General Information

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city that incorporates in its urban street pattern Roman remains, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avant-garde art. Not for nothing were the emblematic buildings of Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí and Luis Doménech i Montaner declared to be World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Of Roman origin, Barcelona's long history and economic dynamism have provided it with an impressive cultural heritage, shown in the conservation of its rich historic and artistic heritage and in the encouragement of the newest artistic trends. Its long cultural agenda will lead the visitor through museums, exhibitions, outdoor sculptures... and an extensive calendar of music, theatre, and dance.

Popular culture also has a presence in this city, which does not forget deeply-rooted traditions, such as the Mercè Festival, or the holiday celebrations in the districts of Gràcia, Sants, or Poblenou, all excellent opportunities to get to know the more festive side of Barcelona.

Tradition and modernity are also responsible for shaping its innovative and imaginative cuisine, which is based on organically grown produce, fresh fish, sausages and olive oil. Home-made pastries, and sparkling wines will round off a merely superficial approach to Barcelona's culinary culture.

To take a stroll through the streets of Barcelona is to be surprised at every step. Pedestrian streets in the old districts, green spaces, and a splendid waterfront filled with modern structures all reflect the city's aim of integration. Barcelona has managed to exalt its past without forgetting its commitment to the future. The city has some extraordinary infrastructures dedicated to hosting seminars, symposiums and international competitions. Its exceptional communications network, its Mediterranean climate and its great number of tourist attractions make of Barcelona an important business city. Business facilities, as well as conference and exhibition centres, can accommodate the widest variety of initiatives.

Gastronomy

Examples of local dishes are "butifarra amb mongetes" (sausage with white beans), "escudella i carn d’olla" (Catalan stew) and the emblematic "pa amb tomàquet" (bread rubbed with tomato). Of course, one must not forget "crema catalana" (Catalan crème brûlée) for dessert, or the excellent wines from Alella, Pla de Bages and Penedès.

Shopping

Barcelona itself is like a large shop whose main axis of shops, known as the Shopping Line, consists of five-kilometre pedestrian precinct with wide pavements which can satisfy the most demanding requirements. Craftsmen's workshops, exclusive shops, franchises, shopping centres and street markets all go to make up the shopping offer of Barcelona. There are three main shopping areas in the city: Centro, Eixample and Diagonal.

The picturesque streets of the Born and Gotic areas have a large number of shops dedicated to the latest fashion designs. Shops selling the latest in clothes and fashion, shops dedicated to interior design with the newest of ideas, art galleries, avant-garde hairdressers and restaurants serving dishes which are a fusion of different tastes are just some of the establishments to be found in Born, a bohemian, multi-cultural neighboured that is always bubbling with life.

Likewise, a stroll through the cobbled streets of the Gotic quarter in the heart of the city will allow you to enjoy an infinity of shop windows combining tradition and modernity. Both the antique and crafts shops near the Cathedral, and the stalls selling birds and flowers in La Rambla or the large franchises and shopping centres in the plaça Catalunya and the avenida Portal de l'àngel, awaken the visitors' interest and are an excellent place to go shopping in this historic part of Barcelona.

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