Barcelona Hotels

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain. Pronounced ‘Barthelona’ by the locals, there’s a long-held desire to be different, to stand out not only from the rest of the country but the rest of Europe. Mixing Gothic architecture with surreal modernism, Barcelona embraces styles so diverse that they almost work.

That contrast is everywhere in Barcelona, from the beaches to the mountain ranges that both lie just outside the city’s boundaries. It’s also in the attitude of its inhabitants. Barcelonians work hard and play harder. If they’re not filling up the bars, clubs and restaurants, they’re getting their sport fix at the Spanish Grand Prix or, more significantly, by worshipping FC Barcelona, whose Camp Nou stadium is one of the most famous in the football world (and also home to the El Museu del Barca).

If it’s not sport, it’s shopping providing the buzz for locals and visitors alike. Upgrade your sense of style at Passeig de Gracia in Eixample. Luxury shops line Spain’s most expensive street, where you can stock up on D&G (if you’ve got excessive amounts of cash to burn). For less up-market chaos, head down Las Ramblas for busy food bazaars, street performers and ice cream stands.

So much to do, so much to see… the question is whether you’ll be able to give it up when it’s time to leave.

Barcelona's Top 10

Barcelona History

• Casa Batllo – A stunning architectural building that is the subject of many tourist's holiday photographs.
• Barri Gotic - The largely intact medieval centre of Barcelona, perfect for exploring with friends or relatives in sunny weather.
• Sagrada Familia – The magnificent unfinished church that Gaudi devoted 18 years to constructing. Guided tours are available to interested parties.
• Casa-Museu Gaudí – Gaudi’s place of residence from 1906 to 1926.
• Arc de Triomf – A beautiful arch built in the 1800s.

Barcelona Art & Culture

• Fondació Joan Miró – This museum features the works of a famous Catalan artist.
• Picasso Museum – A top art attraction renowned for its large collection of artwork by Picasso.
• Museum of Natural History – A popular spot that draws tourists from far and wide.
• CosmoCaixa: Museum of Science – An amazing educational museum suited to children and adults alike.
• Teatre del Liceu – Catch a stunning evening performance at this much-loved Barcelona theatre.

Barcelona Shopping

• La Boqueria – A large public market selling a diverse selection of goods, including fresh fruit and juices.
• Bulevard Rosa – Barcelona’s original shopping mall, home to an estimated 100 stores, including those selling designer goods.
• Centre Comercial Barcelona Glories – A large shopping centre featuring a large selection of popular high-street chains, delicious restaurants, chilled-out bars and a huge cinema complex.
• El Corte Ingles – A large department store popular with locals and tourists alike.
• El Mercadillo – A small complex of shops, ideal for those who want to avoid large shopping malls.

Gay & Lesbian Barcelona

• Atame – A modern gay club featuring laid-back music in the evening and live dance beats into the early hours.
• Sala Apolo – This club hosts its gay night every Sunday
• Dietrich – Features Barcelona's best drag artists, acrobats, singers, dancers and trapeze artists for a spectacular night out.
• Bar Lola – The perfect place to start or end your night.
• Sweet Café – Plays downtempo and electropop music while you enjoy a well-earned drink or two with newfound friends.

Barcelona Outdoor

• Harbour Cable Car – This 1,450m-long aerial tramway connects Barceloneta to Montjuic and offers tourists a great way to see the main sights of Barcelona from the sky.
• Musical Fountains – A spectacular sight at night, available for your enjoyment from Thursday through to Sunday in May to October.
• Montjuic Hill – Find the energy to climb this hill to delight in stunning, scenic city views.
• La Rambla – Walk one of the world's greatest boulevards before taking a break to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine.
• Gothic quarter – Take a stroll through Barcelona's intriguing Gothic quarter.

Barcelona Sport

• Catch the famous Barcelona Marathon when visiting the city in March.
• Watch the ATP World Tour 500 Series tennis tournament at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
• Take a trip to the Palau de Gel and find out when the FC Barcelona Ice Hockey team are playing.
• Time your visit to see a Formula One World Championship at the Circuit de Barcelona.
• Visit the museum of FC Barcelona.

