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10 Things to Know Before Taking A Trip to Barcelona


Heading to Barcelona? Arm yourself with info! Whether you're coming for service or satisfaction, check out 10 essential things to know before taking a tour to Barcelona!

1. Barcelona is the Capital of Catalonia

The first thing to know before taking a trip to Barcelona is that it's the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain's 17 various self-governing communities. The word Catalonia has a great deal of weight in Spain today. Beyond being an extremely proud area with a deep-rooted culture that differs in lots of ways to the rest of Spain, there is also a crucial movement for the independence of Catalonia, as lots of Catalans just don't consider this area, or Barcelona, to be part of Spain.

2. There are Two Co-Official Languages in Barcelona

In Barcelona, you will see and hear whatever in two various languages, Spanish and Catalan. Catalan is similar to Spanish because it shares the exact same roots, yet it is a completely various language similar to French or Italian. Locals speak Catalan in their lives, and children find out the language at school. That said, everyone is multilingual so if you speak some Spanish, people will still understand you!

3. It's Not Barça

If you hear individuals discussing Barna, you didn't mishear them! Barna is the nickname for Barcelona, and if you refer to the city as Barça, you are the one who is incorrect! In actual reality, that is the endearing label of the FC Barcelona football group!

4. Pickpocketers are Professionals

There are of course, lots of things you should understand prior to taking a trip to Barcelona, and this is among the most crucial! Yes, you've most likely currently heard the reports. See your things! Barcelona is a very crowded city, particularly between May and September, and petty thieves are all over. That stated, it's easy to avoid regrettable circumstances, just always watch on your things!

5. This is Not Your Stereotypical Spain

Barcelona is a far cry from the stereotyped image of intense flamenco dancers and bullfighters. Bullfighting has been prohibited in Catalonia for years! You can see some terrific flamenco reveals around town, it's not as embedded in Catalan culture as in places like Madrid or Seville.

6. The Schedule Might Take Some Getting Used To

Of all the important things to know before taking a trip to Barcelona, potentially among the most crucial is that Spaniards have very specific dining times! The schedule in Barcelona and Spain is unlike many other locations in Europe. Lunch is normally around 2:30 p.m., and supper no earlier than 9 p.m. It's a good idea to keep in mind as if you appear to a dining establishment for dinner at 7 p.m., they may not even be open! When you do consume-- make sure that you consume well. Have a look at our leading 5 must-try meals while in the city!

7. Gaudi is Great, But There's So Much More!

No check out to Barcelona is complete without seeing the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell, however what many visitors do not understand is that there are loads of other beautiful modernist gems, created by other designers, embellishing the city. For example, the Hospital Sant Pau, of Lluís Domènech i Muntaner, is simply up the street from Sagrada Familia and possibly one of the most remarkable set of buildings in Barcelona. The exact same architect's Palau de la Musica is likewise worth checking out, especially so if you can see a performance there! Simply put, do not stop yourself short with Gaudi!

8. Be Aware of Your Presence

Specifically for the old city center, which is called Ciutat Vella, be aware that sound travels up and echoes everywhere among the narrow streets. If it's late at night, keep voices down and please, refrain from singing! It's not uncommon for disgruntled next-door neighbors to dispose containers of water out their balconies over unsuspecting visitors, who are typically unaware of how loud things can get in the maze of Ciutat Vella.

9. Things Are Very, Very Laid Back

Depending upon where you're coming from, things might seem exceptionally unwinded in Barcelona. Decrease and enjoy it! Don't expect speedy service at restaurants and bars-- if you desire something, you might require to wave somebody down for a great while before getting aid.

10. Reserve beforehand!

Barcelona is an extremely popular traveler attraction, so do not be shocked to see crowds and queues at essential monoliths around town. That said, you can prevent the queues if your planning on taking a trip to Barcelona by scheduling your tickets online ahead of time for these locations before you fly! Whether it's for the Picasso Museum or the Sagrada Familia, you will conserve yourself a lot of time and hassle.

Familiarity with Barcelona is impossible without a visit to the Gothic quarter. The Gothic quarter is the historical center of the city and a real corner of the Middle Ages. Once there was a Roman settlement of Barsino, from which Barcelona originated.

The pearl of the quarter is Barcelona Cathedral with a luxurious Gothic facade. You can find the best guides on the site: