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BARCELONA ALL YOU NEED TO ENJOY THE CITY AS A LOCAL

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BARCELONA

LIKE A JEWEL IN THE SUN Barcelona!

It is not only the tittle of maybe the most operatic song by Freddy Mercury (featured at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and to remember the beloved Bohemian Rhapsody singer) but it is also the capital and largest city of Catalonia region, in Spain (TBC) The name Barcelona comes from the ancient Iberian ¨Barkeno¨ (Latin ¨Barcino¨), as the city has an ancient heritage as Mediterranean port. Trade impregnated the city identity, making it prosperous as well as open to exchanges and new trends. Thanks to it, Barcelona is nowadays a culture crucible, lively city that shines as a tourism destination.

WELCOME TO BARCELONA

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS

TRICK OR TREAT?

Your trip to Barcelona, improved

BCN

STREETS

Sometimes, Barcelona's name is wrongly abbreviated as 'Barça'.

However, this name refers only to FC Barcelona, the famous local football club.

Most of the city is organised in grid-like blocks, except the old medieval city (Ciutat Vella, Barrio Gótico, Raval, Borne).

Cerdà was the guy responsible for this structured city planning, in the XIX century. He is the founding father of modern Barcelona urban city planning.

The common abbreviated form used by locals is Barna. Another common abbreviation is 'BCN', which is also the IATA airport code of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

GOOGLE MAPS Google Maps works extremely well in Barcelona and it is the easiest way to get directions.

Google is also using historical parking data and machine-learning intelligence to include parking difficulty icons in the city, among other Easter Eggs (for example, 3D images of Sagrada Familia and PacMan for Google Maps!)

Usually, horizontal streets are named as Places (Provenca, Mallorca,...) while vertical (Mountain to sea) are named as People (Sant Joan).

BEUTY INSIDE Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is by far the most visited attraction in the city. To avoid queues, you need to book tickets in advance online! Sunset is the best time to visit Sagrada Familia interior, as the light is mesmerising.

For an extra mind-blowing moment, go to the Crypt, in the basement. There you can admire Gaudi´s string models and plans. It is a genius lesson on design and architecture!

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS

WOULD YOU ACCEPT THIS ROSE?

JORDI Roses, books and lovers: Sant Jordi is Catalunya's version of Valentine's day. It is inspired by the legend of Saint George on 23rd April (dragons involved!) and it is also World Book Day. Traditionally men give women roses and women give men books (anyway, the order/gender is not important nowadays). On this picturesque day, the streets of Barcelona are filled with stalls selling books and couples walking hand in hand clutching roses.

Based on real events

MUSIC Barcelona is one of Europe’s most epic festival cities - and not just because you can party on the Mediterranean coastline. Nothing symbolises Barcelona’s summertime like its music festivals. Primavera Sound (June) sets up at Barcelona's Parc del Forum with massive indie and rock names, Sónar (July) is one of the most celebrated electronic and alternative music festivals worldwide, but there are many more.

CALÇOTS

BARRIS

In Barcelona having a barbecue isn't limited to the summer months. From January until April you can join the locals for a traditional Calçotada, a whole event in Catalonia.

Barcelona is divided into 10 districts and in 2009, the city started using a new division of 73 neighbourhoods, AKA Barris.

Calçots (similar to onions) are grilled and usually dipped in a sauce prepared exclusively for this ritual: Romesco sauce. Its ingredients are very simple: fresh tomato, pepper, hazelnuts and garlic. But is DELICIOUS.

You’ll hear locals talking excitedly about something called ¨festa major.¨ Throughout the year, the city’s different Barris take turn hosting their own version of the festa major. It is 1/4 part street party, 1/4 neighbourhood gettogether, 1/4 rock concert, and 1/4 arts and craft fair. With drinks and food.

Lots of them.

Attention! The calçots season only goes from the end of winter to the beginning of spring.

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS

SUPER TRAM

ESTRELLA Estrella Damm brewery was founded in 1876 and Estrella (Star) is the most popular beer in the city. The old Damm factory building (515 Rosselló street, relatively close to Sagrada Familia), is mainly used for hosting concerts and music festivals nowadays.

22@ 22@, also known as Districte de la innovació is the name given to an urban renewal area. Located in Barcelona's formerly industrial area of Poblenou (nicknamed "the Catalan Manchester"), it is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the world and hosts co-working and research spaces, start-ups and international businesses.

Do as a local (but not literally*)

FUET Fuet is a thin, delicious cured sausage made of pork meat. Also from the fuet family, the butifarra is one of the most typical of Catalan dishes. It is made similarly to fuet, but using pig’s parts. La Botifarreria (Carrer de Santa Maria, 4, in Sant Gervasi) it is one of the places where find this tasty and appreciated sausages.

BICING Barcelona's city bike system is called Bicing. It is only for residents of Barcelona.

Tourists can rent bikes by the hour or day from the many Barcelona bike rental shops. Every year bicycles become a more important part of Barcelona's public transport system.

