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BARCELONA
Festivals and Events
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Getting around Barcelona
Parks and attractions
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There are two types of Postal Service in Barcelona. One is your ordinary mail services for letters, postcards, etc. Then there is a service relating to different kinds of correspondence, such as postal banking services, dealing with money and telegraphic money orders. In each office, there is a service called the Postal List where one can register to receive all types of correspondence, packages or money orders, which, in turn, can be forwarded to hotels or any other address.
The stamps required for mailing correspondence are sold at Post Offices and outlets known as “estancos” which are establishments authorized to sell tobacco, stamps and seals and which are located all over Barcelona.
Additionally, we find the International Service with which you can send letters, cards and packages anywhere around the world. In order to use this service, you will have to check out the prices since they vary depending on the weight of the package and category, that is to say, if it is more or less urgent.
For information about the Spanish Post Office:
Tel:+34 93 486 80 50 or +34 902 197 197.
ARGENTINA
Passeig de Gracia, 11 Esc. B 2º
93 304 12 00
AUSTRALIA
Plaça de la Placidia 1,3
93 330 94 96
BRAZIL
Passeig de Gràcia, 21, principal
93 488 22 88
CANADA
Elisenda de Pinós, 10
93 204 27 00
CHINA
Avinguda Tibidabo, 34
93 254 11 96
DENMARK
Rambla de Catalunya 33, 3er la
93 488 02 22
FINLAND
Puig i Xoriguer, 17
93 443 15 98
FRANCE
Ronda Universitat, 22B, 4º
93 270 30 00
GERMANY
Passeig de Gracia, 111, l1º (building Deutsche Bank)
93 292 10 00
GREAT BRITAIN
Avinguda Diagonal, 477, l3º
93 366 62 00
GREECE
Avinguda Diagonal, 593, 6º 2ª
93 321 28 28
HOLLAND
Avinguda Diagonal, 601, 4º
93 363 54 20
INDIA
Teodoro Roviralta, 21
93 212 09 16
IRELAND
Gran Vía Carles III, 94, 10º 2ª
93 491 50 21
ITALY
Mallorca, 270, principal
93 467 73 05
JAPAN
Av. Diagonal, 640, 2ªD (building Caja de Madrid)
93 280 34 33
MEXICO
Passeig Bonanova 55
93 201 18 22
NORWAY
Balmes, 184, 5º 2ª
93 218 49 83
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Avinguda Pearson, 34
93 280 54 32
SWEDEN
Mallorca, 279, 4º
93 488 25 01
UNITED STATES
Passeig Reina Elisenda, 23
93 280 22 27
While in a foreign city it can be overwhelming to deal with health issues particularly in regards to understanding your options regarding care and treatment. Deciding on where to go, with whom you can communicate, how much you should expect to be charged are all issues that many people living in Barcelona will have to face at some point. It is very important to educate yourself about your options and rights. In order to help you do this, we’ve put together some basic information about health in Barcelona.
Spain provides all of its citizens with universal health care. If you are a citizen of the European , you are automatically eligible for free basic health care, but you need to make sure you have the proper documentation supplied in your home country. If you are not an EU citizen, Spain’s policy requires all health care providers, both public and private, to treat patients in an emergency situation.
Below are some useful phone numbers and contact information for doctors and resources that may be useful. Barcelona-home does not endorse nor accept liability for any of the listings below. We have not had direct contact with all of them and have listed them below only to supply you with some initial options.
Ambulance Services
For general emergencies in Spain, call 112. For ambulance services, call the following numbers:
• Samur 092
• Uvimovil 061
• Ambulances Cruz Roja 915 222 222
• Ambulancias Sasu 913 551 039
• Creu Roja 933 002 020
• Lazaro 934 566 666 / 934 551 000
• SAM 932 016 464
• Blanco 932 661 212 / 932 661 266
Hospitals
Visit: List of Clinics and Hospitals in Barcelona
Health Insurance
It is very important to know whether or not your medical insurance policy is accepted or covers you if you are in Barcelona. Many insurance companies offer special travel health insurance, as do many study abroad organizations in Barcelona. It is also important to determine how much your provider will reimburse you for if you see a doctor or purchase a prescription. Private health care is also an opiton which is available to everyone in Spain starting at around 50€ per month depending on age and gender.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies or “farmacias” in Barcelona can provide you with basic health information and advice, as well as treatments. You may consult a pharmacist for basic health questions since they have some higher level of training, but it is important to consult a doctor for more serious ailments.
Some farmacias in Barcelona are open 24 hours (including Sundays) but many rotate after hours duty. Local papers and farmacia windows will have information about where to find open facilities. You may find the distribution of medicine to be more lax in Barcelona as it is possible to get many prescription drugs over the counter and they are generally priced lower than in other countries due to government price caps.
Health care Information for Americans
(reproduced from the U.S. State Dept. Consular Information Sheet)
Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance companies prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life saving when a medical emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please make certain whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad (including overseas insurance programs) is provided in the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
List of First Aid points and Specialized Clinics
Looking for a library in Barcelona? Whether you’re a student or just on vacation, Barcelona has many great libraries throughout the city. You can find just about any book or information you need and the only money you’ll spend will be to open a library account.
