Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the most dynamic city in the country. The city has spectacular architecture, from the Gothic to the modern architecture. In this how to visit Barcelona page, you can find some basic information about visiting Barcelona.

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and is located between the Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees Mountain. The official language is Spanish and Catalan. There are many festivals and events all year long in Barcelona. Street festivals in Barcelona are exciting and beautiful, such as the festival of Gracia in the middle of August or festival of Sant Jordi on April 23rd. If you intend to participate of catch one of the festivals, check your calendar before you go.

Spain’s local currency is the Euro. You can exchange your money in banks and foreign exchange offices (bureau de change), but you will get the best rates in banks. You can use major credit cards and international debit cards for most businesses in Barcelona, which is a safer option than carrying a large amount of cash everywhere. Thefts and pickpockets are problems in Barcelona. Keep alert, even watch out for the person whom doesn't look like a thief (such as an elderly lady). Report to the police if you become the victim of a crime, especially for insurance purposes.

You can ride a taxi, metro system, bus, or tram to get around Barcelona. Taxi are metered with some additional charge for trips to and from airport. You can phone them or flag them on the street. A unique taxi ride is Trixis, or three wheeled cycle taxis, which can take two passengers at a time.

There are several bus companies in Barcelona: Transport Metropolitan de Barcelona, which run along most city routes, [Alsina Graells]], Barcelona Bus, Hispano-Igualadina, SARFA, and TEISA. To get to another city, you can take long distance buses which leave from Estacio del Nord, most of which under the Alsa-Enatcar company. The better option to travel around Spain from Barcelona is by train. There are several classes and speed options available. The faster the train, the more costly the fare will be. Some high speed train operators are AVE and Euromed. The biggest train station for domestic and international routes are Estacio Sants. You can also catch direct trains to other cities in other European countries including Paris, Geneva, and Milan.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/transport/getting-there-around

Another option to get around Barcelona is to rent a car. It is possible to cycle in the bike lanes, but not in bus lanes or pedestrian sidewalks.

Barcelona is not a cheap city to travel, with accommodation and dining as your biggest expense. You can choose to stay in hotels, rent an apartment, small private hotels (pension), budget hotels (hostal), or youth hostels. It is recommended to stay near the city center, especially if it is the first time you visit Barcelona where most popular destinations can be reached easily.

Barcelona dishes showcase the best of Catalonia’s cuisine. Some of the popular dishes in Barcelona are La escudella i carn d’olla, cocido con judias blancas, an arroz a la cazuela. For seafood lover, try zarzuela or its more luxurious version, la opera. You can also find other popular Spanish dishes such as paella and gazpacho in restaurants all over Barcelona. Enjoy your meal with some Catalonian wines such as red wine from Peralda and Tarragona, or white wine from Penedes. Tapas is the Spanish food culture. You will be served various finger foods and appetizers, hot and cold, along with some drinks. For deserts try Catalonia’s crema Catalana or postre del Musico.http://www.red2000.com/spain/barcelon/gastro.html

If you want to save money, order a set menu, especially in lunch time, is a lot cheaper than dinner which can cost you double, especially if you order wine.

Barcelona is famous for its architecture. You can find architectural wonders from middle ages to modern buildings. The Gothic Quarter is the place to find classical buildings from the Roman to the medieval time. The top 10 architectural wonders in Barcelona according to Lonely Planet are: the famous La Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera by Gaudi, Esglesia de Santa Maria del Mar, Torre Agbar, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Casa Batlo, and Pavello Mies van der Rohe.http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/travel-tips-and-articles/42/1442

If you are a fan of Gaudi’s work or a fan of modern architecture, aside from La Sagrada Famila and La Pedrera, you can find his other works in Barcelona: Finca Guell, The Portal of Finca Miralles, Bellesguard, Colegio Teresiano, Casa Vincens, Casa Mila, Casa Batlo, Casa Calvet, Palau Guell, Parc Guell, and Crypta Colonia Guell.http://www.red2000.com/spain/barcelon/gaudi.html

Las Ramblas is the busiest part of Barcelona. The boulevard has all kind of things you can ever wish to see: street performance, stalls, galleries, cafes, and theaters. Shop at the Placa Reial if you are looking for luxury or the more down to earth Barcelona’s market, Mercado de La Boqueria.

Visiting museums in Barcelona will allow you to see the rich culture and history of Spain. If you are an art lover, do not miss Museum of Modern Art, Picasso Museum, Museum or Decorative Arts, and Fundacion Fran Daurel which displays world class Spanish artists such as Dali, Picasso, and Barcelo. Some unique museums in Barcelona are the Perfume Museum, the Slot Machines Museum, the Wax Figures Museum, and the Museum of Shoes.http://www.red2000.com/spain/barcelon/museum.html