Barcelona is the year the city was founded. Where is Barcelona located, in what country? National composition and history
Barcelona, the capital of the province of Catalonia, is one of the most beautiful places Europe and a real Spanish tourist paradise. The age of the city is more than two centuries, which left their mark on its appearance. The history of Barcelona began in the 3rd century. BC, when the commander of Carthage Hamelkar Barka named the small village of Barsino in his honor. This is where the city stands today. Today's Barcelona is rich in historical and modern attractions. With its charm and originality, it leaves no one indifferent.
The main symbol of Barcelona is the Cathedral of La Sagrada Familla (Holy Family), built by the great Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, who also decorated the city with his other masterpieces. The official languages in Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish. However, locals prefer to speak in the first language.
Climate and weather
Barcelona is an excellent holiday destination at any time of the year. The Mediterranean climate prevails here, characterized by mild winters and warm, humid summers. Precipitation in Barcelona is quite rare. The coolest month is February (+10 °C), the hottest is July (+25 °C), and in spring the weather is not much cooler than in autumn (15-18 °C).
Nature
Barcelona is on a coastal plateau Mediterranean Sea. In the southwest, near the city, are the Llobregat River and the Collserola Mountains, and in the north is the Besos River. 120 km north of Barcelona lie the Pyrenees. Thanks to the mountainous terrain, the city has a unique, uneven landscape. The highest point is Mount Tibidabo (512 m).
Barcelona is located on several hills, whose names are also given to its neighborhoods: Puchet, Carmel, Monterols, Peira and Rovira. The city is very green, there are many small parks and squares.
Attractions
Barcelona has perfectly preserved the rich cultural heritage of many peoples and times. The entire multifaceted history of the country and the city is reflected in its squares, monuments and streets.
The most grandiose and impressive landmark of Barcelona is considered Gothic Quarter, located on the territory of an ancient Roman village. Here you must visit the Chapel of San Jordi, the Chapel of St. Agatha, Piazza Jaime I, where the City Hall and the Government Palace (Generalitat) are located, the Golden Hall, the Courtyard of Orange Trees and the Federico Mares Museum. Also notable are the Grand Royal Palace and the Archbishop's Palace. By the way, in the first of them, in 1493, Christopher Columbus was solemnly received by the Spanish royal family after his first voyage.
We must remember that many sights and buildings of the city are included in the list of objects world heritage. The most interesting of them is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Its construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. Completion of construction is planned for 2026.
Barcelona is also famous for its sporting traditions and achievements. Here is the world's strongest Spanish football club, Barcelona, whose stadium (Camp Nou) has its own museum, which ranks 2nd in Barcelona in terms of attendance.
Nutrition
The mixture of nationalities and cultures played a big role in the formation national cuisine Catalonia. At one time, it borrowed elements from Japanese, Indian, Turkish, Pakistani, Chinese, Thai, Arabic and many other cuisines. In all of Spain it is considered the most exquisite.
For connoisseurs of taste, and for those who simply love to eat delicious food, Barcelona can offer a menu rich in fish and seafood; many dishes are served with fresh vegetables and fruits. The important elements here are olive oil and garlic.
A mandatory item on any menu in Barcelona is tapas - a variety of snacks from olives, fish, meat, bread and chips. The main dishes here are Catalan-style paella with seafood and a traditional Spanish dish - potato tortilla. Among simple snacks, sandwiches with different fillings excite the appetite. For drinks, it is worth trying the local sherry; in the summer there is even a festival held in its honor.
Accommodation
Barcelona is one of the most significant centers in Europe, large and cosmopolitan. The city has a huge selection of accommodation options - hotels and hostels, apartments and apartments for rent, villas and private houses. Accommodation costs vary by location, season and conditions. At the peak of the influx of tourists, prices increase several times.
Hilton Barcelona, Arts Ritz Carlton and Claris are rightfully considered the best and most comfortable hotels in Barcelona. They provide guests with a wide range of services, impeccable quality of service and interesting design. Accommodation in them costs from 100 € per day.
Despite the high rate of opening of new hotels, there are always not enough places to stay on weekends and holiday periods. Therefore, you need to book rooms in advance.
Entertainment and relaxation
Barcelona attracts fans active rest and entertainment. There are a wide variety of options for this. In the coastal area you can swim and sunbathe, on the rocky coast you can go diving, and on one of the beaches you can take a parachute flight over the coast. Fans of elite sports will be surprised by the incredible number of golf clubs and courses. City water parks Water World and Aquabrava offer excellent opportunities and conditions for recreation with the whole family.
For lovers of nightlife, the doors of city clubs are constantly open, where a variety of themed parties and concerts are held. The most famous and fashionable among them is the Elephant nightclub.
Winter carnivals are popular in Barcelona, when processions of mummers move through the streets and national music sounds. In the spring, a “Maypole” decorated with ribbons is installed in the squares, around which the sardana (the national dance of Catalonia) is danced.
Purchases
Barcelona is rightly nicknamed “the biggest store in Europe”. There are many grandiose open here shopping centers and small private shops, famous boutiques and specialty stores. The opportunity to shop while tasting Barcelona's cuisine and enjoy the Barcelona lifestyle is one of the most valuable things the city has to offer. In addition, Barcelona is considered one of the main centers of fashion and style in Europe.
Grand sales in Barcelona take place during the Christmas holidays (from January 10) and in the summer (after July 5). During these periods, an incredible buying rush begins, because... prices for almost everything are falling incredibly.
