Information About Barcelona

Barcelona cultural information and guide

Food and drinks

In the morning , Barcelonians will usually grab un café solo (an espresso) or un cortado (espresso with a little milk) in a bar or café on the way to work. This is sometimes accompanied by a mini bocadillo (sandwich) or a croissant.

Typical sandwich fillings are jamón dulce (sliced ham), tortilla, (spanish omelette with potato), or even jamón ibérico, which is Spain's famous hard-cured ham, cut directly off the leg, which has a remarkable flavour and texture.

As breakfast is quite popularly eaten on-the-go, you can still get a coffee and sandwich for about 1,50 Euro.

In terms of lunch, it's lovely to pick up some groceries and find a spot for a picnic in the city, as Barcelona has an abundance of beaches, parks and viewpoints. Be aware however, that some supermarkets do close during siesta hours of between 2pm and 5pm.

Many lucky Barcelonians benefit from a long lunch of anything up to 3 hours. It's quite common to peruse a restaurant or café with an outdoor terrace and spend the afternoon. Because of their popularity, lunch menus are widely available and affordable. A meal including starter, mains, dessert with a drink would normally set you back between 9 and 14 Euros.

Alternatively, there are a huge number of bars and restaurants where you can try some tapas. Best split among friends, sample some tapas of meat, salads and dishes, or the excellent local seafood. These range in portion size and price, from about 1 Euro or less. Tapas however are not usually regarded as a main meal; moreover, snacks to enjoy before dinner, with your copa de vino (glass of wine) or canya (glass of beer). Also try the clara; a refreshing mix of beer and lemon soda.

Dinner in Spain is eaten quite late, at around 9 or 10pm. The city is rife with fashionable international cuisine and has many fine dining restaurants to try, for any taste or budget. As Barcelona has one of the oldest ports in the world, it is well renowned for its seafood and many restaurants have an excellent menu, usually with Spain's national favourite, paella. Order a meat or seafood paella, or for the more adventurous palette, Arroz Negro, which is paella with squid ink.

Siesta

The traditional Spanish siesta takes place between 2pm and 5pm, during the hot afternoon sun. This is considered a break for food and leisure, or rest and many non-corporate businesses do close during these hours.

It's a great occasion for a long, leisurely lunch with friends or a trip to the beach or the park, before returning to work for a few hours more until the early evening.

Most families enjoy the outdoors in the evening after work, in the comfort of their own balcony or in one of the many very social squares, in the company of friends, neighbours and their dogs.

Barcelona tipping advice

Those working in hospitality don't earn much in Barcelona, so you can be sure that your contribution will be appreciated, although pride might well prevent acknowledgement of the tip. Restaurants may or may not include service, but don't tip more than 10% of the bill, or less if you only eat tapas.

Tip taxis about 10% of the total fare, but more for long rides or help with luggage. Tip Barcelona hotel porters around EUR 0.40 per bag for assistance and tip room service between EUR 0.30 and 0.60. If you stay in a hotel for more than two nights, tip the chambermaid about EUR 0.60 per night.

Barcelona nightlife

There's something for everyone in regards to Barcelona's nightlife. As the majority of the population are young adults, prepare to be spoilt for choice every night of the week with bars, clubs, gigs, performances and parties.

Considering the naturally open and friendly attitude of this very international community, there's always a good energy. More or less once a month there's some sort of local or major festival, bringing together Catalonian with more global influences. Take for example the street parties of the Festa Major in Gracia, or the Sonar music festival which combines international music artists and urban digital art.

Although the beaches, bars and plazas are always full of life, clubbing here doesn't usually kick off anytime before 2am, going on until 6am or much later. It's quite normal to have a drink or two at home before hitting a couple of pre-club bars as late as midnight.

The party scene in Barcelona is fast becoming world-renowned. Travellers to the city, who come for work, study or holiday always enjoy its exciting atmosphere. Explore Barcelona and feel the magic.

Enjoy Barcelona

Barcelona is not a dangerous city but you have to watch your belongings. Like most big cities, Barcelona has its share of pick pockets and bag snatchers. You also need to be aware of street vendors and hawkers illegally selling items such as sunglasses, handbags, clothes and DVD’s (which will prove to be blank). Don’t be tempted!

Aside from normal precautions, don't take valuables with you when you don’t have to; leave them in a safe place in your apartment.

If you’re at a café, bar or restaurant enjoying food or a drink, keep your personal belongings at hand; a mobile phone left on the table or your handbag out of eyesight under your seat may attract unwanted opportunists. Be aware in crowded places such as on public transport or in a busy bar. Small precautions like these will help to avoid any unhappy moments in such a beautiful destination.

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