Visit Barcelona
Below are information, tips, and recommendations for Barcelona and Catalunya.
About Catalunya
The Region
Catalunya is a nation defined by its own language (Catalan) and distinct culture, rooted in its own identity, history, and system of government.
It is currently part of Spain as one of its 17 autonomous communities, a result of historical forces and political conflict rather than an uninterrupted history of a single country.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and the 2nd most populous city in Spain.
20th Century History
Between 1936 and 1939, Francisco Franco thrust Spain into the Spanish Civil War by leading a military uprising to overthrow the Republican party.
Franco won and became dictator, launching an almost 40 year-regime of harsh repression based on Spanish nationalism and National Catholicism. Catalan language was banned and all opposition was silenced through censorship, restrictions on freedoms, and ideological persecution.
In 1975, the transition to democracy began, but fell short of fully securing democratic rights and freedoms.
Independence Movement
Many Catalan people continue to fight for political independence and sovereignty today, championing self-governance as well as political recognition and protection of Catalan history, culture, language, and identity even in the face of ongoing threats.
This is the Catalan flag:
A flag with a star advocates independence:
Language
The language of Catalunya is Catalan.
Like other romance languages such as Spanish or French, Catalan is derived from Latin and is its own independent, standalone language.
It is the language of instruction in schools, though students also learn Spanish and English.
Catalan people are completely bilingual since Catalan and Spanish are both official languages of Catalunya.
Landmarks in Barcelona
Sagrada Família
Houses by Antoni Gaudí
FC Barcelona
Parc de la Ciutadella
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Majestic, iconic basilica by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Antoni Gaudí, architect of Sagrada Família, built houses all around Barcelona.
Many, including Casa Batlló, are open to the public.
For sports fans! One of the most decorated professional futbol teams in the world.
A peaceful, (free,) green oasis in the heart of Barcelona.
Favorite Places in Barcelona
Click the image to open a link to the map.
Casual vegan restaurant popular among the regulars. Cafeteria vibe, pick up your tray!
Cozy, romantic Italian pasta restaurant. Small space, so reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Restaurant and butcher shop with a focus on grilled meat and ingredients from the Pyrenees.
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Barcelona! Reservations recommended, especially for dinner.
Korean barbeque! Casual but high quality.
Bookstore cafe with a large space and an outdoor patio on the second floor.
Fun cocktail bar hidden behind a barbershop. Check the password on their website!
Quality pizza restaurant. Multiple locations, but this one on Gran Via is a favorite!
Modern, upscale take on traditional Catalan dishes. In the heart of a cute neighborhood!
Tips for Barcelona
1.
Visit suggestions
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Visit the Sagrada Familia in the morning (9-11am) or late afternoon (3-7pm in May). It's a cathedral of colors!
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Walk north of Plaça Catalunya on Rambla de Catalunya; the pedestrian-only promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
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Visit Vila de Gràcia, a charming and historic neighborhood that was once an independent town and now home to cozy streets, plazas, bohemian restaurants, and local shops.
2.
Pickpockets
Pickpocketing can happen in Barcelona.
Keep your valued items - wallet, cell phone, purse, etc. - in your front pockets or somewhere more secure than your side or back pockets.
3.
Greeting culture
Kissing on the cheek is a common way to greet people.
Only slightly touch your cheek to their cheek, once on each side. Do NOT actually kiss someone's cheek.
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If you are a man, give:
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handshakes/hugs to other men
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kisses on cheeks to women
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If you are a woman, give kisses on cheeks
Follow the lead of the local, especially if you're not sure.
If you're not comfortable, stick your hand out for a handshake, or simply give a hug.
