Barcelona Overview Barcelona is Spain s second city located in the north east of the country on the Mediterranean coast it is the capital of Catalonia and home to a population of 1.5 million. The city is one of Europe s top tourist destinations with its mix of gothic history, beautiful city beaches and lively and entertaining nightlife. Culture lovers feel right at home in this wonderful city with an abundance of fine museums and galleries, spectacular architecture and a full programme of theatre and music. The world famous architect Antoni Gaudí hailed from Catalonia and many parts of the city of Barcelona are a testament to his genius, from the stunning Park Güell to the buildings lining Passeig de Gràcia, Gaudí is responsible for much of the way the city looks to this day. There are several companies that offer guided walks around modernist Barcelona, taking in all of the architecture designed or inspired by the great artist. If the hustle and bustle of the city becomes too much then Barcelona has many outdoor spaces in which to relax. The site of the 1992 Olympic Games, Montjuïc hill has many fine landscaped gardens overlooking the sea and perfect for a lazy stroll. Home of many of Barcelona s museums and the city s botanical gardens there is much to see in this beautiful park. If the weather is good, head to one of the city s five beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Easily reached from the city centre by metro or bus the sandy beaches are popular with locals and visitors and there are some good bars and restaurants open late into the night if staying in the Barceloneta area. Barcelona is a city made for shopping and there are excellent shops to be found in all of its four main districts. For high street and up-market fashion head to Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia where many international brands can be found as well as the huge El Corte Inglés department store. The streets off La Rambla are home to small quirky boutiques where one off pieces and unusual items can be found. The district of Barri Gòtic and its narrow lanes is where old curio stores such as candle-makers and milliners are located. Many shops are closed on Sundays due to restrictions on the law so check before heading out. Traditional Spanish fare can be found all over the city with a huge range of restaurants catering for all budgets, from eat all you want tapas to fine dining. The area around La Rambla has the highest concentration of eateries however with such high volumes of tourists the quality is not always the best. For a tastier meal try the areas of Barri Gòtic, El Raval and l Eixample. Nightlife in Barcelona doesn t get going until at least 10pm, but once it does the atmosphere is buzzing. Bars of all descriptions can be found at the lower end of the Barri Gòtic and El Born but for the more traditional atmospheric bars head to the cobbled streets of El Raval. Places to Visit Casa Milà Located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia is Casa Milà, a building designed by Antoni Gaudí and better known as La Pedrera (the Stone Quarry). This unique and magnificent building has the appearance of a cliff face sculpted by the waves and wind. The balconies look like caves and their ralings represent seaweed whilst the roof architecture is famous for its extroadinary and colourful chimneys as well as the fantastic view over the city. An apartment on the 4th floor re-creates the style of the interior of the time the building was completed and is open to the public daily. Park Güell page 1 / 7
One of Antoni Gaudí s masterpieces, Park Güell sits atop the hill of el Carmell in the district of Gràcia with stunning views over the city and its beaches. Designed and built by the famous Catalan architect between 1900 and 1914 the park is a magnificent example of architecture combined with nature. With wonderful surprises around every corner visitors to the park can also pay to look around Gaudí s house which contains pieces of furniture designed by the artist. Museu Nacional d' Art de Catalunya With the finest examples of Catalonian art in the country a visit to the Museu Nacional d Art de Catalunya is a must. The grand Palau Nacional (Grand Palace) was built temporarily to house the 1929 World Exhibition; however the building has remained and now houses the collection which dates back to medieval times. Church frescoes and furniture designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí can all be found here with the highlight being the collection of Romanesque art. La Sagrada Familia The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a huge Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudí. It has been under construction since 1882 and is not due to be completed until 2026, although parts of the church are now open to the public. The intricate design of the towering building has made it one of Barcelona s most famous landmarks and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambla De Mar At the heart of Barcelona is the Plaça de Catalunya, a busy square where several of the city s most important streets converge. Featuring a large fountain as well as sculptures and mosaics the square is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. La Rambla begins at the Plaça de Catalunya and it is also the gateway into the l Eixample district of the city making it a great starting point for exploring. Regular Events January - Three Kings Parade Christmas is celebrated later in Barcelona than anywhere else in Europe with the Three Kings Parade on January 5th. Arriving by boat, the Three Wise Men tour around the city giving out sweets to children. January 6th is the traditional present giving day in Barcelona. February - Carnival A massive carnival is held in Barcelona just before the traditional Lenten fast to celebrate and indulge in what is to become forbidden. This colourful event involves a procession of floats, fantastic food and a funeral at its climax to bury the king of the carnival! March - Pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir Every March hundreds of people follow the pilgrimage to the shrine of Sant Medir during the Festes de Sant Medir de Gracia. The procession of ornately adorned carriages and riders celebrates the patron saint of fava beans by throwing sweets out into the crowds. April - The anniversary of Sant Jordi page 2 / 7
