Barcelona – FAQ – Tourist Useful Information

Stay

Where to Stay in Barcelona (Potential Zones for Hotel) ?

See the page : Where to stay in Barcelona, for an idea about the potential zones for the hotel.

How to reserve an Hotel or Hostel for Barcelona ?

See the page : Where to stay in Barcelona.

Visit

What can I do and visit in Barcelona during the day ?

See the page : Barcelona Tourist Attractions.

Where are the Nightlife zones in Barcelona (for bars and dancing clubs) ?

See the page : Nightlife in Barcelona.

Where can I dance Salsa in Barcelona ?

See the page : Nightlife in Barcelona – Dancing Salsa

Shopping

Where are the commercial zones and malls in Barcelona ?

The main shopping area is around plaza Cataluña and more specifically between “Portal de l’Àngel”(Map) and “La Rambla”.

See the Shopping page, for details about the commercial zones and malls in town.

Are shops open during the week-ends and feasts in Barcelona ?

See it on the Shopping page.

Transport

How can I get from the Airport to Center Barcelona ?

See this in the Transport page.

How to get to Sitges, Montserrat, Girona, Figueres, Lloret de Mar by train?

See this in the Transport page.

How to get to Tibidabo in Barcelona ?

See it here, in the Barcelona Attractions page.

How to get to Montjuïc in Barcelona ?

See it here, in the Barcelona Attractions page.

Where are the Bus and Train Central Stations in Barcelona ?

See this in the Transport page.

What is the Flight time to Barcelona ?

From the U.S:  7 to 11 hours.
From Hong Kong:  Around 12 hours.

How can I reserve a flight ticket to Barcelona ?

You can book a flight with Skyscanner.

What are the distances from Barcelona to other cities ?

See this in the Transport page.

Weather + Feasts

How is the Climate in Barcelona ?

Here are the average temperatures and precipitations:

Month Max (C) Min (C) Rain (mm)
January 13 4 41
February 15 5 29
March 16 7 42
April 18 9 49
May 21 12 59
June 24 16 42
July 28 19 20
August 28 19 61
September 26 17 85
October 22 13 91
November 17 8 58
December 14 6 51

As you can see from the chart, the right months to go to the beach are
July, August and even September and June. From May to November the
weather is usually pleasant for tourists. Winter in Barcelona is cold
but not as cold as the north of Europe. Rain is not a big problem in
Barcelona and the sun is often shinning and the sky is blue. Barcelona
has a typical Mediterranean climate.

Which season is the best to visit Barcelona ?

From May to November the weather is comfortable for the tourist. July and August is the high season with top prices in hotels and many children, so if you can visit in September and June you will be able to swim at the beach and also have hotel rooms. September has the Mercè feast (around the 24) which is very interesting with street parades and a lot of music.

When is school vacation in Barcelona ?

Like in all Europe: In July, August and during feasts.

When are the feasts in Barcelona ?

Look at this Wikipedia page, at the Catalonia column.

Orientation

How big is Barcelona ?

Population:
There are about 5 million people in Barcelona, but only about 1.5 million in the municipality area, it is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. it is less populated than Paris or London.

Size: Barcelona is quite big (803 km2) but the center is compact and many tourist attractions are within a walking distance in the center.
La Rambla street is 1.2 Km and around it are the central zones: Gotico, Born, Raval, Barceloneta (Map).
You will probably prefer to use transportation to arrive to La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Montjuïc.

Where can I find a Map of Barcelona ?

Look here.

Also, at the many tourist offices stands in town and even at the big shop “El corte Ingles” at the information they will give you a good free map of Barcelona.

Cost

How much does it cost to visit Barcelona ?

See this in the Barcelona Cost page.

Is it easy to exchange Money in Barcelona ?

Yes easy. Visit the Cost page.

Can I pay in Barcelona in foreign currency like with the Dollar ?

Usually not. Visit the Cost page.

Safety

Is it safe to visit Barcelona ?

Barcelona is a modern and developed city with high standards of hygiene and safety and the homicide rate is normal for a big city. However, Barcelona is known for its high rate of pickpockets who operate in areas with high concentration of tourists like in malls, public transportation, beaches etc.  Usually, the thieves are not violent, you just need to be
very alert with your belongings.

Can I drink tap water in Barcelona ?

Yes.

Internet and calls

How is the Internet in Barcelona ?

Visit the page about the Internet access in Barcelona.

What is the cheapest way to make International phone calls and get Internet in Barcelona ?

Visit the page about the Internet access in Barcelona.

Miscellaneous

Do I need a Visa in order to visit Barcelona ?

Barcelona is part of the European Schengen area, so citizens of all European union member states are visa exempt.

Many non European countries (like the U.S), don’t need to apply for a visa for stays of up to 90 days. More details here.

How can I find Vegetarian food in Barcelona ?

See my page : How to Survive as a Vegetarian in Barcelona.

How can I find a good Restaurant in Barcelona ?

For Vegetarian fast-food and restaurants in Barcelona – See the page I created.

For general restaurants in Barcelona you can look at this TripAdvisor Restaurant guide.

Which Electric Plug is used in Barcelona ?

The voltage in Barcelona is 220 Volt and the plug is usually a 2 rounded socket but the best is to be equipped with an  International plug adapter when you travel. Just remember that the adapter will not convert the voltage, so make sure your electronic device is also suitable for 220 Voltage.

Do locals speak English in Barcelona ?

Locals in Barcelona speak Catalan as the main language and also Spanish at mother tongue level, they also speak English as a foreign language and sometimes a little bit of French. Workers who deal with tourists do speak English.
Remember that Barcelona is an International city with people from different origins, like French, English, Italians, Germans and many South Americans with Spanish as main language.

How long does Barcelona exist ?

At least 2000 years, and you can see ruins from that time in the Barcelona History Museum. You can read more about the history of Barcelona here.

What to Pack for Barcelona ?

See some items that you may want for your trip.

Where can I see Videos + Photos with Barcelona scenery ?

Video: Walk along La Rambla
Video: La Boquería market
Video: Park Güell
Video: Magic Fountains show
Video: A night walk in Gracia neighborhood
Video: Celtic – Football club supporters in Barcelona center
Video: Music parade with drums in front of the cathedral of Barcelona
Video: Popular Catalan dance in front of the cathedral palace
Video: Giant dolls parade
Video: Human castles
Video: Las Arenas mall
Video: Salsa Dance at a club

Photos : Photos of Barcelona.

Where can I get more Information about Barcelona ?

star More on Barcelona :

star If you have specific questions about Barcelona, you can ask them in this TripAdvisor Forum.

star On Thailand :

star Other Stuff :

star If you find incorrect data on this page, like a restaurant that has closed or a big river that has moved or you want to tell me something, please write me to contact.

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