Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is housed in the Palau Nacional, a magnificent showcase of paintings and sculptures from Catalan.
Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of wonder and beauty, where there's a pronounced passion for life, food, culture, and of course, architecture. Where else can you surf in the morning, do a master tour of Gaudí’s surreal buildings (the Sagrada Familia and the Parc Güell, to name a couple).
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Best time to visitMarch, July, September, NovemberA CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Parc Gaell
is a wide garden complex with a structure on the hill of el Carmel designed by Gaudy.
Sarria
A small village in the middle of Barcelona with narrow streets and lovely olden style houses.
Teatre Lliure
One of the most prestigious theaters of the country, it is distinguished for producing some of the best contemporary dance and music pieces of the world.
Tibidabo
It is located on the mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the city.
What to do with Children in Tow
Tibidabo Funfair "The Magic Mountain" A superb funfair with several rides, it is an absolute gem for kids and is a great place to have some quality family time. Address: On Tibidabo Mountain Admission: Adults 15Euro, children under 110cms in height, 4Euro. Prices allow unlimited use of the attractions and rides. Open: weekends and fiestas only until June, then daily in July and August.
Barri Gotic
Barri Gottic (or The Gothic Quarter) is Barcelona's old town. The area is home to winding streets, hidden squares and gothic old buildings. Tourists can visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, and the Picasso Museum within the Barri Gottic compound. Visitors will enjoy the trip back in time to old Barcelona.
Casa Batlla
Another design by Antoni Gaud and Josep Maria Jujol, built in 1905-1907. It is located at 43, Passeig de Gracia.
Casa Mila
Better known as La Pedrera or 'The Quarry', it was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaud and built in 1905-1907 and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see it at 92, Passeig de Gracia.
Castell de Montjua
A fortress built in the 17th century with additions in the 18th, which was used as a prison where several political prisoners were executed. It is now used as a Communication Tower for the Anella Olafampica.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Barcelona
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Barcelona
Alkimia
A very good restaurant boasting new Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine under Ferran Adria. Its dacor is minimalist and ensures that you keep your attention towards the food, and is quite easily, one of the best restaurants in the city.
Ca l'Isidre
Ca l'Isidre is a traditional restaurant that serves a wide variety of dishes and Spanish wines. The restaurant is excellently decorated with lithographs and paintings by well-known Catalan artists and highlights Catalan culture very well.
Gaig
The restaurant, very famous in the city, is named after Carles Gaig, who is an exceptionally skilled chef and combines traditional Catalan cuisine with his own innovative ideas. The atmosphere is superb as the hotel is housed in an old inn and is a great place to dine!
Jean-Luc Figueras
Set up inside a villa, the chef Jean-Luc treats you to a traditional Catalan menu with some customizations and innovations. An overall great place to eat where the atmosphere is very sober and modern.
Botafumeiro Moncho
Considered to be the best seafood restaurant in town, this is one of the best places for shellfish and fish dishes. The superb meat dishes are also worth a mention. The atmosphere is also superb and it's a great place to dine in.Great for a romantic meal or for a group celebration.
Arc Cafe
Arc Cafe is a great little cafe in the Gothic Quarter which is the best place to have some gastronomic selections with a strong Mediterranean influence. The atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed and it is an ideal place, especially for younger visitors.
El Race d'en Balta
A very lively restaurant with a great menu, it looks like an old guest house and modern art gallery rolled into one. The menu changes every season and is great for a younger clientele.
Mama Cafe
One of the more stylish restaurants, it has an open kitchen and excellent service! The food is simply superb and the salads are always fresh. It has an excellent atmosphere and is a great restaurant to dine in. Make reservations!
Agut d'Avignon
One of the best restaurants in the city, it's been around for over 40 years and boasts patrons such as politicians, writers, industrialists, artists and even the king and some visiting dignitaries. Overall, a great restaurant.
Cantina Machito
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, it is very, very hard to find an empty table as it is always crowded. They have an excellent array of Mexican fast food as well as lots of other goodies. The atmosphere is also fun.
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Where to stay in Barcelona
Hotel Arts
The marriage of New York design with Barcelona money has produced an enormous success called Hotel Arts. Getting awards is nothing new for this hotel which has received many including several for 'Best Hotel'. Strategically located near the beachside, the crystal clear waters and the sandy beaches that shelve gently into the azure blue sea are amazing sights that are visible from all 483 rooms of this delightful hotel.
Hotel Palace (Ritz)
Dripping with opulence, style and elegance, the Ritz has maintained the aura of glamour that surrounds it.Every guest who walks through the doors of this hotel is treated like a VIP. Stunning halls and foyers with dazzling chandeliers, rich fabrics and an ambience that screams luxury, the Hotel Palace is the place where all the celebrities flock. From Sophia Loren, Ava Gadner and Woody Allen to Mikhael Gorbachev and Queen Rania of Jordan, the Ritz has hosted the rich and the famous and continues to do so. The handsomely decorated rooms and the lavish marble bathrooms modeled on ancient Roman spas, make this hotel fit for a king. Guests can enjoy pre-prandial drinks in the Scotch Bar, a bar in the purest English style. For dinner there is a choice of restaurants to pamper your gastronomical desires, Diana;s Garden, the Caelis Restaurant and Dawn Petite Brasserie.
Avenida Palace
Nestled among elegant shops and apartment buildings, this hotel is located in the central city area within walking distance of Barcelona's major attractions. Popular with celebrity guests, this hotel hosted the Beatles, who stayed in the master suite after their only concert in Barcelona, in June 1965. The hotel is famous for its classical Catalonian hospitality. Everything at the Avenida Palace, the fresh flowers, antiques and 1950s-era accessories that fill the public rooms evoke an old world sense of charm. The courteous and competent staff is a sterling example of modern efficiency and always available to satisfy your needs. The standard rooms are decorated in traditional style. Non-smoking rooms are available on request. There are soundproof rooms as well that range from midsize to spacious. All amenities are provided to make your stay comfortable. Bathrooms with dual basins, tub/shower combinations and heat lamps are provided with every room. An elaborate breakfast buffet is served in the breakfast room. Meeting/conference facilities are available for up to 300 people.
Barcelona Hilton
The Hilton is located in the middle of one of Barcelona's main financial districts, close to the metro stop. Spread across 11 floors, this is a five-star hotel which gives assurance of quality that goes with a name. The Hilton doesn't disappoint in any way. It impresses in its sleek sophistication evident in the lobby where velvet chairs invite you to sit back and relax. The public areas are furnished according to the set norms of the Hilton. The rooms are large and well equipped. Thick carpets and rich wood decor grace the guest rooms. The bathrooms are equally impressive with all the trappings including dual basins and robes. There are separate units reserved exclusively for women.
Gran Hotel La Florida
If exclusivity were to be given a name, this would be it. Set in a fairy tale setting on a hilltop, Mount Tibidabo, this luxury boutique hotel offers breathtaking views over Barcelona, the Mediterranean and the snow-capped Pyrenees. Since the beginning the Gran Hotel La Florida has been considered the finest hotel in Barcelona. It has been the hotel of choice of Spanish aristocracy, movie stars and monarchy who came to enjoy the fresh air on the hilltop. During the World War II, it was used as a hospital. After years of renovation, the hotel was opened once again to guests in 2003. A team of prolific artists and designers got together to come up with a design that is at once romantic, exquisite and lavish. The art on display throughout the hotel is enough to arouse the envy of many a high-profile gallery.
Constanza
Conveniently located within easy walking distance of the shopping, cultural and culinary area of La Ribera, the Constanza, which has been recently renovated, is a study in cool, elegant chic. Even though it doesn’t have a rooftop pool or city views, it offers good value for its price range. The white boxy couches with red trim in the lobby create a smart and trendy look. The breakfast room is decorated with flower prints. Bedrooms are bright and fresh with a no-frills décor. The leather trimmed furniture, white cotton sheets and throw cushions give a feel of comfort and relaxation. All rooms have an attached bathroom with shower. Some of the rooms are small while others in front are noisy. You are lucky if you manage to book a room with its own private terrace for then you’ve really got your money’s worth.
Duques de Bergara
The Hotel gets its name from the Duke of Bergara, for whom a town house was built in 1898 by the architect Emilio Salas y Cortes who was a protégé of Antoni Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect. The hotel retains the original wood-molded ceiling with a rose dome on the first floor. Stained glass panels in the reception area display the heraldic coat of arms of the Duke of Bergara, the original occupant of the building. In 1998 with the addition of a new seven storey tower, the original structure more than doubled in size. Conservative, traditional comforts are provided in the guests rooms. Large comfortable beds, mattresses of superior quality, elegant fabrics and good lighting ensure the guests a satisfying stay. The bathrooms are spacious and are equipped with tub/shower combinations. Some of the other facilities include a restaurant, café/bar, outdoor pool, limited room service, laundry and dry cleaning and internet access.
Hotel Neri
A renovated 18th century palace in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, the Hotel Neri is on an unassuming alley near the cathedral. Warm golden hues, velvet drapes and echoing hallways express the romanticism that the Hotel Neri is gaining a reputation for. Cozy intimacy is apparent in the plush bedrooms with cotton sheets of superior quality, pillow cases of shot-silk, throws and rugs. Incense and candles at the minibar add an exotic touch. A charming library for the more literary minded guests is on the ground floor near the reception. One of the hotel's two suites was occupied by John Malkovich for a month while his play 'Hysteria' was being performed at a local theatre. In the labyrinth of the Gothic Quarters, the Hotel Neri has the advantage of having some open space; a terrace for coffee and cocktails and a rooftop garden with jasmine plants and creepers. The Catalan cuisine restaurant, which is somewhat overpriced, serves super chef Ferran Adria's gourmet dishes. Some of the hotel's services include a cafe bar, limited room service, baby sitting, laundry service and dry cleaning and non-smoking rooms.
Marina Folch
This is an unpretentious, uncomplicated and comfortable guesthouse which is gaining popularity among those who come on holiday on a budget. Visitors to this guesthouse enjoy all the charm associated with living near the sea without having to shell out huge sums of money. It is located in Barceloneta, the old fisherman's district, an area which is not too great on budget accommodation. In this scenario, the Marina Folch stands out as a jewel. From the spotlessly clean rooms that offer essential comfort minus the frills to the bathrooms with showers, this is one place where you can peacefully retreat after a hectic day of sight-seeing or shopping. Truly a haven of tranquility, away from the city noises, this hotel is a real blessing though its location, above a restaurant run by the same management, makes it a little noisy at mealtimes.
Hotel Astoria
A member of the Derby chain of hotels, the Hotel Astoria is close to Diagonal Metro station and Place Catalunya and Ramblas. Moorish and Andalusian styles are evident in the public rooms of the hotel which are characterized by high ceilings, geometric designs and brass-studded detail. Walls are decorated with frescoes. The newly decorated rooms are midsize and comfortable and have gleaming white walls. Soundproofing is another feature present in all the rooms. Slick louvered closets add to the modern feel of the rooms. Private bathrooms are equipped with showers.
History and today in Barcelona
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When to go
The best time to visit Barcelona is from March until mid-July and from September until mid-November, as the temperature is just ideal for sightseeing, albeit on the cooler side, with temperatures hovering in the mid teens on the Celsius scale. Additionally, September brings with it a few festivals that are sure to make your stay memorable!
Fast Facts
Location: Catalunya (Catalonia), Northeast Spain; Dialing code: Country: 34 City: 93; Emergency numbers: General emergencies Telephone: 112 Medical emergencies Telephone: 061 Fire service Telephone: 080 Guardia Urbana (local police) Telephone: 092 Mossos d'Esquadra - Emergencies and traffic accidents Telephone: 088 Policia Nacional Telephone: 091 Guardia Civil police force Telephone: 062 Duty Magistrates Courts (24-hours) Telephone: (93) 567 3140 Population Over 1.6 million
Exchange Rates
The Euro is the standard currency in Spain and is used everywhere.
Public Holidays
January
Annual Temperature
January; High:: 13°C (55°F); Low:: 4°C (40°F)
Barcelona Residents
The natives of the city are generally very friendly, calm, and helpful, and are particularly generous with their time. Most Barcelonans prefer maintaining long lasting and enduring relationships instead of gaining more material wealth. Outside of the tourist center of the city, people come and offer help courteously if you look lost. However, in the tourist areas, it's better to be on guard and to avoid such approaches as Barcelona is also known as the Pickpocket Capital of the World - if the gypsies in Rome continue their pickpocketing unchecked, very soon Barcelona will no longer hold this title.
Barcelona today
Today, Barcelona is one of the most dynamic cities of the European continent and is one of the most attractive places to visit. The second largest city of Spain, it is a major economic center and is home to one of the continent's principal Mediterranean ports. Barcelona today is an important cultural center due to its rich history and the architecture of Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner have been designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Barcelona History
The city has a spotted yet deep history dating back to the 4th century BC. With effects being discovered from several ages and empires, the city has been host to the Visigoths, Romans, Muslim conquerors, and the French. The city is a mixed blend of several cultures which highlights its history. The number of Roman ruins that can be seen in the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat and the layout of the Barri Gotic, highlight the presence of the Romans somewhere around the early 3rd century. The Cathedral, also known as the Basilica La Seu, is said to have been founded in 343AD, and also highlights that possibility. The city was then conquered by the Visigoths of northern Europe, in the early 5th century and was later invaded by Muslims conquerors in the 8th century.
Useful information
Shopping
El Corte Ingls
It is possibly the most famous shop in Barcelona, it is located on Plasa de Catalunya and is a part of a national chain and is considered the leading department stores chain in the country.
Habitat
A leading furniture store in the city and is great for decorative items designed by British designer, Terence Conran.
Rituals
Rituals is a trendy store for home and body care. It stocks perfumes, cosmetics, clothing as well as incense sticks, candles and home fragrance products.
Jean Pierre Bua
If designer labels are your thing then check out Jean Pierre Bua.
Avinguda Diagonal
This stretch is filled with international designer labels such as Calvin Klein (No. 484, Telephone: (93) 412 1604), Giorgio Armani (No. 490, No. 620,Telephone: (93) 200 7644), and Gucci (No. 415,Telephone: (93) 416 0620).
Max Mara
Max Mara has several branches dotted around the city, one of the best is on the Passeig de Gracia
Centre Catala dArtesania
One of the best places to see Catalan crafts.
Centre Comercial de les Glories
One of the largest departmental stores around, you can find anything and everything here, though a bit pricey.
Heron City
If shopping at malls is your preference, then there is an enormous complex of shops, cinemas and restaurants.
Loewe
One of Spain's leading fashion stores that was founded in 1846, it has two branches in the city.
Signature sights in Barcelona
Cementiri del Sud-Oest
This is a cemetery where several famous personalities from Barcelona such as Lluas Companys, Frencesc Macia, Joan Mia, and Carmen Amaya lie buried.
Collserola Mountain
The place near Tibidabo or Observatori Fabra is a popular place for biking or walking.
Estadi Olympics
The Olympic Stadium was constructed in opposition to the 1936 Berlin Olympics; however, the plans were cancelled due to the Spanish Civil War. The stadium is home to the Espanyol football team. However, it was used in the 1992 Summer Olympics after being renamed Estadi Olympic Lluys Companys.
Fundacia Joan Mira
A museum of modern art that showcases a large collection of the works of Joan Mira.
La Barceloneta
This neighborhood is shaped roughly like a triangle and is known for its sandy beaches and the numerous nightclubs and restaurants lined along the boardwalk.
la Espana Industrial
Situated in the Sants neighborhood, it was a heavily industrial area at the end of the 19th century and was home to some of the most important textile factories of Spain.
Festivals and events in Barcelona
6th January, Epiphany
Parades and loud music are taken out in the streets throughout the city. It is one of the liveliest parades of the year.
Barcelona Marathon
The Barcelona Marathon runs throughout the city and passes several of Antoni Gaudi's designs. This is perhaps one of the most popular ways for the athletic visitor to see the sights of the city at a brisk pace! http://www.barcelonamarathon.com
3rd March, Festes de Sant Medir
The Festes de Sant Medir is a religious festival with parades and choral singing at Gracia and various other venues to celebrate the legend of Saint Medir which is about a religious farmer who went through a miracle because of his religious inclinations.
Holy Week Festivities
There are several festivals throughout the week at various venues throughout the city, with singing and dancing to food and drinks. March is a very lively month in Barcelona so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your vacation!
Trofeo Conde de Godo de Tennis
This is a Tennis Championship, held at Reial Club de Tennis, and is a symbol for the people of Barcelona that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002.
Barcelona tours and experiences
The Barcelona Guide Bureau
This is one of the best tour guides around and their charges vary from €160 upwards depending on the language required and increase up to €190 on weekends.
Walking Tours
La Ruta Modernista: A map book containing maps and details of 50 modern art buildings, and details for self guided tours departing from outside Palau Güell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, and costs just €3.
Bus Tours
There are two companies offering identical tour services in the city. Julià Tours sets off from Ronda Universitat 5, and Pullmantur, starts off from Gran Viá de les Corts Catalanes 645. The morning tours cover the Gothic Quarter and Montjuïc, and the afternoon tours covers some key architectural heritage sites as well as the Picasso Museum. Half-day tours typically set you back by €32.
Barcelona masjids and Muslim travel
Friends of the Mosque of Peace
Address: Via BÃ rcino, 24 District: Sant Andreu
Cultural Association Al Qaim
Address: Carrer de Sant Pere MitjÃ, 21*LB District: Ciutat Vella
Islamic Centre of Barcelona
Address: Avinguda Meridiana, 326 District: Sant Andreu Telephone: (93) 351 4901
Sufa Centre - Derga Naqshbandi
Address: Carrer de Pere Llobet, 3*5 District: Gracia Telephone: (93) 633 1011
Islamic Centre Camino de la Paz
Address: Carrer de Arc del Teatre, 19 District: Ciutat Vella Telephone: (93) 317 7123
Mosque d'Ali
Address: Carrer de Basses de Sant Pere, 22 District: Ciutat Vella Telephone: (93) 319 9099
Transportation
Buses
The bus network in Barcelona is very extensive and almost all services cover the major areas. The buses run daily from 6:30am till 10:00pm. Single tickets are available with the drivers and cost about €1.10 and travel cards must be validated in the machines when you board the buses.
Metro
The Metro is the most efficient means of transport in the city apart from the rush hours which are from 7:30am to 9:30am, and 6:00pm to 8:30pm. There are two companies operating in Barcelona, the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) and the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC). The FGC operates on one line, whereas TMB operates on all the remaining lines.
Taxi
With over 11,000 yellow and black registered cabs in the city, you are never too far from a cab, and can find one on the street at pretty much any time and you can also book one in advance. The basic cab fare is €2.00 and should be displayed on the meter before starting. Each kilometer traveled is of €0.85 and an extra €0.85 is charged for each piece of large luggage. Drivers expect a tip, somewhere around 5 to 10% of the meter fare.
Car for hire
Barcelona requires the driver to be at least 21 years old and must have a passport and a valid driving license, along with a valid international insurance policy, which, however, can be purchased at the time of hiring a car. Besides the local companies, there are also a number of international companies operating in
Driving Tips
Driving in Barcelona is one of the most daunting experiences as car hires and parking are expensive and the roads are completely unorganized with many streets being single direction and left turns being rarer than rights, and not to forget the heavy fines!
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Barcelona is known as the capital of the pickpocket world so be careful!