*Famous architect Antoni GAUDI died after being crushed by a Tram. They are still working, but just in some smalls parts of the city.

Look both ways before crossing the street!

BARCELONA TRAVEL TIPS

FIND YOURSELF 10 DISTRICTS AND SOME OF THE BARRIOS/ BARRIS

1 Ciutat Vella (La Barceloneta, El Gòtic, El Raval, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera).

2 Eixample (Eixample, Fort Pienc, Sagrada Família, Sant Antoni).

3 Sants-Montjuïc (Poble-sec, Sants, SantsBadal, Montjuïc, Zona Franca - Port) 4 Les Corts (les Corts, la Maternitat i Sant Ramon, Pedralbes) 5 Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (El Putget i Farró, Sant Gervasi - Galvany, Vallvidrera, Tibidabo)

6 Gràcia (Vila de Gràcia, el Camp d'en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, la Salut, el Coll, Vallcarca i els Penitents) 7 Horta-Guinardó (El Baix Guinardó, El Guinardó, Can Baró, El Carmel, la Font d'en Fargues, Horta,...)

8 Nou Barris (Ciutat Meridiana, Porta, La Prosperitat, la Trinitat Nova, Verdum) 9 Sant Andreu 10 Sant Martí

BARCELONA EXPERIENCES

IMAGINATION UNLEASHED MODERNISME ARCHITECTURE

¨Modernisme, also known as Catalan modernism, is used to refer the city’s distinctive style of architecture and, in particular, the flamboyant creations of Antoni Gaudi.

Not so well known as Gaudi, Lluís Domènech i Montaner was a leading figure of Catalan Modernisme and brilliant architect.

But in fact Modernisme was a widescale movement across all of the arts, not just architecture. It coincided with the Catalan Renaissance taking place during the same period.

Catalan modernist architecture (related to the movement known as Art Nouveau in the rest of Europe) developed between 1885 and 1950 and left an important legacy in Barcelona.

Several of the Modernisme buildings are World Heritage Sites. Especially remarkable is the work of architect Antoni Gaudí, which can be seen throughout the city. His bestknown work is the immense but still unfinished church of the Sagrada Família, Park Guell or Casa Batlló and Casa Milá- La Pedrera, in Paseig de Gracia.

Other must-see monuments are the old Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, now UNESCO World Heritage, and The Gran Teatre del Liceu, or simply Liceu opera house. Both were designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. https://www.santpaubarcelona.org/en/vi sits-sant-pau-art-nouveau-site

BARCELONA EXPERIENCES

F&B EL NACIONAL Tucked inside a renovated former 19th-century factory near Passeig de Gràcia, this temple to gastronomy is housed in a breathtaking modernist building.

With several different high-quality restaurants and bars, you're bound to find something for you here. https://www.elnacionalbcn.com/en/

"El Nacional is the first area in Barcelona with different restaurants where you can try traditional recipes"

Gastronomy is a very important aspect of Barcelona’s cultural heritage.

RESTAURANTS Find a good selection here: https://www.eater.com/maps/bestrestaurants-barcelona-spain.

MARKETS La Boqueria is the most famous market in Barcelona. Located in the heart of the city (Las Ramblas). it is a struggling with tourists crowds sometimes. Anyway, Barcelona is well known for its markets.

There are so many options around the city! https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/a rticles/a-guide-to-barcelonas-famousfood-markets/

FOODIE TOUR https://thetasteofbarcelona.com/thetaste ofbarcelona-taste-tour

BARCELONA EXPERIENCES

MONTJUIC If you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the port, the sea and the city, the top of Montjuïc is the best option.

The panoramic views from the Mirador de l'Alcalde and Montjuïc Castle are truly spectacular, and you can get there easily from Paral·lel, on the funicular and cable car.

Montjuïc is also home to major attractions, including the Anella Olímpica, the Poble Espanyol and the Jardí Botànic (Botanical Gardens) and museums such as the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Besides, the park's green spaces and gardens are perfect to relax after the visit.

THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN The Font Màgica, or Magic Fountain, is the main feature of a complex of fountains, cascades and pools on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, the street running from the Palau Nacional to Plaça d'Espanya, around Montjuïc area.

The Montjuïc Magic Fountain has become one of Barcelona's most popular attractions and is where the "Piromusical" show is held.

As Barcelona's biggest ornamental fountain, the Magic Fountain offers a spectacular display of music, water acrobatics and lights which generate over 50 kinds of shades and hues.

Standing on a vantage point 173 metres above the port, Montjuïc Castle commands stunning views of the city

BARCELONA SURROUNDINGS

BARCELONA PROVINCE MONTSERRAT From the Catalan language meaning, “serrated mountain”, Montserrat is a stark contrast from the nearby metropolis of Barcelona.

The city of Barcelona is energetic, vibrant and outgoing.

Montserrat is relaxing, serene and introspective, one of the best day trips from Barcelona.

Montserrat means a lot of things to a lot of different people. To some it is a monastery, to some it is a natural park, to some it is a mountain and for others it is all of these things.

