Welcome to Barcelona
Barcelona (Barça) is one of the most important cities in the world. It is Spain's second largest city and the capital of Catalonia, with a population of 1,615,908 in 2008. Located on the Mediterranean coast between the Llobregat and Besòs rivers, Barcelona is bordered on the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge (512 m/1,680 ft).
Barcelona is a major economic centre and home to one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports. Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain (handling about 30 million passengers per year) after the Madrid-Barajas Airport.
The city has a wide range of cultural, culinary and entertaining attractions to offer visitors. Its rich cultural heritage and impressive architecture attract guests from all over the world. The road from Placa Catalunya to the port is lined with restaurants, cafes and shopping malls, usually bursting with people sensing the sounds and sights of Barcelona. Public gardens and stunning buildings are examples of the work of Antonio Gaudi, and his house is now a museum of his singularly Catalonian architecture.
The best shopping areas are the Passeig de Garcia in central Barcelona, Bulevard Rosa Arcade to the north of Carrer d'Arago and streets to the southwest of Passeig de Garcia and Barri Gotic.
If you like sports, soccer and basketball are very popular amongst the locals and the city currently boasts the best soccer team in Europe.
Barcelona, with its enchanting combination of elegance, sophistication, history and charm, has been delighting visitors for centuries!
Weather & Climate
The climate in Barcelona is typically Mediterranean, with cool winters and hot summers.
From November to April, it is advisable to wear a warm sweater, jacket or coat. From March onwards the weather begins to warm up dramatically and is certainly sunnier.
Time
GMT+1 (GMT+2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October). Please note: Barcelona will switch to Daylight Savings Time (summertime) on Sunday, March 28, 2010, at 02:00am, i.e. the clock goes forward one hour.
Electricity
230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs with receptacle. Grounding pin can be used.
Banks and Money
As in the rest of Europe, Spain has used the Euro (€) since Jan 1, 2002.
Generally, it is cheaper to convert foreign currency into Euro in Spain. Hotels and stores tend to give less favourable rates of exchange and it is usually more economical to change your money or travellers cheques at a bank.
Credit and Debit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted throughout Spain. If your debit card is connected to a credit card company such as Mastercard or Visa you can withdraw money and pay for goods where these cards are accepted.
ATM Cash Machines
ATMs or cash machines are an inexpensive way to withdraw cash from your account. Check with your bank that you are able to use your card abroad before you leave home and note that cards with PIN numbers longer than four digits will not work in Spain. Also check the fees you will be charged for withdrawing foreign currency. There are two different ATM systems in Spain, 'Telebanco' and Servired. Most Spanish banks are affiliated to one or the other. If you are experiencing problems withdrawing cash, try a machine with the other system. Most cash machines issue up to €150.