Due to the fact that there are so many students and university programs in Barcelona, there are excellent educational resources and specialized libraries all over the city. There are also excellent collections for people interested in leisure reading or finding a quiet place in a crazy city. Below we’ve listed libraries in and around Barcelona with contact information. Happy reading!
University libraries
Libraries of the UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
Humanities
Buildings L & B
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)
Tel.: 93 581 29 72
Fax: 93 581 29 00
Science & Engineering
Social Sciences
Communication & Periodicals
Building B
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)
Tel: 93 581 18 19
Fax: 93 581 20 09
Veterinary Medicine
Building V
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)
Tel: 93 581 15 49
Fax: 93 581 20 06
University of Sabadell
University of Sabadell Library – U.A.B.
Building S, Carrer dels Emprius, 2
08202 Sabadell
Tel: 93 728 77 01
Fax: 93 728 77 26
Cartoteca General
Building L
08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)
Tel:(34) 3-581 20 45
Barcelona’s trade fair
The Fira de Barcelona plays a strategic role in the Catalan and Spanish economies as a platform for the economic promotion and international projection of companies. With a portfolio of 80 exhibitions, Fira de Barcelona brings together 40,500 direct and indirect exhibitors and welcomes 3.5 million visitors. Fifteen of its exhibitions are European benchmarks, being among the top three in their respective sectors.
Barcelona’s La Fira is the undisputed leader in industrial and trade shows, contributing some 2,200 million euros to the economy and creating 41,000 jobs. With its commitment to innovation, quality, added-value products, knowledge, design and scientific and technological research, the Strategic Plan for 2006 – 2015 is strongly supporting international exhibitions and events, strengthening Barcelona’s position as the most outstanding platform in southern Europe for major sector meetings. Other objectives include introducing new lines of business and offering outstanding levels of service to exhibitors and visitors.
Fira de Barcelona propose itself as a very complete business center, offering to exhibitors a wide range of high quality services: catering, hotel and accommodation booking assistance, online accreditation system, merchandising movements and location support, telephony, Wi-Fi, electricity, water and compressed air connections. Recently, the enlargement of the Gran Via venue has led to a significant increase in the amount of exhibition space at the Fira de Barcelona. There is currently a total area of 365,000 m² , making it the second biggest exhibition center in Europe.
It is obviously very well connected by several transport systems:
By road
Motorways and roads: access to the Montjuïc exhibition site:
Girona – Barcelona AP-7, C-33, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”
Mataró – Barcelona C-32, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”
Manresa – Barcelona C-58, Ronda Litoral exit “Paral·lel”
Aeroport del Prat – Barcelona C-31, Gran Via – Plaça Espanya
Tarragona – Barcelona AP-7, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira”
Igualada – Barcelona A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira”
Lleida – Barcelona AP-2, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit 15 “Pg Zona Franca – Fira M1″
Motorways and roads: access to the Gran Via exhibition site:
Girona – Barcelona AP-7, C-33, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″
Mataró – Barcelona C-32, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″
Manresa – Barcelona C-58, Ronda Litoral exit 17 “Gran Via M2″
Aeroport del Prat – Barcelona C-31, Gran Via
Tarragona – Barcelona AP-7, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”
Igualada – Barcelona A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”
Lleida – Barcelona AP-2, A-2, Ronda Litoral exit “Barcelona Fires – Gran Via”
Metro
Both lines has exits at Montjuïc venue.
Line 1 – station “Espanya”
Line 3 – station “Espanya”
Bus
All of these bus lines allow access to the Montjuïc venue from any part of the city of Barcelona.
9 – 13 – 27 – 30- 37- 50 – 56 – 57 – 65 – 79 – 91 – 109 – 153 – 157
FGC
The nearest stop to the Gran Via exhibition site is the station “Europa/Fira”. This is directly linked to Montjuïc. All routes that leave or enter the “Plaça Espanya” FGC station stop at “Europa/Fira”.
Renfe
“Sants Estació” is the nearest Renfe station. It’s the main centre of a comprehensive rail network that connects the entire coast and some inland areas to the Montjuïc facilities. The station is linked to the Montjuïc exhibition site by:
Bus number 30 and 109 which have stops in Plaça Espanya
Underground line 1 (red) and 3 (green), “Espanya” station
A 15 minute walk (down Tarragona street)
Maremagnum
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s port zone, where the Ramblas meet the sea, Maremagnum is open every day of the year. All of the shops have extended business hours, open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Moll d’Espanya, 5 Port Vell
Metro: L3 Drassanes
Open every day of the year from 10am to 10pm.
www.maremagnum.es
Tel: 93 225 8100
Barcelona Glòries
A very big department store is situated near the Agbar Tower.
As well as offices, it houses 230 well-known shops, 3,500 parking spaces, a multiplex cinema, bars and restaurants.
Diagonal 208, Metro Glòries. Open Shops 10am-10pm Mon-Sat.
www.lesglories.com/
Customer Service Desk: 93 486 04 04
El Corte Inglés
Since its birth in 1940, it has methodically conquered the competition to become the only department store in Spain. Its services cover everything you might expect, from watch-mending to beauty treatments and cashing travelers’ cheques. The branch in Barcelona’s Plaza Cataluña has floors of fashion and home decor, plus a good supermarket in the basement and a seventh-floor café with fabulous views.
