04 Jul What You Need to Know: Visiting Barcelona

If you’ve watched a lot of Spanish movies, you might feel fairly confident before visiting Barcelona? Well, first of all, the language of Barcelona is Catalan and not Spanish (which is actually Castilian) – and it wouldn’t be a good idea to mix the names of those two, despite the fact that Barcelonans speak Spanish well. Originally, Barcelona, as the capital of the region of Catalonia was a sovereign kingdom, and even though many years have passed, the people of Catalonia still feel a bit different from the general Spanish population.

The People

While this shouldn’t be a lecture in Spanish history, it is important to note the difference, as Catalonians are quite a proud people, and mistaking them for Spaniards can be a great insult to them. So, if you expect to go to Barcelona and watch bullfights (a traditional Spanish pastime activity) you are clearly at the wrong place. Barcelona itself is not only the capital of Catalonia, but also the biggest and liveliest city with its own special feel and culture. It is a cosmopolitan city of about 2 million people.

The people are extremely friendly, and due to an increased number of tourists, they have become exceptionally welcoming, which made their economy thrive. Naturally, this does not mean that you get a get-out-of-jail-free card; you will need to behave in the most civilized way, but it is good to know that the locals will be accepting, and they will offer to help when needed.

What to Have in Your Wallet: Euros

Spain is a sovereign state, and as such is a part of the European Union, meaning that, once you get the necessary visa to visit Spain, you can travel the whole of Europe. Borders are mostly non-existent or a simple formality, and even visas are required only for a few countries, and it is usually a political thing.

Enjoying the Weather

Due to its exposure to the Mediterranean, the climate is extremely hot; August in particular, with average temperatures at around 28 Celsius (but in cities, they reach way more than that). The coldest period is in January, about 10 degrees Celsius. Their climate is officially classified as a warm subtropical climate. This makes their summers last for about 6 months, with a lot of sunshine, little rain – in general, perfect for a sudden visit.

What to Eat and Drink

We can talk about the food in Barcelona for days on end; but nothing can replace actually going there and trying some tapas in the nearest bar. Their cuisine is quite varied, and it has a lot of sea produce (which is natural), but they also rely on meat and dairy products as well.

Rice is quite popular and it is a key ingredient in paellas, made in special pans on open fire – which gives a perfect, caramelized taste. Vegetables are also very important, so if you prefer not to eat meat, Barcelona is the place for you.

Restaurants and bars are crowded. Expect little privacy, as Barcelonans are quite friendly people. Most of their food is quite social, so don’t be afraid to eat with your fingers – so, just dig in. They have a lot of different wines, but most of them prefer light tasting drinks like Agua de Valencia (gin, vodka, orange juice and champagne) – this might sound like you’ll get drunk in seconds, but it’s actually really tasty, and goes perfectly with tapas.

Tipping is optional, so feel free to just round up the bill to the nearest number – like I said, Barcelonans are friendly people, and everything is casual here.

Asking for Directions

Everything is nearby in Barcelona, and although it might seem strange to a newcomer, it is actually a walking distance from the city center. Everything that a typical tourist wants to visit is there, but if you need a transportation service, they have a good metro with stations spread out throughout the city (it costs 77 eurocents per ride if you buy the day pass).

For something more personal, you can rent a cab, where you won’t have to worry about tipping; just round it up. The city is also bike-friendly, and there are a lot of places where you can rent a bike; this will give you a unique perspective, and you will be able to visit the city on your own terms.

In the end, you just need to enjoy yourself, and with normal safety precautions, your trip to Barcelona will probably become one of the best trips of your lifetime.