Travel Tips | Barcelona (Eng.)

Page 1

TRAVEL TIPS

BARCELONA

OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER



OVERVIEW Located between mountains and the

other great works by the famous architect,

Mediterranean Sea, the city of Barcelona offers

such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and Park Güell.

a variety of art, culture and fine cuisine. Most of the tourist attractions in this bustling, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and

monumental city can be reached on foot or by

its main neighborhoods are: Raval, Born,

bike or subway.

Eixample, Gràcia, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), and Barceloneta.

Of the many beaches in the area, Barceloneta is the city’s busiest, attracting thousands of

The city is famous for its architecture that

visitors in the summer.

features a mix of modern and classical art, as well as bars and a lively nightlife.

Situated on the Spanish coast, Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and

Antoni Gaudí’s Basilica of the Holy Family

mild winters. Its climate is very humid and is

(Sagrada Família) is one of Barcelona’s main,

pleasant year round.

and most visited, attractions. The city boasts


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA

In the summers temperatures rise with

One of the typical events in the region in April

highs of around 32°C in August. Winters in

is the celebration commemorating Sant Jordi

Barcelona are milder than in inland Spain,

(Saint George), the patron saint of Catalonia,

with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 14°C.

when the city is decked out in red and gold.

The warmest months of the year are August, September and October, when the sultry weather brings frequent storms. Barcelona is a year-round holiday resort that can be visited in any season. However, the most pleasant time of the year is the spring (March to June), when temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C. The busiest months in Barcelona are July,

The Sónar music and arts festival also attracts thousands of visitors to Barcelona in June of each year. Explore Barcelona and enjoy its charm. It is a destination with an array of art, natural beauty, history, a pleasant climate, excellent cuisine, and it offers unforgettable experiences. Grand Turk and Salt Cay islands boast a unique charm and are two of the best places for

August and September. This is the season

diving. This is an ideal place to relax. Grand

chosen by many visitors from across Europe

Turk is also a stop-off point for cruise ships.

and other parts of the world. It’s the perfect time of the year for people who enjoy warm

Enjoy the charm of the Turks and Caicos Islands,

weather and hustle and bustle.

a destination with outstanding natural beauty,

Barcelona is a charming city in any season,

quality services and unforgettable experiences.

history, water sports, a pleasant climate, high

even in winter, when the temperature ranges from 5°C to 14°C and the days are sunny.

TRANSPORT Barcelona has an excellent public transport system for exploring the various areas of the city, as well as other options for getting around. The most popular options are bikes, the subway, buses, trams and taxis. TMB, the local public transport network in Barcelona, is responsible for the buses, subway, commuter trains and trams.


BIKES

operator FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de

The municipal council encourages cycling as a

Catalunya). The Barcelona subway has 11 lines,

mode of transport and bikes share the streets

each identified by the letter L and a number

with cars, motorbikes and pedestrians. You can

and color. Most of them cover all the tourist

go for a bike ride at the beaches and around

sites, and the information panels are easy to

the tourist sites. Barcelonans often use bikes

understand and perfectly signposted.

not just as a sport or leisure activity but to commute to work.

SUBWAY

The lines operate from 5 am until midnight Mondays to Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays. On Fridays and the eve of public

The Barcelona subway is a rapid transport

holidays the subway is open from 5am until

system and the best way to get around the

2am; on Saturdays it opens at 5am and

city. The main lines are operated by the

operates all night.

city’s transport company TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), and the other lines are operated by the Catalan railway


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA

BUSES Buses in Barcelona, operated by TMB, are also a good option. Passengers can buy a single, weekly or monthly ticket for use on buses, the subway or trams. At night, when the subway is closed, the city offers a night bus service on special routes starting at Plaça de Catalunya.

TRAMS The city’s transport company (TMB) operates the six tram lines. Tram service is modern and fast, and is an ideal option for getting around the city. The tram is integrated into Barcelona’s transport network. Trams can therefore be used as one more mode of transport for no extra charge.

“TRAMVIA BLAU” It’s a charming blue tourist tram that runs from Avinguda Tibidabo station, on the L7 subway line, to the Tibidabo Funicular. It is one of the few modes of public transport in the city that

ATTRACTIONS

is not integrated into the Barcelona transport network. A single ticket is needed for the tram.

TAXIS

Get ready to discover the wonderful beaches and attractions that Barcelona has to offer visitors.

Barcelona has a fleet of over 11,000 taxis, so it is very easy to find one on the city’s streets.

Enjoy the pleasant weather at Barceloneta

Cabs are yellow and black and have a light

beach, ride a bike, go for a walk, and take in the

on the roof to indicate if they are free or not.

stunning sights at Park Güell and the impressive

Fares vary according to the time of day or

architecture of the Holy Family Church.

night, and an extra fee is charged for each item of luggage stowed in the trunk.

CAR Renting a car is not recommended because of frequent congestion and difficulties finding

Visit the city’s museums, go shopping, discover the beach-side restaurants or, if you prefer, go dancing at a trendy club. Barcelona is a city that appeals to visitors of all ages.

parking on the city’s streets. However, for

THE SAGRADA FAMÍLIA

visitors planning trips to towns near Barcelona,

The stunning Sagrada Família church is an

renting a car is a good option.

unfinished construction by Antoni Gaudí, a


must-see attraction that stirs the imagination

Work on the Sagrada Família is scheduled to

of all its visitors.The architectural project was

finalize in around 2030, but a more precise date

started by Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883

has not been set.

it was taken over by Gaudí, who managed the construction work until his death in 1926.

LAS RAMBLAS

The Management of the project was then

Located in the heart of the city, Las Ramblas

transferred to his loyal assistants Domènec

is a long avenue full of bars, restaurants,

Sugrañes and, subsequently, Jordi Bonet

bookshops, florists and a variety of stores. This

Armengol, who always remained faithful to

is a very busy area where you can go for a

Gaudí’s original idea.

pleasant walk from Plaça de Catalunya to the statue of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer

It is the most unconventional church in Europe,

of America. Street performers can also be seen

with façades in various architectural styles and

showing off their skills all around.

spiral staircases. Its three main façades, called Nativity, Passion and Glory, were designed

PARK GÜELL

with features closely related to the nature,

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is one of

people and culture of Catalonia.

the main attractions in Barcelona. It features


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA

impressive architecture, with benches, walls

club’s trophies and other memorabilia relating

and squares in sinuous, colorful designs. Its

to Barça’s history. The second part is a tour of

physical structure includes a central square with

Camp Nou, to see the playing field, press boxes

serpentine benches made of mosaic tiles, and

and dressing rooms. The third is a visit to the

a building with various Doric columns. It also

multimedia area lined with interactive screens

provides a beautiful hilltop view of Barcelona.

for following the games in the stadium.

The combination of architecture and nature

PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA

transforms Park Güell into a magical

This is the most elegant street in Barcelona. It

monument that charms all of its visitors. It was

boasts many stores selling international brands

declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

and a variety of buildings, including the famous Casa Battló and Casa Milà.

The multicolor dragon made of mosaic tiles located on the entrance stairway has become

LA PEDRERA (CASA MILÀ)

one of the park’s symbols.

Built, in 1906, La Pedrera, also known as Casa

MONTJUÏC PARK Located at the top of a hill, Montjuïc Park

Milà, was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and was very advanced for its time.

is home to a large number of landmarks, including the Joan Miró Foundation, the Spanish

La Pedrera is a house with three façades joined

village (Poble Espanyol) and the National Art

together as if they were one by a curved

Museum of Catalonia.

CIUTADELLA PARK This is one of the largest parks in Barcelona, offering a variety of attractions relating to nature, entertainment and culture. It features a lake and beautiful gardens. It is also home to the city’s zoo.

CAMP NOU Located in the Les Corts residential area, FC Barcelona’s stadium is a must-see place for international football fans. Since it was founded in 1899, “Barça” has become a major symbol for the city of Barcelona and Catalonia. The Camp Nou Experience consists of three separate parts. The first is a visit to the FCB Museum, which includes an exhibition of the


structure, forming an eye-catching sight with

created as a tribute to the music and history

abstract and sculptural details. It has a fantastic

of Catalonia at the beginning of the twentieth

terrace that stands out as a veritable garden of

century. It features a stained glass skylight,

sculptures, art and beauty.

sculptures, mosaics and columns with unique

CASA BATTLÓ One of Gaudí’s last projects, it was built

decorative details. The sculptures of the arch over the main stage represent classical art and Catalan popular music.

between 1904 and 1906. This veritable masterpiece brings imagination and fantasy

The Palau was declared a UNESCO World Heritage

to the heart of Barcelona. The original building

Site in 1997. Guided tours of the Palau take place

was redesigned by the Catalan architect,

every 30 minutes in several languages. Visitors

combining colors, lights and minute details in

enter from the Plaça del Palau.

its interior and on its façade. Each item of the building was created with various materials

GOTHIC CATHEDRAL

and forms, to create an amazing shape that

Located in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic),

surprises all its visitors.