We must remember that the Spaniards do not really like to work hard, so most shops are open only 5 days a week and you cannot get into them during siesta (from 14:30 to 16:30).
Transport
Barcelona has a carefully thought-out and extensive network of public urban transport, including buses, metro, trams, rail and sea transport, funiculars and air services.
The metro is considered the most democratic, accessible and convenient type of travel around the city. The network consists of 5 branches, to which 3 railway lines are connected. The cost of one trip is 1.20 €. But it is much more profitable to purchase a subscription here, which combines the metro with other modes of transport.
Barcelona is deservedly proud of its city bus network; it is considered the best in Spain in terms of organization and technical equipment. The fare here, like the metro, costs 1.20 €.
It is possible to purchase and transport card tourist (Barcelona card), which provides the right to free travel and many discounts.
Connection
Communication in Barcelona is excellent and is considered to be of fairly high quality. You can make calls throughout Spain and abroad from any street machine. The minimum cost for a call within the city is 0.15 €, the price varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. You can also purchase a telephone card at any kiosk or post office (6-12 €).
If you pre-connect to international roaming in Barcelona, you can use your own GSM phone. Although, in terms of tariffs, it will cost more to connect to one of the country’s mobile operators in any cellular service store.
Internet access is available in numerous internet cafes, large libraries and post offices.
Safety
Barcelona is considered a very safe city. Here, even alone, you can calmly walk until the morning. On the streets of the city, and especially in busy places, the city police are on duty around the clock. Moreover, all the police are friendly, responsive and always ready to provide any help. However, most of them speak English. Therefore, you should not be embarrassed to contact the police, even if you are simply lost.
If we talk about petty theft, then for Barcelona, as for other tourist centers, such cases are not uncommon. You should be more attentive to personal belongings and be vigilant in places popular with tourists.
Business climate
Tourism ranks first in Barcelona's economy, because... the profit from it is incredibly high. In this regard, the government is trying to develop this industry as much as possible and attract investors. Thus, by investing capital in tourism, you can confidently expect tangible income in the near future.
Real estate
Barcelona is the country's largest center of industry and trade. Its proximity to the French borders and its port make it the commercial capital of Spain. It is therefore not surprising that Barcelona property prices are steadily rising in value. The demand for it is constantly high and the premises here are rented out all year round, and not just during the tourist season.
Among residential properties, the most popular are small apartments and studio apartments (from 250 thousand €). Commercial real estate in Barcelona is almost no different in price from residential real estate. Therefore, the capital of Catalonia is considered an ideal choice for investors planning to develop their business in Spain.
The ideal time to travel to Barcelona depends on the traveler's personal preferences. Popular swimming season lasts from May to mid-September. These months account for the main influx of tourists; it is almost impossible to find free hotel rooms at this time. The quietest period of the season is considered to be September and May, and in July and August German, Russian and English speech is heard on the streets more often than Spanish.
The season ends with the arrival of cold weather and rain. At this time there is a slight tourist lull. In winter the weather is quite favorable for travel, snow is rare in Barcelona and only falls once every few years, and almond trees begin to bloom in February.
Barcelona - the prosperous Catalan capital makes a grandiose impression. The city boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings and magnificent museums (dedicated to Picasso, Miró and Catalan art), but the greatest pleasure can be found in the narrow alleys, bars and cafes where you can have fun, eat and drink until late and soak up the local atmosphere .
This largest port and most prosperous commercial center of Spain is distinguished by a complex and dynamically developing culture and is ahead of the rest of the country in this sense. Barcelona is one of the outstanding cities, has its own history of development, which differs from all others, which found perfect and eccentric expression in the architecture of Antoni Gaudi.
Arrival, transport and accommodation in Barcelona
The airport, 17 kilometers southwest, is connected by train to Barcelona Sants main station, from where you can take the metro to the city center (line 3 to Ramblas and Liceu). Many trains from the airport also go to Plaza de Catalunya, which is a more direct route to the Barri Gotic area. You can take the Airbus airport bus to the center via Placa d'Espanya, Gran Via and Placa de Catalunya.
Traveling into the center by local taxi is expensive, so it is better to book one (the fastest way to get into the city). Barcelona Sants is the city's main train station, where intercity and some international trains arrive, and many intercity buses stop here (metro line 3 leads directly from here to the Ramblas).
Spanish and European long-distance trains, as well as intercity trains, arrive at the Estacio de Francia station next to the park at the fortress (Parc de la Ciutadella). From Estacio de Francia, you can take metro line 4 from the nearby Barceloneta station or just walk (5 minutes) to the Barri Gotic area along Via Laietana and Calle Jaume.
The main bus station is located at Estacio del Nord (North Station), which is three blocks north of the fortress park at the Arc de Triomf metro station. Vessels moor at the Estacio Marítima marina at the bottom of the Ramblas on the Barcelona Moll (Moll de Barcelona).
The best travel agency is located below Plaza Catalunya (daily 9.00-21.00; Catalunya metro station). Other branches are located at Place St. James (metro Jame I), at the train station and at the airport. The branch in Plaza Catalunya provides personal services. The fastest way to travel around the city is by metro (5.00/6.00-23.00/24.00, until 2.00 on weekends), stations are marked with a red crystal sign.
Bus routes (6.30-22.00) are much more extensive, and at each stop there is a city map with all routes. A limited number of night buses pass through Plaza Catalunya yellow color. For travel by metro and bus there is a single fare of 1.15 euros and a little more expensive on night buses.
If you plan to stay in Barcelona for more than two days, it is better to buy an E-10 or targeta ticket book at the metro station for 6 euros for travel on the metro, buses and some regional train lines within the city limits (there are also cards for suburban areas ).
There are also daily T-Dia cards (for 24 hours and 5 days) with the right to unlimited travel. The Barcelona Card (one and five days) includes travel to/from the local airport, all city transport, discounts on museums, shopping and restaurants. Tourist buses(Bus Turistic) connects 27 famous attractions of Barcelona, you can transfer as you wish.
Tickets can be purchased at the travel agency or at the bus station (they also include discounts when visiting museums, shops and restaurants). Black and yellow taxis are inexpensive, there are many of these cars, and they are very helpful at night. The minimum tariff is 1.15 euros, 1.30 euros after 22.00 and on weekends.
Housing in Barcelona is one of the most expensive in the country, and you are unlikely to find Double Room cheaper than 50 euros. The travel agency at Placa de Catalunya can help in this regard, or you can use the Barcelona online service. The old town has a large concentration of hotels and hostales, with the cheapest establishments located in the alleys around the Ramblas.
The closer you get to the port, the noisier and less healthy the surroundings become: in general, the normal establishments are concentrated in the Calle de Escudellers area. The best and cheapest accommodation can be found between the Ramblas and Saint James Square, in the area bounded by Calle de Escudellers and Calle de la Boqueria, near Placa Reial.
Visitors are strongly advised to book at least the first two nights of accommodation as early as possible. Barcelona has one HI hostel and several tourist ones, as well as hundreds of campsites on the coast in any direction (but at least 11 kilometers from the city).
Barcelona Hotels
1). Hotel Centric– The establishment on a quiet street (but close to attractions) provides good rooms. Metro Universitat. Location: Casanova 13, Eixample;
2). Hotel Gat Raval– This clean, bright and youthful hotel in the hippy Macba district features minimalist design and hospitable staff. Metro Universitat. Location: Joaquim Costa 44, Raval;
3). Hotel Grau– A bright hotel with a good cafe and bar (breakfast 3-7 euros), there is Internet access. Metro Catalunya. Location: Ramelleres 27, Rava;
4). Hotel La Terrassa– A clean and inexpensive establishment with simple single, double and triple rooms (some with private facilities) and a nice terrace. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta del Comerc 11, Raval.
Hostels in Barcelona
1). Albergue Verge de Montserrat Hostel– The pleasant HI Hostel is located half an hour from the city center (breakfast included in the price). Vallcarca metro station. 23 euros. Location: Pg. Mare de Deu del Coll 41-51, Horta;
2). Hostel Barcelona Mar– New hostel with laundry and internet access near Macba and Ramblas. Metro Paral.lel/Drassanes. Dorms. 23 euros, breakfast included. Location: Sant Pau 80, Raval;
3). Hostel Center Rambles– A very popular hostel near the Ramblas with a lot of amenities, it doesn’t lock. Metro Liceu.Dorms, 16 euros, breakfast included. Location: Hospital 63, Raval;
4). Gothic Point Hostel– A lively place with large bedrooms and good facilities, very popular among young tourists and therefore noisy. Metro Jaume I. 21 euros, breakfast included. Location: Vigaans 5-9, La Ribera;
5). Hostel Itaca– Extremely popular and nice new hostel near the cathedral with internet access, cafe, canteen and book exchange. Metro Jaume I. 18 euros. Location: Ripoll 21, Barri Gotic;
6). Sea Point Hostel– Nice rooms and cafes open onto the terrace. Metro Barceloneta. 21 euros, including breakfast and internet. Location: Pl.del Mar 1-4, Barceloneta.
Sights of Barcelona
The area of perhaps the greatest interest in Barcelona is the old town. These narrow streets above the harbor are easy to explore on foot; the alleys of the Barry Gothic district intersect in the center. On its western outskirts, the old city is divided by the main city thoroughfare - the famous Ramblas.
On the northern edge of the Ramblas there is Plaza Catalunya, or Plaza de Catalanya, on the southern edge there is the harbor and old port, or Port Veil. To the west of the Ramblas lies the maze of Barrio Chino, or Chinatown (officially called El Raval). Medieval streets run along both sides of the Ramblas, northeast to La Ribera and west to the fortress at the top.
Leads from the hill cable car to Barceloneta, the waterfront area east of the harbour. The modern commercial area begins at Plaça Catalunya and is home to unusual architectural structures, including Gaudí's Sagrada Familia.
Ramblas and El Raval
Only in a city like Barcelona can a street, or rather streets, be an attraction in themselves. But the Ramblas is not just a street, because here you can find everything from a flower market to fire eaters, street actors, lap dogs. In the evenings, the whole of Barcelona strolls here.
Walking from Plaza Catalunya, you gradually leave the area of the luxurious facades of banks and department stores and find yourself in a simpler port area, where the Ramblas comes to the very heart of the notorious red light district. Nowadays, the harbor area is not as dangerous as it used to be: the transformation of the old port means the presence of trendy bars and clubs next to the dubious old establishments.
Don't miss the city's glorious and main food market, La Boqueria, a magnificent gallery of objects and smells, with excellent eateries and bars, and a fresh seafood restaurant. The famous Barcelona opera Liceu, restored after a fire in January 1994, is practically adjacent to this building.
Almost opposite is the famous Cafe de l'Opera - a luxurious meeting place for high society, but not as expensive as you might imagine. A short walk north of here is the spectacular Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) with an interesting exhibition of works by foreign and domestic artists.
A little further beyond the arched passage of the Ramblas lies the elegant Plaza Royal (19th century). It is decorated with tall palm trees and forged lamps (designed by the young Gaudi). It's always full of all sorts of eccentric personalities, drinking establishments and everything else. The majestic Palau Guell rises towards the end of Calle Nou de la Rambla.
Gaudí created many of his first creations for his eccentric, wealthy patrons, among whom the most famous was the shipowner and industrialist Eusebio Güell. This building perfectly combines forged supports, marble, ceramics, wood, stained glass and carved glass. Don't forget to go to the roof of this building.
At the end of the Ramblas by the harbor, a statue of Columbus looks out to sea from the top of a grand column called the Mirador de Colon. You can take the elevator to the head of the sculpture and admire the beautiful panorama of the city. Opposite, on the western side of the Ramblas, are the medieval Drassanes shipyards (13th century). The spectacular stone buildings with vaults housed Maritime Museum(Museu Maritim), where the most valuable exhibit is a royal galleon from the 16th century.
Gothic, La Ribera and Ciutadella
A surprising number of remarkable medieval Gothic buildings are collected within a few blocks of the Ramblas - in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) district - the center of the old city, which was formed when it reached the height of its commercial prosperity.
In the center of the quarter is the Plaza de Sant Jaume, on one side of which stands the restored town hall. On the square stands the Generalitat Palace, the seat of the Catalan government, which was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style. On the ground floor there is a beautiful vaulted gallery with superb coffered ceilings.
Behind the square is Barcelona's La Seu Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Spain. Magnificent galleries open onto a lush tropical park with tall palm trees and snow geese. In addition to cathedral buildings, the largest number historical monuments collected in the Barri Gothic area next to the Royal Square.
The best ancient Roman excavations in Barcelona were carried out under the Royal Palace ( former palace Counts of Barcelona), which now houses the Museum of the History of the City (Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat). Here, ancient Roman and Visigothic relics are preserved as they were discovered during construction work in the 1930s.
East from Plaza de Sant Jaume the path leads along Via Laietana to La Ribera and Carrer de Montcada, with a number of beautifully restored period buildings. One of them houses the Picasso Museum with one of the world's largest collections of the master's works and the only one of its kind in his homeland. Further on the other side is the wonderful church of Santa Maria del Mar, built on the seashore in the 14th century.
Its soaring lines symbolize Catalonia's superiority in Mediterranean trade, and it is closer to the heart local residents even compared to the cathedral. You can take a little break from the bustle of the city in the green and fairly quiet Ciutadella Park near the Church of Santa Maria. The Catalan Parliament meets here, there is a lake, a monumental fountain by Gaudi and the city zoo.
Port Vell, Barceloneta and Port Olympique (Olympic Port)
The entire area of the Old Port (Port Velle) has been revived again, especially the vast Maremagnuin complex, where the path leads from the Columbus monument. When planning the area, attention was paid to a chic shopping center, a huge aquarium, an Imax cinema complex and many bars and expensive restaurants. This is the outskirts of the Barceloneta district with clean Barcelona beaches and fish restaurants.
The cable car leads from here to Montjuic. A kilometer east along the beach is the Olympic Port with a lot of bars and restaurants. In the evenings, the tables are cleared away and the city's liveliest dance scene takes place here. Many bars perform salsa, house and techno music for a chic crowd.
Sagrada Familia and Park Guell
Barcelona presents - primarily thanks to the works of Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) - the most fantastic and interesting creations of modern architecture in the world. Undoubtedly, his most famous work is the unfinished Temple of the Holy Family, or Sagrada Familia, northeast of Plaza Catalunya.
Its construction is still ongoing, and the interior is a giant construction site. The most interesting thing is to watch how Gaudí's latest plans are being implemented. The place itself is stunning with its eight spiers at an altitude of over 100 meters.
Gaudí considered this a metaphorical representation of the twelve apostles: he planned to build four more above the main facade and add a 180-meter tower at the top of the gallery above the transept, flanked by four smaller towers representing the evangelists.
By elevator or on foot you can climb one of the towers and enjoy the dizzying view of the entire complex, and also try to climb the walls and towers. Inside, in the small Gaudi Museum, you can learn in detail about the architect's career and the history of the construction of the cathedral.
In addition, visit (Parc Guell) - his most ambitious project after the Sagrada Familia. This is a kind of hallucination with huge decorative lizards and a huge Hall of Columns, where there is another small museum with examples of furnishings created according to Gaudí's designs.
Mountain (hill) Montjuic
Montjuïc has many attractions: five museums, a Spanish village, an Olympic stadium and a castle with magnificent views of the city. If you try to climb the steep hill from Placa d'Espanya, you will come to the National Palace building - the center of Barcelona World's Fair 1929, which now houses one of the best in the country, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.
Its huge collection includes a Romanesque collection - the best of its kind in the world: 35 local rooms are filled with frescoes of the 11th-12th centuries, collected here from a number of small Pyrenean churches and placed in a beautiful exhibition. There is also a significant collection of Baroque and Renaissance works.
Famous Barcelona Archaeological Museum Catalunya contains exhibits predominantly from the Roman era, but also houses Carthaginian and Etruscan relics and is located east of the National Palace.
Next door is the Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona's most active art museum dedicated to the great Catalan artist. Presented in a beautiful white building permanent exhibition paintings, graphics, tapestries and sculptures donated by Miro himself and reflecting the period 1914-1978.
Not far on the other side of the National Palace is the Poble Español, or "Spanish Village", which contains replicas of characteristic buildings from all over Spain and has a lively club scene in the evenings. Prices (especially for products of “authentic Spanish masters” and in bars) are sky-high.
From here the main route climbs uphill to the 1992 Olympic Games arena. The Olympic Stadium itself was originally built for the 1929 World Exhibition, and in 1992 it was completely redone for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games.
It should be noted that an entire Olympic gallery is dedicated to the opening and closing process of the Olympic Games. Far from the museum complex and sports arenas, Montjuic Castle (18th century) rises on the ruins of the 17th century, offering a magnificent panorama of the city.
Food, drink and entertainment in Barcelona
Barcelona has a wide variety of restaurants that cater to the needs of budget tourists as well. Please note that many establishments are closed on Sundays and in August, and the fixed menu (menu of the day) is only available at lunchtime. For picnic supplies, head to the La Boqueria indoor market off the Ramblas. Hundreds of excellent bars and cafes dot the city centre, including the lively tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter.
Especially a good place near the Picasso Museum: many popular bars are located along Passeig de Born, in the square at the end of Calle Montcada behind the Church of Santa Maria del Mar. North of the center, the mostly student area of Gracia (metro station Fontana) is full of drinking establishments around main square Placa del Sol. Night life Barcelona is one of the most interesting in Europe, although it is not cheap: in the most exclusive establishments, beer can cost you ten times more than in the next bar.
Music bars close at 03.00, discos close at 04.00 or 05.00, and some clubs open on weekends between 05.00 and 09.00. Among the more expensive and fashionable places are the high-tech establishments in the Eixample, Calle Ganduxer, Avda Diagonal and Via Augusta, west of Gracia. Quieter and more alternative spots are concentrated in the streets around Macba and to the south, although they are deserted on weekdays in the off-season. For information on current events, see the weekly Guia del Ocio, which is sold in newsagents that provide information on hotels and travel agencies.
Barcelona Restaurants
1). Arc Restaurant– Students, tourists and artists are regulars at this brasserie bar in the old town, breakfast until 13.00. Metro Drassanes. Location: Carabassa 19, Barri Gotic;
2). Restaurant Can Manel– Cozy good place, daily menu del dia for 8.25 euros. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg.Joan de Borbo 60, Barceloneta;
3). Restaurant Casa Delfin– A bar-restaurant with paper tablecloths that attracts locals menu del dia. Closed on Sundays. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg. del Born 36, La Ribera;
4). Restaurants Comme-Bio & Comme-Bio II– Vegetarian restaurants are the same type as natural food stores. Lunch – 8.50 euros. Location: Via Laietana, La Ribera; Gran Via 603 (corner Rambla de Catalunya, Example, Jaume I metro station);
5). Cran Restaurant– Exceptional service and excellent Catalan and french food. Location: Avinyo, 9, Barri Gotic;
6). Restaurant L'economic– Great place with three menu options for 8 euros, wine included. Metro Jaume I. Closed on weekends. Location: Pl.Sant Agustti Veil 13, La Ribera;
7). Restaurant Lupino– Elegant restaurant-bar at Placa Gardunya, lunch menu 8.50. Good recommendations. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 33, El Rival;
8). Meson David Restaurant- Nice family restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Wednesdays. Metro Paraliel. Location: Carrates 65;
9). Restaurant Organic– Vegetarian restaurant. Excellent salads, soups, pizza and homemade bread. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta de Comers 11;
10). Restaurant Ovni– Stylish, fantastic vegetarian restaurant where you can eat from 6.60 to 7.95 euros. Free internet access for up to 30 minutes. Metro Jaume I. Location: Via Laietana 32;
11). Ra Restaurant– Bar-restaurant with an exceptional lunch menu for 10 euros. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 34;
12). Restaurant Silenus– Tasty and nutritious food reasonable prices offered at the hippie corner diner at Macba. Closed on Sundays. Metro Liceu. Location: Angeles 8, Raval;
Cafes and bars in Barcelona
1). Cafe Canigo – Favorite place local residents. Closed on Mondays. Metro Fontana. Location: PI. de la Revolucio, Cracia;
2). Cafe Cereria– Literary cafe with good pastries. Metro Jaume I. Location: Bxda. De Sant Miquel 3, Barri Gotic;
3). Establishment Fira– Only in Barcelona – for lovers of fairground carousels and circuses. Open until 23.00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Metro Provenca. Location: Provenca 171, Eixample;
4). Bar Kasparo– A bar with a terrace in a beautiful park, with good food. Metro Catalunya. Location: PI. Vincenc Martorell, El Raval;
5). Bar Muebles Navarro– Remodeled furniture store with spacious premises and strong drinks. Popular with gay people. Open from 18.00, closed on Mondays. Metro Sant Antoni. Location: Riera Alta 4-6, El Raval;
6). Bar Parnasse– This hippy bar has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You can listen to jazz and drink whiskey or the legendary French absinthe at a modest price. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Metro Jaume I. Location: Gignas 21, Barri Gotic;
7). Cafe Textil– The establishment in the characteristic courtyard from the Middle Ages near the fabric museum has braziers in winter, but the prices for drinks scare off young students from art institutions. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jaume I. Location: Montcada 12, La Ribera;
8). Bar Travel– Popular place, you can have a snack, internet access, and great drinks. Metro Liceu. Location: Boqueria 27, Barri Gotic;
9). Bar Virreina– Great bar with Belgian beer and sandwiches. Location: PI. De la Virreina 1, Cracia.
Bars and eateries in Barcelona
1). Bar Ba-Ba-Reeba– Typical city tapas bar with a good selection of food, open until 1.30. Metro Pg. de Gracia. Location: Pg.de Gracia 28, Eixample;
2). Bar Euskal Etxea– The Basque bar specializes in spicy dishes. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jame I. Location: Placeta Montcada 1-3, Barri Gotic;
3). Bar Jai-Ca– Small corner bar with the best snacks. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Ginebra 13, Barceloneta;
4). Bar Taller de Tapas– One of the city establishments where a bar and restaurant operate simultaneously. Quality food in an elegant, relaxing environment. Good recommendations. Metro Jame I. Location: de I'Agreneria;
5). Snack bar Vaso de Oro– One of the city's best tapas eateries, a pleasant bar. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Carrer de Balboa 6.
Clubs and venues with live music
1). Night club KGB– Diverse club with good alternative rock and pop music. Joanic metro station. Location: Alegre de Dalt 55, Gracia;
2). Loft establishment– A place where you can listen to hard rock. Open only on Friday and Saturday. Metro Bogatell. Location: Pamplona 88, Poble Nou;
3). Nightclub Metro– The Barcelona unconventional club has welcomed everyone from Mark Almond to J.P. Gaultier and is still popular. Universitat metro station. Location: Sepulveda 185, Eixample;
4). Moog Nightclub– A techno-style establishment with the best English and European DJs (the best time to visit the club is on Wednesdays and Sundays). Drassanes metro station. Location: Arc del Teatre 3, Barri Xines;
5). Nightclub Razz– Underground rock and punk. Bogatell metro station. Location: Almogavers 122, Poble Nou;
6). Nightclub Sala Apolo/Club Nitsa– Alternative rock stars perform here, and you can listen to electronic and techno at Nitsa on the weekends. Metro paral. lel. Location: Nou de la Rambla 113, Poble Sec.
Barcelona on the map of Spain
In contact with
and 630 km of travel, and up to Andorra(Andorra) is a road about 240 km long. Barcelona can be called one of the most important and interesting tourist places throughout Europe.
The population here is about two million inhabitants. The suburbs that surround the metropolis are home to 3 million people. Barcelona is the most populated city Mediterranean, second in Spain in terms of population, and in the EU - 10th. But in terms of tourist influx, it can rightfully claim leadership.
Official language The Catalan language is recognized here. This language belongs to the Romance group, and is also similar to Provençal and Castilian languages. The latter is official for Spain. The majority of Barcelona residents speak Catalan. However, the signs are written in two languages: Catalan and Castilian.
Barcelona people are friendly, like all Spaniards. Tourists often characterize them as carefree, but practical people and at the same time with an irresistible craving for various festivals.
From Costa Dorada. Barcelona is located to the north. Electric trains depart from Salou to Barcelona and in the opposite direction every hour, and there is a bus service.
Where the Mediterranean Sea washes the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona lies on a plateau with an area of 170 km. The Collserola mountain range borders on the southern side, the Llobregat River flows there, and the northern side is limited by the Besos River. To the north of it, the Pyrenees rise 120 km. Thanks to mountain range
The contours of the city are somewhat rounded.
The highest point of Collserola is Mount Tibidabo, which has a height of 512 meters. Tibidabo is home to one of Barcelona's landmarks, the famous Collserola antenna tower, 268 meters high. It was designed by Norman Foster for the 1992 Olympic Games. This tower is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Also here is (Sagrat Cor), built by Enrico Sagniera. This is the tallest building in the city. The temple is classified in the pseudo-Gothic style. At the top there is an observation deck, from which you can see the entire Catalan coast.
Another famous building is located on a hill called Mont Taber. However, Mont Taber is not the only hill in the city, it is all located on hills. Each of them gave the name to one of the city quarters, such as Carmel, Rovira, Monterols, Peira, Putxet and others.
One of the mountains in the city is called (Montjuïc), it is famous for the fact that there is an observation deck from which the southwestern part of the city and an excellent view of the port are revealed in full view. There is also a fortress built in the 12th century. The fortress itself now houses a Military Museum. And around it there is a wonderful park, in which Olympic venues are located and gardens are in bloom. Many tourists come here every day.
Barcelona is bordered by Sant Andria de Besos and Santa Coloma de Gramanet in the north, Esplugues de Llobregat and Hospitalet de Llobregat (Hospitalet de Llobregat) in the south. The east, or rather the southeast, is the exit to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west it is adjacent to Cerdanyola del Valles and San Cugat Del Valles.
- 1. is the central and oldest district of the city. Here are the popular tourist quarters, the Raval quarter, the beachside Barceloneta and the shopping paradise El Born (Ribera).
- 2. located next to the Old Town. This area is important for both Barcelona residents and tourists. Here is located (Sagrada Família) and Gaudí's architectural monuments.
- 3. Sants-Montjuïc is also very attractive for tourists. This includes Mount Montjuic, which was already mentioned above, and the adjacent residential areas of Poble Sec and Sants. Nightclubs and bars are of interest to tourists here.
