The city, whose population is approximately 1.7 million, is located on the coast of the Mediterranean. Influenced by the rest of Western Europe, this city has much to offer and is one of the most progressive cities in Spain. As a major port, Barcelona has always been a center of trade and commerce. This prosperous city was also the host of the 1992 Olympic Games, and many of the facilities have been turned into permanent tourism centers.

Located on a plain above the Mediterranean in the region of Cataluña, Barcelona is full of beautiful parks and is surrounded by wooded hills. The eastern coastline is a journey from the Pyrenees Mountains that separate Spain and France to the vineyards and orchards of Cataluña. Along the way, you will find sand flats and plunging cliff sides which harbor quaint fishing villages.

Barcelona is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded in 230 B.C. It has since gone through many rulers, including the Carthaginians, the Visigoths, and the Muslims. During the Golden Age, it was led by monarchs and remained one of the most powerful cities in Spain. At that time, new walls ten times bigger (which were eventually destroyed in 1854) replaced the Roman walls that surrounded the city. In the 15th Century, Spain was dominated by Castilian rule, and Cataluña did not regain its independence again until the 18th Century. At the turn of the 20th century, Barcelona saw anarchists, Republicans, bourgeois regionalists, gangsters, police terrorists, and pistoleros (political gunmen) followed by years of political mayhem. After the fall of the dictatorship of Franco, the government was replaced with the present-day democracy.

Barcelona is most well-known for its array of architectural splendor. Ranging from medieval gothic castles to the surreal mosaic buildings of Gaudí, the construction of this city reflects its culture and history. Don’t miss the Casa Museu Gaudí museum transformed from Gaudi’s former house. It includes designs and furniture created by the artistic architectural genius. The Catalonian Gothic sculpture of the 13th through 15th centuries began the notable artistic accomplishments of this region. Best known for the surreal and cubist artists Picasso, Dalí, and Miró, Barcelona will satisfy all those who appreciate art.

This cosmopolitan town offers some of the best nightlife in Europe. Music lovers and dance lovers will find a variety of choices. You may choose to go to the opera or to an all night disco. . Whether you are looking for the bars or the discos, you will find everything you need for a good time.

Las Ramblas - the heart of Barcelona, a pedestrian-only via with shops, markets and outdoor cafés
La Sagrada Família - the most famous of Gaudí's architectural masterpieces
Museu Picasso - this incredible museum traces the development of Picasso as an artist
Plaça Reial - many artists live here; lots of shopping, flamenco dancing, bars and restaurants
Plaça de Sant Jaume - scene of many political and public ceremonies
Passeig del Born - or Moncada street; greatest concentration of art and culture in the city
Güell Park - famous park built by Gaudí
Gran Teatre del Liceu - performing operas, concerts, recitals
Maremagnum - waterfront shopping, restaurants, IMAX cinema, and an aquarium
Vila Olímpica - built for the 1992 Summer Olympics and houses several parks and lots of shopping
Montjuïc - fortress built on the hill overlooking all of Barcelona; awesome views!

Hablas ingles? Do you speak English?
No hablo español. I don't speak Spanish.
Perdoname/Con permiso. Excuse me (used when cutting through a crowd).
Pasa. The response to perdoname.
Ayuda! Help! Socorro! Help! (In an emergency situation.)
Como estas? How are you? (informal)
Buenos dias. Good morning
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.
Adios. Goodbye.
No entiendo. I don't understand.
Como te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Que hora es? What time is it?
Donde esta el hotel? Where is the hotel?
Donde esta un telefono? Where is a telephone?
Donde esta el baño? Where is the restroom?
Cuidado! Caution, look out!
Cuanto cuesta? How much is it?
La cuenta. The bill
Soy vegetariano/a. I am a vegetarian.

Helpful Words in Catalán
si us plau - please
gràcies - thank you
adéu - goodbye