Plaza Cataluña 14 Eixample
www.elcorteingles.es
Metro Plaza Cataluña,
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Monday – Saturday)
L’Illa
This gleaming white huge block is the home to over 100 big-name shops including FNAC and Decathlon, a food market on the ground floor, restaurants, a Caprabo hypermarket, and 6,000 sq m of green park.
Diagonal 545-557, Eixample
Metro Maria Cristina.
www.lilla.com
Hours: 10:00 – 21:30 (Monday – Saturday)
Hours supermarkets: 21.30 – 21.30 (Monday – Saturday)
Diagonal Mar
It is located at the end of Diagonal, and it’s the newest and most modern commercial centre in Barcelona. The mall has more than 250 stores, cinemas, game spaces for children and a big esplanade with views to the sea.
Diagonal Mar Centre
Metros Selva de Mar and Besós Mar.
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Monday – Saturday)
www.diagonalmar.com
Being a port city and an old trading center, Barcelona has many great markets to visit. The food markets are especially an incredible experience in Barcelona. The Boquería Market is an incredible shopping or browsing experience, bursting with color and life, not to mention the most tempting fresh local produce from the Barcelona region.
Top Barcelona markets, selling everything from food to art and clothes:
Mercat Boqueria de Sant Josep / La Boqueria
Probably Barcelona’s best-known market, ideally situated just off La Rambla, La Boqueria is a must visit, whether sourcing ingredients for a fine meal or just wandering through. It´s an assault on the senses with smells coming from the fish to fruit. The food sold ranges from ready-made fresh fruit salads for the tired tourist, to literally fresh out of the sea still moving crabs and lobsters (maybe you would also like to look out for the whole sheep´s head!?) Not to mention the bright sweet counters that will act like a magnet for any child (or adult!).
La Rambla de Sant Josep
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)
Hours:
8:00 – 20:30 (Monday – Friday)
8:00 – 20:00 (Saturday)
Sant Antoni Market
Another of Barcelona’s food markets similar to La Boqueria except larger and without all the tourists. Also don´t do what I did and go in August as you will find most of the stalls closed. However all the stalls that were still open were doing very good trade, and even the small tapas bar in the middle of the market was full of Barcelona locals having a bite. The stall owners are very friendly and helpful, and there is a lovely deli counter just on the left as you go in the main entrance if you want to buy something nice to take home with you.
Ronda Sant Pau/Carrer Comte d’Urgell
Metro: Sant Antoni (Purple Line, L2)
Hours: 8:00 – 14:30 | 17:30 – 20:00 (Monday – Saturday)
On Sunday from 08:00-15:00 just outside the market there is a book and coin market for all the collectors out there. You will find a tremendous assortment of old books, magazines, comics and postcards.
Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep
A little Barcelona market composing of Catalan artists and their easels, all under the shadow of the church. There is usually only about 15 artists but they cover every style and medium, from watercolors to oils, depicting market stalls to sweeping landscapes. The artists all welcome a bit of a chat if you are brave enough to test your Spanish. Artists also set up their easels on the southern part of La Rambla every evening if a portrait or caricature is what you’re after.
Hours: Every weekend
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)
Mercat dels Encants Market in Barcelona / Encants
One of Barcelona’s largest and best loved flea markets, this place is bizarre! All items are sold, old and new, and I mean all items, you get power tools to antiques to cosmetics. Saturday is the busiest day so avoid it if you’re just a casual browser, and if you’re looking for real bargains arrive early. Antique auctions take place at 07:00, when all the commercial buyers are there, and again at 12:00 when all the unsold goods in price. The furniture in the big hall to the side of the market is incredible and worth a look in. Bargaining is expected and fun! The market is meant to carry on until the afternoon but most stalls tend to pack up at midday. Also, a lot of the stalls close for August.
Plaça de les Glories Catalanes
C/ Dos de Maig, 186
Metro: Glories (Red Line, L1)
Hours: From 8:30 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
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Fnac
Starting at the heart of Barcelona in Plaza Catalunya, you find El Triangle Mall with FNAC – the book store with so much more. You can order Barcelona concert tickets, develop film, find all types of books, music, movies, and more. Also in this mall you will find Habitat with everything for your home, Dino’s yummy italian ice cream, Sephora’s makeup and perfumes, watches, candles, eyeglasses, and more.
Centro Comercial El Triangle
Plaza Catalunya 4
Tel: 933 441 800
e-mail: triangle@fnac.es
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 pm (Monday – Saturday )
El Corte Inglés
Across the Plaza Catalunya there is one of Barcelona’s several El Corte Inglés stores. It is the largest department store in Barcelona, and Spain for that matter, anything you need you can find there, and most foods that you miss from home are available in their extensive grocery store downstairs. Just below El Corte Ingles the pedestrian Portal de L’Ángel holds some great shoe stores and jewelry stores as you stroll between Plaza Cataluña and the Cathedral of Barcelona.
