Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street life. It has medieval roots, seen in the mazelike Gothic Quarter, but a modernist personality represented by architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Família church. Its restaurant scene, anchored by the central Boqueria market, ranges from fine dining to tiny tapas bars.
Currency Euros
Language Catalan and Spanish
Population 1.602 million (2014)
Time Zone UTC+1
Climate – basic oC
November — February 12/ 15
March — October 23/ 30
BEST TO DO
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Catalonia, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Opened: November 7, 2010
Construction started: March 19, 1882
Hours: Open today · 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Height: 170 m
Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain.
Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Open today · 8:00 am – 12:45 pm, 1:00 – 5:30 pm, 5:45 – 7:30 pm
Beaches
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta is the first of the Barcelona beaches and can therefore get quite busy during the summer months where the sun almost shines all summer! But it’s not always like this. Some days can be overcast or even rainy – it’s the luck of the draw.
Icària Beach
Metro stop “Ciutadella Vila Olimpica”. Turn right on exiting the metro and walk towards the twin towers. 10 minutes walk from metro.
BEST TO EAT
TAPAS
PAELLA
Valencian rice dish with ancient roots that originated
in its modern form in the mid-19th century near the Albufera lagoon,a coastal lagoon in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.
CHURROS
Just perfect local sweet to fulfil your sweet cravings with the uniquely xurros- as in Catalan- along with a dip of your choice.
BOCADILLOS
The recipe is simple and flexible: take two slices of crusty baguette and then stick something in the middle, usually ham, cheese or tortilla (potato omelet). Bocadillos can be found at just about any casual eatery, bar or café in the city and are also amazingly affordable, priced at just €3.50 or €4 per sandwich.