The anniversary of Sant Jordi (St George), the patron saint of Catalonia falls on April 23rd. A long celebrated holiday in Barcelona, it is tradition for men to give their lady a rose whilst receiving a book in return. More romantic than Valentines Day, the streets are filled with lovers of all ages. May - Celebration of written verse Every May for one week the city of Barcelona covers its public spaces, trains and buses with poetry in a celebration of written verse. Poetry readings, lectures and workshops are all available to the public during this week. June - Corpus Christi On the 3rd of June Barcelona holds festivities for Corpus Christi when the city s fountains are decorated with beautiful flowers and empty egg shells dance on the water jets. The festivities culminate with a parade of unusual big-headed carnival figures. July - European Balloon Festival In the town of Igualada, about an hour outside of Barcelona, the annual European Balloon Festival is held. Thousands of people come each year to see the brightly coloured balloons lift up into the sky. August - Feast of the Assumption A week long street party is held in the Gràcia district to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Live music, theatre and dance productions are put on and the streets are specially decorated in bold colours and floral designs. September - La Mercè Festival La Mercè Festival held annually honours Barcelona s patroness: La Mercè (Virgin of Mercy). A fantastic celebration of Catalan culture the festival hosts street parties, concerts and competitions to build the tallest human towers. October - Kosmopolis The biennial Kosmopolis is a literature festival open to all genres. The week long event is packed with readings, lectures and exhibitions. Kosmopolis is held around a central theme with the most recent being global crisis. November - Jazz Festival Held in fifteen of the city s finest musical venues the Barcelona International Jazz Festival is a key date in the international jazz circuit. Attracting world renowned artists and musicians, the festival hosts over 70 concerts all open to the public. December - Copa Nadal de natació For the last 91 years the Copa Nadal de natació (Christmas Swimming Cup) has been held at the Port of Barcelona. Up to 300 swimmers take a plunge into the freezing waters to swim the 200 meter race. page 3 / 7
Getting Around Barcelona Bus Turístic A hop-on hop-off bus service, the Barcelona Bus Turístic is a fantastic way of exploring the city and taking in the sights. There are three different routes servicing different parts of the city and 44 stops at places of interest. Passengers can get on and off as many times as they like with tickets valid for either one or two consecutive days. Barcelona Card Like many other European cities, Barcelona offers visitors a city card that provides a number of discounts as well as free or discounted entry into major tourist attractions. As well as this it also gives the holder free use of the public transport network of buses, metro, trains and trams. Available to purchase online or from Tourist Information outlets the card is valid from 2 to 5 consecutive days and costs up to 39.60. Bike The huge size of the city makes it difficult to see on foot but if you d rather be outside than on a bus or train, why not hire a bike? With many companies offering bike hire for tourists it is a cheap way to see the sights. Barcelona has a fully integrated network of cycle lanes and with many parks and outdoor spaces in the city it is a safe and relaxing mode of transport. Bus The bus system in Barcelona is extensive and services travel from the city centre out to the most far reaching suburbs. Route maps can be tricky to understand but with buses running later than metro trains, they are a good way of getting around if travelling later at night. Metro Barcelona s underground train network is extremely comprehensive and efficient. The six colour coded lines cover much of the city and run at regular intervals until midnight on weekdays, 2 am on Fridays and all night on Saturdays. Taxi 11,000 black and yellow taxis service Barcelona so it is always easy to find one. They can be pre-booked, hailed in the street or found at several taxi ranks around the city. It is a legal requirement for taxis to be metered, and they can charge supplements for airport transfers, luggage and night journeys. Tickets The cheapest way to travel on the Barcelona public transport system, if not buying a Barcelona Card is by purchasing is to buy a multi-person 10 ride ticket. These can be purchased from machines and helpdesks in the metro stations. If you are planning on using the network more regularly a great way to save money is to buy a pass, valid from 1 to 5 days that gives unlimited travel on all forms of transport, these can be purchased in the same manner as multi-person tickets. page 4 / 7