Plaça de Catalunya, 14
Tel.: 933 063 800
Fax: 933 176 231
Restaurant: 933 063 800
Ikea
To go to Barcelona’s IKEA / Gran Via 2 by public transport you simply catch a train of the FGC (not the metro) from Plaza España to Ildefonds Cerdá.The station is two stops away from Plaza España and all trains leaving from Plaza España stop at Ildefons Cerdá. It will take you less than 10 minutes to get to the station from Plaza España. When you reach the station of Ildefons Cerdá you walk out of the station through the left exit. When you get out of the tunnel you go to the right where you will find the big shopping centre of Gran Via 2 to your left within 200 meters. To go to IKEA you continue walking in the same direction, but for approxomatily 10-15 minutes more. Then you will see the big building of IKEA in front of you.
L’Hospitalet Districte Econòmic
Av. de la Gran Vía 115-133
Tel: 902 400 922
*Car entrance:
C/ Ciencias, 100
08907-L´Hospitalet de Llobregat
Hours:
10:00 – 22:00 (Monday – Saturday)
10:00 – 22:00 (Sundays and holidays)
In Barcelona there are different centers that offer a buy-sell service for second hand objects.
Here you may find a lot of interesting things, especially since we are in Barcelona, at very attractive prices or if you want a good way to earn money from something that you don’t need anymore. Here you will find a ‘Buy’ Area and a ‘Sell’ Area. This kind of business is well known all around the world and some very big brands have hundreds of shops.
Here you find contacts and addresses of the two biggest second hand shops in Barcelona:
La Trocante
www.latrocante.net
C/ Comte Borrell 22
08015 Barcelona
Tel: 934 436 037
Fax: 934 417 669
Cash converter españa
Balmes, 141
08008 Barcelona
Tel: 93 415 79 69
Hours: 10:30 – 14:00 | 16:30 – 20:30
C/ Floridablanca, 145
08011 Barcelona
Tel: 93 423 99 00
Hours: 10:30 – 14:00 | 16:30 – 20:30
C/ Navas de Tolosa, 358 – 362
08027 Barcelona
Tel: 93 408 77 48 Fax: 93 408 77 49
Hours: 10:00 – 13:30 | 16:30 – 20:30
Ctra. de Sants, 367-369
08028 Barcelona
Tel: 93 449 73 83
Hours: 10:30 – 14:00 17:00 – 21:00
Summer: 10:00 – 13:30 | 16:30 – 20:30
Here are some great shops, for women especially:
Passeig Gracia
If you are looking for international brands then the best thing to do is walk down Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia, where you will find Diesel, Miss Sixty as well as MaxMara, Chanel and Luis Vuitton. Great clothes centers such as Zara or Sfera are very easy to find as they’re situated in the very center of Barcelona. It’s easy to say that in Barcelona’s international stores you’ll have to be prepared to pay the same prices as you would in any of these shops in London or Paris. Here the clothes are good quality but a little more expensive than in other shops. If you are looking for a very original Barcelona style don’t miss Custo, near the Ramblas, it might be a very good choice. He is a well known Spanish designer, popular for his use of colour and wacky designs.
Puerta Angel
If you want to buy some presents for your family or some other general goods, you can walk down Puerta del Angel and Puertaferrisa. These streets are full of little shops, you won’t find big supermarkets or shopping malls, but sometimes Barcelona’s little shops can be more charming than superstores.
Ferran
Lined with lively cafes and bars, and souvenir shops, this popular Barcelona street has a bustling blend of locals and visitors. Extending from the Liceu on the Ramblas to Plaça Sant Jaume. Only recently it has been changed to a walking street, making it much more pleasurable to stroll along. There are a lot of shops and cafés here, it is a very pleasant place where to spend a sunny afternoon in Barcelona. Don’t miss the grocers’ shops that still have wonderful display windows like in past ages.
Diagonal
For shoppers, Barcelona’s Avinguda Diagonal has it all, from massive department stores such as El Corte Ingles to tiny boutique clothing and shoe stores. It starts at Plaça Francesc Macià, where a quality department store has become a national institution. Just next door is Pedralbes Centre, an exclusive shopping mall with brand-name shops, shoes stores, a jeweler’s, perfumeries and high-quality accessories, as well as shops which sell arts, crafts and plenty of great gifts. Further down stands L’Illa del Diagonal, a huge shopping mall with an entire floor dedicated to gastronomic delicacies.
As well as numerous shops, the avant-garde building houses a hotel, offices and several restaurants – Moncho’s seafood cocktails are a favorite with their business clients. Head down to Les Glòries roundabout for Centre de Les Glòries, the largest in the city, popular with Barcelonians who appreciate the wide range of goods and affordable prices. Generally free parking for clients.
» Buy your Barcelona Card here
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If shopping is your hobby, then you’re going to love Barcelona! The city can offer more than 35,000 shops to find what you could ever want! Barcelona is also famous for its 5 Km shopping line known as the Ramblas, continuing through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenida Diagonal. The best feature of the shopping line in the Ramblas is its pedestrians, making it a pleasant experience without worrying about traffic.
