BARCELONA

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OVERVIEW

Located between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Barcelona offers a variety of art, culture and fine cuisine.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and its main neighborhoods are: Raval, Born, Eixample, Grcia, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gtic), and Barceloneta.

The city is famous for its architecture that features a mix of modern and classical art, as well as bars and a lively nightlife.

Antoni Gauds Basilica of the Holy Family (Sagrada Famlia) is one of Barcelonas main, and most visited, attractions. The city boasts

other great works by the famous architect, such as Casa Batll, Casa Mil and Park Gell.

Most of the tourist attractions in this bustling, monumental city can be reached on foot or by bike or subway.

Of the many beaches in the area, Barceloneta is the citys busiest, attracting thousands of visitors in the summer.

Situated on the Spanish coast, Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Its climate is very humid and is pleasant year round.

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One of the typical events in the region in April is the celebration commemorating Sant Jordi (Saint George), the patron saint of Catalonia, when the city is decked out in red and gold.

The Snar 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 diving. This is an ideal place to relax. Grand Turk is also a stop-off point for cruise ships.

Enjoy the charm of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a destination with outstanding natural beauty, history, water sports, a pleasant climate, high quality services and unforgettable experiences.

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.

In the summers temperatures rise with highs of around 32C in August. Winters in Barcelona are milder than in inland Spain, with temperatures ranging from 5C to 14C. 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 15C to 20C.

The busiest months in Barcelona are July, August and September. This is the season chosen by many visitors from across Europe and other parts of the world. Its the perfect time of the year for people who enjoy warm weather and hustle and bustle.

Barcelona is a charming city in any season, even in winter, when the temperature ranges from 5C to 14C and the days are sunny.

BIKES

The municipal council encourages cycling as a mode of transport and bikes share the streets with cars, motorbikes and pedestrians. You can go for a bike ride at the beaches and around the tourist sites. Barcelonans often use bikes not just as a sport or leisure activity but to commute to work.

SUBWAYThe Barcelona subway is a rapid transport system and the best way to get around the city. The main lines are operated by the citys transport company TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), and the other lines are operated by the Catalan railway

operator FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya). The Barcelona subway has 11 lines, each identified by the letter L and a number and color. Most of them cover all the tourist sites, and the information panels are easy to understand and perfectly signposted.

The lines operate from 5 am until midnight Mondays to Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays. On Fridays and the eve of public holidays the subway is open from 5am until 2am; on Saturdays it opens at 5am and operates all night.

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BUSESBuses 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 Plaa de Catalunya.

TRAMSThe citys 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 Barcelonas transport network. Trams can therefore be used as one more mode of transport for no extra charge.

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

TAXISBarcelona has a fleet of over 11,000 taxis, so it is very easy to find one on the citys streets. Cabs are yellow and black and have a light on the roof to indicate if they are free or not. Fares vary according to the time of day or night, and an extra fee is charged for each item of luggage stowed in the trunk.

CARRenting a car is not recommended because of frequent congestion and difficulties finding parking on the citys streets. However, for visitors planning trips to towns near Barcelona, renting a car is a good option.

ATTRACTIONS

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

Enjoy the pleasant weather at Barceloneta beach, ride a bike, go for a walk, and take in the stunning sights at Park Gell and the impressive architecture of the Holy Family Church.

Visit the citys 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.

THE SAGRADA FAMLIAThe stunning Sagrada Famlia church is an unfinished construction by Antoni Gaud, a

must-see attraction that stirs the imagination of all its visitors.The architectural project was started by Francisco de Paula del Villar. In 1883 it was taken over by Gaud, who managed the construction work until his death in 1926. The Management of the project was then transferred to his loyal assistants Domnec Sugraes and, subsequently, Jordi Bonet Armengol, who always remained faithful to Gauds original idea.

It is the most unconventional church in Europe, with faades in various architectural styles and spiral staircases. Its three main faades, called Nativity, Passion and Glory, were designed with features closely related to the nature, people and culture of Catalonia.

Work on the Sagrada Famlia is scheduled to finalize in around 2030, but a more precise date has not been set.

LAS RAMBLASLocated in the heart of the city, Las Ramblas is a long avenue full of bars, restaurants, bookshops, florists and a variety of stores. This is a very busy area where you can go for a pleasant walk from Plaa de Catalunya to the statue of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. Street performers can also be seen showing off their skills all around.

PARK GELLDesigned by Antoni Gaud, Park Gell is one of the main attractions in Barcelona. It features

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impressive architecture, with benches, walls and squares in sinuous, colorful designs. Its physical structure includes a central square with serpentine benches made of mosaic tiles, and a building with various Doric columns. It also provides a beautiful hilltop view of Barcelona.

The combination of architecture and nature transforms Park Gell into a magical monument that charms all of its visitors. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The multicolor dragon made of mosaic tiles located on the entrance stairway has become one of the parks symbols.

MONTJUC PARKLocated at the top of a hill, Montjuc Park is home to a large number of landmarks, including the Joan Mir Foundation, the Spanish village (Poble Espanyol) and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

CIUTADELLA PARKThis 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 citys zoo.

CAMP NOULocated in the Les Corts residential area, FC Barcelonas stadium is a must-see place for international football fans. Since it was founded in 1899, Bara 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

clubs trophies and other memorabilia relating to Baras history. The second part is a tour of Camp Nou, to see the playing field, press boxes and dressing rooms. The third is a visit to the multimedia area lined with interactive screens for following the games in the stadium.

PASSEIG DE GRCIAThis is the most elegant street in Barcelona. It boasts many stores selling international brands and a variety of buildings, including the famous Casa Battl and Casa Mil.

