Practical Information
Practical information
Time zone
Standard Time: GMT + 1
Summer Time: GMT + 2
Spain changes the time between summer and winter to save energy. This means that the last weekend of October should be delayed one hour clock (03:00 to 02:00) and the last week of March should be brought forward one hour (02:00 to 03:00).
Local languages
These are two official languages in Catalonia: Catalan and Spanish.
Climate
In the Mediterranean area, summers are dry and hot with sea breezes, and the maximum temperature is around 26-31 °C.
You can see a local six day forecast for Barcelona.
Communications
The following website shows how to make calls to and from Spain, as well as how to check your email in Spain.
Money and currency
The Euro is the only currency accepted. Euro banknotes are: 5 €, 10 €, 20 €, 50 €, 100 €, 200 € and 500 €. The coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, or 1 € and 2 €.
Electricity
Electricity supply in Spain is AC 220 volts, 50 Hertz. Type C plugs. Sockets meet European regulations and use the round pin system. However, most hotels have adaptors for different plugs. Make sure that the electrical appliances you are going to use (computers, mobile phone chargers, shavers…) work at this voltage.
Comercial hours
The most usual business hours are from Monday-Saturday, from 9:30 to 14:00, and 16:30 to 20:00. Major shopping centres and department stores are open all day from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00.
Please note that 24 June is a public holiday in Barcelona and shops are closed.
Banking hours
Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 14:00
Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00
Visas
Most citizens of European countries and US not require visas.
Consulates in Barcelona
The following website shows a list of consulates in Barcelona:
Security in Barcelona
Barcelona is in general a safe city. However, you should always be aware of pickpockets as they are extremely good. Tourist are usually the main target so just be extra careful with your belongings as sometimes robberies can be avoided by just being a little bit extra careful, specially in the city center.
Medical care
The Spanish Social Security system has a wide network of clinics and hospitals throughout the country.
Emergency phones
Emergency: 112
Medical emergencies: 061
Catalunya Police (Mossos d'Esquadra): 088
City Police / Municipal Police: 092
Fire: 080
Tourist information
Almost 4.5 million people live in the Barcelona metropolitan area. The city enjoys a prime location, bathed by the sea and has excellent transport links with the rest of Europe. The Mediterranean and Europe are the defining characteristics of the capital of Catalonia.
Barcelona is a modern, cosmopolitan city, but has inherited many centuries of history. Its geographic location and the open character of its inhabitants are the reasons why the city is being culturally enriched all the time. It has a valuable architectural and monumental heritage, the most splendid exponents of which are its Gothic and modernista buildings. Five of its buildings have been designated World Heritage Sites. The entire city guarantees that visitors will enjoy taking a stroll around its streets which are replete with charm.
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. It is a coastal city and has over four kilometres of urban beaches and large areas of nearby forest. Although it is a large city, it is easy to get around on public transport and on foot. You can reach any point in the city by metro, bus and taxi.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia. Its inhabitants are open and welcoming. The people of Barcelona speak Catalan, their own language, and Spanish. Many of them also understand a little English and French.
Official webpage of Barcelona Tourism
Official webpage of Catalunya Tourism
Tips on sustainability
- Use public transport to reach Barcelona and to move around the city.
- Barcelona is not a very large city, so you can walk to many places, especially in the centre. Strolling around the city is a pleasant experience.
- Separate waste and throw it away into recycling bins, which can be found throughout the city.
- Do not smoke in non smoking areas and do not throw cigarette butts on the ground.
- Make responsible use of water. It is a scarce resource in Barcelona.
- Consume local, seasonal, organic products.
- Avoid the purchase of fast food. It generates a great deal of waste.
- Buy souvenirs that are related to the city and its culture, and quality products that support local businesses.
- Avoid souvenirs that have nothing to do with the city’s culture and history, such as Mexican hats, those related to bull-fighting and flamenco dresses.
- Reduce the use of plastic bags as much as possible.
- Behave respectfully during your stay in the city and avoid making noise after 10 p.m.
Travel information
Airport information
Barcelona Aiport information
Reus Airport information
Girona Airport information
Lleida Airport information
Taxi information
Institut Metropolità del Taxi de Barcelona
Taxi stops in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona
Busses and underground information
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona
Tram information
Railway information
Railroad from Barcelona
Railroad from Catalunya
Travelling around Catalunya
Transports in Catalunya
Travelling around Catalunya on public transport
