Preparing for Barcelona: Tips & Hints

1. Travelers are advised to be especially careful and keep valuables away from prying eyes. Despite the fact that Barcelona is quite a safe city, you should not tempt fate and leave bags and clothes. If you lose valuable items, you should contact the police to get insurance.

2. Tourists will find much interesting in «Guia del Ocio» newspaper as it throws the light on the upcoming cultural events and excursions. You can buy it in any newsagent.

3. Since dinners are rather late in Barcelona, you should not go to restaurants earlier than 9 pm. Many restaurants and cafes have already adjusted their working hours to the European mode, but some restaurants still offer the evening menu at nightfall.

4. When you visit cafes and restaurants, do not take the first free table; the waiter will show you the right place. Tips usually estimate 5 - 10% of the total order and are a must in dining facilities of any level.

5. The majority of public places have a ban on smoking except for some bars and nightclubs. Nevertheless, all major restaurants and shopping centers surely have some special areas for smoking.

6. Those tourists, who expect to spend a lot of time in trips, should definitely buy a pass for the tour bus, which runs through the city starting from the early morning and up to late evening. The cost of the pass is around 16 euros and it is valid one day.

7. Subway is another convenient way to travel around the city. The price of a trip is around 1 euro.

8. Olimpia RentCar is one of the best offices to rent a car. This organization offers most competitive prices.

9. Currency is better to be exchanged in banks or special exchange offices. We should note that not all exchange offices charge a fee, so one can easily exchange money at a favorable rate and with no extra expenses in the city.

Other articles about Barcelona:
Traditions and lifestyle
Barcelona sightseeing
Best restaurants and cuisine
Barcelona attractions and leisure
Barcelona cityguide
Photogallery of Barcelona