A coastal Mediterranean city, Barcelona is the second largest city is Spain and is known throughout the world for its culture and heritage.

Competitively priced cheap flights and cheap holidays are available all year round.

The 2.5 miles of beaches offer all sort of marine sports or allow you to simply relax and enjoy the sun.

Barcelona has something for everyone from its Gothic Quarter steeped in history to the cosmopolitan nightlife.

Region - Catalunya.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Madrid.
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro, about €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely Accepted in Barcelona.
Time Difference - GMT +1 hour.
Flight Time UK - 2 - 2hrs 30mins.
Barcelona Airport - BCN (Barcelona).
Distance from Barcelona Airport - 8 miles.
Taxi Fare from Barcelona Airport - about €20.

Driving in Spain - On the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required. .
Electricity in Spain - 220v, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 00 34.
Barcelona Public Phones - International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards.
Barcelona Mobile Phones - All major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Barcelona Health Risks - None.
Barcelona Safety & Security - Motorists, particularly those towing caravans, should be aware of highway pirates, who target foreign registered vehicles in service areas and subsequently stop them on the hard shoulder of motorways.

Shop Opening Times in Barcelona - Banks open 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Shops open 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Department stores and commercial centres 10.00-21.00. Office hours are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Barcelona - 2005: Jan 1, 6, March 25, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.

Barcelona Accommodation - Accommodation is registered and inspected by regional authorities, but results in variations nationwide. Hotels are classified from one to five-star. Hostels/pensions are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies, motels, self-catering, campsites, family guest houses, country villas, health spas and monasteries. There is a network of paradors, which are often converted palaces and mansions.

Food in Spain - Each region has its specialities, although a stew in various guises is to be found everywhere, together with a general use of olive oil, garlic, Mediterranean vegetables, fish on the coasts, game and sausage.

Tipping in Barcelona - Service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Barcelona Standard of Living - Bottle of beer (330ml) - €1, mineral water (1L) - €0.90 and three course meal with drinks - €12.

Where to Visit in Barcelona - For more information go to |dsi.esade.es|http://esi.esade.es/tourism.htm.

Barcelona Climate - Barcelona has Mediterranean weather with hot summers and mild winters. Being in the northern-western Mediterranean it has some rain all year round.

Barcelona Position - Lat: 41 17N, Long 002 04E, Elevation: 6m.

Tourist Information on Barcelona
For more tourist information on Barcelona go to dsi.esade.es

Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to give accurate and up-to-date information, no liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage in respect of any information supplied.

To apply for a passport go to the Passport Service, for the latest Government advice and information on visas go to The Foreign Office

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