Barcelona is a fascinating city with quirky modernist architecture, excellent shopping and restaurants, and miles of golden sandy beaches. When exploring a new city, it’s important to glean as much information as you can prior to your arrival in your Barcelona accommodation – it is only then that you can get the most from your visit.

 

shutterstock_101032684

 

Don’t call the city Barça

Unless you are referring to the football team of course. Barça is another name used to refer to FC Barcelona. If you wish to shorten the word Barcelona, then use the same name as the Catalans do and call it Barna.

A strategic visit

An exciting time to visit the city is around Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week or Easter. This also heralds the beginning of the tourist season in Spain. Alternatively visit in September or October when the main crowds of visitors have dispersed and you can have more of the city to yourself!

Learn a little Catalan

A great way to get on the good side of the locals is to learn a few words of Catalan. It shows you appreciate their desire for independence from the rest of Spain. When you are out and about from your villa in Barcelona try using such phrases as bon dia (good morning), or vagi be (be well).

Be prepared to eat late

Ever wondered why the restaurants on the city streets of Barcelona are empty at 7 or 8 in the evening? It’s because Catalan people eat incredibly late. Dinner is usually consumed between 9 and 11.30 so if you can’t wait, try a late afternoon snack!

 

espinaler-taberna-vilassar-que-se-cuece-en-bcn-barcelona-vermut-aperitivo-salsa-55

 

Barcelona picnics are a regional institution

There are myriad picturesque places in which to drop a blanket for a picnic in Barcelona. The best places (and those that are most popular with tourists) are next to the castle at Montjuic or in the Parc de la Cuitadella.

Barcelona is not like the rest of Spain

If you seek cavern-type bars with flamenco, raucous bull fights, or local women in polka dot flouncy traditional dress, you are in the wrong place. Barcelona has a unique culture all of its own to explore with charming streets, lively cava bars, interesting museums, and the more sedate Sardana dancing.

Leave your pre-conceived ideas of Spain behind before you book your Catalonia villa rental. However, if you do wish to discover a completely different side to Spain, you have definitely come to the right place.

Save

Save

Save

Save