One great attribute of the people of Barcelona is their spontaneity. Barcelona is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities, renowned for design and innovation with superb shopping for clothes, shoes, leather, furniture, art and much more. The food markets are also an incredible experience in Barcelona. Barcelona’s Boquería Market is an incredible shopping or browsing experience, bursting with color and life, not to mention the most tempting fresh local produce.
Store timetables: 10.00-14.00 / 16.30-20.00
Times may vary by a half hour or less and the full-day schedule is becoming more common in commercial centers and department stores in Barcelona. Some stores close on Saturdays afternoons. El Corte Inglés, many clothing and music stores open on the first Sunday of the month.
For the best bargains in Barcelona, it is better to get up early! There are different mercadillos and markets on different days of the week and different areas of Barcelona. The Plaça Nova has antiques on Thursdays: the first and third Friday of month in Plaça de Pi there is a cheese, sweets and honey market and on Sundays there are markets in Plaça Reial. Els Encants Vells, is a traditional second hand market open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and on non festival Saturdays around Plaça of Les Glòries Catalanes, from 9.00 to 16.00.
The Barcelona Office of Tourism offers a service to facilitate and create greater access to shopping in the city. Barcelona Shopping City is a program specialized for shopping in the city, mainly in the Shopping Line, the area from Port Vell to the high part of the Avenida Diagonal, where there is the highest concentration of stores, both international and traditional Catalan designs. This program includes a portfolio with a guide of the Shopping Line and stores that accept the Visitor Card, the Card Visitor Buyer Discounts. This card is available at a wide number of the stores and can be identified by the logo of Barcelona City of Purchases.
» Buy your Barcelona Card here
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The growing popularity of champagne bars during the 1980s was an indication of Spain and particularly Barcelona’s increasing cosmopolitanism. The Cataláns call their own version of champagne ‘cava‘. In Catalán, champagne bars are called xampanyerias. These Spanish wines are often excellent, said by some to be better than their French counterparts. With more than 50 vineyards producing cava in Spain and with each bottling up a dozen different grades of wine, the best way to learn about Spanish champagne is either to visit one of them or sample their products at Barcelona’s xampanyerias.
Barcelona’s Champagne bars usually open at 7pm and operate into the wee hours of the morning. Tapas are served, ranging from caviar to smoked fish and frozen chocolate truffles. Most establishments sell only a limited array of house cavas by the glass – you’ll be offered a choice of brut or brut nature (brut is slightly sweeter). More esoteric cavas must be purchased by the bottle. The most acclaimed brands include Mont-Maeçal, Gramona, Mestres, Parxet, Torello and Recaredo.
La Champagneria Barcelona
This is a notorious champagne bar that attracts hundreds of travellers, students and locals alike. It is located in Barceloneta, close to the beach. The concept behind the bar is designed to create a fun and rowdy atmosphere! The only drink that you can order at this bar is traditional Cava, similar to champagne (not in price, though!). With each bottle of pink Cava champagne that you order you get 2 tapas in the form of burgers or sandwiches. So you get a lot for your money! Undoubtedly this is why you can always expect La Champagneria to be rammed with customers, eagerly taking advantage of the cheap prices and boisterous atmosphere. If you are looking for a relaxed meal then steer clear of this place! It can be hard to get the attention of the bartender and the bar has no seats, but this all adds to the character of the bar and is to be expected of such a popular place. At lunch time it is a bit quieter. This is the perfect place to go before heading for a big night out on the town to get you in the partying mood.
Address: Calle de la Reina Christina, 7
Metro: Barceloneta
Opening Times: Mon – Sun, 09:00 – 22:00
Wine is a key ingredient of Spanish cuisine and a part of life in Barcelona. The production process is long and complicated and varies according to the type of wine desired. However, we will give a brief and simple description of this process that is considered an art form in Spanish culture.
The methods of production and cultivation of wine have seen a spectacular evolution since the 70’s. The implementation and adaptation of these methods has meant that Spain now has some of the most advanced vineyards in Europe. Before the production process one must take into account the different factors influencing the final product:
Grape Harvest
The process of harvesting generally occurs between the end of August or early September and mid-October, depending on the desired ripeness of the fruit. It is of vital importance that the best fruit is ed.
Wine Colour
The vast majority of grapes used in wine-making possess the same color as their pulp. The coloring pigments that characterize, for example, red grapes are practically always found in their skins. This natural condition gives rise to the principle difference between red and white wines.
Juice Extraction
The production process chosen will depend on which type of wine is desired, the grapes are taken for the extraction of their juice. The bunches picked during the harvest are placed in a receptical and they are subsequently taken to the extractor. In the extractor the grapes are subject to rotation and pressure. In the case of white wine, the juice is separated from the skins. The extractor creates a viscous paste from which grape skins and other natural materials are removed. Without this premature fermentation would occur. This paste is subject to multiple stages of extraction depending on the type of wine desired.
If you are interested in finding out more about Spanish wines and wine making please do not hesitate to get in touch for special offers from restaurants, wine merchants and vineyards in and around the Barcelona region.
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During the 19th century, it was common to find artists and intellectuals sitting in the cafes and bars of Barcelona, discussing their greatest passions and wonderful ideas. Even now this bohemian atmosphere remains in the city, as you can visit many cafes and bars which retain that old hippy, arty spirit from the past. Often you will see people sitting in cafes, reading books, having a chat with their friends, or simply enjoying a coffee in the midst of this city that is rife in culture, art and history.