Barcelona’s cathedral boasts an incredible

PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA The Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de La Música Catalana) was designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner. It is a monument

architecture. Built on the site of a Roman temple, it contains 28 chapels. It unique architecture alone makes a visit worthwhile.


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA

JOAN MIRÓ FOUNDATION

The light and sound show consists of more

Located in Montjuïc Park, the Joan Miró

than 50 dazzling movements made by the

Foundation is a museum of modern art offering

water jets combined with a multicolored light

an exhibition full of paintings, tapestries and

display.

drawings by the visual artist Joan Miró.

BARCELONETA

Thousands of Miró’s works can be found

This neighborhood reflects the character of

scattered around the city, bearing witness to his

the city’s fishing village. The Barceloneta

unique, elegant style based on primary colors.

area offers a wide range of attractions, fish

PICASSO MUSEUM

restaurants, and the most popular beach in the European summer.

The Picasso Museum, which opened in 1963, houses a collection of fantastic works by the painter in five medieval palaces. One of the most important parts of the tour

WHERE TO STAY

is the “Las Meninas” collection, based on the masterpiece by Diego de Velázquez that became

Spain’s leading industrial city, Barcelona is

a source of inspiration for Picasso’s studies.

divided into ten districts. It offers a wide

MAGIC FOUNTAIN

range of accommodation options. The local inhabitants refer to their particular

Located on Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina,

neighborhood as their “barri”. The city has a

near Montjuïc Park, theMagic Fountain (Font

range of hotels, hostels and apartments for

Màgica) attracts visitors of all ages.

seasonal rentals. The best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona are: Raval, Born and Eixample. The Gothic Quarter is a good option for backpackers looking for hustle and bustle all hours of the day and night. Another very pleasant neighborhood is Barceloneta, and the areas close to Sants station, Diagonal, Passeig de Gràcia, and Las Ramblas, which offer many options and are all in the vicinity of bars and restaurants. Barcelona has a mixture of old and modern design, as well as hotels suited to any taste.


If you plan to rent an apartment, try Born where many buildings have been renovated for rental,

DINING OUT

or Eixample, which is a good option for visitors to experience the typical Barcelonan lifestyle.

Catalan cuisine reflects the diversity of Mediterranean culture with French, Arab,

One of the sophisticated, high-class hotels

Italian, and Greek influence. Barcelona is an

is the Mandarin Oriental.Another option for

ideal destination for eating well and something

those searching for comfort and luxury is the Hotel Majestic. As for young people looking for better value for their money and to make the most of their time in the city, the best option is to stay in a hostel close to the main attractions. Options include the Generator Hostel, with its modern infrastructure, and the Kabul Backpackers Hostel, which is one of the most popular in Barcelona.

of everything. Its typical dishes are based on seafood selected at the best times of the year. Visitors have a huge variety of special dishes to choose from, including symbols of Spanish cuisine such as “tapas”, black rice, and tempting desserts such as the local crême brûlée (“crema catalana”), and the egg yolk and sugar dessert “tocino de cielo.”


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA


From simple establishments to first class restaurants where you need to book in advance, Barcelona leaves nothing to be desired. Some options for enjoying the best the city has to offer are:

CON GRACIA At this restaurant with Spanish, contemporary, international and fusion cuisine, chef Paul Treacy offers guests three dinner tasting menus using Mediterranean ingredients with subtle Asian influences. An ideal place for special occasions, a romantic dinner or lunch with friends (Martinez de la Rosa 8, 08012 Barcelona, Spain).

CERA 23 Serving Mediterranean, Spanish and fusion food, Cera 23 is a good choice for local cuisine. Located in El Rayal neighborhood, this is the project of three young people from Galicia who created a space consisting of a bar and a dining room. It has a homely, cozy atmosphere with a menu featuring excellent dishes with

SHOPPING

Mediterranean and Italian influence for a reasonable price (Carrer de la Cera, 23 | El Raval, 08001 Barcelona, Spain).

