Destination Barcelona

Practical information

Airport

Barcelona’s international airport is situated to the south-east of the city. Several bus companies offer rides into town, and there is a bus departing every terminal every 15 minutes to the central Plaza de Catalunya.

Public transport

One-way tickets for the metro can be bought in the information offices and at ticket machines for 1 euro. Bus tickets can be bought from the driver.

Taxi

Black and yellow taxis can be stopped in the streets, and they also wait outside stations and can be ordered by telephone. The standard tariff applies from Monday to Friday from 06h00 to 22h00, but at all other times and days and on public holidays you’ll pay more. Large items of baggage incur an extra fee. Keep in mind that taxi drivers rarely have a great deal of change and don’t accept credit cards.

Post

The Spanish for post office is correos (correu in Catalan). Stamps (estancos) are available in post offices and at kiosks. The main office is on the Plaça Antoni López.

Chemist’s (emergencies)

Pharmacies in Barcelona have a roster for emergency services, which will be on display in every chemist’s shop, as well as information about the nearest one that’s open at night.

Dentist (emergencies)

Centre Odontològic de Barcelona Large and reliable dental centre with English-speaking staff. Address: C/Calàbria 251

Telephone

National dialling code: +34 Local dialling code for Barcelona: 93 (still use this if you are calling from within Barcelona)

Electricity

220V (125V in some old buildings)

Opening hours

Monday to Friday 09h30 to 13h30 and 16h30 to 20h00. Many shops have the same opening hours on Saturday as on week days, and some are open until midday on Sunday. The shopping centres and large department stores stay open, including during the siesta.

Emergency telephone number

112

Tourist information office

Turisme de Barcelona Plaza Catalunya 17 (near El Corte Inglés)