Map of Spain and the city shield of Barcelona.
 

Facts about Barcelona -  good to know before you go!

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and it is Spain's second largest city after Madrid. It has a surface area of 100,4 km² and it is divided into 10 districts: Ciutat Vella, Eixample, Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu and Sant Martí.

During the last few years, a few districts has been "unofficially divided" and the citizens of Barcelona now also include El Raval, El Born, Barceloneta, Sagrada Familia and Vila Olimpica in the list of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods.

Click on the links above for more information about each district or go directly to our Barcelona neighbourhood guide.



Currency

People in Barcelona have been using the Euro (€) since 2001.


Language

Catalan is the official language in Barcelona, together with Spanish. Although Barcelona is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations you may find it hard sometimes to have a conversation in English.


Population

Barcelona has a population of 1 603 178 inhabitants although if you include all the suburbs the population is estimated to be 4 856 579.

Source: Barcelona Turisme


Time Zone

Barcelona is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich time.


What time of the year should I visit Barcelona?

Barcelona is one of those cities you can visit at any time of the year. If you are looking to get a nice tan and have a swim in the Med you should go in June, July, August or September. Spring or autumn are better if you want to see a FC Barcelona game, do some shopping, or maybe just walk around in this city full of culture.

Climate in Barcelona

The climate is typically Mediterranean, which means that the summers are hot and humid and the winters are mild. Most of the precipitations come during the spring and the autumn. Average annual temperature is 17.6º C. See chart below:
 

Sundays in Barcelona = business closed

On Sundays all shops are closed. The exception is the Maremagnum shopping centre in Port Vell. The museums are also open but only until 3 pm.

Security

Barcelona is considered a safe city but you have to watch out for pickpockets. They operate everywhere in the city but especially nearby metro stations and the main tourist attractions.
Learn how you can protect yourself from pickpockets and what you should do if you get robbed.


Emergency

If you need an ambulance or you need to reach the police or fire department call 112. See contact information for your consulate or embassy below:

British Consulate General
Avenida Diagonal, 477, 13a
08036 Barcelona

Telephone: +34 93 366 6200
Fax: +34 93 366 6221
Office hours: 07:00 - 15:00

Irish Consulate General
Gran Via Carlos III, 94
08028 Barcelona

Telephone: +34 93 491 5021
Fax: +34 93 411 2921
Office hours: 09:00 - 13:00

Unites States Consulate General
Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23
08034 Barcelona

Telephone: +34 93 280 2227
Fax: +34 93 280 6175
Office hours: 09:00 - 13:00 / 15:00 - 17:00


National Day

Catalonia's National Day is celebrated on September 11th. Spain's National Day is celebrated on October 12th.


Tourist Information
In Barcelona there are several tourist information offices where you can find maps, ask questions or just receive information. The main office is situated on Pl. Catalunya just across from El Corte Inglés.


Holidays

See a complete list of the public holidays celebrated in Barcelona.
 

Are you interested in eating something delicious in one of the best restaurants in Barcelona? See our list of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

Want to go shopping in Barcelona? Read our Shopping Guide.

  Looking for a cheap place to stay in Barcelona? We know the right hostel for you.