RESTAURANT MONTINEL

The best shopping options in Barcelona are the malls, shopping centers and street stores. A variety of stores can be found along the main

Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. With

streets of the city, which attract more shoppers

a charming atmosphere, this comfortable,

than do the large malls, which are best left for

romantic restaurant stands out for the

rainy or excessively hot days.

quality of its ingredients. It is a place where wine and art are also present (C/ Flassaders 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain /Sant Pere Santa Caterina i la Ribera).

ARENAS DE BARCELONA SHOPPING MALL Standing near Montju誰c Park, Arenas de Barcelona shopping mall is a spectacular


DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BARCELONA

building. This former bullring was converted into

shopping mall contains over 230 top-brand

a shopping mall after major renovation work

stores, cinemas, bars and restaurants.

which raised the structure of the sand arena.

L’ILLA DIAGONAL

MAREMÀGNUM

Considered Barcelona’s most chic shopping

The smallest mall in Barcelona, Maremàgnum

mall, L’Illa Diagonal has 170 famous brand

attracts thousands of tourists due to its location

stores and a few restaurants.

in Port Vell, the old port of Barcelona. It provides a beautiful view of the city and contains stores, bars, restaurants, cinemas, an aquarium and a miniature golf course on the top floor.

DIAGONAL MAR

LA MAQUINISTA This is Barcelona’s largest shopping mall, with over 225 stores selling all the top brands. The drawback is that it is far from the subway station and can be reached only by bus or car.

Located at the end of Avinguda Diagonal, Diagonal Mar is the newest and most modern

The best shopping areas in the center of

mall in Barcelona, with over 250 stores,

Barcelona are near Passeio de Gràcia, in the

cinemas, a play area for children and a public

streets of the Gothic Quarter, such as Carrer

area with sea views.

de la Portaferrissa, Carrer de la Boqueria, and

LES GLÒRIES Located on Avinguda Diagonal, Les Glòries

Carrer de Ferran, and the area surrounding Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol.


Portal de l’ Angel, near Plaça de Catalunya,

In Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol musicians, fortune-

offers a large number of stores selling the most

tellers and painters abound. There are several

exclusive brands of clothing and accessories.

clothing and craft stores to choose from.

Avinguda Diagonal, one of the major avenues

CURRENCY

in Barcelona, offers visitors a wide range of

The currency used in Barcelona, as in rest of

international brands.

Spain and most of Europe, is the euro (€).

STREET MARKETS The street markets in Barcelona sell all kinds

There are 7 euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, and 8 coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros.

of books, postcards, vinyl records, knickknacks and antiques we can find throughout the city

Various ATMs can be found in the region,

in small fairs.

identified with the initials “MB” (“Multibanco”). Most establishments accept credit and debit

Located on Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market

cards (Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Diners Club,

boasts a rich history and an amazing range of

and Euro-Cheque).

fruit, vegetables, fish and much more. It also offers food and cooking courses for anyone

Stores in Spain require an original ID for credit

interested in learning about the variety of

card payments, and will not divide purchases

dishes from the region.

for credit card purchases.

The Plaça de Sant Josep market offers a variety

Traveler’s checks are not recommended

of pieces of art.

because of the high currency exchange fees.

Located in Plaça de les Glories Catalanes, Encants Barcelona is one of the oldest markets in Europe. It is also one of the largest flea markets in Barcelona. Sant Antoni Market is a cultural crafts fair held on Sundays in the Sant Antoni quarter, located in Eixample district. La Concepcion Market is a flower market bursting with color and delightful aromas. You can find various types of flowers here originating from Europe.


IMPORTANT NUMBERS

112 061 080 091 062 092

EMERGENCIES IN GENERAL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES FIRE DEPARTMENT NATIONAL POLICE CIVIL GUARD SAMUR – CIVIL PROTECTION

VALL D’HEBRON GENERAL HOSPITAL

932 746 100 CLÍNIC PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL

932 275 400 SANTA CREU I SANT PAU HOSPITAL

932 919 000 HOSPITAL DEL MAR

932 483 000 SANT JOAN DE DÉU HOSPITAL

932 532 100




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.