Chris’s Hastily Written Guide to Barcelona

Bienvenidos, or in Barcelona we say Benvinguts!

• Chris tip on enjoying BCN. Don’t be in a rush.
• Leave any comments for any questions/doubts you may have

Page contents

Language

You’ll get away with Spanish but Catalan still appears everywhere.

• Merci can be used instead of Gracias
• Adeu “Ah-day-euuuu” is used instead of Adios (See ya!)
• Bon dia (Bon deeyah) instead of Buenos dias. (Although bordering formal territory) (G’day)

Siestas

• A feature of Spanish life, but you’ll notice things will slow down (particularly in Summer) between 3-6. It’s a mix of people after having a large lunch finishing later, or small businesses taking breaks.

Public Transport

• The Barcelona (Transport/Tourist) Card is only useful if you plan to take public transport 5+ times a day and if you want the discounts.
• If you’re on the cheap get the:
  • T-Casual (10 trip ticket for one person) or
  • T-familiar (an 8 trip ticket that can be shared between people - pass the ticket through the barriers). Still cheaper than Sydney.
• Aerobus is about 6/7 Eur which is cheapest and easiest way to get into town. If you’re cheap get the 46 to Plaza Espanya and go from there.

Sights

• Park Guell (Note, located north of the city, grab a bus). Near here is also ‘Bunkers’ del Carmel - much better view of the city, perfect for a sunset. Bring a few tinnies.
• Sagrada Familia - Buy entry tickets early or prepare to be a Christian (go to one of the masses that happen early on a weekend)
• Montserrat is a temple built in the hills with a good feel for rural living in Catalonia. If you want a similar experience but much closer try Mount Tibidabo and ride on of the many funiculars in the region.