Barcelona

Spain

Cityscape: Marvellous modernism
City life: Energetic and colourful

The Spanish city with its finger most firmly on the pulse, Barcelona has always embraced style, bold design and all things new.

Pockets of lively bars and restaurants around the Gothic Quarter and El Born ensure the city stays alive late into the night, as do most of her visitors: eating, drinking and partying. No wonder cava is the drink of choice – this is a place with much to celebrate.

Pictured: Neri Hotel & Restaurante

Boutique hotels in Barcelona

Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and boutique hotels in Barcelona

Getting there

Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.

Worth getting out of bed for

Highlights the best Barcelona has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.

Eating, drinking & dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Barcelona.

Smith Maps

Use the latest map technology to pin-point your hotel in Barcelona and take all of the frustration out of navigation.

Taxis: You can hail one from anywhere on the street.
Tipping culture: In restaurants and bars it’s normal to tip only if the service was good.
Packing tips: Swimmers – Barcelona has its own beach.
Recommended reads: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Barcelona by Robert Hughes; City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza.
Cuisine: Basic Catalan cuisine is a surf ’n’ turf affair of seafood and meat tapas. Look out for the menú del dia (daily set menu) for a €10 lunch.
Currency: Euro.
Dialing codes: Spain: 34; Barcelona: 93.
Do go/don't go: Locals leave August to the tourists as the city can be too hot to handle.