Barcelona
Overview
Spain is a land of many cultures, communities, dialects and languages. One of the most important is Catalunya with Barcelona as its capital. The land of the Catalans where they speak their own Catalan language stretches from The Pyrenees to the River Ebro and from the Mediterranean Sea to the old Kingdom of Aragon.
Barcelona and Catalunya are steeped in history and culture. They have seen the passing of so many peoples and cultures: The Visigoths, The Gauls, The Romans, The Greeks, The Arabs, The French, The pilgrims walking to Santiago and in modern times, the millions of visitors and holiday-makers.
The city’s two thousand year history has left its mark in its architectural, artistic and cultural heritage. Its excellent international communications, its Mediterranean climate and its cosmopolitan atmosphere make it a popular destination among people of all ages.
Barcelona is in a privileged position on the north-eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It is also the capital of Catalunya, one of the seventeen Autonomous Communities that make up Spain.
Barcelona is the native city of artists such as Joan Miró and Antonio Tapies, and has been a home to other great artists such as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Antonio Gaudi and to writers and poets, amongst whom, one of the greatest was Federico Llorca.
Their work and their contribution to the arts stand-out in the city. They, along with other renowned artists, have turned Barcelona into one of Europe´s most artistically interesting cities.
The City of Barcelona has its own coastline of fine beaches stretching for more than four kilometres. The restoration of the Barcelona Seafront has been one of the most important changes in the city in recent times.
Today, the beaches are the largest and most popular leisure spaces of the urban landscape and offer much to do, day and night.
Geography
Barcelona is located in the Catalonia Region on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea. It is limited in the west by the Sierra de Collserola.
Demography
Barcelona has an average annual temperature of 17 degrees celsius. The mild weather and sunshine has definitively contributed to Barcelona's popularity and it has placed this city as one of the most visited in Europe.
Climate
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild and dry winters, warm and humid summers.
In winter, temperatures rise up to 10 °C and in summer the average temperature is about 30 °C. January and February are the coldest months, July and August are the hottest.
Leisure
Barcelona has its main tourist sites and activities mainly concentrated in the city-centre, all at a walking distance from your hotel if it is well located. Interesting sites away from the centre are quite widely spread, but are easily accessible by public transport, such as the 'Bus Turistic' or the underground from the city-centre. So, finding a nice and well located hotel is a must in order to enjoy a charming stay in the city.
The City of Barcelona being the home to so many artists, writers and musicians, is always aware of its powerful cultural driving force and the museums, theatres and concert halls of Barcelona programme many different kinds of activities and offer attractive ways to discover their historic and contemporary collections, their literature and their music and dance.
The centre of Barcelona is made up of two different districts: Ciutat Vella, the old city district: with mainly narrow and quiet pedestrian streets; And Eixample, a rather new area with plenty of buildings in a modernist style. This is where the main shopping district of the city is located.
The Plaza Catalunya is the very heart of Barcelona. It is the meeting point between the very orderly streets of Eixample and the old and charming Ciutat Vella district with its narrow, haphazard and winding streets. Plaza Catalunya is also an important hub for the train and underground systems.
Passeig de Gracia has plenty of Gaudi and other beautifully decorated modernist buildings, along with the most important and elegant shopping areas of the city.
The Gothic quarter of Ciutat Vella is the oldest part of the district and of the whole city. You can find buildings from 15th and 16th centuries, including the Catalan Government, the Town Hall and Barcelona's Cathedral and several other churches.
It has became a very important tourist area, not only for its narrow streets and enchanting little squares, but also for the many and original shops, bars and restaurants. If you plan to come with your own car, forget this area and find somewhere to park, it is mainly pedestrian.
Shows, bars, discos, concerts, terraces and popular festivals are just a few of the choices that the city offers for enjoyment. Moreover, this cosmopolitan city offers a great nightlife.
Many people visit Barcelona for this reason. From pubs, bars and restaurants to dancing and nightclubs, Barcelona will satisfy the down to earth and the party people seeking fun. Barcelona is an enjoyable destination for visitors from all around the globe.
Useful Data
Currency
The Euro €, but other currencies may be taken and will be exchanged in banks.
Language
Catalan and Spanish are the native languages, but you will find that lots of people in Barcelona and the nearby Costa Brava will speak English.
Emergencies
You should dial: 112, the national emergency number for Ambulance, Fire and Police, in the event of an emergency. This service is free of charge.
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