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Boutique hotels in Barcelona

City break, Barcelona, Spain

Self-catering properties in Barcelona

Barcelona Overview

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.

Beautifully Barcelona

Rent a boat on the lake in Parc de la Ciutadella. Go to Mercat de la Boquería on Las Ramblas and get a picnic to take to the beach.

Local knowledge

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.

Dialling 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.