- 4. is located 15 minutes drive from the Old Town. This is a business district and there are few attractions here. But those that exist are worthy of close attention, for example, the home arena of the Barcelona club.
- 5. is one of the most expensive and luxurious areas, in which prestigious modernity harmoniously coexists with a rustic atmosphere and the Pedralbes monastery.
- 6.—an area north of Eixample, formerly an independent city. Today creative people flock here because it famous place bohemian parties. In addition, there are excellent prospects for shopping here. The main pearl of the area -
- 7. The area is located in the upper zone and is not particularly popular with tourists, as it is not rich in attractions. This is mainly a residential area.
- 8. This is the northwestern outskirts of Barcelona and many immigrants live here.
- 9. A small area near the Besos River.
- 10. The area most densely populated. It is located right on the coast. It includes 10 blocks, most of which provide excellent opportunities for both a relaxing family holiday and an active beach pastime.
Accommodation in Barcelona: expensive and affordable options
Barcelona is a real tourist mecca. Naturally, there are hotels (and other accommodation options such as hostels, campsites, etc.) to suit every taste and budget. There are hotels known for their luxury all over the world and affordable hotels that allow you to travel quite economically.
There are also accommodation options in the city such as apartments. Every year it becomes more popular among visitors. You can rent a studio and an apartment with 5 bedrooms, it all depends on your desires and capabilities. For many, an accommodation option such as camping is also suitable. This option is attractive because the campsites are located in the suburbs, away from crowds.
Attractions: what you shouldn't miss
Of course, one of the main activities of everyone who comes to the city is visiting numerous attractions, the description of which is worthy of a separate book. However, in addition to visiting historical and architectural monuments, there are a huge number of leisure options. These include numerous exhibitions, festivals, theaters and cinemas, sporting events, unique shopping, holidays wonderful beaches, visiting parks, zoos, water parks, an aquarium, tasting Spanish cuisine in restaurants, nightclubs and so on and so forth. In this review article, you can only go through all these possibilities in dotted lines.
There are many beaches for sea and sun lovers. They here have a length of more than 4 kilometers. The beaches are sandy and have a smooth slope. One of the beaches is located right in the city center and is called Barceloneta. The phenomenon of a beach club is also common. There are many of them on the coast, and many can be reached from the city center in 10-15 minutes.
The sights of Barcelona include almost all of Barcelona. Therefore, there is always something to see.
How to get to Barcelona
Typically, most tourists arrive in Barcelona by plane. Barcelona airport is called, and is the largest in the Mediterranean and the second in passenger traffic in all of Spain.Flight connections in Barcelona are good with many big cities Europe and the world. From Russia in the summer (from late April to early October) many charter flights go to Barcelona. You can fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Barcelona with Vueling airlines, this subsidiary Spanish carrier Iberia, as well as Transaero and Aeroflot lines. There are more than 10 such shipments per week. The flight will take no more than 4 hours. Ural Airlines operates flights from Yekaterinburg all year round. In addition to direct flights, there are also many options related to connecting flights (connection in Moscow).
Land routes to Barcelona are no less comfortable and even more interesting. So, you can get into the city by bus, your own car or rented one. The driver will need green map, medical insurance, international law.
Buses arrive at two bus stations: Sants and Barcelona Nord. There is a lively bus service with European cities.
There are also many railway tracks leading here. The main railway operator in Spain is RENFE. Although Railway in Spain itself it is very developed, communications with the rest of Europe are not so developed due to the Pyrenees Mountains. However, from any European capital You can easily get to the capital of Catalonia by train. For example, from Paris in France - on Elipsos flights. There are two in the city railway stations: old, Estació de França, which takes international flights, and the new one, Estacio de Sants (Sants Estació), which is the main station of the city. The European direction from Moscow is served by Belorussky Station.
Because Barcelona is largest port, many arrive here on cruise ships. Almost every one of those plying the Mediterranean has a stop here. All 7 passenger terminals of the port are open to receive cruises. All capitals of Europe (and not only) have sea connections with Barcelona.
In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by picturesque mountains, is located one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Barcelona. This is the heart Spanish Catalonia, as well as an important industrial, commercial and cultural center. The city of the famous Gaudi...
The first written sources about Barcelona date back to the 3rd century BC, although it is likely that a settlement existed here much earlier. There are two versions about the founding of the city and both of them are associated with the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, the father of Hannibal. The first legend says that the city was first founded by the legendary hero of ancient Greek myths, Hercules, and Hamilcar Barca only rebuilt it in the 3rd century BC. In the second version, it was Hamilcar Barca who became the founder of the city, naming it in honor of his family - Barsino.
In the 2nd century BC. the city was conquered by the Romans. Largely due to its convenient location and excellent natural harbor, ancient Barcelona, which initially did not have much significance or influence, soon became a very prosperous city with its own coinage, and subsequently one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean, competing on equal terms with Genoa and Venice.
At the beginning of the 5th century, Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoths and for a time became the residence of King Ataulf. At the beginning of the 8th century, Barcelona came under the control of the Moors, and already in 801 it was conquered by the Frankish Carolingians, becoming the capital of the Spanish March and the county of the same name. The county of Barcelona was able to free itself from Carolingian rule only in 988. Since that time, Catalonia has actually officially traced its history, the political and economic center of which was Barcelona. In the 12th century, Catalonia became part of one of the most powerful maritime and trading powers of the Middle Ages - the Kingdom of Aragon.