There are many cafes in the centre of Barcelona, some more touristy than others, and also in the streets of Barrio Gotico, Raval and Borne. When the weather is good, you will find that the open-air terraces are full of people, so it may be difficult to find a table, especially during peak summer season.
If you are near Plaza Catalunya or Plaza Universitat, make sure you pay a visit to Plaza Vincenc Martorell. This is a small square full of beautiful trees, green areas, and when the weather is right, gets plenty of sunshine. If you fancy a drink or something to eat in this beautiful, relaxed setting, then take a seat at Kasparo, a very well known bar in Barcelona where the prices are very reasonable.
When wandering through Barrio Gotico, you can visit the Museo Frederic Mares (MFM) in Plaza de Sant Lu. You will find the entrance near the cathedral, next to the cafes. These surrounding streets are full of orange trees and musicians, creating a truly romantic atmosphere.
If you find yourself in the Borne neighbourhood, you will see more restaurants, cafes and bars than you could imagine! Cross the small street which leads to the Picasso Museum, and pay a visit to the Museo de Textil on Calle Montcada. In the entrance you will see a small patio with a cafe and 5 or 6 tables, which is the perfect spot to escape the tourists of Barcelona and enjoy a good, cheap coffee.
Ciutat Comtal
A classic catalan tapas bar. This place gets busy, which is a sign that it is doing something right! Once seated, the service is very prompt and efficient. The waiters are warm and friendly, willing to help you choose your dishes and recommend the best things to eat. The food is fresh and delicious. The prices are reasonable considering that it is located so centrally in Rambla Catalunya and that the quality is great. The bar offers indoor and outdoor terrace seating.
Address: Rambla Catalunya, 18 Opening Times: Mon – Fri 19:00 – 01:30, Sat & Sun 21:00 – 01:30Cervecería Catalana
This is the sister branch of Ciutat Comtal, and similarly has a great reputation for fantastic tapas. It is an authentic tavern offering a large ion of beers as well as delicious mediterranean tapas. Despite not being the cheapest place to eat, it remains a popular place which is proof of the fine quality of food served here. During prime time lunch and dinner hours, expect to wait to be seated. The outdoor terrace is open all year round for those who like to dine al fresco.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 236 (Metro: Diagonal) Opening Times: Mon – Fri 20:00 – 01:30, Sat & Sun 21:00 – 01:30Tapas Sagardi
Enjoy some traditional Basque Country tapas situated in the heart of the Barri Gotic! Stand at the busy counter where you are handed an empty plate. Fill your plate with all the tapas that you would like. The tapas are served with toothpicks through them. The pricing system is quick and hassle-free: the bill is calculated by the number of toothpicks left on your plate at the end of your meal! There is a restaurant area in the rear, and you can enjoy the outdoor tables in the square. Oh, and they serve great cider too!
Address: Argenteria 62, 08003 (metro: Jaume 1) Opening Times: 10:00 – 00:30 dailyCava is Catalan for champagne. The best way to learn about Spanish champagne is either to visit one of them or sample their products at Barcelona’s xampanyerias.
La Champañeria
There’s only one cocktail you can order at this place: una botella de cava!
That’s right, in this notoriously fun and crazy bar near the beach in Barcelona all you can order is a bottle of pink champagne. Each bottle comes with two tapas… and I don’t mean tapas like olives. We’re talking bacon cheeseburgers, or chicken breast sandwiches with peppers. It is this ingenious concept that has made this hole-in-the-wall bar, world famous. Just ask any of the hundreds of international travelers or Barcelona locals who cram themselves into the bar on a daily basis.
Cram is actually an understatement. The only other time I have been that squished against drunk strangers was right before they set off the first canon at the running of the bulls in Pamplona. Add to that, the fact that every person has a glass of champagne in one hand and a spanish cheeseburger in the other, and it gets interesting pretty quickly, as things do in Barcelona. It’s the kind of place where you almost need to be drunk when you show up, nonetheless, it is a requisite stop for any young person visiting Barcelona.
At any given minute you can hear conversations in four or five languages, and, as is commonly the case in Barcelona, many of the different people from all over the world overcome the language barrier by speaking to each other in broken Spanish. And don’t be shy! Get as close to the bar as you can, put your hand up and get some eye contact with the bartender and shout your order as loud as you can. No one will even notice. This spot rocks and it’s literally the cheapest place we’ve found to eat and drink in Barcelona. But be careful, after taking out multiple bottles and sandwiches, you’ll find yourself saying, “Ok, ONE more bottle, then we have to leave!”
Goodtimes….
Barcelona’s La Champangeria is located near the Barceloneta Beach/metro and it’s on Calle Reina Christina. The easiest way to get there is just by going to the Barceloneta Metro stop and asking anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction or check the MAP here on Matador, I’ve pinned its exact location.
Tibidabo is one of the mountains overlooking Barcelona and at 512 meters it is the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola. Rising sharply to the north-west, it affords spectacular views over Barcelona and the surrounding coastline. Tibidabo is an emblematic location in the city of Barcelona since it is the highest point of the city and because it exists in everyone’s memory as a leisure reference.
