Staying in City, Country
Barcelona is a vibrant city on Spain's North Eastern coast and serves as the capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. A hub of commerce and culture, Barcelona is one of the largest cities in the country, second only to the capital, Madrid. Notable as an architectural prodigy with unique designs from Gaudi featured in and around the city, Barcelona has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. In recent years, it has also earned its place at the corporate travel table. Barcelona’s infrastructural excellence renders the city able to offer world-class venues, fully equipped to host large-scale global conferences. Whether you’re headed to Barcelona for an international corporate event, or for a longer business trip, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the city.
Visiting City, Country- Key Information
Weather in City
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination for business travel year-round. Averages of around 10 degrees Celsius are common in the winter months and 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. Rain is a rare sight in this vibrant city, so you can almost always count on some sun on your business trip to Barcelona. Winters are mild in Barcelona, so while warm clothes will be appreciated you won’t need to bundle up on your winter trip. Summers, on the other hand, are hot and, on a frantic daily commute you’ll want to be prepared, with light layers and a water bottle to keep you cool. Thankfully, the Barcelona Metro offers fully air-conditioned trains, for a comfortable journey into the office.
Currency in City
Euro (EUR)
The currency used in Barcelona is the euro. The city is largely cashless, but it’s always better to err on the safe side and carry some euros with you, they’ll come in handy when you wish to make a cash tip, or for smaller purchases at stores with a minimum card spend. Tipping is not expected in Barcelona, but around 5-10% is considered a nice gesture in return for good service. Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are widely accepted, but American Express can be hit or miss, so it’s worth checking with your bank before you embark on your corporate trip to Barcelona.
Health & Well-being in City
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Sandwiched between the Balearic Sea and the Montserrat mountains, Barcelona is unique in its ability to combine dynamic city life, with scenic beaches and magnificent mountain ranges. If you’re on the hunt for outdoor adventure, life in Barcelona certainly brings variety.
Stand-up paddle boards, known to locals as SUPs, are a popular way to explore Barcelona’s 5 km coastline and take in the city from a new perspective.
Park Guell is a must-see if you’re looking to blend a bit of Catalonian culture with your fitness routine on your business trip to Barcelona. Designed by the infamous Antoni Gaudi, this park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a great spot for enjoying time away from your corporate agenda or getting your steps in between meetings.
For a more intense workout, try hiking up mount Tibidabo to reach the Sacred Heart of Jesus temple, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
For your everyday fitness needs, there are plenty of gyms around Barcelona. From luxury fitness clubs to budget-friendly local spots, the options are endless. Many of which offer day passes or short-term memberships ideal for a brief business trip to Barcelona.
Data in City
International SIM roaming may be convenient, but comes at a cost for longer business trips to Barcelona. Purchasing a local Spanish SIM is a great cost-effective option for staying connected on the go. Some of the most popular Spanish SIM operators are Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, and Yoigo.
Plug Type: Type F and C
Emergency Contact Numbers in City
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In the event of an emergency on your business trip to Barcelona, this is the number to know:
112 - Used for all emergencies, to receive immediate response from the police, paramedics or the fire brigade.
Cuisine in City
While it may be tempting to opt for the Spanish classics when out for meals on your trip, Barcelona brings its own unique culinary variations to add to the region’s charm. Here are some dishes specific to the Catalan cuisine to pique your interest.
Fideua; a paella variation with a noodle rather than rice base, is a staple. Escalvada is a popular side in the Barcelonian diet, made with grilled vegetables in vinegar and olive oil, while the infamous crema catalana is the region’s chosen dessert. This sweet treat is often compared with the classic creme brulee, but steeped in history, this native desert was actually around long before its French counterpart.
Speaking the Language in City, Country
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While you are, of course, travelling to Spain on your corporate trip to Barcelona, it is important to note those from Barcelona speak Catalan, an entirely separate language from Spanish, not just a different dialect as is often believed. You’ll find that most locals can speak and understand Spanish, but with important cultural and political influences impacting Barcelona’s mother tongue, its residents hold their native Catalan very dearly, so learning some key phrases will go a long way.
Hello – Hola
Goodbye – Adéu
Please – Per favor
Thank you – Gràcies
How much is it – Quant Costa?
Where is...? - On és...?
The bill, please – El compte, si us plau
Excuse me/sorry - Perdó
Transport in City - Getting Around City, Country
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As Spain’s second largest city, navigating Barcelona can seem daunting at first. But the public transport network is an affordable, convenient, and reliable way of getting around on your business trip to Barcelona. Most easy to use is the Barcelona Metro, made up of 12 lines (L1-12) that get you just about everywhere you need to be. Tickets can be purchased online or through station machines operating in various languages and accepting both cash and card payments. Purchasing single tickets can add up on a longer business trip to Barcelona, but fear not as there are a range of T travel cards available to suit all your needs, purchasable on the TMB website. Buses are another simple way to get around while enjoying the sights Barcelona has to offer. You can validate your T card as you board or pay as you go. While there are plenty of car rental options available, the city’s traffic, paired with it’s walkability makes public transport the most practical option for getting around on a business trip to Barcelona.
Barcelona District Breakdown
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Barcelona is divided into ten districts, each contributing its own unique blend of culture, character, and innovation. Whether you're visiting Barcelona for a short business trip or planning a long-term relocation, understanding Barcelona's key business districts is essential.
Le Corts - Located on the city's Western side, Le Corts is Barcelona's primary financial district, housing major banks and corporate headquarters, making it the district most sought by young professionals and executives.
Exiample - Barcelona's most central and densely populated district, Exiample blends corporate and commercial life. Here you'll find some of the city's most luxury retailers, and its busiest offices.
Diagonal Mar - One of the city's newer business zones, Diagonal Mar houses sleek office towers, and conference spaces, making it a popular spot for hosting corporate events.
City Map
Now you’re up to scratch and ready to embrace life in Barcelona, it’s time to book your stay. Head over to our website to view some of our Barcelona serviced apartments on offer. Or contact a member of our team to discuss your requirements today.