The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile in the second half of the 15th century marked the beginning of the unification of Spanish lands. The political center moved to Madrid, and Barcelona lost its influence and gradually fell into decay, which was greatly facilitated by the subsequent numerous wars.
A new era for Barcelona began with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The city grew and developed rapidly. Many new enterprises appeared, and very soon Barcelona became a major center of the textile industry and mechanical engineering. Towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Barcelona experienced a cultural revival. This period is also of exceptional importance for the architecture of Barcelona. The unique masterpieces of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, which so harmoniously combined seemingly the most incredible shapes and colors, have become the hallmark of the Catalan capital and the pride of local residents.
Today Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe by tourists. Among the many attractions of the city that perfectly illustrate the development of the history and culture of Barcelona, it is worth noting the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the works of Gaudi - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Casa Calvet , Palace Guell, etc.
The capital of Catalonia is the main tourist center of Spain. Ancient city, full of amazing architectural attractions, ideal for independent and family holidays. Life in the area where Barcelona is located is in full swing, and every guest dreams of staying here forever. Cosmopolitan Barcelona combines different cultures and religions while maintaining Catalan authenticity.
A city that tourists adore
The most beautiful city in the Mediterranean ranks second in population, second only to Madrid. Guests who have already vacationed in the metropolis know exactly where Barcelona is located. The capital of Catalonia, filling with positive energy and giving a charge of good mood, is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The close proximity to the most popular resorts in Spain (Ibiza, Mallorca, Costa Bravo) makes it incredibly attractive in the eyes of tourists.
Where is the metropolis located?
However, for many, the question of where Barcelona is located and in what country is perplexing. It arises even at the stage of considering travel options. But it is enough to remember the geography course to refresh your memory of the school curriculum. Then it will be very easy to answer the question: “Where is Barcelona?” On the map globe you need to find Spain (southwest Europe), and then find the city itself on the Mediterranean coast, at the mouth of the Llobregat River.
Some information about the city
The huge plateau where Barcelona is located is surrounded by the Collserola Mountains in the south, and the Besos River is the border in the north. Because the old City Situated on a hilly area, its landscape makes an unforgettable impression on travelers. The highest point is Mount Tibidado, visible from different corners metropolis. Twenty-five years ago, a television tower was erected on it, created for the Olympics. There are legends that it was from this height that the Devil showed amazing panoramas, tempting Jesus.
The climate here is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Since the territory where Barcelona is located in Spain is located on east coast Iberian Peninsula, the influence of the Atlantic winds means that there is very little rainfall here.
When is the best time to come?
The high tourist season occurs during summer holidays and holidays. Most travelers tired of the cold come here to swim in the warm sea and sunbathe on the beaches. From the end of June to the beginning of September, the city, where the air temperature rises above 30 o C, is crowded with guests, and store and restaurant workers behave quite intrusively. If you are not afraid of the bustle and noise, as well as intense heat, then feel free to plan a trip to Barcelona in the summer.
However, many people prefer to take advantage of the unique opportunity to save money on vacation and take an exciting trip in May or autumn, when there are few tourists and prices are pleasantly pleasing. And even in cool winter, when the average temperature is 10 o C, you can have a great rest. As travelers say, the metropolis is popular 365 days a year.
Treasury of World Culture
The area where the city of Barcelona is located deserves to get to know it in more detail, exploring every corner. The capital of Catalonia, with its unique flavor and special atmosphere, will allow everyone to enjoy every day of their holiday. A true treasury of world culture, attracting millions of guests with its masterpieces, has become the main tourist centre of our planet. Created here architectural genius Gaudi, who left behind many attractions, and his name has long become a symbol of the Catalan capital.
Where to visit?
It is no coincidence that all the quarters of the charming village (Puchet, Carmel, Monterolles, Peira, Rovira) are named after the hills on which they are located. Barcelona is divided into 10 administrative districts, but is of greatest interest to tourists Old city - historical Center Spanish pearl. Here is the Gothic Quarter, where you can feel the spirit of real Europe. El Gòtic is more reminiscent of a medieval miniature town where time has stood still. You can even get lost in the colorful labyrinth of narrow streets.
You can't help but visit the Gracia district - a curious place where creative people and students gather. This most interesting corner is distinguished by pretty streets with a non-standard layout. Here the fun continues until the morning, and there are real legends about Bohemian parties. Gracia is adored by shopaholics who enjoy visiting fashion boutiques.
The main tourist street of Barcelona is La Rambla - the busiest corner of the metropolis. However, you can go for a walk in any area to feel the spirit of proud Barcelona.
But don’t discount modern attractions either. New town(Eixample) was built only a hundred years ago, but is incredibly popular as it introduces the main works of the famous architect Gaudí.
In addition, vacationers adore Montjuic Mountain, where you can see many historical and modern monuments. From the top of Montjuïc there are amazing panoramas of the city. Tourists will be able to visit national museum art, ancient castle, see multi-colored singing fountains.
It’s a beautiful city, best explored on foot, and just perfect for walking. Most attractions are located close to each other, and in a few days you can get acquainted with the main monuments of not only the metropolis, but also the country.
Where is Barcelona, when is the best time to visit it, what to pay attention to - you gleaned all this information from this article. Even a week of rest is not enough to see important architectural and historical sites, worthy of attention. This is a city that is suitable for family holidays; in addition, it is adored by couples who dream of uniting their destinies. The capital of Catalonia, which is the main tourist destination on European routes, will give you many pleasant and unforgettable moments.