Local Services Apartments Biz Flats SL bizflats Barcelona specialises in finding exclusive apartments, lofts or villas for short term stays in Barcelona. bizflats has extensive experience with both private and corporate clients and can offer apartments in central and accessible locations in Barcelona. The focus is on quality of interiors and furnishings, fully equipped properties with modern technology, and last but not least, providing apartments that offer peace and quiet in the heart of Barcelona. The bizflats team personally approves and monitors all properties to ensure high standards in all aspects and at all times. Address: Plaça Catalunya, 9, first floor 08002 Barcelona Tel: +34 93 4925721 Email: jaume@bizflats.com Web: www.bizflats.com City Tours Barcelona Guide Bureau Barcelona Guide Bureau (BGB) is a travel agency specialized in all kinds of guided tours around Barcelona and Catalonia. Our performance stems from our proximity, experience, seriousness and flexibility, which allow us to organize customized tours and events to suit our clients and meet their expectations. Founded in 1990, BGB is exclusively dedicated to contracting and providing all the services needed to enjoy a guided tour. BGB guides play an important role in meeting the expectations of our clients. We show the most interesting and attractive aspects of the city of Barcelona, adapting the tour and the explanations to the type of visitor, taking into account their characteristics and expectations. Barcelona Daily Sightseeing Tours: Regular tours individual clients and small groups can join; tours given only in English; guaranteed departures daily from Plaça Catalunya. Itineraries: The Gaudí Tour, All Barcelona Highlights Tour, The Montjuic & Panoramic Tour, The Montserrat Tour. Buy online at www.barcelonaguidebureau.com Address: Via Laietana, 54, 3-4 08003 Barcelona, Spain Tel: +34 933 152 261 Email: wizz@barcelonaguidebureau.com Web: www.barcelonaguidebureau.com Via Vespa Discover Barcelona in style, driving the best of all scooters a Vespa. It's no coincidence that Barcelona is the European city with the largest number of motorcycles, in proportion to its population. The size of the city together with its Mediterranean climate makes a scooter simply the best way to get around, avoiding traffic and parking problems. page 5 / 7
We offer you the possibility to enjoy the Catalan Capital driving a Vespa, the most elegant of all scooters. Go from the beach to the hills, dive into the city centre, find your way through the charming little streets of the old neighbourhoods and discover some of Barcelona s most hidden secrets. We want to show you the real Barcelona, much more than the typical tourist circuit. In Via-Vespa we have a fleet of new and automatic Italian Vespa s LX 50, you can rent them and we offer several guided Tours, like the Montjuïc, Tibidabo or Architectural Tour. We also create any customized arrangement for you or your company according to your needs and wishes. Our guides speak Spanish, English, Dutch, French, German or Italian. Address: Via Vespa C/ Princesa, 56-08003 Barcelona Tel: +34 93 319 67 54 Email: barcelona@via-vespa.com Web: www.via-vespa.com Consultants JSC International Service Centre Profile coming soon. Address: Balmes 152 30 2 08008 Barcelona Tel: +34932384111 Email: cbufala@servicentre.es Web: www.servicentre.es Dentists Tingsvall & McCarthy Tingsvall & McCarthy was established over 10 years ago. It is the union of 2 professionals who met in Spain. One is a New Yorker and the other a Swede, from Stockholm. We both share the English language. We are serving in Barcelona, the majority are Ex-pats who speak English although we also speak fluid Spanish, and Swedish and some French, German and Catalan. We are treating our patients with utmost care, and special attention, to details. Specializing in Prevention and Education with enthusiasm to motivate people. The Dental Hygienist is now working with all natural, bio-organic products, totally chemical free. The dentist is trained in Sweden and treat people with authenticity and Integrity to alleviate people s fears and anxiety. We are located in an area in Barcelona that is peaceful and tranquil, which fits in with our philosophy which is making people feel comfortable because we care! Address: Castellnou 47, Bajos 08017 Barcelona Tel: 636-312-522 Email: tingsvall_mccarthy@hotmail.com Web: www.tingsvall-mccarthy.com Restaurants Quo Vadis It was founded in 1956 since then the restaurant has been a point of gastronomic reference on the Ramblas and their proximities.today is run page 6 / 7
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) WIZZ Guides by the second generation, the Forcada brothers and the inestimable collaboration of the chef Josep Mª Llach. Despite the generation change the sstyle of Quo Vadis,a warm,atmospheric restaurant,is still the same,since its menu is based on the classicim of haute cuisine and a constant search for the best quality raw materials,making no concessions to avant-garde fashions.the formula obviously continues to be a successful one,since the restaurantis invariably full,the lunchtime clientele consisting mostly of businessmen while in the evening the more cosmopolitan denizens of downtown Barcelona predominate. A further attraction is the well-stocked and varied wine cellar,offering over one hundred different types of Rioja,including some unique vintages,and the whole range of Catalan reds,whites and rosés as well as a selection of cavas,champagnes and brandies. It seems that time has stood still for this timber-clad classic with dining rooms on two floors.it retains all its former elegance and a savoir faire immune to changing fashions.after all the haute cuisine of the turn of the century is the haute cuisine of all time. Address: Quo Vadis C/ Carme, 7 08001 Barcelona Tel: 34-933024072 Email: info@restaurantquovadis.com Web: eng.restaurantquovadis.com page 7 / 7