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Barcelona at a glance

Country
Spain
Airports
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat (BCN)
Search code
BCN
Money
Euro (EUR)

Discover Barcelona

Gaudí's fantasy buildings, city beaches and late-night tapas. Barcelona is the proud capital of Catalonia, where Catalan and Spanish are both spoken.

What it's called

  • Barnathe locals' nickname
  • Barcinoits Roman name
  • Ciutat Comtal"the city of counts" in Catalan

Things to do in Barcelona

Sagrada FamíliaLandmark

Sagrada Família

Gaudí's basilica, under construction since 1882.

Park GüellCulture

Park Güell

Mosaic benches and gingerbread-style houses above the city.

Casa BatllóCulture

Casa Batlló

Gaudí's house with a roof like a dragon's back on Passeig de Gràcia.

Gothic QuarterHistory

Gothic Quarter

Medieval lanes, Roman walls and hidden squares.

La Boqueria marketFood

La Boqueria market

Fresh juice, jamón and seafood off Las Ramblas.

Barceloneta beachBeach

Barceloneta beach

Swim, then eat paella by the sea.

About Spain

Spain covers most of the Iberian Peninsula plus the Balearic and Canary Islands. Expect sunny beaches, Moorish palaces, mountain villages and cities that come alive late at night.

Economy

One of the largest economies in the euro zone. Tourism is huge, as Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also the world's top olive oil producer and makes cars, wine, fashion and lots of solar and wind power.

Culture

Late lunches, later dinners and tapas with friends. Flamenco, the art of Picasso, Dalí, Goya and Velázquez, fiestas like La Tomatina, and fierce football rivalries are all part of life.

Places to visit

  • Sevilleflamenco, orange trees and the Alcázar
  • Granadathe Alhambra palace
  • Valenciathe home of paella
  • San Sebastiánpintxos bars by the beach
  • Mallorca and IbizaMediterranean island life
  • Canary Islandsvolcanoes and sun all year
See where to go →

Why Spain is worth it for you

  • Lots of sunshineLong sunny seasons, especially in the south and the islands.
  • Fast trainsHigh-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and more.
  • Good value for Western EuropeTapas, wine and menus of the day are easy on the wallet.
  • Easy to combineShort, cheap flights to the rest of Europe and North Africa.

Travel more of Spain

Places worth adding to your trip, from Barcelona or on another visit.

SevilleCulture

Seville

Flamenco, orange trees and the royal Alcázar palace.

Granada and the AlhambraHistory

Granada and the Alhambra

A Moorish palace complex with the Sierra Nevada behind.

ValenciaFood

Valencia

The birthplace of paella and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.

San SebastiánFood

San Sebastián

Pintxos bars and a perfect shell-shaped beach.

MallorcaBeach

Mallorca

Coves of clear water and mountain villages in the Balearic Islands.

MadridCulture

Madrid

Royal palaces, the Prado and late-night tapas.

See the guide →

Eat like a local

The story of Barcelona

The Romans founded Barcino around 15 BC. Barcelona grew rich from trade in the Middle Ages, and its Modernisme movement brought Gaudí's buildings. The 1992 Olympics opened up the waterfront and its beaches.

Spain through history

  1. 218 BC

    The Romans arrive in Hispania.

  2. 711

    Moorish rule begins; Al-Andalus flourishes for centuries.

  3. 1492

    Granada falls and Columbus sails to the Americas.

  4. 1561

    Madrid becomes the capital.

  5. 1936–1939

    The Civil War, followed by Franco's dictatorship until 1975.

  6. 1978

    A democratic constitution is approved.

Good to know

Best time to go
May to June and September to October; summer is hot and crowded.
Getting around
Metro and buses are easy; the old town is best on foot.
Language
Spanish (Catalan is also official in Catalonia)

Ready to see Barcelona for yourself?

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When you land in Barcelona

Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.

Questions about Barcelona

Which airports serve Barcelona?

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat (BCN). Search code: BCN.

What currency is used in Barcelona?

Euro (EUR).

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