Barcelona Holidays

Modernista architecture

Gaudi’s legacy has been left all over Spain’s second-biggest city. Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are the two famous Gaudi houses that you’ll spot on the postcards – they’re just a 10-minute stroll from Barcelona’s main square, Placa de Catalunya. But it’s La Sagrada Familia that gets the biggest hype – building work on this huge Gothic-style cathedral kicked off way back in 1882, and it’s still going – they reckon it might be finished by 2026.

Shopping days

Barcelona’s got big-name designers sitting side-by-side with budget-friendly souvenir stalls. Passeig de Gràcia’s the go-to street for the big brands. It’s got the Placa de Catalunya at one end and the Avinguda Diagonal at the other – that’s nearly a seven-mile stretch of proper retail therapy. Barca’s most famous street, Las Ramblas, is also an easy win for shops and plenty of tapas bars to break up the day.

City meets sea

One of the most popular sweeps of sand in Barcelona is La Barceloneta. And it comes with a good selection of restaurants to make the most of that seafront location. They serve up the city’s best seafood, fresh from the net. Try it mixed into a paella or fideua or order a selection of things to try at a tapas bar, like baby squid and prawns – chef’s kiss.

Healthcare – Barcelona has excellent healthcare facilities, with pharmacies (farmàcies), clinics and hospitals easily accessible throughout the city. Pharmacists often speak English and can advise on minor issues or medications. EU and British travellers can use their EHIC/GHIC card, but for everyone else, travel insurance that covers medical care is highly recommended.

Water – Tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink – no need to buy bottled unless you prefer the taste. Many locals use reusable bottles and refill at fountains or taps around the city.

Language

Spanish and Catalan are both official languages in Barcelona, and you’ll hear plenty of both as you explore the city. In tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums, English is widely understood – but menus and signs may be in Catalan or Spanish, especially outside the city centre. Locals really appreciate it when visitors make an effort to say a few words in either language, especially Catalan.

Basic phrases

(Catalan first, then Spanish):

• Hello! How are you? – Hola! Com estàs? / ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?
  • Thank you! – Gràcies / Gracias
  • Excuse me, do you speak English? – Perdó, parla anglès? / Perdón, ¿habla inglés?
  • How much does this cost? – Quant costa, si us plau? / ¿Cuánto cuesta?

Social norms & etiquette

Tipping – Tipping in Barcelona isn’t expected, but it’s always appreciated. In casual places, rounding up the bill is totally fine. In restaurants with good service, leaving around 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers, tour guides and hotel staff don’t expect tips, but a few euros for great service goes down well.

Dress code – Barcelona is stylish but relaxed. Casual-chic is the vibe – think comfy clothes that still look put-together. You’ll see everything from trainers to linen suits, depending on the neighbourhood. If you’re visiting churches or sacred sites, cover your shoulders and avoid short shorts out of respect. For nights out or rooftop bars, go smart-casual and you’ll fit right in.

Money

Currency – Barcelona uses the Euro (€), which is handy if you’re travelling through multiple European countries.

Exchange – You’ll find banks, ATMs and currency exchange offices around the city, especially in areas like the Gothic Quarter or around Placa de Catalunya. ATMs tend to offer better exchange rates than airport counters or hotel desks, but there can be fees to withdraw, so it’s better to take out in bulk if you can.

Mobile payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit/debit cards are widely accepted, especially in restaurants, shops and on public transport. That said, some small cafés or local markets might still prefer cash, so keep a few euros on you just in case.