Barcelona Local

Ciutat Vella

Catalan for ‘Old City’, Cituat Vella contains the Barri Gotic, Barceloneta, La Ribera, and Raval. Start exploring the Old City by roaming Passeig del Born, where you’ll find the Santa Maria del Mar church. For shopaholics, the Born Market will keep you entertained. In the Middle Ages, Passeig del Born was the location for jousting matches and knighting ceremonies. Nowadays, the only jousting is likely to be over a pair of half-price boots, while men are generally given handbags to mind rather than knighthoods.

Eixample

Developed in the 19^th Century, tourists often seem to lose themselves in this rectangular district – literally in many cases. So take a map and ask directions to the Segrada Familia, and other works by Gaudi. Casa Batllo is an Art Nouveau building with a dragon for a roof, while La Pedrera is tamer, but still suitably bizarre. If you’ve had enough of Art Nouveau or Gaudi, then take your tastebuds on a trip at Cacao Sampaka, a chocolate factory and museum.

Gracia

The most authentically Catalan of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods, Gracia is home to the famous Park Guell, as well as Casa Vicens. Gaudi’s first important work, Casa Vicens is a private residence, which means you’re not allowed to see the interior (no matter how much you beg and plead with the owner). The luxurious Passeig de Graciadraws money from near and far – and generally keeps it while you totter off on painfully pricey new shoes.

Barcelona Eats

Barcelona is persistently scrambling to the top when it comes to gastronomy. See for yourself – Michelin stars are thrown at restaurants all over the place!

Barcelona Events

In March and April, a Carnival takes place before Lent ceremonies. Street parties, parades, and feasts abound.

The Catalan version of Valentine’s Day – Sant Jordi – is on 23 April. Men give women roses and women give men books (presumably to make them aware that there are other flowers in the world).

For sport fanatics, the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix is held each May at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Sonar is a three-day music festival in June. It’s best described as a festival of advanced music and multimedia art.

The Feast of St. John the Baptist in June is celebrated with fireworks and bonfires.

In June and July, the Barcelona Summer Festival showcases dance, theatre, and art – both modern and traditional.

One of Barcelona’s most important festivals, the Festes de Gracia takes place mid-August and lasts for an entire week. It commemorates the Assumption through parties, fireworks, live music and street food.

The Festes de la Merce takes place every 24 September. Watch the fireworks, parades and performances.

When To Go

Barcelona enjoys lovely year-round weather.

• Spring (March-May) is mild, with temperatures of 13-18°C (55-64°F).
• Summer can get very hot between June and August, with temperatures soaring up to 29°C (84°F) and above.
• In autumn (September to October), Barcelona cools down to 18-22°C (64-72°F), with heavier rainfall.
• Winter is from November to February. Temperatures fall to 10-16°C (50-61°F), with only sporadic rainfall.

Getting There & Around

Most people will fly into Barcelona International Airport, but travelling by rail or car is a pleasant, easy alternative.

Take your pick from a few transport options. The Bus Turistic will stop at significant sightseeing spots for €23 (one-day pass). The metro costs from €1.45, but you can purchase a 10-ride ticket for €8.25. These tickets can also be used for buses, trams and the FGC (Catalan Railway Network). Otherwise, rent a scooter, a bicycle or a car.

What To Miss

Barcelona is pickpocket central, so be very, very cautious. Tricks designed to distract you so someone else can steal your wallet include throwing a fake baby at you and having a team of pickpockets come in to nab your wallet when you (naturally) lift your arms to catch it.

Women who are travelling alone need to be extra-careful when in the more remote areas of Montjuic. Women should also avoid wearing flashy jewellery to avoid being ambushed.

As for the men, here’s a note: the prostitutes on Las Ramblas can be very aggressive or even try to rob you.

Barcelona Information

Attractions

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