If you are a keen walker or climber, Montserrat is an excellent place to head.

In the hostals and towns around Montserrat you will spot lots of groups of walkers, climbers and cyclists who have come to the area to make the most of its unique terrain.

"There are two main areas of Montserrat where you can go climbing: Sant Salvador and Santa Magdalena."

The Montserrat monastery, situated atop the rock mountain, is popular among locals and pilgrims, that come from far and wide to see the Black Madonna.

Whatever the reason for coming to Montserrat, its unique beauty and vibe, will make the visit special.

BARCELONA SURROUNDINGS

LLEIDA PROVINCE PIRINEES The Pyrenees is a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between Spain and France.

VAL D'ARAN Located three and a half hours away from Barcelona, it offers stunning scenery, delightful villages, cultural heritage, and a variety of terrain to suit various sports.

Its station “Baqueira/Beret” is one of the most important skiing facilities in the Pirinees.

AIGUESTORTES NATIONAL PARK

VALL DE BOÍ

Catalonia’s national park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the Pyrenees: : lakes, streams, waterfalls, wild mountain peaks and leafy forests.

In the comarca of Alta Ribagorça, on the edges of the Pyrenees, this valley is known for its Early Romanesque churches and it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It is a paradise of pristine nature with abundant flora and fauna!

The valley also includes the highest ski resort in the Pyrenees,

BARCELONA SURROUNDINGS

TARRAGONA PROVINCE

COSTA DAURADA

ROMAN CULTURE

A strip of Mediterranean coastline, located southwest of Barcelona and known for its calm, shallow waters.

Tarragona province, just an hour south of Barcelona, features well-preserved Roman ruins, as well as the Costa Daurada, a beautiful destination combining cultural appeal with fabulous beaches.

Tarragona, the area’s main city, has the Roman Tarragona Amphitheatre and a 12th-century cathedral. Nearby is the Roman Pont del Diable aqueduct. The city of Reus hosts the Gaudí Centre, with exhibits on the famed architect’s work

SANT CARLES DE LA RÀPITA

REUS

The fishing town of Sant Carles de la Rapita has a privileged location at the edge of the Delta de l’Ebre, by the sea, set against a backdrop of mountains. Although in recent years it has become more developed, this town is still a gem, which exceptional food and surroundings.

Reus area has always been an important producer of wines and spirits, Nowadays it is known by its commercial activity, being a centre for rock-climbing and as the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí.

The city of Reus hosts the Gaudí Centre, with exhibits the famed architect’s work.

BARCELONA SURROUNDINGS

GIRONA PROVINCE GIRONA CITY Northern Catalonia’s largest city, Girona is wonderful city full of museums, galleries and Gothic churches, surrounded by cobbled lanes and medieval walls.

El Celler de Can Roca Girona is also home of El Celler de Can Roca, World's best restaurant in 2013 and 2015 (second position in the following years, including 2018) Game of Thrones Many GoT fans visit Girona, scenery for Game of Thrones's locations: Braavos, Oldtown and King's Landing (Girona Cathedral is the starting point of the famous walk of shame)

LA GARROTXA Garrotxa is a county known for its goat’s milk cheese and the Zona Volcànica, a huge natural park with many extinct volcanic cones. The area also features medieval towns including Santa Pau, built around a castle, and Besalú with a wellpreserved Romanesque bridge.

"Crossing the Alta Garrotxa, Itinerànnia is a network of trails connecting the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea" BESALU One of the most beautiful Medieval towns in Spain, rich and important in the early Middle Ages.

BARCELONA SURROUNDINGS

COSTA BRAVA The sun-kissed Costa Brava is a coastline lined with pine-edged coves, golden beaches, and crystal clear water.

Its beauty extends inland, as it is home of important Greco-Roman ruins and Medieval villages.

PALS Pals is a medieval town few kilometres from the sea, in the heart of the Bay of Emporda on the Costa Brava.

The historical centre, local traditions and gastronomy have been cherished up to today, which makes a trip to this village really special.

Meaning ‘wild coast’, La Costa Brava holds a record number of quality beaches awarded "Blue Flag" along its shoreline FIGUERES Figueres is a charming and placid village, the birthplace of artist Salvador Dalí. It houses the TeatreMuseu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museum designed by Dalí himself.

CADAQUÉS IOn a bay in the middle of the Cap de Creus, this small town represents the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle.

It is considered by some as the most beautiful town in Catalonia.

BARCELONA

USEFUL INFORMATION

A collection of survival references

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Good news, there is only one telephone number to remember: 112 (European Emergency number) LINKS

https://guia.barcelona.cat

If you need a local helping-hand or you want more information about your next travel destination, do not hesitate to contact: travel@gluengo.com

https://www.atlasobscura.com/thingsto-do/barcelona-spain

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MINIGUIDE

BARCELONA IDEAL FOR THE BUSY TRAVELER

DIRECT AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT ADVICE ABOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN CITY OF GAUDI WITH LOCAL TIPS, FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS, SUGGESTED DAY-TRIPS, AND MORE

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