LA PEDRERA (CASA MIL)Built, in 1906, La Pedrera, also known as Casa Mil, was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaud and was very advanced for its time.

La Pedrera is a house with three faades joined together as if they were one by a curved

structure, forming an eye-catching sight with abstract and sculptural details. It has a fantastic terrace that stands out as a veritable garden of sculptures, art and beauty.

CASA BATTLOne of Gauds last projects, it was built between 1904 and 1906. This veritable masterpiece brings imagination and fantasy to the heart of Barcelona. The original building was redesigned by the Catalan architect, combining colors, lights and minute details in its interior and on its faade. Each item of the building was created with various materials and forms, to create an amazing shape that surprises all its visitors.

PALAU DE LA MSICA CATALANAThe Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de La Msica Catalana) was designed by the architect Domnech i Montaner. It is a monument

created as a tribute to the music and history of Catalonia at the beginning of the twentieth century. It features a stained glass skylight, sculptures, mosaics and columns with unique decorative details. The sculptures of the arch over the main stage represent classical art and Catalan popular music.

The Palau was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Guided tours of the Palau take place every 30 minutes in several languages. Visitors enter from the Plaa del Palau.

GOTHIC CATHEDRALLocated in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gtic), Barcelonas cathedral boasts an incredible architecture. Built on the site of a Roman temple, it contains 28 chapels. It unique architecture alone makes a visit worthwhile.

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JOAN MIR FOUNDATIONLocated in Montjuc Park, the Joan Mir Foundation is a museum of modern art offering an exhibition full of paintings, tapestries and drawings by the visual artist Joan Mir.

Thousands of Mirs works can be found scattered around the city, bearing witness to his unique, elegant style based on primary colors.

PICASSO MUSEUMThe 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 is the Las Meninas collection, based on the masterpiece by Diego de Velzquez that became a source of inspiration for Picassos studies.

MAGIC FOUNTAINLocated on Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina, near Montjuc Park, theMagic Fountain (Font Mgica) attracts visitors of all ages.

The light and sound show consists of more than 50 dazzling movements made by the water jets combined with a multicolored light display.

BARCELONETAThis neighborhood reflects the character of the citys fishing village. The Barceloneta area offers a wide range of attractions, fish restaurants, and the most popular beach in the European summer.

WHERE TO STAY

Spains leading industrial city, Barcelona is divided into ten districts. It offers a wide range of accommodation options. The local inhabitants refer to their particular neighborhood as their barri. The city has a range of hotels, hostels and apartments for 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 Grcia, 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, or Eixample, which is a good option for visitors to experience the typical Barcelonan lifestyle.

One of the sophisticated, high-class hotels is the Mandarin Oriental.Another option for 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.

DINING OUT

Catalan cuisine reflects the diversity of Mediterranean culture with French, Arab, Italian, and Greek influence. Barcelona is an ideal destination for eating well and something 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 crme brle (crema catalana), and the egg yolk and sugar dessert tocino de cielo.

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

RESTAURANT MONTINELMediterranean and Spanish cuisine. With a charming atmosphere, this comfortable, romantic restaurant stands out for the 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).

SHOPPING

The best shopping options in Barcelona are the malls, shopping centers and street stores. A variety of stores can be found along the main streets of the city, which attract more shoppers than do the large malls, which are best left for rainy or excessively hot days.

ARENAS DE BARCELONA SHOPPING MALLStanding near Montjuc Park, Arenas de Barcelona shopping mall is a spectacular

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shopping mall contains over 230 top-brand stores, cinemas, bars and restaurants.

LILLA DIAGONALConsidered Barcelonas most chic shopping mall, LIlla Diagonal has 170 famous brand stores and a few restaurants.

LA MAQUINISTAThis is Barcelonas 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.

The best shopping areas in the center of Barcelona are near Passeio de Grcia, in the streets of the Gothic Quarter, such as Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Carrer de la Boqueria, and Carrer de Ferran, and the area surrounding Plaa de Sant Josep Oriol.

building. This former bullring was converted into a shopping mall after major renovation work which raised the structure of the sand arena.

MAREMGNUMThe smallest mall in Barcelona, Maremgnum attracts thousands of tourists due to its location 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 MARLocated at the end of Avinguda Diagonal, Diagonal Mar is the newest and most modern mall in Barcelona, with over 250 stores, cinemas, a play area for children and a public area with sea views.

LES GLRIESLocated on Avinguda Diagonal, Les Glries

Portal de l Angel, near Plaa de Catalunya, offers a large number of stores selling the most exclusive brands of clothing and accessories.

Avinguda Diagonal, one of the major avenues in Barcelona, offers visitors a wide range of international brands.

STREET MARKETSThe street markets in Barcelona sell all kinds of books, postcards, vinyl records, knickknacks and antiques we can find throughout the city in small fairs.

Located on Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market boasts a rich history and an amazing range of fruit, vegetables, fish and much more. It also offers food and cooking courses for anyone interested in learning about the variety of dishes from the region.

The Plaa de Sant Josep market offers a variety of pieces of art.

Located in Plaa 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.

In Plaa de Sant Josep Oriol musicians, fortune-tellers and painters abound. There are several clothing and craft stores to choose from.

CURRENCYThe currency used in Barcelona, as in rest of Spain and most of Europe, is the euro (). 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.

Various ATMs can be found in the region, identified with the initials MB (Multibanco). Most establishments accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Euro-Cheque).

Stores in Spain require an original ID for credit card payments, and will not divide purchases for credit card purchases.

Travelers checks are not recommended because of the high currency exchange fees.

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