Tibidabo is considered a Barcelona’s number one family amusement park, not just because family visits have been and continue to be traditional, but also because all people, whatever their age, will find attractions to suit them. The fact that the Tibidabo amusement park (Barcelona’s oldest) has existed for over one hundred years means that almost everybody is aware of it. As an amusement park, Tibidabo has an offer that combines virtually all the different types of key attractions within the sector, some of which are far from being state of the art models, while others far exceed what is on offer in other parks within our sector in terms of quality, age and originality.
Enjoy from rides such as the Pndol, a free fall contraption that reaches up to 4Gs in force, or hit up Catalunya’s first 4 dimensional cinema, the DiDiDaDo. This fun park will surely satisfy you, giving you full control over sensations in surroundings that combine nature, entertainment, spectacle, services, expertise and the values of peaceful co-existence.
Hours
Open every day from Monday to Friday 12am – 4 pm.
Weekends and holidays open from 11am to 5 pm.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Pl. del Tibidabo, 3-4
08035 Barcelona
Tel: 93 211 79 42
Barcelona Zoo is set in a magnificent garden over 100 years old, covering 13 hectares of Ciutadella Park and containing a collection of some 7,500 individual animals belonging to more than 400 species from all over the world. Up until 2003 the zoo included trully unique creatures such as Snowflake. He was the only albino gorilla known to exist, and was found in 1966 in what was then Spanish Guinea.
Barcelona Zoo is based within the gorgeous Parc de la Ciutadella. The best way to find the zoo is to go to Ciutadella park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The Zoo also has a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train.
Zoo prices
Adults 15.40€
Children (3-12 years) 9.30€
Groups of adults (twenty or more) 12€
Groups of school, Day Camp or youth club children (up to 18 years of age) 6.50€
Groups of nursery or nursery-school children (under 3 years of age) 2.70€
Hours
January, February, and 1-15 March from 10:00-17:00
16-31 March, April and May from 10:00-18:00
June, July, August and September from 10:00-19:00
October, November and December from 10:00-17:00
December 25th – open until noon
Zoological park of Barcelona
Parc de la Ciutadella s/n 08003 Barcelona
Phone: 93 225 67 80 · FAX: 93 221 38 53
This Barcelona attraction is a small re-created Spanish village with different quarters that replicate the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain. At the entranceway, for example, stands a facsimile of the gateway to the walled city of Ávila. The centre of the village has an outdoor café where you can sit and have drinks. Numerous shops sell crafts and souvenir items from Barcelona and all of the provinces, and in some of them you can see artists at work, printing fabric and blowing glass. Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole host of specialist craft shops and workshops where you can see some traditionally made Spanish goods.
Since it was conceived in 1929, El Poble Espanyol has been considered as a different, unique space in Barcelona. Its urban layout – a real village with streets and squares, without wheeled traffic and in the natural surroundings of the hill at Montjuïc – has helped to create a special microcosm, offering an invitation to escape the city’s daily routine. Many families delight in the re-created Spanish atmosphere.
Marqués de Comillas
Metro: Espanya
High above the city of Barcelona sits the oddly inspired Park Guell, Antoni Gaudi’s strangely psychedelic park. Laid out on a hill above Barcelona’s Gracia district, it provides a relaxing escape from the bustle of Barcelona below. Park Guell is the perfect setting to enjoy a cold drink, play a game of Frisbee, or simply take in the fabulous views of the city and harbor.
Although it sounds unlikely, the place is skillfully designed and composed to bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The buildings flanking the entrance, though very original and remarkable with fantastically shaped roofs with unusual pinnacles, fit in well with the use of the park as pleasure gardens and seem relatively inconspicuous in the landscape when one considers the flamboyance of other buildings designed by Barcelona’s beloved Gaudí.
The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. To design the curvature of the bench surface Gaudí used the shape of buttocks left by a naked workman sitting in wet clay. Set with mosaic tiles, the serpentine bench at Guell Park provides a resting place around the main ground where pick up soccer games and impromptu yoga sessions are held. But the serpentine bench at Guell Park is among the milder features in an array of hallucinatory fixtures that includes gingerbread gatehouses topped with red and white wild mushrooms, pavilions of contorted stone, a vast hall of columns, and the coup de grace, a giant decorative lizard.
The large cross at the park’s high-point offers the most complete view of Barcelona and the bay. It is possible to view the main city in panorama, with the Sagrada Família and the Montjuïc area visible at a distance.
Plan on taking a half day to visit this Barcelona attraction, and remember if you take the metro to Park Guell, be ready to make the 20-minute hill climb to the entrance. (If you don’t feel like huffing and puffing you can catch a cab to the summit.) Busses for this and other Barcelona attractions can be found at the tourist information office at Plaza Catalunya.
