We're so excited to celebrate with you in one of our favorite cities. Barcelona is easy to navigate, incredibly walkable, and full of amazing food, architecture, and culture. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time there.

Walking

Barcelona is an incredibly walkable city. Many of the city's most beautiful neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions are best explored on foot.

One thing to note: crosswalks are often set back slightly from street corners, so they may not be exactly where you expect them.

Metro

Barcelona's subway system is safe, affordable, and easy to use. The most challenging part is usually purchasing your ticket from the machine—the rest is very straightforward.

Taxis & Ride Share

We recommend downloading Free Now, Barcelona's most popular taxi app (affiliated with Lyft).

Language

You'll hear both Spanish and Catalan spoken throughout the city. Both are official languages in Barcelona.

Dining Hours

Barcelona runs on a later schedule than most U.S. cities.

Lunch is typically served in the afternoon

Many shops and local businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon

Dinner often begins around 9:00 PM

Don't be surprised if a restaurant feels quiet at 7:00 PM—locals are probably still getting ready for dinner.

Siesta Hours

Many smaller businesses and neighborhood restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon, often between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Shopping

Most stores are closed on Sundays, so plan any shopping accordingly.

Coffee To-Go

Coffee culture is traditionally more sit-down than grab-and-go. If you're looking for coffee to take with you, larger chains such as Starbucks are often the easiest option.

Currency

Spain uses the Euro (€).

Most restaurants, shops, taxis, and attractions accept credit cards, so carrying large amounts of cash isn't necessary. If you do need cash, ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

When paying with a credit card, always choose to be charged in Euros (local currency) rather than USD or CAD for the best exchange rate.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not expected in the same way it is in the United States. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few Euros is more than sufficient.

VAT Tax Refunds

Many purchases qualify for a VAT tax refund if you're visiting from outside the European Union. Be sure to bring your passport when shopping and ask the store about tax-free purchases. The refund can typically be processed directly back to your credit card at the airport before you depart.

Emergency Services

The emergency number in Spain is 112.