Destination Guide: Uncovering Barcelona's Unique Culture & Beauty

Barcelona, city, seaport, and capital of Barcelona Provincia (province) and of Catalonia Comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), northeastern Spain, located 90-miles (150-km) south of the French border. It is Spain’s major Mediterranean port and commercial center and is famed for its individuality, cultural interest, and physical beauty.

Money

Barcelona has long been an expensive city, but prices are still lower than an hour north across the French border. Euro is the currency widely used in Spain.

Credit cards are the safest way to carry money. They provide a record of all expenses and offer relatively good exchange rates. You can get cash advances on your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. You will pay interest from the moment of withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bill on time. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are all widely accepted in Spain.

Debit cards are widely accepted in large towns and tourist areas. However, you might still find smaller independent retailers that do not accept card payments. It is best to keep a small number of euros on you, just in case.

Climate

The climate of Barcelona is mild, with relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. The monthly average temperature ranges from 9 °C (48 °F) in January to 24.5 °C (76 °F) in August. The best time to visit Barcelona is in the Spring, from April to June. Mid to late summer is the best time for a beach holiday, and Winter is usually mild but sometimes rainy.

Electricity

The electrical current in Spain is 220-volts, 50-cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take Continental-type plugs with two round prongs. An adapter from flat to round prongs is a must for computers and hair dryers.

Getting There

Plane

Barcelona airport, with several terminals, is located 16-kilometers south of the city and is also known as Barcelona-El Prat.

Train

Barcelona has direct railway links to and from cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse. Plus, the high-speed train runs to Madrid and southern and eastern Spain.

Car

Barcelona is well connected and has a large number of car parks.

Bus

The bus station in Barcelona that has the most national and international connections is Barcelona Nord Bus Station. Buses also depart from Barcelona Sants station and other areas of the city.

Boat

Barcelona has become the Mediterranean's foremost cruise ship harbor. It has nine passenger terminals, seven for cruise liners and four for ferries.

Culture

The cultural roots of Barcelona go back centuries. The people of this city love arts and entertainment - Barcelona has numerous venues for live music, operas, theaters, orchestras, and more. As the capital and chief cultural center of Catalonia, Barcelona is also the ‘literary hub’ of all works created in the Catalan language. The city hosts international conferences and expositions. Sports are another aspect of its rich culture. Barcelona shot to fame after it successfully hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. Finally, Barcelona celebrates several festivals that are both religious and cultural. Some include Epiphany, Formula One Spanish Grand Prix, Primavera Sound Festival, and Barcelona Independent Film Festival.

Top Experiences

Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló
Take a day trip to Montserrat
Visit the Picasso Museum
Visit the fairies themed bar
Learn how to salsa for free
Wander through the Gothic Quarter
Hike up Montjuïc

Family Travel Highlights

See a Flamenco show
Take a tour at the Museu De La Xocolata
Hop on the magical carousel at the Tibidabo Amusement Park
Watch a movie under the stars
Watch talented young skaters in front of MACBA
Play beach volleyball at Barceloneta
Join a free walking tour

Foods to Try

Bombas: Potato Bombas are tasty little stuffed mashed potato balls that you can find in Spanish tapas bars.
Blistered Padrón Peppers: Most are mild, but every now and then you'll bite into a wickedly hot one.
Spanish Omelet or Spanish Tortilla: An omelette made with eggs and potatoes, optionally including onion.
Manchego Cheese: Made in the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the Manchega breed.
Pan con Tomate: Made with just four easy ingredients — toasted bread, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and sea salt.
Croquettes: Typically with ham, croquettes are made with a bechamel sauce enriched with Serrano ham and deep-fried to crispy perfection.
Bocadillos: A sandwich made with Spanish bread, usually a baguette or similar type of bread, cut lengthwise.
Gazpacho: A cold soup made of raw, blended vegetables.

Drinks to Try

Sangria: Traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit, often with other ingredients or spirits.
Cava: A sparkling wine of Denominación de Origen (DO) status, which may be white (blanco) or rosé (rosado).
Leche de Pantera: Often bright pink, this beverage is a delicious milk and spirit mixture. Plenty of bars now offer their own homemade variation.
Vermouth: A fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals and may be white (blanco) or red (rojo).
Beer (Cerveza): Estrella Damm is a lager beer, brewed in Barcelona, Spain. It has existed since 1876, when August Küntzmann Damm founded his brewery in Barcelona, and is the flagship beer of S.A. Damm, a prominent brewery in the city. The brand is the oldest in Spain and the name Estrella means "star" in both Catalan and Spanish.

Photography Hot Spots

Sagrada Familia
Casa Batlló
The Magic Fountain
Mercado de la Boqueria
La Barceloneta
The Gothic Quarter
Arc de Triomf
Palau de la Música Catalana

Where to Stay

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

NOTABLE SERVICES: Pet friendly, babysitting, bicycle rental, and butler service

Ideally located near all the city’s major attractions, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona offers an atmospheric setting on Passeig de Gràcia. With contemporary interiors by designer Patricia Urquiola, the 120 rooms and suites (some with private terraces) are among the most luxurious in Barcelona. Carme Ruscalleda (one of the most awarded chefs in the world) is the leader of the two-Michelin-starred Moments Restaurant, casual Blanc, and Banker’s Bar. Terrat rooftop bar serves chef Gastón Acurio’s Peruvian delights. The spa is designed as a haven of serenity, making Mandarin Oriental the perfect base to explore the Catalan capital.

Book with MTD and receive:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for each guest
Late check-out, subject to availability
$100 USD Food and Beverage credit, per room, per stay
Complimentary Wi-Fi for duration of stay

Hotel Arts Barcelona

NOTABLE SERVICES: Wedding services, house safe, family pool, and butler service

A dazzling display of contemporary architecture, Hotel Arts Barcelona (operated by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company) is renowned the world over for its impeccable service and lavish accommodations, including 28 duplex penthouses. The penthouses are located on the top floors of the hotel and offer butler service and use of a MINI Cooper. The hotel has an exclusive spa, 43 The Spa, located on the 43rd floor. Visit the terraced gardens, infinity-edge pool, family pool, the stunning collection of Spanish art, or the five restaurants – including the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez, with a wine cellar topping 700 labels.

Book with MTD and receive: