit collective, their goal is to provide a spacefor experimental artists to showcase and promote their wares. To give you an ideaof the eclectic mix of productions it offers, a couple of years ago they ran aCabaret de Feas (roughly translated "Cabaret of the Ugly People") while inNovember a Belgian clown entertained the crowd and last month a night wasdedicated to dub music complete with a movie and deejays.
http://www.lapuntual.info/en/index.php?Id=2http://www.spainemotion.net/https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23Barcelona&src=hashhttp://t.co/yViSrAahhttp://www.frombarcelona.com/http://www.anticteatre.com/http://www.lapuntual.info/en/index.php?Id=2http://www.spainemotion.net/https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23Barcelona&src=hashhttp://t.co/yViSrAahhttp://www.frombarcelona.com/http://www.anticteatre.com/


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hotels4u.com barcelona travel guide

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