Barcelona

Good to know

1. 1Antoni Gaudí's work shapes the city's skyline, and the Sagrada Família, begun in 1882, is still under construction after well over a century.
2. 2Two languages are spoken everywhere: Catalan and Spanish. You will see Catalan on most street signs and public announcements, and locals appreciate even a simple 'bon dia' for good morning.
3. 3The Gothic Quarter, the Born and the Raval sit close together and hold much of the old city, with narrow lanes that follow the layout of the medieval town and traces of Roman walls.
4. 4The beaches were largely created for the 1992 Olympic Games, when the city reopened itself to the sea and the old industrial waterfront was redeveloped.
5. 5Typical local food includes pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato), cured meats, grilled seafood, and crema catalana, a custard dessert with a burnt sugar top.
6. 6Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own traditions, such as building human towers called castells at festivals, and the euro is the currency used.

Tips for a first visit

• Walk as much as you can. The central districts are close together, and the metro fills the gaps well when your feet give out.
• Book entry for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell ahead of your visit, since both are popular and visiting without a ticket can mean a long wait or no entry.
• Eat later than you might at home. Lunch is usually in the middle of the afternoon and dinner rarely starts before about nine, so restaurants can be quiet earlier in the evening.
• Keep a close eye on your phone and bag in crowded places such as La Rambla, the metro and busy tourist spots, where pickpockets operate.
• Try the menú del día at lunchtime, a set meal that many local restaurants offer on weekdays, and a good way to eat well without ordering blind.
• Cover up a little when you leave the beach. Walking through the streets in swimwear is frowned upon, and you may need to dress modestly to enter churches.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are the easiest times to visit, with warm days, comfortable walking weather and sea that is pleasant to be near. Summer is hot, busy and good for beach days, while winter is mild compared with much of Europe, quieter, and fine for museums and food, though not for swimming.

From the airport

The main airport is Barcelona–El Prat, southwest of the centre. The airport bus runs to Plaça de Catalunya in the centre, the train line takes you into the city in roughly half an hour, and the metro also has a line serving the airport, though it takes longer to reach the centre. Taxis are another option and the journey generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.