Barcelona Essentials

Barcelona Essentials

Currency Euro Flight Time UK 2 Hour 40 mins Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language Spanish, Catalan Voltage 220 V (European two-pin plugs)

Tourist Attractions

The city has a host of attractions and neighbourhoods to explore, and there is plenty to keep visitors busy, whatever their interests. Many of the museums and galleries open their doors from 9am until 6pm daily, with later opening times often until 8pm between April and September.

Opening Hours

Local shops are generally open from 9.30 am to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 8 pm from Monday to Saturday, with many closed on Sunday. Large department stores and shopping centres remain open all day often until 9pm. Pubs and bars are open for business from lunchtime until midnight, with an increasing number staying open well into the early hours. Bank operating hours are generally from 8.30 am until 2.30 pm Monday to Friday.

Food & Drink

Local cuisine offers a number of traditional Mediterranean tastes, often with a more exotic twist. One of its many seafood specialities include Zarzuela - made with cuttlefish, prawn and mussels, or the hearty dish of La Escudella, a stew comprising noodles rice potatoes and various vegetables. Dessert lovers will relish the traditional Crema Catalana, which is a custard base, topped with fresh fruit and caramelized sugar. Menjar Blanc, an almond milk pudding, is also a popular choice.

Tipping & Etiquette

Manners and etiquette is an important part of Spanish culture, and visitors will always be greeted with a polite hello when entering a shop or restaurant. While not compulsory, tipping is expected in bars, restaurants and taxis, even for a modest amount, and there will be added service charges on the final bill during a hotel stay or a restaurant meal.

Useful Numbers In Barcelona

• Calling the UK from Barcelona – 0044 + area code minus zero + number • Police – 112 • Ambulance – 112 • Fire – 112

Disabled Access

Barcelona is, in general, a wheelchair-friendly city, with low ramp access on public transport, and a high proportion of disabled parking spaces. Most major attractions and department stores offer access ramps or lifts, and city streets are usually wide and well paved. Only a relatively small percentage of city hotels offer purpose built wheelchair-friendly accommodation.

Spanish Embassies

• GB Embassy - British Consulate General Avenida Diagonal 477, 08036 Barcelona. 
Telephone: (34) 933 666 200 • Spain Embassy - 39 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8SB Telephone: 020 7235 5555

Weather

Barcelona enjoys lovely weather all year round, with warm sunny summers and mild winters. The city experiences less severe weather conditions that other Spanish cities, such as Seville and Madrid, and sees an average daytime temperature of 16C. Summer weather can be hot, with highs of up to 28C, but the coastal breezes serve to temper the heat, and plenty of locals tend to vacate the city in the peak season month of August, and the atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed. Spring and autumn months are recommended, with pleasant high temperatures and up to 7 hours of sunshine each day. Winters are mild with average highs of around 12C, and the weather is excellent for sightseeing.