While entrance to the Park is free, Gaudí’s house, “la Torre Rosa,” can be only visited for an entrance fee. There is a reduced rate for those wishing to see both Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
Carrer d’Olot, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, 08024
Hours – All year, Daily, Open 10am to dusk
Parc del Laberint
Nature and humanity
This park offers a way to understand human influence over nature. The Italian Dominico Bagutti created it in the 18th century, on the grounds surrounding the mansion. The most significant feature is the labyrinth that gives the park its name. Lose yourself in the sculptures that represent love and inhale the aromas of the garden and its wide variety of plants and flowers. In June and July the town council organizes fantasy and classical music concerts here.
Neighborhood: Horta, Guinardó & Alfons X
Address: Germans Desvalls, Barcelona, 08035
Nearest train: Montbau
Open hours: 10 a.m. – nightfall daily
Parc de la Ciutadella
Home of the Universal Exhibition of 1888
Barcelona’s city park is a great place for a stroll away from all the traffic, it’s one of the city’s most popular parks, located where Felipe V’s ciutadella (military citadel) was and where Catalan nationalism was repressed during his reign. In 1870 the citadel was made into a park to house the 1888 World Fair. As you explore you will find a small lake in the center and, beside it, the Cascada, a fountain built by Josep Fontserè and Antoni Gaudí. You can also visit Barcelona’s zoo and the Catalan parliament building within the park.
Neighborhood: Barceloneta, The Born & La Ribera
Address: Passeig de Pujades, Barcelona, 08005
Nearest train: Arc de Triomf / Barceloneta
Open hours: 10 a.m. – nightfall daily
Parc de l’Oreneta
Fun for children and adults This park was constructed in 1978 where two old factories once stood. It’s a lovely, quiet place that reaches back into the forest, allowing you to take nature walks in the woods. There are also some attractions for children like swings, mazes, games, pony rides and a little train through the park that cross tunnels, bridges and other sites. The train is only open on Sundays and holidays.
Neighborhood: Pedralbes
Address: Montevideo, 45, Barcelona ES, 08034
Nearest train: FGC Reina Elisenda
Open hours: 10 a.m. – nightfall (daily)
Muntanya de Montjuïc
A hill with a history
One of Barcelona’s major hills standing 173m high, Montjuic was not inhabited until after the Middle Ages, despite the fact that the Jewish quarter had extended to the nearby Miramar area. In 1607, the first path to the summit was opened and, in 1640, during the war of the Segadors, a fortress was built to resist Felipe IV’s incursions. This later became Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle). For the last three hundred years it has been a popular park for locals.
Neighborhood: Montjuïc
Address: Montjuïc, Barcelona ES, 08004
Nearest train: Espanya
Parc de Collserola
Huge natural park
The Collserola Park is situated on Collserola Mountain just behind Barcelona. It spans 8000 hectares including large areas of white pine and oaks with a variety of wildlife. It is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. In addition to the different flora and fauna, there are masies (traditional Catalan houses) and archaeological remains here, as well as many of Barcelona’s best biking and hiking trails. On Saturdays from 10:30 am – 1 pm there are organized hikes. Two nights per month astronomical observations take place between 10 pm – midnight.
Neighborhood: Sarrià, Sant Gervasi & Tibidabo
Address: Carretera de Vallvidera a Sant Cugat Km 4.7, Barcelona, 08028
Nearest train: Montbau
Open hours: 24 hours
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Mediterranean flora
Barcelona’s Town Hall ordered the construction of the botanical gardens to be built on a former garbage dump. The park takes up 14 hectares of space in the middle of Migdia park on Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill. The gardens are home to the species from the five regions of the world that have a Mediterranean climate. All the plants and flowers are arranged according to their region, habitat, and origin to give you a brief tour of the plant world.
Neighborhood: Montjuïc
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Doctor Font i Quer, s/n, Barcelona, 08004
Nearest train: Bus: 13, 61
Open hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Jul-Sep: 10 a.m.-3p.m. daily
Jardins Costa i Llobera
Exotic and Mediterranean plants
Located on Barcelona’s Montjuïc Mountain, these gardens span some 60000 m2 and were opened to the public in 1970. They have exotic plants from Kenya, Ethiopia and Mexico, as well as, of course, standard Mediterranean species, such as pines. The gardens are named after the poet Costa i Llobera, who wrote an ode to the Pi de Formentor (a pine tree from the Balearic Islands). This is a lovely place to walk and a good place to take a break on the way up to the top of the mountain.
Neighborhood: Montjuïc
Address: Carretera Miramar, 1, Barcelona, 08038
Nearest train: Drassanes / Paral.lel / Funicular de Montjuïc
Open hours: 10 a.m. – nightfall daily
Tibidado Mountain
Panoramic View
This imposing mountain offers the finest view of Barcelona. A funicular takes you 1,600 feet to the top of the mountain, Barcelona’s highest. The ideal time to visit this summit (the culmination of the Sierra de Collcerola) north of the port is at sunset, when the city lights are on. Barcelona’s oldest amusement park is situated at the top of the mountain. There is also a church, called Temple del Sagrat Cor (Sacred Heart), in the carnival-like setting, plus restaurants and mountaintop hotels.
Getting there:
From Plaça de catalunya, take a bus to Avinguda del Tibidabo, where you can board a special bus that will transport you to the funicular. Hop aboard to scale the mountain. The funicular runs daily from 7:45am to 9:45pm.
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