There are aspects that only become apparent with time. We're still getting used to many aspects of life in Barcelona. We're here to give you some tips to help you plan the most enjoyable stay in this sunny city.
1. Everything is closed when you feel like having lunch. When you're on holiday, it's nice to have lunch a little later than usual. Just remember that many of Barcelona's restaurants and cafes follow a unique schedule. Most restaurants close for a siesta between 1pm and 4pm and reopen around 8.30pm, so it's wise to check their opening times in advance and plan your meals accordingly.
2. Cold drinks are more expensive. Barcelona is very, very hot from June to September! And apparently they have learned to make money out of it. Especially the small grocery stores that are open on Sundays and after 9pm. All the drinks in the fridge are usually more expensive than the identical ones on the shelves.
3. The cost of the menu is likely to be +10% more if you sit on the terrace.
4. Barcelona doesn't have Uber! Use the local black and yellow taxi service. You can hail a car just like in New York: anywhere on the street if you see a green beacon on the car. The second option is apps, the most popular being "Cabify" and "Free Now".
5. You have to catch a city bus like a taxi: with a hand signal. Otherwise, it will just pass by if no passengers need to get off at your stop.
6. If you're with kids, you're welcome! The cafes, shops and bustling streets of this vibrant city welcome children, both their own and those of strangers. Sometimes it can seem a bit much, but it's all part of Barcelona's warm embrace.
7. It can be quite cold in late spring. The weather in Barcelona in November, April and May is very changeable. It can be sunny and hot, then suddenly rainy and windy. Be sure to bring warm clothes. If you want to warm up, come in March or December. The temperature often rises above 20 degrees, winds and rain are practically non-existent.
8. It's not customary to swim here until 23 June. This is the night of the fires, an exuberant celebration of San Juan. This is when summer officially begins. By then the water has warmed to a comfortable 19-20 degrees.
9. On Sundays, the markets and most shops are closed. This is a day for family and leisure. Buy your food in advance and plan your shopping around local specialities.
10. You'll need sunscreen all year round. The sun is very strong here. If you have sensitive and fair skin, you can burn even during a winter picnic on the beach.
11. Barcelona is cold in winter! The temperature rarely drops below 12 degrees. But being close to the sea makes a difference. And plus 12 can feel like minus.
12. Barcelona has very little space and it's hard to park! If you have hired a car, pay attention to the signs. It is possible to get a fine of 200€ for stopping for 3 minutes in an unauthorised place.
13. The beaches in Barcelona are dirty! This applies to both the sea and the coast. For a beach holiday it's better to go to the suburbs.
14. English with a Spanish accent. You'll find that English is generally quite good in the tourist areas around Barcelona, but it's often spoken with a charming Spanish accent. For example, there is no distinct 'c' sound in Spanish; it's more like a mixture of b/v/f. So don't be surprised to hear Spaniards enthusiastically say "bery mach! (meaning "very much"). It adds a unique flavour to the language!
15. Everything will go slower than you plan. Spaniards have 180 holidays a year, 45 well-earned days off, 2 days off a week + siesta at lunchtime and fiesta in the evening. In other words, Barcelona is the perfect place to slow down on holiday, but not to deal with bureaucracy.
