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| Barcelona. |
Spain Facts & Information
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| Location |
Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean
Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest
of France |
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| Climate |
Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior,
more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in
interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast |
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| Terrain |
Large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded
by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north |
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| Population |
40,341,462 |
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| Nationality |
Spanish |
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| Ethnic groups |
Composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types
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| Religions |
Roman Catholic 94%, other 6% |
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| Languages |
Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician
7%, Basque 2% |
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| Government Type |
Parliamentary monarchy |
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| Capital |
Madrid |
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| Currency |
Euro (EUR) |
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| Description of Flag |
Three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow
(double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the
hoist side of the yellow band
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| Spain Flag |
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More Information
 www.cia.gov
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Barcelona Culture
| Spaniards are a jovial and warm bunch who love
to live, eat and drink. The people of Barcelona are no exception.
They are inviting and welcoming to tourists and are eager to
help foreigners. They are equally as artistic as they are friendly.
The city hosts many concerts and recitals and is well-known
for their avant-garde theater. |
Like the rest of Spain, Barcelona takes a long and leisurely break
in mid-afternoon, which is more commonly known as the siesta. Contrary
to popular belief, not everyone takes a nap. More so, it is a means
to rest and relax before dinner (and before the night picks up!).
Dining in Barcelona begins late in the evening and is never rushed.
It is common to linger over one’s meal for hours in preparation
of a festive night out. Bars and clubs go way into dawn, and you
are sure to find a hot-spot during any night of the week. About
two-thirds of population speaks a derivative of Castilian Spanish,
Catalan. Catalan is a Romance language that is closely connected
to both Spanish and French. However, Castilian Spanish is widely
understood and spoken.
More Information:
www.state.gov
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Barcelona Shopping
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Like most major cities in
Spain, Barcelona has extensive shopping options, from top
international designers to major global chains to one-of-a-kind
local styles. Here are some of the most widely known shopping
areas:
Calle Portaferissa, Avenida Portal de l’Angel,
Calle Boqueriaare
These are Barcelona’s three main shopping avenues
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and are located in the picturesque Barri Gotic (the old Gothic
quarters). What you’ll find: Well-known brands and labels:
Zara, Benetton, Mango.
Plaza de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, Avenida Diagonal
Centrally located and the largest of Barcelona’s shopping
district. What you’ll find: Shoes, Accessories and clothing
stores as well as high-end fashion houses such as Calvin Klein,
Armani, Versace, etc.
Circuit del Born (the Ribera district)
Not as well-known as other shopping districts, but well-worth the
visit for local shops and artisan boutiques and art galleries, design
studios and craft shops.
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| Barcelona Restaurants |
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Read reviews for some of the best
restaurants in Barcelona. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your
vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating. |
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Barcelona Travel Guides
Frommer's Barcelona
Lonely Planet Barcelona
Let's Go Barcelona
Fodors Barcelona
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